A 10th Single That Changes Everything
What happens when the hottest J-pop boy group in Japan teams up with one of the biggest EDM producers on the planet? You get “Missing” — a track so powerful it hit number one on Spotify, Billboard Japan, and the Oricon Weekly Streaming Chart within days of its June 29 pre-release. BE:FIRST, the six-member group formed through SKY-HI reality audition show THE FIRST, just proved they are not slowing down anytime soon.
And trust me, this is not just another single release. This is a statement.
Who Is BE:FIRST and Why Should You Care?
If you have not heard of BE:FIRST yet, you are about to. The group consists of Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, and Leo — six performers who each bring elite-level vocals, dance, and rap skills to the table. They were handpicked by SKY-HI (the legendary rapper from AAA) through his audition show THE FIRST back in 2021, and they officially debuted on August 31, 2022.
Under the BMSG agency and the B-ME label (a joint venture with Avex), BE:FIRST has been on a meteoric rise. Their producer invested over 100 million yen into their formation, and every single release has shown why that investment was worth it. From their debut to this 10th single, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of what a J-pop group can achieve globally.
The Jonas Blue Connection — A Global Power Move
“Missing” marks the second time BE:FIRST has collaborated with British DJ and producer Jonas Blue, known worldwide for hits like “Fast Car” and “Rise.” The first collaboration already turned heads, but this reunion for their milestone 10th single and 5th Anniversary Project feels intentional — like both sides know they have something special.
The track opens with a tender acoustic guitar intro that immediately sets an emotional tone. Then, as only Jonas Blue can do, it builds into a full-blown dance-pop anthem with infectious beats and a drop that hits right in the chest. The contrast between the soft verses and the explosive chorus mirrors the song theme: the push and pull of heartbreak, longing, and the struggle to move forward.
By the Numbers — “Missing” Is Dominating
The numbers tell the story. Here is what “Missing” has accomplished in just its first week:
- Oricon Weekly Streaming Chart: Number 1 (debut) — breaking the all-time record for BE:FIRST
- Billboard Japan Hot 100: Number 1 — confirmed by BE:FIRST official account
- Spotify: Highest chart debut ever for the group on the platform
- YouTube Trending Music: Number 1 in Japan immediately after the MV dropped
- CD Sales (first 3 days): Over 91,000 copies sold, leading the weekly physical single chart
- Digital Downloads (first 3 days): Over 18,800 downloads, sitting at number 1
And the Oricon chart made history this week — for only the third time ever, the top two debut spots were both occupied by new releases, with BE:FIRST at number 1 and the EBiDAN 15th anniversary song at number 2.
The Music Video and Behind the Scenes
The “Missing” music video was shot in Thailand, and BE:FIRST released a behind-the-scenes video showing the members navigating the shoot in a foreign environment. The visual direction matches the emotional weight of the song — scenes of isolation, longing, and quiet reflection mixed with moments of connection between the six members.
The dance practice video also went viral, accumulating views rapidly on YouTube. The choreography is intricate but emotionally driven, with each member getting spotlight moments that showcase their individual strengths. Sota and Manato in particular stand out with their vocal delivery in the practice footage.
THE MUSIC DAY 2026 Performance
On July 4, BE:FIRST took the stage at THE MUSIC DAY 2026, one of Japan biggest televised music events. They performed “Missing” live, and fans and critics alike praised the performance for its emotional depth. Critics noted that the song felt tailor-made for this group — a rare quality that not every artist can pull off with a dance-pop track.
The performance was broadcast on Nippon TV and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the event across Japanese social media.
What This Means for BE:FIRST Global Push
BE:FIRST has been steadily building their international presence, and the Jonas Blue collaboration is clearly part of a larger strategy. Working with a globally recognized producer opens doors to Western audiences who might not typically explore J-pop. The English-language hooks in “Missing” make it accessible while still maintaining the group Japanese identity.
With their 5th Anniversary Project in full swing and a string of record-breaking releases, BE:FIRST is positioning themselves as the next J-pop group to break through on the global stage. Groups like ONE OK ROCK and BABYMETAL paved the way, and BE:FIRST looks ready to walk through that door.
What Do You Think?
Is “Missing” the best BE:FIRST song yet? Do you think the Jonas Blue collaboration is the right move for their global ambitions? And who is your favorite member — Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, or Leo?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below. This is the kind of J-pop moment worth talking about.
