Rising Japanese boy group ONE OR EIGHT has released their highly anticipated first mini album GATHER, bringing together the defining tracks of their debut era alongside new material. Blending fearless experimentation with global sonic influences and an empowering narrative of unity and ambition, the album reflects the group’s mission, as Japan’s next generation boy group, to advance “from Japan to the world.”
GATHER reconstructs the essence of Japanese cool, infusing it with raw youth culture and cutting edge global production. As the members bring together their distinct identities, the 8-track album explores the search for new order within creative chaos – a rallying moment where individuality “gathers” into collective momentum.
The mini album opens with “TOKYO DRIFT”, an electrifying track that samples the iconic theme from Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift. Built around its unmistakable engine-rev motif, the song merges high-speed electronic beats with a dynamic interplay of Japanese and English lyrics. Its energy evokes street racing, acceleration and the thrill of betting on oneself, setting a bold tone for the album. WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE.
Next comes “Don’t Tell Nobody”, created with global hitmakers Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic frontman, producer) and David Stewart (BTS, Alan Walker Jonas Brothers), and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Josh Gudwin (Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez). The track pairs infectious pop melodies with sharp rap cadences, delivering a high-energy, globally attuned sound. Its accompanying music video showcases ONE OR EIGHT’s playful, high-spirited persona as they transform everyday spaces into rebellious “HAPPY BADBOY” playgrounds through dynamic visuals and drone cinematography.
“DSTM” takes a fresh spin on Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music” produced by Stargate, the architects of the original hit. The track layers tight beats with shimmering Y2K-inspired textures and a blend of Japanese and English lyrics that echo the group’s mantra: as long as the music keeps playing, their passion keeps driving them forward. Bridging nostalgia and modernity, the song stands out as a cross-generational highlight.
Album pre-release single “POWER”, featured as Yoroi Shinden Samurai Troopers – Ending Theme Song 1, serves as a central thematic pillar within GATHER. With its aggressive yet catchy urban-pop production, the track explores strength rediscovered through adversity, the bonds of friendship, and the resilience required to rise again. Blending elements of hip-hop, trap, R&B and club-oriented sound design, “POWER” showcases ONE OR EIGHT’s evolving artistry and emotional depth.
Another major highlight is the pre-debut track “KAWASAKI”, which went viral with over 10 million YouTube views in just ten days. The revitalised version features an electrifying verse by seven-time BET Award winner and six-time Grammy nominee Big Sean, marking ONE OR EIGHT’s first official international collaboration. The fusion of Jersey Club rhythms, heavy 808 basslines and Big Sean’s dynamic flow underscores the group’s growing presence in the global music landscape.
“Young & Reckless” encapsulates the uninhibited confidence and fearlessness that define ONE OR EIGHT. Produced by Kavi (Tommy Richman, Swae Lee) and Edwin Honoret (PRETTYMUCH, EXO, NCT Dream), the track blends soulful vocals, trap-influenced beats and nostalgic textures. It stands as a vibrant anthem celebrating self-belief, exploration and living boldly on one’s own terms.
Bold and unflinching, track seven “BET YOUR LIFE” delivers a declaration of self-belief and resolve to stake everything on one’s chosen path. Serving as a more decisive counterpart to “Young & Reckless”, it fuses industrial trap, emo-tinged textures, gritty guitars and sharp rap verses into a sound that hits with precision. Anchored by the line “You can bet your life”, the song urges listeners to cast aside hesitation and shape their future with conviction – a battle cry for anyone determined to forge their path forward.
Closing the album, “365” captures the unwavering desire to stay by someone’s side, reflecting the deep bond between ONE OR EIGHT and their fans. The title nods to the year-long WARPs DIG project that shaped the group’s beginnings. Leaning into a clean, pop-forward sound influenced by American R&B and soul, with lyrics by Nasri (Justin Bieber, Chris Brown), the track reveals a more intimate side of the group. Over minimal, understated production, their vocals take center stage to deliver a warm and memorable finale.
Across its eight tracks, GATHER forms the blueprint of ONE OR EIGHT’s artistic identity – daring, globally minded, emotionally resonant and unapologetically experimental. The mini album affirms the group’s position as a next-gen Japanese boy group poised to expand their influence well beyond national borders.
STREAM GATHER HERE
ONE OR EIGHT will bring GATHER to the stage with their first-ever live tour beginning 7 March with stops in Kobe, Nagoya and Yokohama (details available here), and more dates to be announced. Ahead of the tour, the group recently traveled to South Korea for a run of performances on major music shows including MusicCore, M Countdown, Music Bank and Inkigayo. They will also return to Thailand for Japan Expo in Bangkok from 6 to 8 February, continuing to share their music with audiences across new cities and stages. In line with this overseas expansion, the ONE OR EIGHT OFFICIAL FANCLUB “1DERZ” has launched in Thailand, offering fans closer access to the group through ticket pre-sales, exclusive content, and live streams, creating a deeper and more direct connection with ONE OR EIGHT. A pre-launch membership campaign is currently underway, with plans to expand the fanclub to other countries and regions in the future, supporting the continued growth of ONE OR EIGHT’s global fan community.