HYBE JAPAN is holding its largest-ever audition to recruit next-generation Japanese artists for the company's roster [1, 2].

The initiative signals an aggressive expansion of HYBE's footprint in the Japanese market. By seeking a new wave of local talent, the company aims to strengthen its presence in one of the world's largest music industries.

Applications for the auditions opened July 3, 2026, at 10:00 JST [1, 2, 3]. The recruitment window is scheduled to close Aug. 3, 2026, at 23:59 JST [1, 2, 3].

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have been born in 2006 or later [1]. The company is seeking individuals across Japan who are interested in being developed as professional artists under the HYBE JAPAN banner [1, 2].

This recruitment drive follows the success of existing groups and is designed to discover fresh talent capable of competing on a global scale. The process focuses on identifying performers who can integrate into the company's specific training, and production systems [1, 2].

Promotional materials for the event have included episodes featuring Harua, a member of the group &TEAM, to encourage potential applicants to take the first step toward a professional career [1].

“HYBE JAPAN is holding its largest-ever audition to recruit next-generation Japanese artists”

This massive recruitment effort indicates that HYBE is shifting from simply exporting K-pop models to Japan toward building a sustainable, locally-sourced artist pipeline. By targeting those born in 2006 or later, the company is securing a demographic that is digitally native and aligned with the current global pop music trajectory.