「We go to Hollywood」
I have a dream, that seven of them will have a splendid debut in Hollywood!
With all the inimitable glory and celebration,
following by the triumphant return to Japan!
I dream about Travis Japan ruling the stage at Tokyo Dome as their Debut Live.
Their stellar performance, humble and loving personalities, and exceptional teamwork can be globally known and highly regarded.
I am longing for seven of them being embraced with the HIGHEST EVER blessing to embark on a new adventure!
And then,
they can carry this huge love to continue their adventure till they dance 夢のHollywood using walking canes.
I always thought that I can only picture this in my imagination.
However, after the Instagram Live on March 3, this dream will no longer be the castle in the air.
They are really taking this unprecedented challenge (as Johnny’s Jr.)!
They are eager to seek opportunities to explore a new path for Travis Japan!
And more importantly, the one and only path as Travis Japan!
While I am truly thrilled about their stance to continue taking new challenges and advancing their excellence.
My eyes are still full of tears sometimes thinking of them taking this unknown journey.
I know how much harder for a foreigner to succeed in another country.
I’ve been working in different countries in North America and Europe since my early 20s.
Surrounded by different language, different culture, different values, etc.
The disadvantage of being “alien” is always evident.
Working three times harder does not guarantee to make up this inherent disparity.
Not to mention there is no successful precedent for an idol group to follow.
As a fan, I just wish I know better how to support them in a more effective way.
In the meantime, I am also certain that Travis Japan is going to be much, much, much stronger as a group, and as each individual.
They will gain a ton from this experience.
Study abroad has hugely changed my life.
It shows me the world I cannot even image that I can be a part of it.
It makes me be someone more than I can ever be.
Travis Japan was born with the direction of Mr. Travis Payne, the world prestigious choreographer, with their first original song as “夢のHollywood”.
This journey to LA to realizing their dreams of Hollywood must be a destiny for Travis Japan.
They will have the opportunities to see a different world in person, and even be a part of the different world!
These experiences will definitely cultivate their confidence and resilience, which no one will ever be able to imitate.
With no clear deadlines and milestones did sound bothering.
However, I like Chaka’s saying that “It matters to drive without the destinations (sometimes).”
To be precise, this is not the first time Travis Japan is taking the journey that has no clear deadlines or milestones.
Actually, the journey has already started in their early teens — being Johnny’s Jr.
As a group formed in 2012, they have been going on the journey with no clear deadlines or milestones already!
They have endured countless uncertainties for more than a decade.
They are much tougher than I can imagine.
The upcoming challenge in the States is merely another chapter of this continuing uncertain journey, and hopefully the PROLOGUE of a new adventure!
I never doubt about the unique and unusual (and sometimes cruel) expectations that have been put on Travis Japan.
I remember the day I watched the live-streaming of “ジャニーズJr. 8.8祭り”.
It begins with a striking line as “8.8伝説が始まる”.
I had been wondering why 8.8. will become a legend, and whose legend has started?
From my points of view, a legend does not start with achieving a benchmark (such as debut).
I had difficulty making sense of it until I watched the documentary of 8.8.
The documentary deliberately ends with the scene of Noel.
I can still vividly recall that Noel smiled at the camera and said that he would never forget the day, August 8, 2019.
Given my egocentric view, I naively inferred that “伝説が始まる” is a line for Travis Japan.
8.8. is a trigger for Travis Japan (and fans) to start this legend that nobody can follow!
Can anyone ever imagine how vigorously Travis Japan has thrived and evolved after August 8, 2019!?
Noel described his future dream as “to leave a legacy that no one else will be able to follow”.
Now, Travis Japan is taking their courageous steps to make it happened!
As Noel’s quote,
「7人が歩んできた道。その道は、一体どこまで続いているのでしょう。」
「彼らは言いました。」
「We go to Hollywood」
Travis Japan is finally about to start their fated journey to Hollywood!
I believe that their dreams will shine through.
With my huge love forever.
March 23, 2022.
P.S. I made a rare decision to take a day off from my work for the first time in the past 6 years — for the WOD in LA. It is not too difficult a decision for me to make by thinking of all the risks that Travis Japan is taking, and the countless dedications from the fans in Japan for all these years. I always thought this day would be much farther. Look forward to seeing “Travis Japan” for the first time on March 27th!
