JYP Entertainment’s newest boy group NEXZ have made their Japanese debut. They released their first Japanese EP on August 21, three months after their debut in Korea. This Japanese debut EP features the dual title tracks “Ride the Vibe (Japanese Ver.)” and “Keep on Moving.” NEXZ members Yu, Tomoya, Haru, Sogeon, Seita, Hyui, and Yuki form the latest global boy group, the winning lineup of Nizi Project Season 2.

TRACKLIST:

“Ride the Vibe (Japanese Ver.)”
“Keep on Moving”
“Miracle”
“Here & Now”

Their Journey to Debut: Nizi Project Season 2

NEXZ came from the second season of Nizi Project, a Japanese-Korean survival show by JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan. The second season focused on creating a boy group after forming NiziU in 2020. It ran from July 21, 2023 to December 15, 2023, with episodes airing on Hulu Japan and YouTube for non-Japanese residents. Tomoya, Haru, Yuki, Ken (before using the name Sogeon) Yu, Yuhi (before using the name Hyui), and Seita ranked within the show’s top seven. NEXZ stands for “Next Z(G)eneration,” as the next group to lead JYP Entertainment into new generations.

They formed the group following the show’s final performances of “Miracle,” an original song produced by J.Y. Park. Composed by J.Y. Park, Deza, and Will Jay, “Miracle” relies on heavy percussive beats to create anticipation—both for the group and the thrill expressed in the song’s lyrics. The track describes a reciprocated romantic confession, a “miracle” after a long time waiting. As described on Nizi Project Season 2 Part 2 #10, the song also represents the participants and their supportive fans “finally being able to meet.” NEXZ’s Japanese debut EP includes “Miracle” as its third track.

The Nizi Project Season 2 theme song, “Here & Now,” appears as the final track on the Japanese EP. The remaining nine contestants performed this song before the final evaluation stages. It reflected on the journey of the boys who made it to the last episode.

Their Global and Japanese Debut: “Ride the Vibe” and “Keep on Moving”

NEXZ initially debuted in Korea on May 20 with their single album and title track Ride the Vibe. The song uses hip-hop and R&B beats to drive a youthful, laid back feeling. It talks about living in the moment without hesitation. Its Japanese performance video came out on July 4. Its colorful nature contrasts with the darker and rebellious nature of the Korean music video.

NEXZ goes for a bright and fun-filled concept in their other title track “Keep on Moving.” The song originally existed in NEXZ’s commercials promoting AQUARIUS sports drinks in Japan. With lyrics by J.Y. Park and Yuki Kokubo, “Keep on Moving” encourages listeners to power through tough times. The music video shows another type of youthful vibe through its board game theme. It displays a type of overflowing optimism, and uses game pieces with dice rolls to visually represent moving forward.

The group is currently performing on their NEXZ SHOWCASE 2024 “Ride the Vibe” tour in Japan. They already performed in Fukuoka and Osaka, and will end in Tokyo on August 25. I, for one, am looking forward to whatever NEXZ releases in the future.