HYBE JAPAN to Hold Largest Audition Ever, Intensifying Multi-Genre Development of Next-Generation Japanese Artists

HYBE JAPAN to Recruit Next-Generation Artist Candidates in Three Divisions: Girls, Boys, and Bands, Fully Launching Multi-Home, Multi-Genre Strategy

Utilizing HYBE's unique talent development system "T&D (Training & Development)" for development based in Japan.

Emphasis on passion for music and desire to become an artist, regardless of skills or experience.

HYBE JAPAN, the Japanese headquarters of HYBE, which boasts globally active artists such as BTS and KATSEYE, will hold the "HYBE JAPAN AUDITION 2026 (hereinafter referred to as HYBE JAPAN AUDITION)," its largest audition to date, starting July 3, 2026 (Fri).

To enhance its presence as a leading company in the Japanese entertainment market by promoting HYBE JAPAN's "Multi-Home, Multi-Genre" strategy, a key component of HYBE's new growth strategy "HYBE 2.0," it is crucial to cultivate a more diverse range of artists domestically.

This audition is HYBE JAPAN's largest project to date, embodying this vision. We are seeking candidates who will lead the next generation across multiple genres: boys, girls, and bands (male and female). HYBE JAPAN will fully leverage HYBE's unique talent development system "T&D (Training & Development)" and the knowledge and know-how accumulated through its past achievements. Moving forward, while considering the establishment of new labels, including those for girl groups, we will intensify the development of next-generation Japanese artists and our multi-home, multi-genre strategy.

This audition is open to individuals born in 2006 or later, regardless of nationality, gender, or experience. The selection process will include an initial document screening, followed by a second round of auditions held in a record-breaking nine cities/regions across Japan (Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kagawa, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Okinawa). This marks the first time an audition will be held in Kagawa.

Furthermore, in collaboration with Platform Partner LINE Yahoo, we are adopting LINE, a widely used communication tool, as the application method. This aims to create an environment where applicants can more easily take a step towards a new challenge in their daily lives. We look forward to applications from those who have a strong passion for "liking music" and "wanting to become an artist."

Full-Scale Launch of "Multi-Home, Multi-Genre" Strategy to Strengthen Development of Japanese Artists

In 2024, HYBE announced its new growth strategy "HYBE 2.0," promoting a "Multi-Home, Multi-Genre" strategy in regions including Korea, Japan, the United States, and Latin America. This involves deploying K-POP production systems tailored to regional characteristics while aiming to develop top artists across diverse music genres. Additionally, by adopting a multi-label system and promoting independent artist strategies for each label, we are creating an environment where diverse artists can operate with originality.

In Japan, the world's second-largest music market where various music genres coexist, HYBE JAPAN currently operates two labels: YX LABELS, which aims to establish a new "axis" in the Japanese music market, and JCONIC, which aims to create generational icons from Japan. Two groups of artists, symbolizing the distinct colors of each label, are active both domestically and internationally.

&TEAM, a Japanese global group that debuted in 2022, achieved the historic feat of becoming the first Japanese artist to achieve million-seller status in both Japan and South Korea in 2025, and in 2026, became the first Japanese boy group to chart on Billboard's main album chart, the "Billboard 200." The J-POP boy group aoen, which debuted in 2025, is energizing the J-POP scene with activities rooted in Japan, including their first tour covering all 47 prefectures of Japan.

Building on its strong foundation and track record in the domestic market, HYBE JAPAN will continue to present further diversity and new possibilities to the Japanese music scene through this multi-genre audition.

HYBE's Unique Talent Development System "T&D (Training & Development)" to Maximize Individual Growth

Through its unique talent development system "T&D (Training & Development)," HYBE has nurtured numerous world-class top artists, including BTS, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and KATSEYE.

T&D provides all the training solutions necessary for trainees to grow into artists, operating with customized curricula for each trainee.

In addition to skill development in areas like vocals and dance, it includes liberal arts education to foster responsible adults, education on gender awareness and cultural diversity to understand and empathize with others and different cultures, and programs to promote internalization of autonomy and responsibility.

HYBE JAPAN will utilize HYBE's comprehensively designed T&D system and provide personalized development programs for each individual who becomes a trainee through the HYBE JAPAN AUDITION. These development programs will be based in Japan and will support future trainees in their growth as artists and as adults.

Therefore, the HYBE JAPAN AUDITION emphasizes individuals who possess a pure passion for "liking music" and a strong determination to "become an artist"—essential for overcoming challenges independently—regardless of their existing skills or experience, as these qualities are common across all genres.

A representative from the HYBE JAPAN AUDITION stated, "For HYBE JAPAN to hold its largest-ever large-scale audition across multiple genres is a declaration of our commitment to more fully establishing our roots in Japan. We sincerely look forward to meeting the raw talents who will bring transformation to the Japanese music scene through this audition."

[HYBE JAPAN AUDITION 2026 Application Overview]

●Eligibility:

No nationality restrictions / Males and females born in 2006 or later / Not currently affiliated with an entertainment agency

●Application Divisions:

・General Division: Singing, Dancing, Rapping, Other Talents

・Band Division: Vocal, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboard, Drums, etc.

*Amps, drums, and keyboards will be provided. Other instruments must be brought by the applicant.

*Applications are accepted on an individual basis, not as a team.

●Application Period:

July 3, 2026 (Fri) 10:00 AM - August 3, 2026 (Mon) 11:59 PM

●Application Method / Schedule

<1st Round (Document Screening)>

Please apply via the URL below within the application period.

・Audition Special Site: https://hybejapanaudition.com/2026special

・LINE Official Account: Girls (https://lin.ee/uXKmQX32) / Boys (https://lin.ee/NQCbkK8)

<2nd Round (In-Person Audition)> *In order of date

【Okinawa Venue】 August 7 (Fri)

【Fukuoka Venue】 August 8 (Sat)

【Sendai Venue】 August 15 (Sat)

【Sapporo Venue】 August 16 (Sun)

【Tokyo Venue】 August 21 (Fri) / September 5 (Sat)

【Nagoya Venue】 August 23 (Sun)

【Hiroshima Venue】 August 25 (Tue)

【Kagawa Venue】 August 27 (Thu)

【Osaka Venue】 August 29 (Sat) / August 30 (Sun)

*The selection form for the 2nd round venue and reception times will be communicated individually to those who pass the 1st round.

*For the Tokyo and Osaka venues, participants will attend on one of the two scheduled days. This will be communicated along with the notification of passing the 1st round.

*Online auditions are also available if attending an in-person audition is difficult.

<3rd Round (In-Person Audition)>

Scheduled for September 26 (Sat) and September 27 (Sun) in Tokyo.

*Details will be communicated individually to eligible candidates.

●Results:

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

●Official SNS:

X (formerly Twitter): @HYBEJP_Audition

Instagram: @hybejapanaudition_official

Contact: [email protected]

*Please check the FAQ on the special website above before contacting us.

*Please refrain from inquiring about the success or failure of your application.

●Notes:

*Submitted images and other materials cannot be returned.

*This audition does not guarantee debut for successful applicants.

*Minors must have parental consent to apply.

●About the Audition Platform Provided by LINE Yahoo:

This audition utilizes "Audition Platform," a specialized platform for auditions provided by LINE Yahoo. This allows applicants to apply via "LINE" and enables HYBE JAPAN to centrally manage audition-related information, facilitating smooth and effective communication with applicants.

About HYBE JAPAN

HYBE JAPAN, as the Japanese headquarters of HYBE, a global entertainment lifestyle platform company that innovates the music industry's business model, provides solutions such as performances, original content, and IP for artists including HYBE MUSIC GROUP APAC in Japan. In addition to deploying HYBE Korea's global content services for the Japanese market, HYBE JAPAN promotes "glocalization" by planning and producing original Japanese content and offering services based on unique Japanese marketing strategies.