Subscribe now

There’s something here worth a closer look — especially for those new to BMSG.

BMSG has made a highlight version of THE FIRST available on YouTube with full English subtitles, along with an English title and description.

At first glance, it may look like a simple archive upload. In reality, it may be more meaningful than it first appears.

Because THE FIRST was never just another audition show.

It was the beginning of a story that continues to shape BMSG today.

Watch a highlight version of THE FIRST (available with English subtitles):

More Than the Birth of BE:FIRST

Most people know THE FIRST as the project that created BE:FIRST.

That alone makes it historically important for the company.

But looking back now, its importance feels even larger.

Many of the ideas that later defined BMSG were already visible there: growth over elimination, individuality inside teamwork, creative potential over polished perfection, and the belief that artists should be developed as people, not just products.

Those values did not end when the program ended.

They became the foundation for what came next.

The Story Kept Expanding

After THE FIRST came Mission x 2, which eventually led to MAZZEL.

Then came THE LAST PIECE, which introduced STARGLOW.

And in a different but related form, No No Girls helped bring HANA into the spotlight.

The story did not stop with groups.

Many of BMSG’s current solo artists can also trace their roots back to THE FIRST.

Different formats. Different artists. Different energies.

But all of them feel connected by the same larger philosophy.

That is why rewatching THE FIRST now can feel less like revisiting the past, and more like returning to chapter one.

Why English Subtitles Matter

Until now, many international fans knew the names, the music, and the performances — but not always the full story behind them.

English subtitles change that.

They allow global viewers to see not only how BE:FIRST began, but how BMSG’s wider identity was formed in real time.

For newer fans who discovered BMSG through recent tours, viral clips, or current releases, this creates a much clearer entry point.

For longtime fans outside Japan, it offers something many have wanted for years: direct access.

Why It’s Still Worth Watching

Even as a highlight, this version of THE FIRST is surprisingly effective.

It captures the essence of what made the audition stand out — the people, the process, and the philosophy behind it.

For those new to BMSG, it offers a concise way to understand where everything began.

In the coming weeks, BMSG Pulse will take a deeper look at THE FIRST — from lesser-known moments to the wider story it set in motion.

Written by Lily-K | BMSG Pulse

Related Readings

Japanese artist Ayumu Imazu has announced a special live dance performance for his latest track “Bassline.”

According to his official post, a one-take dance practice will be streamed live on YouTube on April 11 at 20:00 (JST).

Unlike typical dance practice videos — which are recorded and edited in advance — this format is performed live in a single take during the broadcast.

The result creates a rare kind of tension:
viewers watch the choreography unfold in real time, without cuts or retakes.

The performance will showcase “Bassline,” which marks an important milestone in Imazu’s career.

The track is his first release since joining BMSG, the music label founded by SKY-HI.

For fans, the live dance practice offers a chance to experience the choreography in its most immediate form — a performance where the excitement comes not only from the dance itself, but from the knowledge that everything is happening in one continuous take.

A Format He Has Performed Before

Imazu has been performing this style of live, one-take dance practice streams for several songs over the past few years, turning it into a kind of signature format for his performances.

One example is his live one-take dance practice for “Howl.”

The upcoming “Bassline” performance continues that approach — combining the precision of dance practice with the unpredictability of a live broadcast.

Fans around the world will be able to watch the performance live on YouTube.

The stream is scheduled for April 11 at 20:00 (JST).

Watch the stream announcement:

Written by Lily-K | BMSG Pulse

Share BMSG Pulse

Subscribe now

The Japanese dance and vocal group MAZZEL have released their new single “Get Up and Dance,” continuing the group’s energetic run of performance-driven pop under the label BMSG.

Known for their powerful choreography and tightly synchronized stage performances, MAZZEL have steadily built a reputation as one of the most performance-focused acts within BMSG’s growing roster of artists. “Get Up and Dance” reflects that identity, built around an upbeat groove and rhythmic structure that naturally lends itself to dynamic choreography.

The track centers on the simple but universal idea suggested by its title — movement, rhythm, and the joy of dancing together. That theme aligns closely with the group’s performance style, where intricate formations and expressive stage presence play a central role in their identity.

At the same time, the song also reveals a different side of MAZZEL. While many of the group’s past songs and performances have emphasized sleek intensity, sharp choreography, and a more stylish kind of charisma, “Get Up and Dance” feels brighter, more colorful, and more openly pop-oriented. In some ways, the track reflects the group’s offstage atmosphere as well — energetic, approachable, and full of humor.

Interestingly, the phrase “Get Up and Dance” also has a longer musical history. In Japan, many listeners associate it with a track by the hip-hop group Schadaraparr, which was featured on the long-running children’s television program Ponkickies. The title itself also appeared in a disco song released by the American group Freedom in the 1970s, reflecting how the idea of dancing as celebration has traveled across different eras and musical styles.

A music video for “Get Up and Dance” has been released alongside the single, presenting the group’s choreography and visual concept for the track.

Watch the official music video below:

With this release, MAZZEL continue to expand their catalog while further defining their identity as a group built around performance, movement, and the energy of the stage.