The Japanese entertainment industry has once again presented a work that has been awaited by millions of fans around the world, especially JO1 fans. In 2025, the big screen will be decorated with a new documentary that tells the story of the journey of one of the most phenomenal boy groups today, JO1. Officially titled “JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage,” the film promises an in-depth and intimate look at the group’s evolution, the challenges they face, and the dreams they continue to pursue.
JO1's Background: From Produce 101 Japan to Global Phenomenon
Before we delve further into the film “JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage,” it’s important to understand the roots of the JO1 phenomenon itself. The group was born from a hugely popular Japanese survival audition show, “Produce 101 Japan.” Through a series of intense competitions and the support of votes from viewers across Japan, eleven talented trainees were successfully selected to debut as JO1 in 2020.
Since their debut with the single “PROTOSTAR,” JO1 quickly caught the public’s attention thanks to their vocal talents, dancing skills, and charisma. Amidst the restrictions imposed by the global pandemic, they managed to build a solid fan base and released a series of commercially successful singles and albums. Online concerts and various online promotional activities became a bridge connecting them with their fans all over the world.

About JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage
JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage follows their aspirations, with one member stating, “I want to take JO1 to the world.” Scenes show the group moving forward with optimism: “We can go global. Yes, believe me. Let’s go!”
In the early days of JO1, the members came together as strangers, each with different backgrounds, levels of experience, and personal reasons for pursuing their dreams of becoming idols. What brought them together was not just the pursuit of fame, but the grueling and transformative process of surviving a competitive audition program broadcast to millions. From the start, their story was one of perseverance—learning new choreography overnight, dealing with online criticism, managing burnout, and overcoming physical and mental obstacles. Those early months formed a deep bond that would serve as the foundation for their growth as a group. But even after their debut, their path was anything but smooth.
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic created an especially difficult challenge for JO1. Just as they were preparing to promote their first song and interact with fans through concerts and events, the world shut down. For a group that relies on live performances and the energy of an audience, this isolation was a heavy blow. In the documentary, the members reflect on this period with stark honesty.
One of them admitted to feeling frustrated at being sidelined, wondering why he couldn’t stand on the stage he felt he belonged on. Another admitted that despite their releases being technically successful, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing—an emotional gap left by the inability to connect with fans in person and fully realize their dreams. Not being able to perform live didn’t just slow their momentum—it tested their belief in themselves and their mission.
But JO1 is not a group that accepts stagnation. Rather than retreat, they have begun to focus on themselves, strengthening their skills and relationships. As restrictions begin to lift, they see overseas activities as both a goal and a symbol—a tangible way to reclaim what was lost during the pandemic. One member’s declaration that he wants to “bring JO1 to the world” is not just a hopeful statement—it is a mission forged from disappointment and made more urgent over time.
The group began to focus on building their international presence, learning foreign languages, collaborating with global producers, and putting on shows tailored to audiences outside of Japan. With each step, their concept of success evolved, becoming less about fame and more about meaning—about taking their message of hope and resilience to new places, and proving that Japanese artists could rise to the global stage without compromise.
The emotional depth of JO1’s journey is underscored by their unity. Time and again, the members credit each other for giving them the strength to keep going. JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage includes a moment when someone simply says, “I am here today because of my fellow members.” This sentiment captures the essence of their story: that fame, music, and accolades are only meaningful when shared. Their concerts are no longer just performances but celebrations of survival—a testament to what can be achieved through trust, mutual support, and a refusal to give up. From fighting for a stage to filling major venues, from anonymous trainees to cultural icons, JO1’s journey has been one of transformation built on courage and gratitude.
As JO1 look to the future, they carry with them the lessons of an unfinished story. The title of their documentary, “JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage,” isn’t a weakness—it’s a declaration. Their journey is still ongoing, and rather than pretending to be perfect or complete, they choose to share the process itself with their fans. In doing so, they invite viewers to not just watch, but to walk with them—to believe in the beauty of ever-evolving dreams and the power of togetherness. In an industry often obsessed with polish, JO1 dares to embrace the unfinished, and in doing so, redefines what it means to be an idol.
JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage shows the individual feelings of each of the 11 members of JO1 as they celebrate their fifth anniversary since their debut, and their journey in realizing one by one the dreams they have set for themselves over the years, such as a world tour and a concert at the Tokyo Dome.
JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage Cast and Theme Song
The cast of JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage began as JO1 actors Ohira Shosei, Kawashiri Ren, Kawanishi Takumi, Kimata Syoya, Kinjo Sukai, Kono Junki, Sato Keigo, Shiroiwa Ruki, Tsurubo Shion, Mamehara Issei and Yonashiro Sho.
The theme song for JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage was chosen to be “Bon Voyage,” the song that gave the film its title. “Bon Voyage” is a fan song composed by members KAWASHIRI REN, KONO JUNKI, and KIMATA SYOYA, with all JO1 members participating in writing the lyrics, and is included on their best album “BE CLASSIC” released on April 2.
JO1’s second documentary, “JO1 the Movie Unfinished Bon Voyage,” will be released nationwide on Friday, July 4, 2025. Additionally, a premiere to celebrate the film’s completion, featuring JO1, has been scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025.