Exile Tribe
Exile Tribe is a Japanese entertainment collective of male dance and vocal groups managed by LDH JAPAN, centered on the flagship group EXILE and focused on delivering music, performances, and inspirational content under the motto "Love + Dream + Happiness."[1][2] Formed as an extension of LDH's growth since its founding in 2003 by EXILE members, the collective unites artists to realize intergenerational dreams through entertainment, evolving from EXILE's debut in 2001 into a network of affiliated groups that collaborate on tours, releases, and events. Collectively comprising over 80 members across multiple groups.[2][3] Key groups within Exile Tribe include EXILE (the core nine-member vocal and dance unit), J Soul Brothers III from EXILE TRIBE (a seven-member R&B and dance group), GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE (a six-member pop and hip-hop ensemble celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022), THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE (a 16-member hip-hop styled group debuting in 2017), FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE (an eight-member group led by EXILE members Sekai and Taiki Sato), BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE (a seven-member global-aiming boy group emphasizing rap and dance), PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE (a seven-member unit debuting in 2022 to inspire courage through unique performances), EXILE THE SECOND (a dance-focused offshoot), LIL LEAGUE from EXILE TRIBE (a six-member young dance and rap group with an average age of approximately 18 as of 2025), and THE JET BOY BANGERZ from EXILE TRIBE (a Z-generation aspiring ensemble).[4][3][5][6][7][8][1][9][10] Notable for large-scale collaborations, such as the 2025 release EXILE TRIBE BEST HITS- featuring 84 members from 12 groups—the largest in its history—and dome tours like the 2021 event under the Exile Tribe name, the collective has influenced Japanese pop culture through hit singles, national tours, and international expansion efforts.[11][3]Overview
Formation
The term "Exile Tribe" was first introduced during the joint concert tour titled EXILE TRIBE Nidaime J Soul Brothers VS Sandaime J Soul Brothers Live Tour 2011Concept and management
Exile Tribe represents a collective of male dance-and-vocal artists under LDH JAPAN, embodying a "tribe" philosophy centered on brotherhood, shared artistic vision, and performance unity inspired by the flagship group EXILE. This framework emphasizes inheriting EXILE's ideas and beliefs, fostering a family-like bond among members across groups to promote collaborative creativity and mutual support in the entertainment industry.[7][6] Managed by LDH JAPAN, a comprehensive entertainment company founded in 2003 by original EXILE members including HIRO, the collective operates with releases primarily handled by Rhythm Zone, an Avex Group subsidiary specializing in rhythm and dance music. LDH JAPAN oversees talent scouting, training, and project coordination, ensuring alignment with the overarching mission of delivering "LOVE + DREAM + HAPPINESS TO THE WORLD" through a "Circle of Dreams" that connects generations and drives societal positivity.[16][3] The goals of Exile Tribe focus on nurturing new talent via mentorship from senior EXILE members, such as group leaders Sekai and Taiki Sato guiding younger acts, and promoting joint projects that amplify collective synergy over isolated success. This approach aims to expand the influence of J-pop and dance music globally by leveraging shared branding, like unified tours and collaborative singles, to build a sustainable ecosystem for artist growth. The concept has evolved to include the introduction of "Jr. Exile" in 2019 as a dedicated initiative for emerging younger talents, integrating them into the tribe's framework through projects like BATTLE OF TOKYO.[7][17]History
Inception and early years (2011–2013)
The Exile Tribe collective emerged under the management of LDH in 2011, with the branding first utilized during the "Nidaime J Soul Brothers VS Sandaime J Soul Brothers Live Tour 2011Expansion and Perfect Year (2014–2016)
In 2014, EXILE TRIBE launched the "EXILE TRIBE PERFECT YEAR 2014" as a comprehensive year-long campaign featuring collaborative events, music releases, and live performances across its member groups.[3] This initiative aimed to unite the collective's artists in high-profile joint activities, building on prior collaborative efforts. The campaign kicked off with the release of the single "The Revolution" on August 20, 2014, which debuted at number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, selling 321,879 copies in its first week. By year's end, it became the ninth best-selling single in Japan with total physical sales of 573,268 units.[21] The accompanying album, EXILE TRIBE REVOLUTION, followed on August 27, 2014, also topping the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart and ranking as the eighth best-selling album of the year in Japan. These releases marked a commercial peak for the collective, with "The Revolution" earning a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for over 250,000 physical shipments. Supporting the campaign, EXILE TRIBE embarked on the EXILE TRIBE PERFECT YEAR LIVE TOUR TOWER OF WISH 2014Recent developments (2017–present)
Following the successes of the Perfect Year era, Exile Tribe expanded its roster with several new groups in the late 2010s. In 2017, The Rampage from Exile Tribe made their major debut with the single "Lightning" on January 25, marking them as the sixth group under the collective.[6] This was followed by the debut of Fantastics from Exile Tribe on December 5, 2018, with their single "OVER DRIVE," which topped the Oricon daily chart and earned them the Best 5 New Artist award at the Japan Gold Disc Awards.[7] In 2019, Ballistik Boyz from Exile Tribe released their debut album in May, achieving the first number-one debut album among groups launching in the Reiwa era on the Oricon charts.[8] That same year, LDH launched the Battle of Tokyo project, forming the Jr. Exile collective comprising Generations from Exile Tribe, The Rampage, Fantastics, and Ballistik Boyz to foster collaboration among these emerging acts.[17] The period from 2020 to 2023 brought significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted live events across the collective. LDH canceled or postponed over 165 performances in the LDH Perfect Year 2020 series, including major tours, as a precautionary measure amid rising infections and government restrictions.[26][27] Despite these setbacks, the collective held the EXILE TRIBE LIVE TOUR 2021 "RISING SUN TO THE WORLD" dome tour from February to May 2021, featuring EXILE, J Soul Brothers III, Generations, The Rampage, Fantastics, and Ballistik Boyz. New talent emerged, with Psychic Fever from Exile Tribe debuting in July 2022 as the seventh group, emphasizing global aspirations through their multilingual performances.[1] In 2023, LDH introduced the NEO Exile initiative, drawing from the iCON Z audition to debut four youth-focused groups: Lil League on January 11 with "Hunter"; and on August 23, Kid Phenomenon with "Wheelie," The Jet Boy Bangerz with "Jettin'," and Wolf Howl Harmony with "Sweet Rain," all officially joining the Exile Tribe banner.[9][28] From 2024 onward, Exile Tribe navigated key member transitions while emphasizing continuity. Performer Keiji Kuroki's graduation from Exile and Exile the Second, announced in June 2022 and effective October 31, 2022, prompted ongoing adjustments in group dynamics and leadership.[29] Actor Nobuyuki Suzuki graduated from Gekidan Exile on December 31, 2023, shifting to solo pursuits while remaining with LDH.[30] In 2024, actor Shintaro Akiyama departed Gekidan Exile and LDH on February 29, further reshaping the theater wing.[31] Performer Mandy Sekiguchi graduated from Generations from Exile Tribe and Exile, leaving LDH on June 25, 2024, to pursue independent endeavors.[32] Amid these changes, the collective released its first digital single in eight years, "AKANEGUMO," on September 27, 2024, featuring members across generations to celebrate unity.[33] This track served as the theme for LDH LIVE-EXPO 2024 -EXILE TRIBE BEST HITS-, a major reunion concert held October 26-27, 2024, at Yanmar Stadium Nagai, where all active Exile Tribe groups performed hit songs in a member-produced format, drawing over 100,000 attendees.[34] A video release of the event, featuring 84 members from 12 groups, was issued on March 19, 2025.[11] In response to the streaming era's rise, Exile Tribe has adapted by prioritizing digital releases and online engagement, as seen with "AKANEGUMO" and virtual fan events during pandemic restrictions. Veteran members have increasingly focused on mentorship, guiding NEO Exile and Jr. Exile acts through transitions like graduations, ensuring the collective's evolution while preserving its dance-and-vocal heritage.[33]Member groups
Core groups
The core groups of Exile Tribe form the foundational backbone of the collective, established under LDH management to embody the agency's vision of dance and vocal synergy, with Exile serving as the central mentor figure influencing the tribe's collaborative performances and tours.[3] Exile, formed in 2001, debuted on September 27 with the single "Your eyes onlyJr. Exile and NEO Exile
Jr. Exile was established in 2019 as a collective within Exile Tribe focused on developing emerging dance and vocal talents through collaborative projects and training programs under LDH JAPAN.[37] It comprises three seven-member groups: the Fantastics from Exile Tribe, formed in 2018 with a emphasis on synchronized dance and vocal performances led by members from EXILE; the Ballistik Boyz from Exile Tribe, debuted in 2019 blending hip-hop and street dance elements; and Psychic Fever from Exile Tribe, launched in 2022 highlighting high-energy choreography and international influences drawn from LDH's global auditions.[7][1] These groups participate in joint initiatives like the Battle of Tokyo series, which began with the album BATTLE OF TOKYODiscography
Albums
Exile Tribe's primary studio album, Exile Tribe Revolution, was released on August 27, 2014, by Rhythm Zone, featuring collaborative tracks from core groups such as EXILE, EXILE ATSUSHI, and EXILE TAKAHIRO, alongside E-girls, highlighting the collective's unified musical direction with songs like "THE REVOLUTION" and "Exile Pride| Album Title | Release Date | Peak Oricon Position | First-Week Sales | Total Sales/Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exile Tribe Revolution | August 27, 2014 | #1 | Not specified | 333,998 (2014); RIAJ Platinum (250,000 shipments) |
| Battle of Tokyo: Enter the Jr. Exile | July 3, 2019 | #3 | 69,979 | 75,090 |
| Battle of Tokyo: Time 4 Jr. Exile | June 23, 2021 | #3 | 40,156 | Not specified |
| BATTLE OF TOKYO Jr.EXILE vs NEO EXILE | August 7, 2024 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| BATTLE OF TOKYO | November 27, 2024 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| DJ Kaori × Exile Tribe Mix | March 20, 2013 | #7 | 12,296 | Not specified |
| Exile Tribe Perfect Mix | June 18, 2014 | #7 | Not specified | Charted 11 weeks |
Singles
Exile Tribe has issued a limited number of singles under the collective name, primarily physical releases during the group's early years and a recent digital entry. These singles often served as lead-ins to major tours or compilation albums, featuring collaborations across member groups.| Title | Release Date | Oricon Peak | Reported Sales | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24karats Tribe of Gold | September 5, 2012 | 2 | 203,584 | — | Debut single; featured EXILE and Sandaime J Soul Brothers; included on Exile Tribe Revolution.[52][20] |
| Burning Up | July 10, 2013 | 1 | 287,874 | Platinum (physical) | Collaboration between Sandaime J Soul Brothers and Generations from Exile Tribe; first number-one single for the collective; included on Exile Tribe Revolution.[53][54] |
| The Revolution | August 20, 2014 | 1 | 573,268 | 2× Platinum (physical) | Released ahead of the Exile Tribe Revolution album; part of the Perfect Year 2014 project and Tower of Wish tour; ninth best-selling single of 2014 in Japan.[55][56][57] |
| Rising Sun to the World | January 1, 2021 | 2 | 52,471 | — | Tied to the EXILE TRIBE LIVE TOUR 2021; ranked 83rd on Oricon's 2021 yearly singles chart.[58][59] |
| AKANEGUMO | September 27, 2024 | — | Digital only | — | First major digital single as a collective, issued to promote the LDH LIVE-EXPO 2024 -EXILE TRIBE BEST HITS- event.[33][60] |