JO1 Members Profile 2026: Age, Career Timeline and Latest Updates
JO1 is a nine-member Japanese boy group formed through the 2019 survival show Produce 101 Japan and managed by LAPONE Entertainment, a joint venture between Yoshimoto Kogyo and CJ ENM. The group debuted on March 4, 2020, with the single “PROTOSTAR.” Originally an eleven-member lineup, JO1 has undergone two departures-Shion Tsurubo in December 2025 and Shosei Ohira in May 2026-and now continues as a nine-member group. Their 11th single, AAO, is scheduled for release on November 18, 2026.
Quick Overview
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Group | JO1 (ใธใงใคใชใผใฏใณ) |
| Agency | LAPONE Entertainment (joint venture of Yoshimoto Kogyo and CJ ENM) |
| Current Members | 9 |
| Debut Date | March 4, 2020 |
| Debut Release | “PROTOSTAR” |
| Group Type | Japanese boy group (global) |
| Fandom Name | JAM |
| Official Website | jo1.jp |
| Official Fan Club | fc.jo1.jp |
Table of Contents
Who Is JO1?
JO1 is a Japanese boy group formed through the first season of Produce 101 Japan, a reality competition that aired from September to December 2019 on the streaming service Gyao! and TBS. Unlike the original Korean Produce 101 series, the Japanese version was designed to create a permanent group without activity restrictions after debut.
The group’s name carries a specific meaning: it reflects the idea that “the trainees who pursued their dreams together in Produce 101 Japan will become one and aim for the top of the world”. It was selected from public recommendations during the show’s run.
JO1 operates primarily within the Japanese music market but has maintained a presence in South Korea, including performances on M Countdown and collaborations with Korean artists. Their music spans pop, dance, and hip-hop, with members increasingly involved in songwriting and production.
The group’s current lineup of nine members reflects a significant transition. The original eleven-member formation began changing in December 2025 when Shion Tsurubo’s contract expired following a gambling investigation, and again in May 2026 when Shosei Ohira departed after a reported relationship scandal.
How JO1 Was Formed
JO1’s formation began with Produce 101 Japan, which premiered in September 2019. Approximately 6,000 people auditioned, with 101 contestants selected to compete. The show’s unique premise was that all participants were unaffiliated with talent agencies-a first for the Produce 101 franchise.
The final episode aired on December 11, 2019, on TBS. Viewers selected the final eleven members through online voting, with Issei Mamehara ranking first, followed by Ren Kawashiri and Takumi Kawanishi. The resulting group was named JO1, and unlike previous Produce groups, it was intended to be permanent.
The pre-debut backgrounds of the members varied considerably. Ren Kawashiri and Shosei Ohira had worked as backup dancers for artists including SMAP, Tomohisa Yamashita, Wanna One, Pentagon, and Exile. Ruki Shiroiwa was a former member of Johnny’s Jr. and the voice actor music group Tsukicro, while Shion Tsurubo had trained at FNC Entertainment. Several members, including Takumi Kawanishi, Sukai Kinjo, Junki Kono, and Sho Yonashiro, had no prior dance or vocal training.
Official Debut
JO1 officially debuted on March 4, 2020, with the single “PROTOSTAR”. The group traveled to South Korea shortly after the conclusion of Produce 101 Japan to produce the single, undergoing a one-month training program to build group chemistry.
“PROTOSTAR” debuted at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart with over 300,000 copies sold in its first week, making JO1 the seventh artist to achieve that milestone with a debut single. The lead track, “Infinity,” reached the top of the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
JO1 Members
| Member | Official Role | Birth Date | Nationality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sho Yonashiro | Leader, vocalist | October 25, 1995 | Japanese (Okinawa) | Oldest member; leader since debut |
| Ren Kawashiri | Performance leader, dancer, vocalist | March 2, 1997 | Japanese (Fukuoka) | Ranked 2nd in Produce 101 Japan; choreographer |
| Ruki Shiroiwa | Vocalist | November 19, 1997 | Japanese (Tokyo) | Former Johnny’s Jr.; songwriter |
| Junki Kono | Main vocalist | January 20, 1998 | Japanese (Nara) | Lead vocalist; lyricist |
| Keigo Sato | Vocalist, performer | July 29, 1998 | Japanese (Aichi) | Tallest member (181 cm) |
| Takumi Kawanishi | Vocalist, performer | June 23, 1999 | Japanese (Hyogo) | Actor; songwriter |
| Syoya Kimata | Rapper, performer | October 5, 2000 | Japanese (Aichi) | Rapper; lyricist |
| Sukai Kinjo | Dancer, vocalist | May 6, 2000 | Japanese (Osaka) | Dance-line member |
| Issei Mamehara | Maknae, vocalist | May 30, 2002 | Japanese (Okayama) | Ranked 1st in Produce 101 Japan; youngest member |
Note on roles: Official positions are drawn from the JO1 official site and established group materials. JO1 does not formally designate a single “main” position structure in the style of Korean groups; the roles listed reflect the group’s general functional organization as documented across official releases and media.
Member-by-Member Profiles
Sho Yonashiro
Sho Yonashiro is JO1’s leader and oldest member. Born in Okinawa on October 25, 1995, he is the only member born in the mid-1990s. He stands at 180 cm and his member color is green.
Before Produce 101 Japan, Yonashiro had no formal dance or vocal training. He was selected as one of the final eleven members and has served as the group’s leader since debut. His role within JO1 is primarily centered on vocal stability and group leadership-a position that became more prominent following the departures of senior members.
Ren Kawashiri
Ren Kawashiri is JO1’s performance leader and a central figure in the group’s dance identity. Born in Fukuoka on March 2, 1997, he ranked second in the Produce 101 Japan finale. He stands at 174 cm and has blood type O.
Kawashiri’s pre-debut experience included work as a backup dancer, and he has since become the group’s primary choreographer. He has contributed choreography for JO1 songs including “My Friends,” “YOLO-konde,” and “ALL HOURS,” as well as for labelmate group DXTEEN’s “Sail Away”. He has also written and composed solo tracks including “DAYBREAK,” “PANCAKE,” and “Knock Out”. In 2022, he performed on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE with JO1.
Ruki Shiroiwa
Ruki Shiroiwa is a vocalist and one of the group’s most active songwriters. Born in Tokyo on November 19, 1997, he stands at 175 cm. Before joining JO1, he was a member of Johnny’s Jr. and the voice actor music group Tsukicro.
Shiroiwa has written and composed solo tracks including “ๅๆฅ่ต” (Himawari) and “FOUR SEASONS,” and has contributed lyrics to JO1 songs including “YOLO-konde” and “Bon Voyage”. He has also pursued acting, appearing in the 2025 Kantele drama ๅจใฎๅฝใๅฅชใฃใใคใใๆฎบใใฎใฏ็ฝชใงใใ๏ผ (Is It a Crime to Kill the One Who Took My Daughter’s Life?) as Naruse Jun. In 2023, he ranked fifth in the NOW category of ViVi magazine’s “National Treasure-Class Handsome” ranking.
Junki Kono
Junki Kono is JO1’s main vocalist. Born in Nara on January 20, 1998, he stands at 175 cm. Like several members, Kono had no formal dance or vocal training before Produce 101 Japan.
Kono has developed into one of the group’s most prominent vocalists and has contributed lyrics to recent releases. He participated in writing lyrics for “IGNITE,” the opening theme song for the Tokyo Revengers: Three Deities Arc anime. This marked a significant step in his creative involvement with the group’s music.
Keigo Sato
Keigo Sato is a vocalist and performer known for his height and stage presence. Born in Aichi on July 29, 1998, he stands at 181 cm-the tallest member of JO1. His Western zodiac sign is Leo.
Sato attended a local dance school before Produce 101 Japan and was selected as one of the final members. He has participated in JO1 unit and solo projects, including the unit track “Breaking The Rules” with Takumi Kawanishi and Issei Mamehara.
Takumi Kawanishi
Takumi Kawanishi is a vocalist and actor. Born in Hyogo on June 23, 1999, he stands at 170 cm and has blood type B. He ranked third in the Produce 101 Japan finale.
Kawanishi has built a notable acting career alongside his music activities. He starred in the 2024 film ใใธใผใใคใบ (Buzzinoise) as the lead character Kiyosumi, and appeared in ้่ตฐไธญ THE MOVIE (Run for Money: The Movie). On television, he starred in TV Tokyo’s ใฏใผใซใใธ็ทๅญ (Cool Doji Danshi) in 2023 and appeared in WOWOW’s ใทใฃใใฆใฏใผใฏ (Shadow Work) in 2025. As a songwriter, he contributed lyrics to JO1’s “YOLO-konde” and co-wrote and composed “HAPPY UNBIRTHDAY” and “D.I.Y” with Ren and HIROTO.
Syoya Kimata
Syoya Kimata is a rapper and performer. Born in Aichi on October 5, 2000, he was active as a cover dancer before joining Produce 101 Japan and also attended a local dance school. Kimata has contributed lyrics to JO1 releases, including “IGNITE” alongside Junki Kono.
Sukai Kinjo
Sukai Kinjo is a dancer and vocalist. Born in Osaka on May 6, 2000, he stands at 178 cm. Kinjo had no prior dance or vocal training before Produce 101 Japan but has since developed into a core member of the group’s dance line.
Issei Mamehara
Issei Mamehara is the youngest member (maknae) of JO1. Born in Okayama on May 30, 2002, he ranked first in the Produce 101 Japan finale, receiving the most votes from viewers. He stands at 173โ174 cm and has blood type O.
Before the show, Mamehara worked as a children’s dance teacher and attended a local dance school. Despite being the youngest, his first-place finish in the competition gave him a prominent position within the group from the beginning.
Career Timeline
2019
- September 25: Produce 101 Japan premieres on Gyao! and TBS
- December 11: Final episode airs; JO1 is formed with eleven members
2020
- March 4: Debut with “PROTOSTAR”; sells over 300,000 copies in first week
- August 26: Second single “Stargazer” released
- November 25: First studio album The Star released; debuts at No. 2 on Oricon Albums Chart
- December: First appearance at FNS Music Festival; first online concert Starlight draws 120,000 viewers from over 30 countries
2021
- February: First Korean television appearance on M Countdown
- April 28: Third single “Challenger” released
- August 18: Fourth single “Stranger” released
- November: First in-person concert Open the Door at Makuhari Messe draws 45,000 spectators
2022
2023
2024
- Singles “Hitchhiker” and “Where Do We Go” released; “Hitchhiker” earns triple platinum certification
2025
- April 2: First compilation album Be Classic released at No. 1, commemorating fifth anniversary
- June: Shion Tsurubo referred to prosecutors over online casino gambling
- August: Tsurubo receives summary fine of ยฅ100,000
- October: Reports emerge of Shosei Ohira’s alleged relationship with ME:I’s Iida Shizuku
- December 1: LAPONE announces Tsurubo’s contract will expire on December 31; he ends JO1 activities
- October 22: 10th single “Handz In My Pocket” released; achieves 10th consecutive Oricon No. 1
2026
- April 27: LAPONE announces Ohira Shosei will leave on May 31
- May 31: Ohira officially departs JO1
- July 20: 11th single AAO announced for November 18; title track “IGNITE” confirmed as Tokyo Revengers opening theme
- August 24: AAO pre-orders open; tracklist confirmed
- September 9: “IGNITE” pre-released digitally
- September 30: Group continues as nine members
Music and Major Releases
| Release | Type | Release Date | Title Track | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROTOSTAR | Single | March 4, 2020 | “Infinity” | Debut single; No. 1 Oricon; 300K+ first week |
| Stargazer | Single | August 26, 2020 | “Oh-Eh-Oh” | Co-produced by Hui of Pentagon |
| The Star | Studio Album | November 25, 2020 | – | No. 2 Oricon Albums |
| Challenger | Single | April 28, 2021 | “Born to be Wild” | No. 1 Oricon; Japan Hot 100 No. 1 |
| Stranger | Single | August 18, 2021 | “Freedom” | Fastest single to 400K copies |
| Wandering | Single | December 15, 2021 | “Wandering” | First double platinum certification |
| Kizuna | Studio Album | May 25, 2022 | – | First No. 1 album |
| Equinox | Studio Album | September 20, 2023 | – | No. 1 album |
| Hitchhiker | Single | 2024 | “Hitchhiker” | Triple platinum certification |
| Be Classic | Compilation | April 2, 2025 | – | Fifth anniversary; No. 1 |
| Handz In My Pocket | Single | October 22, 2025 | “Handz In My Pocket” | 10th consecutive No. 1 |
| AAO | Single | November 18, 2026 | “IGNITE” | Tokyo Revengers OP |
Editorial note: JO1’s release strategy has emphasized consistent singles with high physical sales, supplemented by studio albums that perform strongly on Oricon and Billboard Japan. The 2025 compilation album Be Classic served as both a commercial success and a retrospective marker of the group’s first five years. The 2026 AAO single represents the group’s first release as a nine-member lineup, making it a transitional moment for JO1’s musical identity.
Major Achievements
Chart Performance
- Ten consecutive No. 1 singles on the Oricon Singles Chart, from “PROTOSTAR” (2020) through “Handz In My Pocket” (2025)
- Three consecutive No. 1 albums on Oricon Albums Chart: Kizuna (2022), Equinox (2023), Be Classic (2025)
- Eight No. 1 songs on Billboard Japan Hot 100
Awards
- Japan Gold Disc Award: Best 5 New Artists (2020)
- Japan Record Award: Excellent Work Award (two-time winner)
- MAMA Awards: three-time winner
- MTV Video Music Awards Japan: four-time winner
Certifications
- “Wandering” – Double platinum (RIAJ)
- “Hitchhiker” – Triple platinum (RIAJ)
- Kizuna – Platinum (RIAJ)
- Equinox – Platinum (RIAJ)
Historical Significance
- First permanent Produce 101 winning group
- First Japanese boy group formed through a survival show to achieve sustained domestic success
- Performed at the 2023 Kyocera Dome, marking their first solo dome concert
Latest Verified Updates
September 2026: “IGNITE” Pre-Release and AAO Preparation
JO1 released “IGNITE” digitally on September 9, 2026. The song serves as the opening theme for the Tokyo Revengers: Three Deities Arc anime, which began airing on October 2, 2026. Members Syoya Kimata and Junki Kono participated in writing lyrics for the track.
The 11th single AAO is scheduled for release on November 18, 2026. The single will be available in thirteen editions, including first press limited editions with DVDs featuring footage from the JO1DER SHOW 2026 ‘EIEN’ concert at Kyocera Dome Osaka. The tracklist includes “IGNITE,” “MATCHA,” “There Can Be Nothing Better,” and “PEKO PEKO”.
No additional promotional schedule beyond the AAO release and IGNITE pre-release has been officially announced at the time of publication.
What We Verified
- Agency: LAPONE Entertainment, a joint venture of Yoshimoto Kogyo and CJ ENM
- Current lineup: Nine members – Sho Yonashiro, Ren Kawashiri, Ruki Shiroiwa, Junki Kono, Keigo Sato, Takumi Kawanishi, Syoya Kimata, Sukai Kinjo, Issei Mamehara
- Debut: March 4, 2020, with “PROTOSTAR”
- Departures: Shion Tsurubo (December 31, 2025, contract expiry after gambling fine); Shosei Ohira (May 31, 2026, contract expiry following relationship scandal)
- Upcoming release: AAO, November 18, 2026
- Current pre-release: “IGNITE,” digital release September 9, 2026
What Is Not Officially Confirmed
Terms “Hwarang” and “LEW” in relation to JO1: The search terms “hwarang” and “lew” that appear in the user request do not correspond to any official JO1 member, concept, release, or activity. “Hwarang” refers to a historical Korean youth group (ํ๋), and “LEW” is the stage name of Lee Eui-woong, a member of the boy group TEMPEST-not JO1. No official information connects these terms to JO1.
Future activities beyond AAO: No additional releases, tours, or projects beyond the November 2026 single have been officially announced.
Chart predictions or commercial projections: No verified information is available regarding expected chart performance or sales for AAO.
Official Accounts and Sources
Official Website: jo1.jp
Official Fan Club: fc.jo1.jp
Official X (Twitter): twitter.com/official_jo1
Official Instagram: instagram.com/official_JO1
Official Weibo: weibo.com/7454644363
Agency: lapone.jp
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