SKY-HI's BMSG has launched its third boy group. Following BE:FIRST and MAZZEL, the five members of STARGLOW hit No. 7 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 before they had even debuted, and NME named them the only Japanese act on its list of 100 essential emerging artists for 2026. Here is what the winners of the teens-only audition THE LAST PIECE can do, and what BMSG plans to do with them.

What Is BMSG, and Why Does It Matter?

To understand STARGLOW, you first need to know about BMSG, short for "Be MySelf Group" (also standing for Brave, Massive, Survive, Groove). Founded in 2020 by Japanese rapper and producer SKY-HI (real name Mitsuhiro Hidaka), BMSG was created to challenge the traditional Japanese entertainment industry, where rigid hierarchies and exploitative practices have long been the norm.

SKY-HI famously invested roughly $650,000 (about 100 million yen) of his own money to launch the company's first audition, "THE FIRST," in 2021. That gamble paid off spectacularly: it produced BE:FIRST, a seven-member group that has since headlined Japan's four major domes, attracted 300,000 fans on their domestic tour, and completed their first world tour across 12 cities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia in 2025. Their debut single "Gifted." topped Billboard's global "Hot Trending Songs" chart, a first for a Japanese act.

BMSG's second boy group, MAZZEL, debuted in 2023 and has been steadily growing its fanbase. With STARGLOW now joining the roster, BMSG has built a three-group lineup, each with a distinct musical identity and appeal.

THE LAST PIECE: An Audition for Dreamers Under 20

STARGLOW was born from "THE LAST PIECE," an audition exclusively for males aged 19 or younger (as of January 31, 2025). SKY-HI designed it with a specific mission: to become "a beacon of hope for teenagers who find it hard to dream."

The audition series was broadcast on YouTube and featured on the TBS morning show "THE TIME,". Official videos accumulated over 70 million views, and SKY-HI himself called the talent pool "the highest level ever" across all BMSG auditions.

On September 19, 2025, the final episode revealed the five members: RUI, TAIKI, KANON, GOICHI, and ADAM. Their average age at debut was just 18.6 years, the youngest group in BMSG's history.

Meet the Members

What sets STARGLOW apart is how each member brings a completely different skill set and background to the table:

RUI, Described by SKY-HI as "my treasure," RUI is the group's emotional center. A former BMSG trainee, he combines raw expressiveness with a unique artistic sensibility. He's spoken openly about wanting to break away from what society considers "normal", a refreshingly honest stance for a debuting idol.

TAIKI, The rapper SKY-HI entrusted with "the dreams I couldn't achieve myself." TAIKI's versatility spans rap, dance, and vocal, for the debut single, he challenged himself with falsetto singing for the first time.

KANON, With a theater background and strong English skills, KANON serves as the group's communicator and a key asset for international expansion. SKY-HI called him "my partner."

GOICHI, Called "not just an explosive force, but the group's wings" by SKY-HI. GOICHI brings charismatic rap skills and a magnetic stage presence that belies his young age.

ADAM, The oldest member, who was still working part-time jobs right up until the final audition. SKY-HI praised him for possessing "a voice, aura, stance, and attitude that no one else can replicate."

Pre-Debut Hype: Billboard JAPAN #7 Before Even Debuting

STARGLOW's impact was felt even before their official debut. Their pre-debut single "Moonchaser," released on September 22, 2025, debuted at #7 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100, an extraordinary achievement for a group that hadn't even officially launched yet.

Their debut single "Star Wish" arrived on January 21, 2026. The track was co-written by SKY-HI alongside David Arkwright, a two-time Grammy-nominated producer based in Los Angeles, and singer-songwriter Will Jay. It topped the J-POP singles weekly chart in its first week.

On January 31 and February 1, STARGLOW held their debut showcase "Wish upon a star" at Yokohama BUNTAI, performing three shows that drew rave reviews. Rolling Stone Japan called it "a stunning debut showcase that transcended emotional drama."

BE:FIRST Paved the Way: Now STARGLOW Follows

STARGLOW's potential is amplified by the path their senior group BE:FIRST has already blazed. In 2025, BE:FIRST completed a domestic dome tour drawing 300,000 fans across four cities and nine shows, then embarked on their first world tour, "Who is BE:FIRST?", visiting 12 cities across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, and Singapore.

This infrastructure of international touring, global streaming presence, and the brand trust BMSG has built gives STARGLOW a launchpad that most debuting Japanese groups simply don't have.

Global Recognition: NME's Essential Emerging Artists

Perhaps the most telling sign of STARGLOW's international potential is their inclusion in NME's "100 Essential Emerging Artists for 2026", as the only Japanese act selected. This recognition from one of the world's most influential music publications underscores both BMSG's strategic international promotion and STARGLOW's genuine musical quality.

Asian music media outlet Bandwagon has also featured the group prominently, covering their latest digital single "Green Light" and its cinematic music video.

What's Next: 17 Cities and a Second Single

STARGLOW's 2026 schedule is packed:

  • March 2: Digital single "Green Light" released
  • March 14: Performance at Tokyo Girls Collection 2026
  • April 1: 2nd single "USOTSUKI" release
  • April 10 – July 25: First fan meeting tour "STAR CRUISE" across 17 Japanese cities
  • May 3: VIVA LA ROCK 2026 appearance

SKY-HI has also announced plans for a fourth boy group centered around the five finalists who didn't make STARGLOW (RAIKI, KANTA, YUTA, KEI, TAICHI), a move that reflects BMSG's commitment to nurturing talent rather than discarding it.

In Japan, audition-based groups backed by independent producers like SKY-HI are rewriting the rules of the music industry. Does your country have a similar tradition of audition shows producing globally successful groups? What role do independent labels play in your music scene? We'd love to hear your perspective!

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