Snow Man

Snow Man are a nine-member Japanese idol and dance group formed in 2012, currently managed by STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. The group originally comprised Hikaru Iwamoto, Tatsuya Fukazawa, Shota Watanabe, Ryohei Abe, Ryota Miyadate, and Daisuke Sakuma, who developed their skills as performers within Johnny & Associates’ junior talent system. Known for demanding choreography and acrobatic routines, they spent several years performing as backing dancers and appearing in stage productions, particularly the long-running Takizawa Kabuki series. In January 2019, Raul, Koji Mukai, and Ren Meguro joined, expanding Snow Man to the nine-member line-up that has remained together since. The group subsequently took the leading roles in Takizawa Kabuki ZERO, directed by Hideaki Takizawa, whose involvement had been instrumental in their development.

After nearly eight years in the junior system, Snow Man made their CD debut on 22nd January 2020 with ‘D.D.’, released simultaneously with SixTONES’ debut single ‘Imitation Rain’. Their debut established an immediate commercial record, while follow-up singles ‘KISSIN’ MY LIPS’ and ‘Grandeur’ further increased their popularity. Their first studio album, ‘Snow Mania S1’, arrived in September 2021, followed by ‘Snow Labo. S2’ (2022) and ‘i DO ME’ (2023). Across these releases, the group combined electronic dance-pop, hip-hop, R&B, and melodic J-pop with elaborate choreography and performances designed around all nine members. Songs including ‘Brother Beat’, ‘Orange kiss’, ‘Tapestry’, and ‘Dangerholic’ also became associated with films and television dramas featuring individual members.

Snow Man’s activities extend beyond recording and touring. Their connection to theatre continued through Takizawa Kabuki ZERO, which was adapted into their first starring film in 2020, while all nine members appeared in the 2022 live-action comedy Osomatsu-san. Their television variety programme, Sore Snow Man ni Yarasete Kudasai, became another major part of their career, showcasing the members through challenges, comedy, and dance performances. Individually, they have pursued acting, fashion, television presenting, and voice work, with Ren Meguro achieving particular recognition for his performances in television dramas and films, while Raul has developed an international modelling career. These activities have helped Snow Man maintain a broad presence in Japanese entertainment beyond their music releases.

The group’s concert ambitions grew rapidly following their first nationwide arena tour in 2021. They completed their first dome tour in 2023, followed by a five-dome tour supporting their fourth album, ‘RAYS’, in 2024. Their fifth anniversary in 2025 brought the compilation ‘THE BEST 2020 – 2025’, which sold more than 1.3 million copies in its opening week and became one of Japan’s biggest-selling albums of the decade. The celebrations also included their first stadium concerts, held at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo and Nissan Stadium in Yokohama across four performances. At MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025, Snow Man received the Best Idol Artist/Group Award, while their extensive concerts earned them the Largest Live Audience (Japan) award at the 2026 ceremony.

Snow Man’s commercial success has also gained international recognition. According to IFPI, ‘THE BEST 2020 – 2025’ ranked fifth on the Global Album Sales Chart for 2025, with 1.67 million units sold worldwide, while their fifth studio album, ‘Onkochishin’, placed 14th with 1.21 million. Originally reliant on physical releases, the group began expanding their digital availability in 2025. In June 2026, they added another 72 previously unavailable tracks to streaming platforms, including early recordings and unit songs, completing the digital release of their existing catalogue. The move allowed overseas listeners to access material that had previously been difficult to obtain outside Japan.

Snow Man released their sixth studio album, ‘AMENITY’, on 7th October 2026. Built around the fictional HOTEL ALL SUITE, the record presents the group as hotel staff guiding listeners through different musical settings, with material ranging from funk-pop and R&B to dance music and jazz-influenced arrangements. It includes ‘BANG!!’, ‘SAVE YOUR HEART’, and ‘Odorouze!’, alongside newer tracks such as ‘Goodtime’ and ‘show time…’. The album sold approximately 1.01 million copies in its first week, making Snow Man only the second act in Oricon history, after B’z, to achieve five consecutive albums with million-selling opening weeks. Their next five-dome tour, ALL SUITE, is scheduled to begin on 30th October 2026 and conclude in January 2027.