NAZE makes Japanese debut with digital single I LIKE IT

C9 Entertainment boy group NAZE has released its first Japanese digital single, marking the seven-member act’s return to Japan after its Korean debut earlier this year. The release builds on the group’s TBS Drama Dream Stage appearance and adds two new tracks aimed at sharpening NAZE’s identity.

Why it matters: - NAZE’s first Japanese release expands the group’s reach beyond its Korean debut market. - The digital single gives the seven-member act a new entry point for Japanese listeners after its TBS-linked introduction. - The release follows an ENA Rising Star win at the KPOP UP CHARTSHOW for NAZE’s debut mini album.

What happened: - C9 Entertainment’s boy group NAZE released its first Japanese digital single, I LIKE IT. - The release marks NAZE’s first music release in Japan since the group’s official debut. - NAZE had previously appeared in the TBS drama Dream Stage and debuted in Korea with the self-titled mini album NAZE.

The details: - I LIKE IT contains two tracks: the title song “I LIKE IT” and “HARMONY.” - “I LIKE IT” is a nu-disco-flavored dance-pop track with tropical instrumentation, vintage guitar, groovy bass and rhythmic drums. - The title track centers on the idea that small personal preferences and habits help define identity. - “HARMONY” is a dance-pop song built around funky guitar and a rhythmic topline. - The phrase “different notes, one harmony” anchors the concept of “HARMONY” and frames NAZE’s group identity through a band-like sound. - NAZE is a seven-member South Korean boy group managed by C9 Entertainment. - The members are KAISEI, YOUNKI, ATO, TURN, YUYA, KIMKUN and DOHYEOK. - NAZE debuted on May 4, 2026, with its self-titled mini album. - The members first introduced themselves through TBS’ DREAM STAGE television drama in Japan, which aired in January 2026.

Between the lines: - The Japanese single builds continuity between NAZE’s early TV exposure in Japan and its recorded music rollout. - The track themes lean into individuality and cohesion at the same time, which fits a group still defining its identity across markets. - The release suggests C9 Entertainment is positioning NAZE for a broader cross-border audience rather than limiting the group to its debut-country launch.

What’s next: - NAZE is likely to use the Japanese release to sustain momentum after its Korean debut and award recognition. - The group’s next step will likely depend on how strongly I LIKE IT performs with Japanese listeners and existing fans.

The bottom line: - NAZE’s Japanese debut is a strategic second-step release that ties together the group’s TV introduction, Korean launch and growing regional presence.