Photo Courtesy of LAPONE Entertainment
Photo Courtesy of LAPONE Entertainment
Six-Song Collection, Crafted by Grammy-Winning Producer Dem Jointz, Signals a New International Phase for the Japanese Act
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LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Global boy band JO1 steps into a new era today with the arrival of ANIMAL, their first complete English-language EP and their official entry into the U.S. market.
This six-track project represents a significant milestone in JO1’s ongoing worldwide push, combining a globally oriented sound, deeper member involvement in the creative process, and a partnership with acclaimed Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Dem Jointz, who helmed all six songs on the release.
Aimed at showcasing a different facet of JO1 to listeners across the globe, ANIMAL presents the group at its most raw and unrestrained. Throughout the EP, JO1 delves into themes of liberty, self-identity, and surpassing limits, while expanding the sonic and performance style that has established them as a leading contemporary force in Japan.
At the heart of the EP lies its lead single, “ANIMAL,” a high-energy dance track centered on the concept of revealing the hidden side of oneself. JO1 member Takumi Kawanishi contributed to the song’s composition, highlighting the members’ rising creative involvement in their work.
Propelled by a driving beat and an explosive delivery, “ANIMAL” turns the EP’s overarching message into a rallying cry to shed restrictions and follow one’s instincts.
The single arrives with an official music video that visually builds on that concept. The clip follows JO1 as they escape from a “cage” and venture into a vast, unpredictable environment, using that imagery as a symbol for the group moving past familiar limits and onto a broader international platform.
The choreography ranks among JO1’s most physically demanding to date. The video concludes with the group joined by 30 dancers in a wide-ranging final scene that represents the members liberating themselves from the structures that previously held them back.
Fans got an early glimpse of “ANIMAL” through performances at major events such as KCON LA 2026 and ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026, where JO1 debuted the track prior to its official drop.ANIMAL arrives amid a surge of international momentum for JO1 and coincides with the launch of their North American tour today, October 2, at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall. The five-show run proceeds through New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, wrapping up October 11 at The Novo in Los Angeles, cementing 2026 as a defining year in the group’s global journey.
More than merely a U.S. introduction, ANIMAL signals the start of a new phase for JO1 as they broaden their musical range, assume a greater role in the creative process, and bring their music to an even wider worldwide audience.
ANIMAL is now available across all major streaming 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
