Amid the whirlwind of their World Tour 2025: Who is BE:FIRST?, the seven-member powerhouse BE:FIRST has paused to deliver something tender yet profound—their latest single, “Under the Same Sky 空”, a ballad that wraps listeners in warmth and reassurance. Released at midnight on July 7, the track arrives as a counterbalance to their high-octane May single “GRIT”, showcasing the group’s ability to shift from electrifying performances to soulful introspection. But this isn’t just another release—it’s a song with a mission, woven into the fabric of Japan’s school culture.
Formed in 2021 through SKY-HI’s reality audition program THE FIRST, BE:FIRST—comprising SOTA, SHUNTO, MANATO, RYUHEI, JUNON, RYOKI, and LEO—quickly rose from ambitious trainees to global performers, their debut single “Gifted.” topping Billboard Japan and trending worldwide on Twitter. Now, after completing their first world tour across 12 cities, they return with a song that reflects their growth, not just as artists but as voices for their generation.
Commissioned as the official piece for the 92nd NHK National School Music Competition (N-Con), Japan’s largest choral contest for students, “Under the Same Sky 空” carries a message of unity and hope tailored for young voices. The song, currently broadcast nationwide on NHK’s Minna no Uta, resonates with the same spirit of perseverance that defines BE:FIRST’s own journey—from their formation under SKY-HI’s mentorship to becoming a group that blends pop, hip-hop, and R&B into a sound uniquely their own. Written and co-produced by SKY-HI alongside UTA (TinyVoice, Production) and LOAR (INIMI), the track blends gospel-inspired harmonies with a soaring choral arrangement, courtesy of one of Japan’s top a cappella groups. Each member’s vocals—from SHUNTO’s smooth delivery to LEO’s powerful highs—add layers of emotion, transforming the song into a collective embrace for anyone feeling isolated under life’s weight.
Beyond the competition, the song has become a daily touchstone for students. Since June 20, over 600 high schools have played “Under the Same Sky 空” during lunch and after-school hours, accompanied by a personal audio message from BE:FIRST. It’s a subtle but powerful intervention, offering a moment of solace in the rush of adolescence—a reminder that even when dreams feel distant, they’re not alone. The lyrics, assuring “It’s going to be okay”, mirror the group’s own ethos of overcoming challenges, a theme that has defined their rise since their debut.
Managed by BMSG and signed under the joint Avex label B-ME, BE:FIRST has carved a space where their music speaks as loudly as their performances. With their fandom, BESTY, behind them, they’ve grown from a chart-topping rookie act to a group with global ambitions—yet “Under the Same Sky 空” proves they haven’t forgotten where they started. It’s a song that doesn’t just showcase their vocal and emotional range but also their commitment to uplifting others, much like the NHK competition itself, where young voices unite to create something greater than themselves.
Now, with a world tour behind them and a sound that defies genre boundaries, BE:FIRST continues to evolve, proving that their artistry isn’t just about spectacle but also about connection. “Under the Same Sky 空” stands as a testament to that—a reminder that even when the sky feels heavy, we’re all beneath the same one, breathing together. And for BE:FIRST, that message is just the beginning.
Adreena is a writer from Nagano, Japan, but is now residing in Singapore. She mostly writes music news and reviews, but in her spare time, she likes writing fiction and poems.