Photo Courtesy of LAPONE Entertainment
Photo Courtesy of LAPONE Entertainment
A Six-Song Collection Executive Produced by Grammy Winner Dem Jointz Signals the Japanese Act’s Worldwide Ambitions
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LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — International boy band JO1 begins an exciting new chapter today with the arrival of ANIMAL, their inaugural English-language EP and their debut release for the U.S. market.
This six-song project represents a considerable leap forward in JO1’s worldwide ambitions, featuring a globally minded sound, deeper member participation in the creative process, and a partnership with celebrated Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Dem Jointz, who oversaw production on all six tracks.
Created to showcase a different dimension of JO1 to listeners worldwide, ANIMAL captures the ensemble at its most raw and unrestrained. Over the course of the project, JO1 examines concepts of liberation, self-expression, and surpassing limitations while refining the sound and stage presence that have established them as one of Japan’s leading modern acts.
At the heart of the EP lies its lead single, “ANIMAL,” a dynamic dance track centered on unleashing the hidden aspects of one’s identity. JO1 member Takumi Kawanishi helped compose the song, underscoring the members’ expanding creative contributions to their catalog.
Propelled by a driving rhythm and electrifying choreography, “ANIMAL” channels the EP’s core message into an anthem about shedding constraints and following one’s instincts.
The single is accompanied by its official music video, which takes the theme even further. In the visual, JO1 escapes the confines of a “cage” to wander into a vast and uncertain environment, employing the symbolism to represent the group pushing past familiar boundaries and onto a broader international platform.
The routine showcases some of JO1’s most intense dance work yet. The video reaches its peak with 30 dancers joining the group for an expansive closing sequence that embodies the members liberating themselves from the structures that previously held them back.
Fans received an early taste of “ANIMAL” through performances at major gatherings such as KCON LA 2026 and ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026, where JO1 debuted the track prior to its formal rollout.ANIMAL arrives amid growing worldwide excitement for JO1 and coincides with the group’s North American tour, which kicks off today, October 2, at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall. The five-show trek will move through New York, Chicago, and San Francisco before wrapping up October 11 at The Novo in Los Angeles, cementing 2026 as a defining moment in the act’s international trajectory.
ANIMAL is far more than a U.S. introduction — it signifies the dawn of a fresh era for JO1 as the group broadens its sonic identity, assumes greater creative ownership, and presents its artistry to a wider global audience.
ANIMAL is now streaming across all major platforms.
UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SCHEDULE
Friday, October 2 / Toronto: Danforth Music Hall
Sunday, October 4 / New York: Webster Hall
Tuesday, October 6 / Chicago: Copernicus Center
Thursday, October 8 / San Francisco: The Warfield
Sunday, October 11 / Los Angeles: The Novo
ABOUT JO1
JO1 is a 9-member global boy group on the rise to becoming worldwide stars. Emerging from PRODUCE 101 JAPAN on March 4th, 2020, they have quickly made their mark with their remarkable talent, chart-topping hits, and dynamic performances. Consisting of 9 members – Sho, Ren, Ruki, Junki, Keigo, Takumi, Syoya, Sky, and MÁME, they were formed through 65 million votes by their passionate fans—the "nation’s producers"—JO1 is carving out a major presence not only in Japan but across the globe. JO1 has nine consecutive number-one singles on the Oricon charts, including the record-breaking debut single “Protostar,” which sold over 300,000 copies in its first week. They have eight number-one songs and two number-one albums on Billboard Japan, with “Wandering” achieving double platinum status. They’ve achieved three MTV Video Music Awards Japan, three MAMA Awards, and one Japan Gold Disc Award, including Favorite Asian Artist at the 2022 MAMA Awards.
Angela Mach
Platform PR
angela@platformpr.net
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ANIMAL Official MV
