Mark Stefanos
The Japanese pop group JO1 headlined the Dodgers’ Japanese Heritage Night yesterday, April 28, performing at Centerfield Plaza, making them the first Japanese idol group to do so.
The group, made up of 11 members — Issei Mamehara, Ren Kawashiri, Takumi Kawanishi, Shosei Ohira, Shion Tsurubo, Ruki Shiroiwa, Keigo Sato, Syoya Kimata, Junki Kono, Sukai Kinjo, and Sho Yonashiro — was formed in the first season of “Produce 101 Japan,” a reality music competition spinoff of South Korea’s “Produce 101,” then went on to release two No. 1 albums on Billboard Japan.
The group also delivered a $50,000 donation check in support of victims of the LA fires as part of their campaign “WHEREVER WE ARE” — a fundraising initiative for communities in need. Takashi Murakami threw out the ceremonial first pitch and JO1 joined him in a suite to watch the game.
The Dodgers went on to beat the Marlins 7-6.
The boy group also released an English version of their hit “BE CLASSIC”: