JO1 and INI Members Launch World Cup Campaign at Tokyo Event
JO1's Yonashiro Sho and INI's Ikesaki Rihito appeared at the opening ceremony of a new immersive World Cup experience event in Tokyo, representing their joint soccer ambassador unit JI BLUE.

K-Pop idols from JO1 and INI are throwing their support behind Japan's World Cup campaign. Yonashiro Sho (JO1) and Ikesaki Rihito (INI) took the stage at the opening ceremony of "Mitsui Fudosan SAMURAI BLUE 3D EXPERIENCE" on May 28 at or MIYASHITA PARK in Tokyo.
Both members represent JI BLUE, a special unit formed by 12 soccer-loving members from JO1 and INI to serve as ambassadors for Japan's national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The group created the official theme song "Keshiki" (The View) and will have a special music video featured in the event's main attraction—a 3D-LED theater experience.
Yonashiro and Ikesaki shared their enthusiasm for the squad and revealed their favorite players. Yonashiro highlighted forward Maeda Taizen, praising his composed yet powerful playing style. Ikesaki picked midfielder Kamada Daichi, admiring his fearless attitude and revealing he even wore long sleeves like the player to the ceremony.
The event runs through July 20 and offers fans an immersive World Cup experience through original food and drinks, video installations, and photo opportunities. The centerpiece 3D-LED theater showcases both Japan's soccer history and the special "Keshiki" performance video.
Both ambassadors emphasized how JI BLUE aims to expand soccer's fanbase nationwide. Ikesaki explained the unit's mission: "We're here to involve the nation in supporting our players through music and performance." Yonashiro added that the event represents a chance to shift from performing on stage to cheering alongside fans, creating "the best view" of collective national support.
Japan Soccer Association Chairman Tsuneyoshi Miyamoto expressed hope that JI BLUE could help grow the country's soccer family from an estimated 10 million to 15 million supporters. Both members raved about their early experience with the 3D theater, with Ikesaki calling it "the definition of excitement"—describing powerful visuals that left him emotional and eager to support the team on the world stage.
