ONE OR EIGHT, the mysterious new boy group from Japan, is ready to break the internet with their global debut. These 8 members—MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA, and YUGA—are already making waves after their viral hit 'KAWASAKI' blew up on YouTube. With a name that literally means All or Nothing, these guys are going all in, bringing their Tokyo swagger to the world. Their debut single 'Don’t Tell Nobody' which dropped on 16 August, certainly made fans hyped to see what’s next for this bad boy group.

'Don’t Tell Nobody' is about to be your new obsession. Produced by heavy-hitters like Ryan Tedder and David Stewart, the track mixes catchy hooks, sick beats, and Japanese-English rap. Lucien Parker jumps in with fire lyrics, adding to the song's dance-pop visuals. Plus, the whole thing is mixed by GRAMMY-winner Josh Gudwin, who has worked with the likes of Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, Elton John and more, so you already know it’s gonna slap. ONE OR EIGHT are showing off their insane versatility, and the song is just a taste of what these guys are bringing​.

The music video for 'Don’t Tell Nobody' dropped recently, and it’s already giving major vibes, showcasing the boys' raw emotions and style. Expect epic choreography, bold streetwear, and visuals that will certainly have you hitting replay. ONE OR EIGHT is out here repping Tokyo on a global level, and this debut is just the beginning. We had the opportunity to sit down with the boys to find out how they were feeling about their viral success and what's to come after their debut.

How does it feel to officially debut with 'Don't Tell Nobody' after the success of your viral performance video for 'KAWASAKI'? What message do you hope to convey with this single?

Mizuki: I am very happy and incredibly excited to officially debut with 'Don't Tell Nobody'. It's amazing to see so many people listening to our song, and knowing that it's reaching new ears feels really rewarding. After the success of our viral performance video for 'KAWASAKI', it feels like we're taking the next big step in our journey. We’re excited not only to share this song with our current fans but also to gain new listeners who may discover us through this single. The support we've received so far has been overwhelming, and we can’t wait to see how 'Don't Tell Nobody' helps us connect with even more people around the world.

What was it like working with renowned producers like Ryan Tedder and David Stewart on your debut track? How did their influence shape the final sound of 'Don't Tell Nobody'?

Tsubasa: I’ve been a fan of OneRepublic for a long time, and I have immense respect for Ryan Tedder, not only for his incredible voice but also for his skills as a songwriter and producer. So, when I found out that Ryan, along with the brilliant David Stewart, was going to produce 'Don't Tell Nobody' for us, I was beyond thrilled. It felt surreal to know that two such talented, globally recognized figures were involved in creating a song for us. It’s the kind of thing you dream about as an artist, and it was a huge honor for us.

OneRepublic has a massive global following, and they’ve consistently created music that resonates with people all over the world. I think their fans will be amazed when they hear an Asian boy group singing a song produced by Ryan Tedder and David Stewart, blending our own style with their signature sound. It’s a unique collaboration that bridges different music worlds, and I believe it has the potential to really stand out.

For us, this song is a pivotal moment in our career. We’ve poured so much of ourselves into it, and the fact that it’s backed by such powerhouse producers gives it even more significance. I believe 'Don't Tell Nobody' will not only impact our existing fans but also introduce us to many new listeners. This song has the power to connect people, whether they’re fans of OneRepublic, fans of us, or just music lovers who are hearing us for the first time.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ONE OR EIGHT (@oneoreight_)

The music video for Don't Tell Nobody premiered recently. Can you share some insights into the creative process behind the video? What themes or stories are you trying to portray?

Mizuki: Our main concept as a team is the happy bad boy vibe set in Neo Tokyo. Since we’re a boy band from Japan, and specifically from Tokyo, we wanted to capture the essence of our roots while also showcasing our personality. In the music video, we wanted to balance both sides of our image: our carefree, happy energy and our edgier, bad boy side. You’ll notice scenes where we’re all smiling and enjoying ourselves, while guys like Ryota and Yuga keep a cool, serious demeanor, embracing that bad boy attitude. This contrast between our lighthearted and rebellious sides is really the core theme of our group, and I think the music video reflects that perfectly.

Compared to our previous release, 'KAWASAKI', which had a more serious and chic tone, 'Don’t Tell Nobody' highlights a different aspect of us as a group. It’s vibrant, full of color, and really brings out our emotions and expressions. It gives a fresh perspective on who we are as a team and shows more depth to our style. I believe this video truly captures the essence of what we’re about.

As a Japanese boy group aiming for global success, how do you balance maintaining your cultural identity while appealing to an international audience? How do you infuse Japanese culture into your music and performances?

Tsubasa: One of our biggest strengths as a group is that all of us are Japanese, and we take pride in representing our culture. We incorporate the Japanese language into our lyrics, which allows us to stay true to our roots while introducing a global audience to our heritage. Filming in Tokyo and using elements like CG inspired by Japanese aesthetics are also integral to our identity. To us, it’s not just about the visuals, but about showcasing the unique blend of tradition and modernity that Japan represents.

We believe that by staying authentic to who we are, we can offer something distinct on the global stage. It’s about striking a balance—staying connected to our cultural identity while creating music and performances that resonate with international audiences. Through our music, visuals, and performances, we aim to share the beauty and complexity of Japanese culture in a way that feels fresh and exciting, both to our fans in Japan and around the world.

With your official debut on the horizon, what are your short-term and long-term goals as a group? How do you plan to establish a presence on the global music stage?

Neo: Right now, we’re hard at work preparing an album for release next year, and we’re really hoping to gain significant attention and positive feedback for our upcoming projects. When we release the album, our goal is not only commercial success but also to connect with people on a deeper level. We want our music to be a source of comfort and healing for those who may be going through tough times, while also being a fun and uplifting experience for others. Whether you need a remedy for life’s struggles or just want to enjoy good music, we hope our songs resonate with you.

As for our long-term goals, we dream of performing all over the world. We hope to continue this journey by expanding our reach across Southeast Asia, into Europe, and beyond. We’re really excited for what’s ahead, and we can’t wait to share our music with even more people around the globe.