Travis Japan is taking J‑Pop to the world

Remember this name: Travis Japan. The seven-member Japanese boy band was formed in 2012 by Travis Payne, who was once Lady Gaga’s choreographer. Over the last 13 (!) years, Chaka, Machu, Noel, Umi, Shime, Shizu and Genta have established themselves as some of J Pop’s most energetic, cheeky characters – not even Simon Cowell could resist their surprise performance on America’s Got Talent in 2022. We flew to Japan to catch the boys in action.

How did Travis Japan meet?

Chaka: We were actually formed through an audition but we didn’t realise it was one. Travis Payne, the choreographer and director who’s worked with Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga, held a dance class in Japan. That class turned out to be our audition for the group.

Machu: A few of us already knew each other before the audition. We both knew each other from high school, Umi was in our class too. But as a group, we were formed through the audition.

Your music is quite joyful. What other emotions influence you?

Machu: Euphoria. Our music feels like its own genre. It’s all about joy. Every song is meant to get people dancing and singing along.

Who is the most stylish member of the group?

Chaka: Umi. He can pull off anything. Any brand, any look.

If Travis Japan ruled the world for a day, what would they do?

Chaka: We’d make it a law that only Travis Japan music can be played. Everywhere, all day long, just us!

Which other Japanese music should people listen to?

Machu: Kimi wa Rock wo Kikanai by Aimyon. We watched her live six years ago and she really inspired us. I listen to her all the time.

Chaka: Vaundy. He’s an incredible singer-songwriter and produces all his own music.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Machu: I always do a lymphatic drainage massage on my face and body before going on stage.

Chaka: I don’t have a routine. I just step on stage and become a star.

Do any of the other members have any interesting pre-show rituals?

Chaka: After the show, Machu and Umi usually take ice baths.

Machu: Shizu, Genta and sometimes Noel like to do muscle training right before we go on stage.

What is your favourite song to perform?

Machu: Okie Dokie! By Travis Japan.

Chaka: JUST DANCE! By Travis Japan.

You’re kicking off your world tour, which country are you most excited to visit?

Chaka: Los Angeles because it’s so close to Disney. We love Disney!

If you could give your fans a message, what would it be?

Machu: This world tour we’re pushing ourselves even further. We want to show everyone how much we’ve grown and how we’re evolving as a group.