SixTONES Guide: Members, Fun Facts & How to Buy Their CDs from Discovery Japan Mall

If you’ve been hearing the buzz around Japanese music lately, chances are the name SixTONES has crossed your path. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this six-member powerhouse and where to grab their albums.

Quick Answer: Who Are SixTONES and Where Can I Buy Their CDs?

SixTONES (pronounced “Stones” – the “ix” is silent) are a six-member Japanese group originally from Johnny & Associates, now under STARTO Entertainment. They’re loved for their cool band sound, strong vocals, and hilariously chaotic group talk. If you’re an overseas fan looking to own their music, Discovery Japan Mall offers SixTONES CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays with international shipping so you can build your collection from anywhere in the world.

Here are a few popular titles you can find on Discovery Japan Mall: “Imitation Rain / D.D.” (debut single) – “1ST” (first album) – “CITY” (second album) – “声 / Koe” (third album) – “The Vibes” (fourth album) – “GOLD” (fifth album) – “マスカラ / Mascara” (hit single).

This article will walk you through SixTONES’ history, introduce all six members with fun facts, highlight their discography, and show you exactly how to buy their CDs safely from Discovery Japan Mall.

What Is SixTONES? Group Name, Style & “Title Idol” Image

The group was named SixTONES by Johnny Kitagawa himself. Initially, the group was named “Six Tones” before the change to the stylized SixTONES we know today. The name reflects the six members’ distinct tones and personalities, with each member representing a unique voice, performance style, and character. The group’s name also reflects their concept of a “diamond in the rough” – six raw stones that polish each other into something brilliant.

While SixTONES are often called an idol group in Japan, calling them a title idol product would miss the point. The band’s musical style includes rock, hip-hop, R&B, and dance-pop, and their performances carry a raw, live-band energy that sets them apart from the typical synchronized image people associate with K-pop idols. That said, this isn’t a knock on K-pop idols at all – it’s simply a different flavor. SixTONES lean into improvisation, ad-lib talk, and letting individual personalities shine rather than presenting one perfectly polished front.

Their music often explores themes of resilience and self-discovery, which gives their songs emotional weight beyond catchy hooks. Think of them as artists who happen to be idols, rather than the other way around. Their sound palette is wide: rock, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and dramatic ballads all share space in their discography.

SixTONES Timeline: From Jr. Era to Major Debut

Here’s the history of how SixTONES came together, from back dancers to chart-topping stars.

Around 2011, the future SixTONES members were Johnny’s Jr. dancers, often appearing as backup performers for groups like A.B.C-Z and Hey! Say! JUMP. In February 2012, the six appeared together in the TV drama “Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou” and its movie sequel, and fans started calling them “Bakareya6” – the group was initially named Bakareya6 by fans who saw the chemistry between these six boys on screen. Then came a difficult stretch in 2013–2014 when the members were split into different Jr. units and had fewer group activities, leaving the future of the unit uncertain. The story fans love to refer to is that Jesse initiated the reunion of SixTONES in 2015, pulling the six back together when it seemed like the group might never reform.

SixTONES performed their first song as a six-member unit in January 2015 on a stage held on “The Shounen Club” – the first time in about two years that all six had shared a stage. SixTONES officially formed on May 1, 2015, and the name was officially announced on June 10, 2015, at “Johnny’s Ginza 2015.” Between 2015 and 2017, even before their official debut, they built a lot of fan loyalty through stage plays, musicals, and original songs, proving they were more than just another group of dancers waiting for a label deal.

YouTube Era, Official YouTube Channel & Official Accounts: From Jr. to Worldwide Fans

SixTONES were early movers when it came to using online platforms to share their music and personality with people beyond Japan.

Starting in March 2018, they posted weekly content on the official YouTube channel as part of the Johnny’s Jr. lineup – behind-the-scenes clips, talk segments, rehearsal footage, and performance videos that let international fans understand their dynamic for the first time. In October 2018, they participated in YouTube’s first Japanese Artist Promotion Campaign, with the music video for “JAPONICA STYLE” attracting viewers worldwide and turning casual clicks into dedicated fans.

By August 2019, SixTONES had opened their own official account on platforms including an official YouTube Artist Channel and Instagram, giving global fans direct access to announcements and content. If you want to follow them, always check their official accounts on YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) rather than fan re-upload channels – supporting the group directly is the thing that keeps the content coming. Look out for official MVs, live concert clips, variety-style talk videos, and behind-the-scenes rehearsal moments. Each type of content shows a different day in the life of SixTONES.

Major Debut & Hit Songs: “Imitation Rain” to Chart-Topping Albums

The group debuted on January 22, 2020 with the debut single “Imitation Rain / D.D.” – a joint release day with Snow Man. “Imitation Rain” was composed by X Japan’s Yoshiki, instantly giving the single celebrity-level attention. The results were staggering: SixTONES sold 772,902 copies of their debut single in one day, and their debut single sold over one million copies in total, eventually reaching approximately 1.84 million physical copies sold. It hit No. 1 on the Oricon singles chart.

Follow-up singles came quickly in 2020. “NAVIGATOR” (July 2020) was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited” and sold around 762,000 copies. “NEW ERA” (November 2020) served as the theme song for “Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon,” keeping their momentum with a fast-paced, dramatic sound.

SixTONES released their first album “1ST” on January 6, 2021. It topped both the Oricon Albums Chart and Billboard Japan Hot Albums, blending hard-rock tracks with emotional ballads and earning Double Platinum certification. Their second album “CITY” was released on January 5, 2022, pivoting to a city-pop and R&B mood with collaborations from artists like Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu and millennium parade. “CITY” sold approximately 560,000 copies in its first week and was also certified Double Platinum.

Their appearance on “The First Take” – a minimalist one-shot live performance format on YouTube – further cemented their reputation as singers who can produce real vocal power without studio polish.

Recent Activities: Live Tours, TV Shows & Latest Songs

Since 2023, SixTONES have continued to expand with large-scale tours, new TV programs, and high-profile tie-up songs. “Kokkara” became a major hit for SixTONES in 2023, and the year also saw them participate in the global concert film project “YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY,” performing “Imitation Rain” for an international audience – a spin on their debut song that introduced them to millions of new viewers.

On television, they launched programs like “SixTONES no Kyō Kara Producers” and “Game of SixTONES,” where members produce projects, play games, and show their natural personalities in unscripted settings. In 2025, they embarked on their first five-dome tour, hitting venues like Tokyo Dome, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo – a scale that few groups in Japan reach. They’ve also been recognized with awards like MTV VMAJ “Group of the Year,” announced in February 2025, proving their status among leading Japanese artists.

In March 2026, they released the double A-side single “一秒 (Ichibyou) / Rebellion,” with “Ichibyou” chosen as an NTV sports cheer song ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Their 18th single, “Dance Forever / マイオンリー (My Only),” dropped in September 2026. In the first half of 2024, SoundScan Japan reported SixTONES had the highest total audio software sales among all Japanese artists – approximately ¥2.93 billion.

Members of SixTONES: Personalities & Fun Facts

SixTONES has six members with no fixed leader – instead, the leader role rotates annually among members, and members are chosen as leader by playing rock paper scissors. Each SixTONES member has a representative color, adding a visual identity layer that fans worship.

Jesse (born June 11, 1996) is the bilingual MC of the group – half American, half Japanese, with a loud laugh that can be heard across any room. He’s also an actor and model. Taiga Kyomoto (born December 3, 1994) delivers powerful high notes and brings a refined, musical-theater-trained presence; his father is the celebrity actor Kyomoto Masaki. Hokuto Matsumura (born June 18, 1995) is the cool but shy one who transforms into a completely different person on stage – an actor and voice actor with examples of starring roles in films like “xxxHOLiC.” Yugo Kochi (born March 8, 1994) is the talkative mood-maker who keeps the energy up during every talk segment. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Shintaro Morimoto (born July 15, 1997) is the youngest and strongest dancer with a child-actor past, bringing a lot of physical energy.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Juri Tanaka (born June 15, 1995) handles rap parts and MC duties with a witty personality that makes him a natural in variety shows.

The real charm? The contrast between their sharp, dramatic performances on stage and their chaotic, noisy group talk off stage. Watch any of their YouTube videos and you’ll see six grown men teasing each other, pulling pranks during concerts, and dissolving into laughter mid-sentence.

How to Buy SixTONES CDs Safely from Discovery Japan Mall

Overseas fans can order Japanese SixTONES releases through Discovery Japan Mall without dealing with complicated proxy services or bots. It’s a straightforward, reliable store.

Here’s how it works: search “SixTONES” in the CD & DVD J-POP section on Discovery Japan Mall or use the broader CD & DVD J-POP search results, browse the results, and choose the CD or Blu-ray you want. Check the release date and edition type (regular edition or limited edition – look for terms like “初回限定盤” for first limited edition or “通常盤” for regular). Add it to your cart, create an account, and complete payment. Product pages include Japanese titles plus romanized names, making it easier for non-Japanese readers to confirm they’re ordering the correct item.

Shipping options typically include EMS and courier services, with tracking numbers available for many countries. Customs and duties may apply depending on your region, so check the shipping information for your area, especially if you’re combining music orders with popular Japanese-brand watches or other goods.

Follow SixTONES on their official YouTube channel and official accounts on social media to stay updated – then come back to Discovery Japan Mall when you find a song or live performance you want to own as a physical keepsake.

Whether you’ve been a fan since the Bakareya6 days or you’re hearing about these stars for the first time today, there’s never been a better year to start your SixTONES collection. Head over to Discovery Japan Mall, pick the CD or live video that matches your taste, and bring a piece of Japan straight to your door.