Interview: BALLISTIK BOYZ From EXILE TRIBE On Their New EP, Summer Faves & First Asia Tour
We recently had the opportunity to chat with the member of BALLISTIK BOYZ – RYUTA, RIKIYA, YOSHIYUKI, MASAHIRO, RIKI, RYUSEI AND MIKU – to hear what they have to say about their new EP, upcoming plans and their new tour. Keep scrolling to read more:
Q. It's been a while since Hype Malaysia spoke to BALLISTIK BOYZ. How have you guys been since your last visit to Malaysia?
RYUTA: In Japan, we've held a concert at Nippon Budokan and even had our first arena live show. And this year, we'll do our very first Asia tour as well. We've been steadily making our dreams and goals come true!
RIKIYA: Even now, our desire to perform live in Malaysia hasn't changed — we're steadily taking steps forward to make it happen! Making that a reality is our current goal, so we want to first make our solo concerts and arena shows a big success, and hopefully build a path toward that in the future!
Q. Before we get into the interview, let's do some warm-up questions: since we're in the peak of Summer, can you recommend a song that people can add to their Summer playlist?
YOSHIYUKI: Recently, I went to a dome concert featuring music by Joe Hisaishi, who composed for Studio Ghibli. Listening to the music from various Ghibli films brought back childhood memories and filled me with excitement. Among them, 'My Neighbor Totoro' is a film I've watched countless times since I was a kid. The song 'Neko Bus' especially brings back that thrilling feeling of summer as a child!
RIKI: I love ocean views — especially sunsets — and the song 'Shave ice', which is included as a B-side on this single, is my top recommendation for the summer! I especially want people to listen to it at the beach. One of the things I'm really looking forward to this summer is listening to 'Shave ice' by the sea myself.
Q. What's your favourite Summer activity? Or is there something you've always wanted to do during this season?
MIKU: Golf! I love playing golf in the mountains surrounded by nature, especially when the weather is perfect.
MASAHIRO: Every year, I enjoy going to the beach — surfing, swimming, and having drinks at beach huts! We also have a BBQ every year, so I hope we can do that again this year. Actually, we're planning a trip with all the members this summer, and I really hope it happens!
Q. Let's talk about your recent release, 'Stardust Forever'. The track is heavily influenced by emo, pop punk and skater culture, with lyrics reflecting youthful defiance. What would you say is the message being conveyed through this song?
RYUSEI: It's the same for us, but I think everyone has moments where they wonder whether something is possible or impossible while chasing their dreams. But life, while it feels short, is actually long — and I believe that everyone has a chance to make their dreams come true. That's why I think this song is one that can give a push to all those who are working hard toward their goals.
Q. The music video also featured a lot of skateboarding scenes and scenes at a skatepark. Do you have any fun or interesting stories from the filming?
MASAHIRO: Honestly, having a skater riding right behind me while I was singing was pretty scary. I was worried they might crash into me, lol. I used to skateboard a bit myself, so during breaks in the shoot, I practised tricks with the skaters!
Q. The song is written and produced by vividboooy and R.I.K. Was this your first time working with them? What was the experience like?
RIKI: We had already been in touch even before this collaboration, and I've always really liked the music they create. So we didn't particularly focus on anything specific during production — we just wanted to add elements and a perspective that BBZ doesn't usually have, and that's the only intention we conveyed when we started the process. Because of that, there weren't many changes needed, and everyone was on the same page, which allowed things to move forward smoothly.
Q. 'Stardust Forever' is also part of your upcoming EP of the same title. Can you share more about this album?
MIKU: This marks the beginning of our second chapter, and it's a work where you can feel a new side of us through a different musical style than before.
RIKIYA: This time, it's packed with a sound that reflects a cooler and more refined musical direction for us. We've also taken our branding to the next level — from our visuals to the music itself, everything has evolved. I think fans will find it refreshing and new!
Q. Do you have a favourite track from the album? What song is it and why?
RYUSEI: My favourite is 'ALL OF YOU'! The main reason is the coolness of the sound, and although the choreography is already complete, I personally think it's the best one we've ever had!
YOSHIYUKI: 'Stardust Forever'. It's a refreshing, band-style song unlike anything we've done before, and the straightforward lyrics are beautiful. I really want people who are chasing their dreams or working hard toward something to listen to this song!
Q. After the album's digital release, BALLISTIK BOYZ will embark on the 'IMPACT' ~ASIA~ tour. You've already announced two stops in Asia: Bangkok and Taiwan, and you will announce more stops soon. Can we expect a show in Kuala Lumpur?
RYUTA: As a group, we definitely want to perform live in Kuala Lumpur in the future. There are various factors like timing and scheduling, but it's something we absolutely want to make happen. So I hope everyone will look forward to it and wait with excitement!
Q. What are you guys planning to showcase during the tour?
RYUTA: This tour will feature the new songs from our upcoming EP, so while we want you to experience a new 'colour' of us, we also hope you'll look forward to performances where our singing, rapping, and dancing have all evolved even further!
RYUSEI: As I mentioned earlier, this year's theme is 'Impact,' so no matter which tour stop you come to, I believe you'll witness something new and impactful! We're confident that we can deliver entertainment that will truly leave a mark on your heart, so please come and see us!
Q. Besides the tour, what can fans expect from BALLISTIK BOYZ for the rest of 2025?
YOSHIYUKI: Our Asia tour will kick off at the end of July, and we also have another arena concert scheduled for November! We'll keep doing our best to share this new 'second chapter' of ours with as many people as possible. We're also discussing ways to visit all of you overseas, so it would make us happy if you waited for us!
RIKIYA: Besides that, we'll be making our much-anticipated arena live show a reality, and I think this year will be an even more crucial one for us. We're also filming our own variety show and taking on the challenge of performing as a band, so I hope you'll watch us as we give it our all!
Q. Do you guys have any solo plans for the future? Or maybe any solo activity that you can share?
MASAHIRO: Since last year, I've been getting more acting opportunities and have appeared in various projects! There's also a project currently in production, so I hope you'll look forward to its release!
Q. Lastly, can you share a few words for your Malaysian BALLYs?
MIKU: Thank you always for your support! We don't get many chances to meet in person, but I'm doing my best so we can come see you as soon as possible — so please wait for us!
RIKI: To all our fans in Malaysia — how are you doing?? I'm filled with the desire to return to Malaysia and see you all, even just one day sooner‼ Right now, we're creating new projects and expanding our activities, so please look forward to the day we return — showing you a more evolved version of ourselves!! I hope you like our latest single 'Stardust Forever' too!! We love you all so much!!
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