Busaiku

Lore & Background

Busaiku originated from the October 5, 2013 broadcast of 'Kiss My Busaiku!' on Fuji Television, where Masahiro Nakai noted that the four 'back four' members of Kis-My-Ft2—Wataru Yokoo, Toshiya Miyata, Takashi Nikaido, and Kento Senga—were receiving less attention than the 'front three' members. Nakai offered to produce them, and on November 11, 2013, the new unit 'Busaiku' announced their debut single 'Tana Kara Botamochi', released December 11. Nakai wrote the lyrics, choreographed, and directed the music video, with the song's concept being 'the cry from the heart of back 4' and 'the coolness of doing your best even if you are unattractive.' Their first live performance was at Kis-My-Ft2's Tokyo Dome concert on November 16, 2013, as part of the 'Yoshio' tour.

Reader's Guide

Busaiku's significance lies in their unique position within Johnny & Associates, an agency known for polished idol groups. By embracing a self-deprecating, comical image and wearing plain suits like businessmen, they subverted typical idol aesthetics. Their debut was spearheaded by Masahiro Nakai, a senior SMAP member, which highlighted the disparity in promotion within Kis-My-Ft2. The group's name, meaning 'ugly' or 'uncool,' was unprecedented for the agency. Their fourth single 'Michishirube' reached number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, marking their first chart-topping success. Busaiku also starred in television dramas and held their first solo concert tour in 2018, mobilizing over 52,000 people. Their legacy includes demonstrating that less-promoted members could achieve recognition through a distinct, humorous brand.

Did You Know?

• The group's name 'Busaiku' means 'ugly' or 'uncool' in Japanese, taken from the Kis-My-Ft2 show 'Kis-My Busaiku'.
• Their debut single 'Tana Kara Botamochi' was produced, choreographed, and directed by Masahiro Nakai of SMAP.
• Their fourth single 'Michishirube' was their first self-produced song and reached number one on the weekly Oricon Singles Chart.
• Busaiku's first solo concert tour in 2018 mobilized 52,465 people across 18 songs.

Origins: The Back Four Problem

When the October 5, 2013 broadcast of Fuji Television's Kiss My Busaiku! aired, Masahiro Nakai—senior to Kis-My-Ft2 at Johnny & Associates and a prominent entertainer with numerous regular TV programs—raised a concern that would reshape the group's trajectory. He observed that four members, Wataru Yokoo, Toshiya Miyata, Takashi Nikaido, and Kento Senga, were receiving far less spotlight than their three front-line colleagues, who dominated drama roles and flashy stage performances. While the front trio commanded attention in colorful costumes and lead vocal parts, the remaining four were relegated to dark, understated outfits, minimal singing assignments, and little individual exposure. Nakai stepped in with a bold offer: he would personally write the music, choreograph the routines, and direct the music video for a new unit built around these four overlooked performers. The announcement of their debut single came on November 11, 2013, and by November 15 they had already performed it live at Kis-My-Ft2's Tokyo Dome concert, marking their first public appearance as Busaiku.

Debut & Artistic Identity

Busaiku's very name—translating to 'ugly' or 'uncool' in Japanese—was borrowed from the title of Kis-My-Ft2's own variety show, Kis-My Busaiku. For an act under Johnny & Associates, where polished, aspirational branding is the norm, choosing a deliberately self-deprecating label was a striking departure. Their December 13, 2013 debut single, 'Tana Kara Botamochi,' embodied this ethos in every detail. Nakai penned the lyrics around a concept he described as the heartfelt cry of the 'back four' and the quiet pride of giving your all despite not fitting conventional standards of attractiveness. The music video reinforced this with a self-deprecating contrast between the glamorous, popular front three and the deliberately 'uncool' four. On stage, the members eschewed flashy idol costumes in favor of plain, business-like suits, and they delivered their comical numbers with the timing and energy of comedians rather than typical pop performers. This commitment to humor and self-awareness became the group's defining artistic signature from day one.

Career Milestones & Breakthrough

Busaiku's discography unfolded at a steady pace over several years. Their second single, 'Ti Ti Ti Terette Teretititi (Dare no Ketsu),' arrived in July 2014, followed by the third, 'Yacchatta!!,' in March 2015. A significant creative shift came with their fourth single, 'Michishirube,' released on January 4, 2017. This track marked the first song the group produced entirely on their own, and its ballad format was a departure from their usual comedic pop. It became their first number-one hit on the weekly Oricon Singles Chart, a milestone that validated years of building audience recognition. That same year, they launched a four-day New Year campaign spanning January 5 to 8, combining fan meetings with public recording sessions across Japan, and capped 2017 with their debut album, Busaiku no, Wa!, on December 13. In 2018, they embarked on their first solo concert tour, Busaikumura no Watto! Odoroku! Dai 1 Show, performing eighteen songs over dates from January 10 to February 28 and drawing a total audience of 52,465. Nakai made a surprise appearance at the Nakano Sunplaza show on January 31, dancing alongside the members during 'Fire & Lightning,' a moment later preserved on the live DVD and Blu-ray release.

Beyond the Stage: Television, Comedy & Cultural Footprint

Busaiku's influence extended well beyond music charts into the broader landscape of Japanese television and advertising. In 2014, they secured a regular slot on TBS's music program Utage!, which continued through 2015, and later appeared on Momm!! from 2015 to 2017. Their acting work was equally consistent: the all-member cast drama Heisei Busaiku Otoko premiered on NTV in October 2014 and ran into 2015, followed by The End of the XXX People in April 2018. In 2020, the group brought their comedic storytelling to the theater with the stage play XX People's Lives: The XXX Choices We Made, later released as a made-to-order DVD in December of that year. Commercially, they lent their faces to Asahi Soft Drinks' 'Spiral Grape' campaign in 2014 and became long-term ambassadors for Kowa Company's 'Cabbage series' starting the same year. What made Busaiku culturally distinctive was their refusal to conform to the idol template. By embracing plain suits, comedian-style delivery, and a name that literally means 'ugly,' they carved out a niche of self-aware humor that resonated with audiences who appreciated authenticity over polish.