Interview with Genin wa Jibun ni Aru.

Genin wa Jibun ni Aru. (GNJB) is a seven-member dance and vocal unit that belongs to EBiDAN, a music collective consisting of male artists associated with talent agency Stardust Promotion. In addition to their music activities, the members are also actors, which adds expressive power to their music videos and performances.

The group debuted in 2019, and their songs are inspired by a wide range of genres, particularly elements of Vocaloid music. Their concept as a group involves embracing a positive interpretation of the Japanese word for "cause," focusing on the notion that their actions and works become “causes” that trigger the emergence of new ideas and creations in the world.

This May, GNJB released Mania, a dark and disorienting track exploring the theme of "excessive affection and serene insanity without malice." Shortly after the release, JaME had a chance to ask the group about the song, their individual passions, their unique appeal and where they hope to go from here.

For any readers who may be hearing about you for the first time, how would you describe Genin wa Jibun ni Aru.?

Kaname Yoshizawa: We are a seven-member group called “Genin wa Jibun ni Aru.” We are an idol group with a new interpretation on the style working to become the cause for a new era of entertainment unlike anything that has existed before.

If you had to choose just one song to introduce GNJB to a new listener, which one would you choose and why?

Ryota Nagano: Mania. Of course, I chose this song because I thought it has a cynical worldview, which is rich with the story of GNJB, and it could be conveyed in the music video as well.


Could you please explain a bit about the meaning behind the name “Genin wa Jibun ni Aru.”? Does the name of your fanbase ("observers") connect to this concept as well?

Kohsaku Koizumi: The word "cause" is often taken negatively, but we see it positively, meaning that we want to become the "cause" of the entertainment world. The name "observers" was created in the sense that we are observing our progress towards this dream.

Your single Mania has quite a dark, unusual sound. What were your impressions of this song when you first heard it?

Jun Muto: From the first time I heard Mania, I had the impression that it was cool. Everything from the sound to the lyrics is artistic, and the repeated “doushite?" (“why?”) in the chorus stuck in my ears when I first listened to it. I thought this song might have an influence that makes you wonder if even the people you perceive as simply good might have a hidden, crazy side to them, giving it a slightly dangerous image.

Do you have a favourite part of the track?

Jun Muto: My favourite part is “Kowareta sekai wo tsukurinaosuno” (“I’m going to re-create a broken world”) before the chorus. To me, this lyric represents the ultimate expression of the desire to start over. I really love how it leads into the chorus from there.

Could you please explain a bit about the story behind the Mania music video?

Masaya Sakuragi: There is a part in the music video where we played chess, and during our free time, I was having matches with (Mokudai) Kazuto. In the end, it ended in a stalemate, but it’s a fun memory from the shoot.

Were there any challenging moments on the set for the Mania music video?

Masaya Sakuragi: I’m not sure if it can be called a challenge, but I made an effort to express myself with my eyes as much as possible. I thought about how much impact I could make in the brief moments on screen.


As Mania deals with the concept of obsessive love, is there something besides music and performing that you are especially passionate about?

Kohsaku Koizumi: Ramen!! I love it so much that I even go line up to eat it in the morning. I also make it from scratch myself.

You will be reaching your fifth anniversary this year. Looking back on your career so far, how do you feel GNJB has evolved or changed since your debut?

Kazuto Mokudai: At the time of our debut, we didn’t know what our strengths and individuality were. However, after three or four years of going at it, I feel that we came to discover our strengths in showcasing a unique worldview that only we can present while utilizing the expressive abilities each member has gained from their acting activities in our performances.

Looking back even further, was there a particular artist or moment that inspired you each to pursue a career as part of a dance-vocal group?

Kazuto Mokudai: I have loved SMAP since I was a child. After entering the entertainment industry, I realized even more how great and cool they were, and from there, I started to aspire to become a national idol like SMAP.

What do you like most about being part of a dance-vocal group (as opposed to a solo singer or musician)?

Kazuto Mokudai: I think the attraction of this kind of group is that we aim for our dreams while making use of each person’s expressive abilities and individuality. Supporting and complementing each other, while growing through our activities of standing on stage and performing, is also one of our attractive points.

@gnjb_official #原因は自分にある。「Mania」 〈 #溺愛ダンス〉 #長野凌大 #GNJB ♬ Mania - GENIN WA JIBUN NI ARU (GENJIBU)

Genin wa Jibun ni Aru.’s sound bears some clear influences from Vocaloid music. Are you fans of Vocaloid music yourselves? If so, are there any producers in particular you listen to or would like to work with one day?

Ryota Nagano: I became a member of GNJB and then became a real fan of Vocaloid culture. The artists I often listen to and hope to collaborate with someday are Nulut, Hanyuu Maigo, Shishishishi, r-906, and NILFRUITS. As for Shishishishi, I have even been to see their live performances twice.

You recently released a new single called P-P-P-PERO. What can you tell us about this song?

Takato Okura: It's a GNJB-style pop tune with the theme of “Peropero Poppin' Creamy KAWAII Song.” As the theme song for the anime "Egumi Legacy," it is a pop tune, but also has a “crazy” world view that can be felt from the work. It has choreography linked to the previous song Mania, making it enjoyable to watch and a catchy track that you'll want to listen to repeatedly!


Do you have any interest in performing overseas? If so, is there any particular country or city you would like to visit?

Kaname Yoshizawa: One of my goals is to perform overseas so I’m very interested! It's my dream to connect with people in various countries through music, but I especially want to do a live performance in Thailand! When I travelled to Thailand before, I was exposed to the Thai entertainment culture and thought it was wonderful, so I wanted to go back again to do shows.

What else can fans look forward to from GNJB in 2024?

Takato Okura: As well as our individual work, this year we would be happy if we could showcase our skills together on many music programs! As we continue to grow and overcome challenges together, I hope you keep your eyes on us! Thank you for your support!

Please leave a message for your fans around the world.

Ryota Nagano: Just how I like various artists around the world, I am very happy to know that there are people supporting us from places outside of Japan. GNJB is working hard as a team with a goal of eventually coming to see you. We confidently promise you that such a day will come. So, I would be thrilled if you could look forward to that day.

JaME would like to thank Genin wa Jibun ni Aru. and Vegas PR Group for making this interview possible.

Links to download and stream Mania on various music platforms are available here. Footage of GNJB performing Keikakudoori, a song from their March concept EP Kateihou no anata e, can be viewed below.