PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SHINSEKAI Bump the stream of JO1, INI, ZEROBASEONE

“PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SHINSEKAI” is the fourth season of the survival audition program brought to the world by JO1, INI, and ME:I. The show will culminate with the debut of a 12-member global boy band whose members were chosen by a vote of Japanese viewers (national producers) and, for the first time on the show, viewers around the world (SEKAI producers). As the final members of the group are being announced, viewers are paying close attention to how the auditions will go.

As the excitement of the auditions continues to grow, what is attracting even more attention is the choice of music. Episode 4, which aired on April 9th, and episode 5, which aired on April 16th, were group battles. The 101 trainees were divided into 16 groups, and each group was assigned one song out of eight songs, and two teams that were assigned the same song competed. In addition to judging the overall ability of vocals, dancing, rapping, etc., the winners and losers were determined by the votes of the audience at the venue. The tension was high from the beginning as the trainees decided who would be in their group and which song they would compete with. Unlike previous seasons of PRODUCE 101 JAPAN, with the addition of a new FREE part rule, trainees can now decide on their own choreography, performance, and structure, and produce part of the song themselves. This often-discussed change meant that their ability to self-produce also came under greater scrutiny. Among the songs used in GROUP BATTLE, JO1’s “Love Seeker,” Wanna One’s “Energetic,” and Stray Kids’ “CASE 143” attracted particular attention due to their streaming numbers.

JO1’s “Love Seeker” saw a 197% increase in streaming numbers in Japan between the week before and the week PRODUCE 101 JAPAN Shinsekai aired. There was also a 197% increase across Asia (based on figures from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam). In addition, JO1’s solo dome tour “JO1DER SHOW 2026 EIEN” is likely to be held at Tokyo Dome on April 8th and 9th, and at Kyocera Dome Osaka on April 22nd and 23rd.

Streams for Wanna One’s “Energetic” increased by 468% in Japan from the week before the show to the week of the show, and by 219% across Asia. On April 6th, Wanna One held their first fan meeting in seven years in Seoul, South Korea, and it is believed that the group’s official reunion pushed this number even higher. Stray Kids’ CASE 143 saw streaming views increase by 145% in Japan and 124% across Asia, both of which saw significant increases. This increase in streaming numbers is likely the result of many viewers re-listening to the music used in the program and remembering the passionate and dramatic scenes of the trainees.

The 6th episode aired on April 30th and the 7th episode aired on May 7th is “POSITION BATTLE: OPEN ROUND”. In dance and vocal groups, the boundaries between vocal, dance, and rap positions are disappearing. We have entered an era of all-rounders who are not bound by fixed positions. Therefore, in OPEN ROUND, the trainees were judged on their self-production ability such as song arrangement and composition. A total of 9 teams competed with different songs, and the top two in the first round and the top one of each GROUP BATTLE song were selected as leaders.

Of the nine songs used this time, the ones that had particularly notable growth in streaming numbers were Imagine Dragons’ “Natural,” INI’s “DOMINANCE,” and ZEROBASEONE’s “Doctor! Doctor!” Since the show aired, streaming views for “Natural” were up 199% in Japan and 104% across Asia compared to the previous week. “DOMINANCE” saw streaming views increase by 167% in Japan and 166% across Asia, while “Doctor! Doctor!” saw streaming views increase. This number increased by 218% in Japan and 173% across Asia. Both were significant increases. INI and ZEROBASEONE’s headline appearance at KCON JAPAN 2026, held at Makuhari Messe from May 8th to 10th, is thought to be another reason for the rise in streaming numbers.

The “Nature Self” team led by CHISATO (Chisato Kobayashi) chose “Natural” by Imagine Dragons. YURA (Abe Yura) was unanimously chosen as the main dancer, but was struggling after losing in the previous GROUP BATTLE. Dance trainer Rino Nakasone advised the importance of reflecting the song’s message in the performance, saying, “The song ‘Natural’ is about not giving in to pressure. I hope you don’t keep it to yourself.” This brought a lot of attention to how much the song “Natural” had to say. “Nature Self” being chosen as the standout team is probably another reason for the increased streaming numbers.

The “PUNCH LINERS” team led by RYUJI (Ryuji Sugiyama) chose INI’s “DOMINANCE.” INI’s Rito Ikezaki, Hiroto Nishi, and Hitoshi Matsuda made a surprise appearance on 101 SPECIAL BUDDIES and cheered on the trainees and gave valuable advice, which resonated with the viewers. O.YUSEI (Obayashi Yusei), who was selected as the main rapper, asked to be replaced, but with the encouragement of his team members, he went on stage with a brave performance. In a dramatic turn of events, he was chosen as the team’s top member in a field vote.

The “LOVE MANUAL” team led by K.DAIKI (Daiki Kato) selected “Doctor! Doctor!” by ZEROBASEONE. This team was made up of popular and talented members, but vocal trainer Kevin Wu expressed disappointment, saying, “I had high hopes for you guys because you were like the Avengers of the team, but I couldn’t see any teamwork.” The team hit a wall. INI members Takumi Ozaki, Hiroshi Takatsuka, and Kyosuke Fujimaki listened carefully to the team’s concerns and helped resolve them, strengthening and uniting the team. K.DAIKI and main vocalist SHINHAENG (Oh Shinhaeng) led the team and showed a sophisticated performance in “Doctor! Doctor!”.

Now, viewers are turning their minds back, remembering the drama behind the songs used on the show, and waiting with bated breath to see who will debut as PRODUCE 101 JAPAN Shinsekai draws to a close.

—This article first appeared on Billboard Japan.