On September 23, Japanese trio Number_i released their latest EP REBON/BUGS LIFE/DIGITAL GIRL, which marked the start of a new chapter for the group.
Since their debut in 2024, Number_i have embraced an exciting, futuristic sound that has made them stand out in the busy musical landscape. Their debut single “GOAT” achieved a No. 1 debut on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 Chart, and sold over 481,000 copies in its first week. Just a few months later, the group participated in the 88rising Futures showcase at Coachella.
Now in 2026, Number_i have achieved many more career milestones that are being celebrated by their growing global fanbase. The group signed with Atlantic Records, as well as WME for international activities. In addition, Number_i started their Japan Dome tour, “Number_i LIVE TOUR No.III,” which will feature headlining performances across the five major domes through January.
REBON/BUGS LIFE/DIGITAL GIRL is Number_i’s second EP released this year, packed with experimental electronic sounds themed around the digital world. The project includes the new single “DIGITAL GIRL,” which pokes a little bit of harmless fun at online culture. While finding real love through the cyberspace might seem hopeless to some, Number_i believes it’s possible!
Number_i members Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi shared some exciting facts about the EP, and why this is a great introductory listen for those who are just getting acquainted with the band!
What are some of the main messages you hope to convey through ‘REBON/BUGS LIFE/DIGITAL GIRL’?
We tried a “digital” soundscape, and since this is our first EP after signing with Atlantic Records, it also serves as a self-introduction. Even though it has a small number of tracks, it’s packed with all different facets of Number_i’s identity and everything about who we are.
What made you choose the Y2K visuals and concept of “DIGITAL GIRL”?
It’d be a lie to say we didn’t like it (laughs). It has a nice, relaxed vibe in a good way, and it feels like a world and style that really fits us. It’s not too old-fashioned, and since it’s close to our own generation, there’s both authenticity and a sense of familiarity to it.
You were in Los Angeles earlier this year working on “DIGITAL GIRL.” How did this trip help shape the rest of the project?
We just tried our absolute best (laughs). All three of us are pretty shy to begin with, and the pace of work was completely different from the style we’d been used to over the past three years. We’re the type to let things sit—experimenting once, sleep on it, sleep on it, sleep on it, listen back, make revisions, sleep on it again, revise, and listen one more time. So if you ask whether that fast pace was tough, it was, but it was also really stimulating. It was a huge learning experience, and it made us realize that this kind of speed is really important too.
Is there anything in particular you would like to say to fans who are being introduced to Number_i for the first time through this EP?
It’s really our self-introduction. I’d love for people to look up the lyrics. While “DIGITAL GIRL” includes English, the other songs are in Japanese, so if listeners look them up and discover what we’re saying, I think they’ll come to love us even more.