The project consumed Hiroto’s days. He learned how to solder, how to trace circuits on paper, how to measure resistance with a multimeter borrowed from the school’s science lab. He watched YouTube tutorials in a dimly lit room, his mother’s gentle hum of a lullaby playing in the background.

Historically, many of Japan's top "Men" (elite male figures) began their ascent in this exact window. Whether looking at the foundational boy bands of the 80s and 90s or the modern "Johnnys" (now STARTO) system, the 1st Gen member who started at 13 often became the "face" of the group—the visual center that anchored the public's attention.

The Japanese music scene is currently being redefined by a "1st Generation" of solo artists who are breaking away from traditional group dynamics to forge their own paths. Leading this charge are 20-year-old powerhouses like and REJAY , whose joint "Square One" Tour is sweeping through Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka this May. What’s trending right now:

The term "amp men" in this context refers to the amplification of status. A 1st Gen idol begins as a whisper but must amplify their presence to become the dominant voice of their generation. The dropout rate is high; the pressure is immense. But for those who survive the grueling training, the midnight rehearsals, and the media scrutiny, the reward is legendary status.