Adapted from the English Wikipedia article J-Friends, available under CC BY-SA 4.0·Updated 30 November 2025 Japanese charity music group active 1997–2003
J-FRIENDS| Company type | Collaboration group |
|---|
| Industry | Music, Charity |
|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
|---|
| Founder | TOKIO, V6, KinKi Kids |
|---|
| Defunct | 2003 |
|---|
Area served | Japan |
|---|
| Products | Singles, EPs, Benefit concerts |
|---|
J-FRIENDS was a unique collaboration established in 1997 by the Johnny & Associates groups TOKIO, V6, and KinKi Kids with the purpose of generating financial support for educational institutions impacted by the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake. The group remained active until 2003, during which time they produced six singles and organized benefit concerts, ultimately contributing a total of 836,951,855 yen to the cause.
History
In response to the 1995 Hanshin and Awaji earthquake, which resulted in around 6,500 fatalities and the destruction of 513,000 residences, KinKi Kids, together with V6 and TOKIO, created J-FRIENDS in 1998 as a philanthropic initiative. Their musical efforts were dedicated to aiding those affected by the disaster, particularly children. The ensemble worked alongside internationally acclaimed artists such as Michael Jackson, Maurice White, Diane Warren, Elton John, Jon Bon Jovi, and Koshi Inaba for songwriting and production contributions. Their inaugural single, released on January 21, 1998, achieved sales exceeding one million copies and secured the 12th position on the yearly Oricon rankings.
EPs
Singles
Videos
