DXTeen

DXTeen (stylized in all caps, Japanese: ディエックスティーン) is a six-member Japanese boy band formed in 2023 under Lapone Entertainment, a joint venture between Yoshimoto Kogyo and CJ ENM. The members are Taichi Taniguchi (leader), Ayuta Fukuda, Koshin Terao, Nalu Okubo, Ken Hiramoto, and Shotaro Tanaka. Unlike earlier Lapone groups, DXTeen was not created through a survival show. They debuted on May 17, 2023, with the single "Brand New Day."

The group's name is short for "Dream X Teen," reflecting their aim to pursue a dream and grow step by step. It symbolizes the "infinite possibilities" of the six teens, who continue to work hard and take on challenges, with the meaning of making their dreams bigger over time.

Before debut, Taniguchi trained at n.CH Entertainment and competed in the survival show *World Klass* in 2019, finishing as a finalist but not making the final lineup of TOO. Fukuda, Hiramoto, Terao, and Okubo participated in *Produce 101 Japan Season 2*, placing 35th, 34th, 17th, and 12th respectively. After the show, these four were part of the trainee group "Lapone Boys."

DXTeen's debut was announced at a press conference on February 13, 2023. They held a pre-debut showcase at EX Theater Roppongi in Tokyo on March 8. Their debut single "Brand New Day" was released on May 17, and they performed it at KCON 2023 Japan on May 13. The next day, they launched a special radio segment, *DXTeen's Hello Talk!*, on Tokyo FM, which aired again on September 17. On July 17, the group became ambassadors for Enoshima's Higashihama Beach to mark Marine Day, with their song "Dive" named the beach's official song. "Dive" was added to their second single "First Flight," released on September 6. A Korean version of the lead track "First Flight" was performed on *M Countdown* on August 10, marking their South Korean debut.

In 2024, the group announced their first tour, initially scheduled from May 18 to June 9 in Osaka, Fukuoka, and Tokyo, with extra dates added for the final stop. It was later renamed the 1st One Man Live Tour ~Start of Quest~ after the announcement of their first album *Quest*, set for release on July 14. Their third single "Snowin'" came out on January 31. On April 12, it was revealed that DXTeen would perform at Rakuten GirlsAward 2024 Spring/Summer on May 3, with Okubo and Taniguchi also appearing on the fashion stage.