[Exclusive Interview] From Produce 101 to One or Eight: NEO’s Evolution as an Artist

[Exclusive Interview] From Produce 101 to One or Eight: NEO’s Evolution as an Artist

ONE OR EIGHT, the Tokyo-based boy band that seamlessly blends hip-hop and pop, is making waves worldwide with their unique sound and bold streetwear aesthetic. Their recent remix of “KAWASAKI” featuring Big Sean has already captured the attention of fans, solidifying the group’s place in the spotlight. 

I had the pleasure to sit down with NEO to talk not only about the band’s rise to fame but also his personal journey, career, and what drives him as an artist.

NEO, you’ve mentioned that you enjoy video games, anime, and baseball. How do these hobbies influence your music or creative process, if at all? 

I’ve actually stepped away from video games and anime lately and have become more interested in movies. I try to watch a wide range of films, as it keeps my creative mind fresh and inspired. Staying within my comfort zone can make my work feel stale, so I make it a point to explore genres and styles that are outside my usual interests. Recently, I’ve been diving into classic films that I never had the chance to watch before, and it’s been incredibly refreshing for my creativity.

You were born in Tokyo and joined Avex Artist Academy in 2021. What was your journey like leading up to your debut with ONE OR EIGHT, and how has your time with the group shaped you as an artist? 

In short, my journey has been quite challenging. I had to juggle college, a part-time job, and intense training, all while putting out music content on social media everyday. Out of everything I had to balance, dancing was by far the most difficult part of my training. To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of dancing at first. Going to the studio after classes felt stressful, and I didn’t find much joy in it. But looking back, I’m grateful for that experience and for the opportunity to grow in that area. Joining ONE OR EIGHT has been a huge turning point for me. I never imagined myself being part of a boy band, but the journey has exposed me to so many eye-opening experiences. It’s been incredibly inspiring, and I feel that my time with the group has unlocked new creative dimensions for me. I’m excited for what the future holds.



In addition to speaking Japanese and English you also speak French, which is impressive! How did you develop these language skills, and how do they help you connect with fans around the world?

I’m not fluent in French—I’m still at an elementary level. However, being fluent in both English and Japanese has definitely made it easier for me to pick up other languages. After traveling to several countries and doing live broadcasts on Instagram, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful language can be in connecting with people. Being able to communicate with fans from different parts of the world is something I truly value, and I love the direct interaction. My next goal is to become fluent in Korean!

As someone who is naturally shy but becomes talkative once comfortable, what was it like adjusting to life in a group and connecting with your fellow members? Was it easy for you to bond with the rest of the ONE OR EIGHT members? 

Joining the group was definitely a challenge at first, especially since I was a late addition. It wasn’t just tough for me; the other members had to adjust as well. But going through shows, shoots, and tough times together really helped us build a strong bond. It took time, but now, I feel like I’m not just a teammate—I’m a true partner to them.

You were part of Produce 101 Japan S2 and ranked #85th. What did you learn from that experience, and how has it impacted your journey as a performer today?

Experiencing failure early on was a tough lesson, but it taught me the importance of dedication and preparation. Honestly, I wasn’t ready for that competition, and I realized that mediocre preparation leads to mediocre results. Since then, I’ve taken my craft more seriously, and that mindset ultimately helped me make it to ONE OR EIGHT. I also learned just how valuable my fans are. Whether I was working as a freelancer, a trainee, or a member of ONE OR EIGHT, the support I’ve received from fans has been incredible, and it has kept me going during difficult times. I’m deeply grateful, and I want to give back to them through my performances and music.

I hear you’re a talented pianist! Does playing the piano inspire any of your musical creations, especially in your role as ONE OR EIGHT’s rapper?

Playing and listening to classical music from a young age has definitely influenced my creative process. When I’m writing lyrics or working on a song, I often draw inspiration from classical pieces. I enjoy finding ways to blend that background with my current style, exploring new ways to integrate the two into my work.

You have two cats named Omochi and Ohagi, which are such cute names! How do they keep you grounded, and do they have any funny habits or quirks you’d like to share? 

Whenever I come home, I love burying my head in their bellies, even though they absolutely hate it! It’s one of the things that helps me relax and unwind. They’re always together and tend to cuddle up when they sleep, and it melts my heart every time I see them like that. It’s these little moments that really keep me grounded and remind me to take a step back and enjoy life.

Follow ONE OR EIGHT

Instagram: @oneoreight_

TikTok: @oneoreight

X: @oneoreight

Facebook: @oneoreight.official

YouTube: @ONEOREIGHT

Listen to ONE OR EIGHT

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