Who are NEXZ? The new 7-member Japanese boy group under JYP Entertainment all set to debut

JYP Entertainment, the company behind groups like TWICE, ITZY, Stray Kids, and more, is gearing up to introduce NEXZ, a brand-new Japanese boy band. They will make their debut on May 20, 2024, with the single album "Ride the Vibe."

With over 10,000 candidates across eight locations in Japan, Los Angeles, New York, Seoul, Korea, and a training camp in Japan, the survival program Nizi Project Season 2 produced the seven-member boy group.

The members of the group NEXZ, which stands for "Next Z (Generation)" or "the next generation," are Tomoya, Yu, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui, and Yuki. Now let's get to know them.

Tomoya

Birth Name: Uemura Tomoya

Position: Leader

Born on January 19, 2006, in Fukuoka, Japan, he was the first member to be announced and finished first out of the nine finalists. He trained with JYP for two years and seven months. At thirteen years old, Tomoya started his journey as a trainee. He has competed in the Challenge Cup, the WDC Kids Allstyle 2019, the All Japan Super Kids Dancing Contest 2016, and the Dance Cup 2017.

Yu

Birth Name: Tomiyasu Yu

Position: Visual

He was born in Fukuoka, Japan, on April 27, 2005, and placed fifth, earning a spot in NEXZ. He is the group's eldest member. He attended a few auditions before he took part in the Nizi Project 2. Yu has nine years of breakdancing experience as of 2024.

Haru

Birth Name: Inoue Haru 

Position: Dance Leader

He was born in Osaka, Japan, on January 23, 2006. He placed second, guaranteeing his spot in NEXZ. For six months, Haru was a JYP trainee. The pandemic forced him to spend two months studying online in Japan and four months practising in South Korea. He started dancing in the fourth grade and placed first in a popping dance competition.

So Geon

Birth Name: So Gun

Position: N/A

He was born on September 13, 2006, and he placed fourth, earning a spot in NEXZ. He auditioned in Tokyo, Japan, and was formerly known as Ken. As of 2024, it is said that he has only been learning basic dance techniques for a year, even though not much is known about him.

Seita

Birth Name: Kawashima Seita

Position: N/A

He was born on November 28, 2006, in Saitama, Japan, and placed seventh, earning a spot in NEXZ. He spent seven months as a trainee with JYP. Seita has been a model for seven years. After hearing Stray Kids, he desired to be an idol.

Hyui

Birth Name: Komori Yuhi

Position: N/A

He was born in Wakayama, Japan, on May 11, 2007. His sixth-place finish guaranteed him a spot in NEXZ. He spent three years as a trainee under JYP. Before becoming a trainee, he spent three years studying dance.

Yuki

Birth Name: Nishiyama Yuki

Position: Youngest

Born in Hyōgo, Japan, on September 20, 2007, he secured his spot in NEXZ by ranking third. He is the group's shortest and youngest member. He ultimately decided to try out and audition to explore more of his personality.

NEXZ's Discography:

This group is a joint venture between JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Japan. They had dropped two pre-debut digital singles, "Miracle" and "Miracle (Korean Ver)," back in December 2023. 

As for their debut announcement, it was made through a video titled "NEXZ Ride the Vibe Trailer". It was released on their official SNS channels at midnight on May 1 KST.