News: BMSG’s THE FIRST Highlights in English — Why It’s Worth Watching Now
The audition that launched BE:FIRST is now opening to global viewers — and it may mean more than nostalgia.
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
The shows and the groups themselves are the reason why they are doing well, but the accessibility of having English subtitles is so important to taking it further.
It doesn't seem like that much right now, but it's so important for BMSG to build a foundation outside of Japan. (I actually have a lot to say about SKY-HI's approach to the international market — I even watched and translated his business interviews — but that is for another comment on another article.)
I'm going to use Mazebeya as an example because I've been tracking their numbers. I do think the English subtitles play a part in getting some of the newer episodes to 1M views.
Mazebeya releases English subtitles for new episodes about 2 weeks after they air. (The schedule is not fixed, and they have been releasing English subtitles for older episodes, so the schedule has been disrupted.)
Based on my observations, when a new episode of Mazebeya airs, the first 24 hours reach 150K, the weekend reaches 300K, and within the week they reach about 400K to 500K. The viewership slows drastically during week 2. But when the English subtitles drop, I see a spike of 100K to 200K within the week. It makes a difference. When Fan really understand what is going on, they feel more connected then ever.
On a personal note, the BMSG FanClub app "Be with U" does have a translation function. It's probably not human-translated, but just having that function within the FC makes a huge difference. Just being able to read the updates in real time makes a huge difference for fans. Unfortunately, the videos on the app do not have subtitles.