Cloud ten is a Japanese male idol group formed by renowned music producer Yasushi Akimoto, the founder of AKB48 and a series of idol groups under the Sakamichi Series. The group is Akimoto's first project for a theater-based male idol group and was officially introduced to the public on April 23, 2026 in Tokyo. The name "Cloud ten" was inspired by the expression "Cloud Nine", which symbolizes peak happiness, with the number "ten" representing the ambition to surpass that happiness.
History and Formation
The project to form the male idol group "Theater Boys Group" was launched in 2025 as a collaboration between Y&N Brothers and Mitsui Fudosan Group, with Yasushi Akimoto serving as general producer. The national-level audition process began in the summer of 2025, followed by a final training camp audition from December 2025 to January 2026. The final member lineup was decided in February 2026, and after going through a series of rigorous selection processes, 30 members were chosen.
The official introductory press conference was held in Tokyo on April 23, 2026, where the members were introduced to the public for the first time. On that occasion, the members immediately showcased the quality of their vocals and the synchronization of their choreography through three main songs. Starting April 26, 2026, the group held a series of introductory events at various commercial facilities in the Tokyo metropolitan area, beginning with an event at Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside, Kanagawa.
Members
Cloud ten consists of 30 young men selected through a national audition. The members have highly diverse and unique backgrounds, making the group attract attention from the moment of its appearance. Among the members are university students from prestigious universities such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Keio University. In addition, there is also the youngest member, a 13-year-old national dance champion, a professional chef, and an athlete who has competed at the National Sports Festival (Kokutai).
One of the most talked-about members is Fukuma Shin, who was born in Osaka on November 7. He is known for his handsome looks and a special skill of eating with what is said to be the most delicious-looking facial expression in the world, as well as being skilled at riding a unicycle. His hobby is collecting cute items and capsule toys. Another member who has attracted attention is Funamizu Kensuke, who previously worked as a professional chef and was used to cutting fish in the kitchen before passing the audition. Kiyohide Mochizuki, who appeared in the opening performance, is also one of the members known for his charm and ability on stage.
Confirmed members of Cloud ten include Abe Haruto, Inaba Toma, Ueno Seiji, Uji Toma, Ose Raiki, Owada Ayumu, Kitanagi Haru, Kimura Haru, Koroki Yamato, and many more.
Concept and Philosophy
Cloud ten carries a theater-based concept, in which they will perform regularly at a dedicated theater that serves as their home ground. This concept is similar to the model applied by AKB48, where fans can meet the members every day at the theater.
Yasushi Akimoto, at the introductory press conference, emphasized that "watching and experiencing" firsthand is the most valuable asset in life. He cited AKB48 fans who take pride in having seen their idols' struggles from a small theater 20 years ago. Although he is now producing a male group, Akimoto feels there is no major difference from female groups. The foundation of his lyric writing has always been rooted in himself at the age of 16–17, with the nervousness of first love and the bitter memories of adolescence as the driving force of his work. This is why the lyrics of the female groups he writes often use the first-person perspective "I" (boku), which represents his identity in his youth.
The name "Cloud ten" was chosen because it was inspired by the term "Cloud nine", which means the highest happiness, but with the added meaning of going beyond existing frameworks and limits in order to reach an even higher happiness—surpassing the number nine. Member Fukuma Shin also stated the group's ambition to be known not only in Japan but also in the world.
Theater
Cloud ten has a dedicated theater located on the 6th floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, Tokyo. The theater was inaugurated on August 2, 2026 under the name "Cloud ten THEATER supported by みんなのチケット". The theater has a capacity of around 300 seats and functions not only as a venue for regular performances, but also as a place where fans can meet the members every day.
Debut Performance
Cloud ten officially held its debut performance titled "We're Cloud ten" on August 2, 2026 at Cloud ten THEATER. All of the approximately 300 seats in the theater were filled, marking a successful start for this new-generation male idol project. On the first day, 11 members performed a total of 16 songs with a performance concept that combined vocals, dance, and close interaction with the audience. Various group, unit, and solo performances successfully created a lively atmosphere throughout the concert.
Discography
Cloud ten has performed a number of songs in their theater performances. The following is the list of songs performed in the "We're Cloud ten" setlist at their debut performance:
We're Cloud ten served as the opening song that became the theme of their debut performance. Other songs performed included Kimi wa Kimi da, Taiyou no Katamukikata, Gomen Ai Koso Subete, Seishun Tandem, Yuuyake ga Itsumo to Chigatte Mieru, Paparazzi Onigokko, Tanin Kamen, Dress up, Kimi to Someday, An underwater flower, Bokutachi no Jiyuu, Tsugi ni Aeru Hi Made, Eyes on me!!, Shake＆Dance, and Colors of us.
Before the debut performance, when they were first introduced to the media, they immediately showcased three main songs that formed the basis of their audition evaluation, namely Sarigenai Mirai (さりげない未来)—the compulsory evaluation song of the training camp, Kimi to Someday (君とSomeday), and Gomen Ai koso Subete (ごめん 愛こそ全て).
Impact and Reception
The presence of Cloud ten captured public attention from the moment it was first introduced. As Yasushi Akimoto's first theater-based male idol project, the group has brought a breath of fresh air to the Japanese idol industry, which has long been dominated by female idol groups. With members' diverse backgrounds—from students at prestigious universities to a former chef and an athlete—Cloud ten offers a unique appeal that differs from typical idol groups.
The group is expected to make a major name for itself in the Japanese entertainment industry, with ambitions to be known not only domestically but also on the international stage. Their successful debut performance with a fully packed theater became an early positive indication for the group's future career path.
References
zetizens.id, "Cloud Ten, Grup Teater Idola Pria Pertama Bentukan Yasushi Akimoto Debut"
unicornfantasian.com, "Cloud ten: Grup Idola Pria Baru Besutan Yasushi Akimoto Resmi Diperkenalkan"
overseasidol.com, "Cloud ten Sukses Gelar Pertunjukan Teater dengan Setlist 'We're Cloud ten', Ini Daftar Lagunya!"
zetizens.id, "Fukuma Shin, Member Idol Group Cloud Ten yang Lagi Tren"
TEGAROOM. "Cloud Ten: Proyek Terbaru Yasushi Akimoto Resmi Diperkenalkan!"