Interview: ONE OR EIGHT on All-Or-Nothing Musical Identity, Creative Ambitions, and First Manila Concert

On October 23, ONE OR EIGHT delivered high‑octane performances at Samsung Hall in Manila, Philippines, during the “ONE OR EIGHT Special SHOW CASE 2026 in ASIA -V8–” concert, put on by SOZO. The group—MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA, and YUGA—draws inspiration from the phrase “ichi ka bachi ka,” interpreted as “all or nothing.” Their chart‑topping track “TOKYO DRIFT” has sparked more than 200,000 fan‑made videos and logged over 300 million plays on TikTok. In September they dropped their debut EP titled “EN‑GÏNE” and contributed the ending theme for season two of Black Clover.

Just before their debut Manila show, ONE OR EIGHT joined a media Q&A, discussing their musical persona, touring life, and their initial visit to the Philippines. The members also opened up about the meaning and hurdles tied to the group’s motto “BET ON YOURSELF.”

Note: This interview was translated using an interpreter. Certain sections were modified to improve readability.

Host: Thanks for gathering! Let’s begin with a query about your debut appearance in the Philippines. This marks your initial Manila show, and the audience here is famed for singing each line, crafting an unforgettable concert vibe. What have you heard about the Filipino fanbase, and what do you aim to deliver to them tonight?

Neo: This is our debut visit to Manila, and we’re thrilled. We previously collaborated with SB19’s Felip on a track titled KAWASAKI. He’s an exceptional rapper and artist, and we’re honored to share a song with him. Naturally, we’re eager to perform in his hometown.

We can’t wait to meet the Manila crowd, the Filipino fans. Word has it that the Philippine audience is incredibly enthusiastic, full of energy, and loves to sing along. That’s my personal take on Filipinos. We’re excited to belt out our songs together with the fans and exchange that vibrant energy.

Host: Given the electric atmosphere tonight, we hope you relish the performance, not merely as artists but as part of a unified sing‑along experience with the audience. Next, regarding your group’s core identity: could you sum it up in a single word, and what would that word be?

Tsubasa: The Japanese term we chose is “to challenge.” We’ve loved this concept since the day we formed.

We’ve faced many obstacles to accomplish varied goals and reach new peaks. Encountering challenges isn’t something to be uneasy about; it’s part of the journey. By embracing these challenges and novel experiences while having fun, we aim to convey that excitement to the fans.

Host: Offstage, how do you maintain cohesion among eight distinct personalities? What distinguishes your connection?

Souma: Even before we started sharing a living space, we already lived under the same roof and attended the same classes. That means we’ve been a unit from the very start. Despite our varied personalities, we share a collective energy centered on embracing challenges—something we discussed earlier.

Our primary focus, even before aligning individually, is ensuring the audience experiences the “two‑challenge” vibe we aim to deliver. Since we all revel in this concept, we want the fans to feel the excitement of pushing toward greater achievements.

Host: Clearly, your strong connection is evident in your music. Let’s shift focus to the creation of your upcoming releases. What were the key considerations when crafting “EN‑GÏNE,” and what inspired the concept for “TRANSLATE”?

Ryota: An engine, as you know, is all about moving forward—pressing the gas pedal to accelerate. For us, it means continuously pushing ourselves to the absolute limit.

Our album features a variety of tracks, each exploring different possibilities. We include ballads, fun‑filled songs, and pieces we frequently perform live. That’s the origin of “TRANSLATE.” Additionally, each member has a personal concept and a unique style of performing. Rather than a literal translation, we aim to unleash our individual potentials, showcase our performances, and demonstrate how we align with one another.

When crafting diverse songs, we naturally have vocalists and rappers. Through this process, vocal members took on rap parts while rappers explored vocal duties. This allowed us to discover varied facets of our own talents and expressions.

Host: Which track best captures ONE OR EIGHT’s current identity, and if someone could only hear one of our songs to get started, which would you suggest?

Yuga: “TOKYO DRIFT” is the perfect representation right now, as it embodies the speed and energy we bring to our performances. For a first‑time listener, we’d obviously point them to “TOKYO DRIFT,” and personally I also love to share “365.”

Host: In what ways have you evolved since forming the group, and what challenge has been the most defining for you? Additionally, how has touring impacted your personal and artistic development?

Takeru: Our most notable growth has been in experience, skill, and mental resilience. Three years into our debut, we’ve confronted numerous obstacles. For instance, during live shows, technical glitches—like sound errors, microphone issues, or audio playback problems—can arise. Overcoming these setbacks has helped us mature. Moreover, the unwavering support from our fans bolsters our confidence, enabling us to deliver our fullest performance and ensure the audience enjoys every moment.

Host: Do you have any other Filipino or Asian artists you’re eager to collaborate with? And what new creative direction are you looking to pursue?

Mizuki: We have many collaborative projects in the pipeline. Beyond SB19 and VXON, there’s an artist who composed a Japanese track. We previously teamed up for a TikTok video. Personally, I’d love to perform a joint show with VXON on a Japanese song, or have ONE OR EIGHT deliver an English track alongside them—those are exciting possibilities ahead.

We see countless opportunities and challenges on the horizon, and we’re eager to tackle them. The kinds of hurdles and experiences we encounter will shape the next songs we create. By weaving these challenges into our music, we effectively introduce ourselves to the world. For our fans, hearing these songs is the most authentic self‑portrait we can offer as ONE OR EIGHT.

Host: What message would you convey to your Filipino supporters, and what commitment do you make to them as ONE OR EIGHT continues forward?

Reia: As you all know, this marks our inaugural visit to Manila and our first performance here. We’re incredibly excited to meet our Filipino fans for the very first time. Looking ahead, we pledge to ensure our audience feels no disappointment. We want everyone to leave happy, grateful for choosing to see ONE OR EIGHT. We’re profoundly thankful for their presence and genuinely hope they enjoy the show.

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For additional details and the latest news, check out the ONE OR EIGHT official website. We also extend our gratitude to Cosplay.ph for coordinating this interview.

Assistance and Photography: Krystien Veloso
Cover Photo sourced from the ONE OR EIGHT Website
©ONE OR EIGHT

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