Japanese music sensation Number_i has officially joined forces with WME, a pivotal move that positions the trio for extensive global representation across all facets of their artistic endeavors. This development follows their recent release of the single "3XL" and their impactful debut performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2024. The group's existing success in Japan, including numerous chart-topping hits, sets a strong foundation for their international aspirations.
J-Pop Trio Number_i Forges Global Alliance with WME to Expand International Reach
In a significant announcement on February 4, 2026, the acclaimed Japanese music trio Number_i, consisting of members Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, formalized a partnership with the prestigious talent agency WME for global representation. This strategic alliance is set to propel the J-pop group further into the international music landscape.
The agreement comes on the heels of the trio's latest single, "3XL," which was unveiled last week. Number_i has already begun making strides in the American music market, notably with their appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2024. This marked their first major music festival and U.S. performance as Number_i, where they featured on 88Rising's Futures stage lineup.
Prior to this, in the preceding year, the three-member ensemble delivered a standout performance at 88Rising’s Head in the Clouds Festival, held at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena. This appearance coincided with the release of their album, God_i, which included a lead single of the same title. Kishi, one of the group's members, produced the track, which soared to the No. 1 spot on Billboard Japan’s Hot 100 chart.
Number_i has consistently achieved remarkable success domestically, securing multiple No. 1 positions on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart. Their inaugural full-length album, No. I, not only clinched the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Japan JP Albums chart but also reached No. 4 on Spotify’s Top Albums Debut Global chart, underscoring their growing international appeal.
Reflecting on their journey, member Hirano previously remarked, "We believe that music transcends borders, and quality music, or anything of quality, can be appreciated and shared by people globally. We simply strive to create excellent music that we believe in and enjoy, with the aim of sharing it with an ever-wider audience."
Their current Japanese management agency, TOBE, will continue to oversee Number_i's activities, working in tandem with WME to foster their global expansion.
This collaboration between Number_i and WME signifies a dynamic shift in how J-pop artists are engaging with the global music industry. It highlights the increasing recognition of Asian talent on the world stage and the potential for cross-cultural musical exchange. For Number_i, this partnership opens doors to new audiences, international collaborations, and unprecedented growth opportunities, promising an exciting new chapter in their flourishing career. It also underscores the importance of strategic representation in navigating the complexities of the global entertainment landscape, enabling artists to maintain their unique identity while reaching a broader fan base.