When it comes to young emerging artists from Japan, LIL LEAGUE from EXILE TRIBE (リル リーグ) is in the forefront with their electrifying performances, catchy songs and growing fanbase. The six-member group, made up of members SENA IWAKI, TATSUHIRO NAKAMURA, KODAI YAMADA, MATORA OKAO, HAIMA MOMODA and SORA NANBA, may be young, but their talents have dominated television, radio and commercials across Japan.
LIL LEAGUE continues to rise as one of Japan’s most exciting young acts, with new music and live performances planned for 2026. Ahead of the physical release of their second album, “NEOMATIC”, on 4th March (Wednesday), we spoke to the group as they shared about their new album, favourite tracks from the release and their plans for the year ahead. Keep reading to learn more:
Q. Hi guys, thanks for talking to Hype Malaysia! Since this is our first time talking, let’s start with learning more about LIL LEAGUE. Can you briefly share about the group’s history and how you guys were formed?
SENA IWAKI: We are a six-member group that was formed through iCON Z ～Dreams for Children～, an audition held in 2022 that attracted approximately 48,000 applicants. We won the Grand Prix at the final round of the audition and made our major debut in 2023.
TATSUHIRO NAKAMURA: We are a group that was formed through an audition called iCON Z ～Dreams for Children～ held four years ago. All of us can dance and perform while holding a microphone. For our live performances, the members proactively take part in the creative process, and while each member stands out as an individual, we also have strong unity as a group—making us a truly one-of-a-kind group.
Q. You’ve recently celebrated your third anniversary (11th January 2026). First of all, congratulations on your anniversary. What do you think has been the biggest change in your career since your debut?
KODAI YAMADA: Through my hobbies of songwriting and composing, as well as producing music for live performances, my motivation toward music itself has changed significantly. I spend a lot of time facing music through track production and similar work, so my knowledge and experience have naturally increased, and I’ve come to love music itself even more.
MATORA OKAO: The area where I feel the biggest change is our performance standard. Every time we appear at a live show or event, we practice with the goal of improving our performance. Since the audition days, we have thoroughly refined our choreography and held detailed discussions, always aiming to surpass our previous best. By not being satisfied with where we are and continuously working to make our performances better, I feel that our overall standard has naturally been raised.
Q. Let’s talk about your upcoming second album, “NEOMATIC”. Can you share a little bit about this album and the inspiration behind the release?
HAIMA MOMODA: I think this album represents us taking on new challenges, so I really hope everyone will fully enjoy the “New LIL LEAGUE”!!
SORA NAMBA: “NEOMATIC” is our second album, following our first album “TRICKSTER”, which was released two years ago. Similar to “Lollipop” from TRICKSTER, the lead track of this album, “LILMATIC,” also samples classical music. This time, we incorporated Beethoven’s “Für Elise”. The album was created with the concept of fusing hip-hop and classical music, and we took on new challenges not only in terms of sound but also visually. With “records” as a key item, we were also able to release our first-ever analogue vinyl edition.
Q. Can you guys share which is your favourite track from the album? And which one do you think fans should look forward to the most?
SENA IWAKI: “LILMATIC.” It’s a song that samples classical music, and just as the value of classical music never fades, no matter how times and trends change, we wanted to convey the message that our music, too, can continue to be sung and passed down for years without losing its colour.
TATSUHIRO NAKAMURA: “LIKE A MOVIE.” You can really immerse yourself in the light, upbeat sound, and when you listen to it, you feel just like the lyrics say—almost as if you’ve become the main character of a movie. I recommend playing it in the morning when you want to start something new.
KODAI YAMADA: “Wonder Island.” It’s the theme song of the tour we held at the beginning of the year, and I believe it’s a track that lets everyone feel both the anticipation for the album and the momentum of LIL LEAGUE in 2026.
MATORA OKAO: “刺激最優先”. The song starts with a classical sound, but what comes next is completely unpredictable. It features distinctive beat switches commonly used in hip-hop. With a structure unlike anything else, it’s truly “genreless.” I feel it gives listeners a completely new sensation, which is why it’s one of my favourites.
HAIMA MOMODA: “LILMATIC.” It’s the second song by LIL LEAGUE that samples classical music, and when you dig into the lyrics, it turns out to be a love song, which I think is really stylish!!
SORA NAMBA: “Forever Young ~Sora no Shita~.” This song is special to me because it was the first time we were involved in writing the lyrics. We spent an entire day discussing each line with EXILE SHOKICHI, who composed the song, carefully choosing every single word until it was completed. The entire creation process left a strong impression on me. The message is that when you look up, the same vast sky stretches above us, and no matter how far apart we are, we’re connected under that same sky. I think it’s a song that people of all ages can relate to. Rather than pushing someone forward, I’d be happy if it becomes a song that gently places a hand on someone’s back and stays close to them.
Q. You’re holding your live tour in January-February 2026 and starting the year off with meeting your fans. What can you share about the preparation, and what can the fans expect?
MATORA OKAO: LIL LEAGUE releases music without being bound to any single genre, and that has become one of our strengths. Because we recognised this, we were able to complete a tour that truly represents “LIL LEAGUE.” Through this tour, I hope everyone can feel the potential of LIL LEAGUE.
HAIMA MOMODA: This tour is promoted with the catchphrase, “This stage goes beyond the concept of a live performance,” so I hope everyone looks forward to seeing how we will transcend the conventional idea of what a live show can be!
Q. Being part of LDH and EXILE TRIBE means that you have many respectable seniors. I’m sure many of them have reached out and shared a few words of advice for your career. Was there a piece of advice that you remembered the most?
SORA NAMBA: During the iCON Z audition training camp, we had the opportunity to learn the warm-up exercises that EXILE members do before their live performances from a trainer. At that time, EXILE AKIRA was there, and he said to us—who were still struggling to keep up with the exercises—“Honestly, if you’re having a hard time with this, that means you’re being soft.” It felt like our level of determination and awareness was being called out directly. At the same time, it was a moment that made me strongly realise that we need to continue strengthening both our minds and bodies. Even now, I remember those words and use them to motivate myself.
TATSUHIRO NAKAMURA: It wasn’t from a senior artist, but during the audition, a dance instructor told me, “Live each day in a way that you wouldn’t regret even if you were to die tomorrow.” That phrase left a strong impression on me, and I want to continue cherishing that mindset going forward.
Q. Besides your music releases and live performances, you also showcase your musical talents through the “LIL PLAY” series on YouTube. Can you give an introduction to this series and share the inspiration behind its creation?
SENA IWAKI: We started this project because we wanted to deliver not only our own songs, but also timeless classics that are loved across generations to as many people as possible through our greatest strength—our voices. By performing the music ourselves, we’re able to bring out our own unique colour. It’s a meaningful project that expresses our respect for the music scene, with the goal of adding colour to people’s everyday lives through these classic songs.
MATORA OKAO: “LIL PLAY” was created from our desire to share music expressed through our strengths—singing and playing instruments—with people all over the world, and to let them purely enjoy music itself. We perform and cover well-known songs ourselves, always aiming to turn them into music that only LIL LEAGUE can create. It’s also something we do to further develop and refine our own musicality.
Q. Since we’ve entered a new year, I’m sure you guys have some resolutions and goals you’d like to achieve in 2026. Can you share what your plans are for the year ahead?
KODAI YAMADA: With 2026 being designated as “LDH PERFECT YEAR 2026,” and as we enter our fourth year since debut, we want to represent the younger generation not only in Japan but around the world, and create an era of LIL LEAGUE that brings many people together.
HAIMA MOMODA: We want to deliver the music of LIL LEAGUE not only to Japan, but to people all over the world!
Q. With plans to begin expanding your reach into Southeast Asia, what do you hope for the most when it comes to performing and promoting? Where would you like to visit?
MATORA OKAO: Even within Japan, the audience reactions during live shows vary by region, so I’m really excited to see how people overseas will react. I want to perform live in many different countries and learn a lot about each country’s unique characteristics! And of course, I want to eat lots of delicious food.
TATSUHIRO NAKAMURA: I absolutely love eating, so I’m really looking forward to asking about famous local foods and going out to try them!! I also enjoy taking walks while appreciating cityscapes that are different from Japan. I’d love to visit places like Singapore too!!!
Q. Can you share a few words for your fans in Malaysia?
SENA IWAKI: I can’t wait to go to Malaysia. Until then, we’ll continue polishing our performances, so when the day comes that we can spend time together, let’s share music together!
SORA NAMBA: Thank you always for your support. Even if our languages and countries are different, I truly feel that our hearts are connected through music! I’d be happy if our songs can be something that gently stays close to your hearts in your everyday lives, even just a little. When we finally get to meet in Malaysia someday, we’ll deliver those feelings with everything we’ve got through our live performance. We’d be really grateful if you continue to support us!
LIL LEAGUE’s second album, “NEOMATIC”, will be released physically on 4th March 2026 (Wednesday), with a digital release on 4th February 2026 (Wednesday).
