Number_i

Number_i

Number_i (ナンバーアイ) is a Japanese boy band formed in October 2023 under Tobe Co., Ltd., comprising former King & Prince members Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi. After leaving Johnny & Associates, Hirano and Jinguji joined Tobe in July 2023, with Kishi following in October. The group’s name, conceived by Kishi, reflects themes of individuality and love, symbolized by the “i” for “Number One and Only One,” the Japanese word for love (“愛”), and self-immersion. They debuted with a Nylon Japan cover in November 2023, followed by the digital release of their first single, GOAT, on January 1, 2024.

Number_i quickly rose to prominence with their first CD single GOAT topping Billboard Japan’s Weekly Single Sales Chart and their energetic debut at Coachella 2024 on the ’88rising Futures’ stage. They released their first album, No. O: Ring, in May 2024, achieving top rankings on the Oricon Weekly Digital Charts. With hit singles like Bon and collaborations with artists like Jackson Wang, the group has established themselves as a force in J-pop, blending musical ambition with a distinctive identity.