The Monsters of P-pop Invade Japan: VXON Signs with Tokyo-Based PIA Corporation
The group sees this milestone as a “sign” to keep pushing.
The Monsters of P-pop are taking the Kalawakan beyond borders as they set their sights on Japan.
On July 23, VXON announced that they had signed an exclusive contract with Tokyo-based entertainment company PIA Corporation, marking a significant step in the group’s expansion into the Japanese market.
“VXON is a group with incredible energy and potential, and we are honored to be part of this new chapter,” PIA Corporation’s Board Director, Toshiro Kawabata, said in a video message shared with the media.
Kawabata, whose team discovered VXON during their Kalawakan concert last February 28, said they hope to create more opportunities for the members as they introduce their music to Japanese audiences. The Philippine Embassy also expressed its support, noting how the homegrown act’s milestone could further strengthen the vibrant cultural exchange between the two countries.
Looking back, VXON admitted they never expected a Japanese team to be in the audience during their concert. Prior to the show, they revealed that things behind the scenes were far from easy. Franz and Patrick shared that, like the rest of the group, they had been battling doubts about their future together, even considering stepping away to focus on their solo careers. “Hindi naman mawawala ‘yung gano’ng doubts and thoughts, lalong-lalo na mag-fa-five years na rin kami,” they said. Despite those uncertainties, VXON poured everything into the show for their fans, the Vixies. That set ultimately became their gateway to the Japanese entertainment industry. For VXON, it was a clear sign to keep pushing and believing in the path they had chosen.
“Isa po sa mga binigay sa amin ‘yung Japan, pero ang dami pa rin pong ibang blessings na after ng concert, sunod-sunod din talaga ‘yung iba pang mga ganap na binigay sa amin,” said Franz. “Parang sign po siya na, ‘Oh, kung iniisip niyo na tapos na ‘to, marami pang pwedeng mangyari, marami pang pwedeng opportunities na ibibigay sa amin.’”
As they prepare for their new chapter, VXON has been immersing themselves in Japan’s language and culture. With the help of coaches and translators, they hope to better connect with Japanese audiences both on and off stage. Enzo added that one thing most of the members are especially excited about is their new styling, having long admired the country’s looks.
With a promising future still ahead of them, VXON has a list of dream projects and collaborations they hope to pursue in Japan. Having grown up watching Doraemon, Sam hopes to one day record a rendition of the beloved anime’s theme song. Enzo, meanwhile, dreams of collaborating with J-pop girl group XG.
Beyond music, the members are just as excited to experience Japan together. Speaking to PARCINQ, Franz shared that he wants to heal his inner child with a trip to Tokyo Disneyland alongside his fellow members. Enzo hopes to hike Mt. Fuji, while Patrick wants to cross the iconic Shibuya Crossing with Sam, who, as he joked, will be somewhere up high taking his pictures. As for C13, he’d love to bring his VXON brothers to Osaka. These are just a few of the core memories that the members hope to create together — and that Vixies can look forward to witnessing.
It’s almost time to say “Konnichiwa” to VXON as they embark on this exciting new chapter. Their expansion into Japan is not just a major achievement for the group, but also another proud moment for P-pop as Filipino artists continue to make their mark on the global stage. As the boys teased, their Japanese debut could be happening sooner than we think — possibly before the year ends.
Until then, all eyes are on the Monsters of P-pop as they prepare to take the stage in Japan and prove once again that the Kalawakan has never been their limit.
Words by Geora Laine Mercene