It was a fiercely sunny day on 4 February in Bangkok, Thailand, but people still flocked early to the CentralWorld complex and stood their ground against the sweltering heat in eager anticipation of the afternoon’s festivities, many using their uchiwa – large paper fans typically brought to cheer for idols at live events – for a more practical purpose. This was because, three years after they first appeared on the Japan Expo Thailand stage, two members of the popular boy band Snow Man had finally made their way back to greet international fans again. 

Leader Hikaru Iwamoto and Thai-Japanese member Koji Mukai, known fondly as the “Iwamoto Brothers” due to their particular closeness, spent half an hour entertaining the crowd by playing traditional games and answering questions about their return to the Land of Smiles. It was a simple session, but they made it more than worth the time with their warm enthusiasm on stage and how well the played off each other’s charms. 

Prior to the show, Bandwagon had the chance to sit with them for an exclusive video interview, where we got to talk more about their trip and overall journey as Snow Man. From the moment they entered the room until after we concluded our chat, we also got to experience first-hand the good-natured humour and warmth that continues to endear them to fans – Iwamoto even attempted to lend a hand during set up, and Mukai saved us from a blunder by uncapping our camera lens when we forgot.  

“I’ll be asking the questions in English,” I informed them in my simple Japanese after our introductions. “Sugoi! (Awesome!)” Mukai exclaimed and cheekily responded, “I will be answering in Japanese.” He's known for his bright personality and quick humour, but he appeared extra invigorated with confidence this time.  

Given the format, the questions we got to ask were simple and quick, but the two of them answered each one earnestly, and openly showed their delight when we brought up things such as their brotherly bond and the (in)famous Golden Sakuma, the latter of which even got Iwamoto to bounce from his seat in excitement. As we were aware of their superstar status, we had expected that they would somehow feel much larger than life, but the keenness and ease with which they approached this interview made it feel like we were just talking to two regular guys. 

Their heights were a different matter altogether, though, and we had to readjust a couple of takes to fit them into frame while standing. They naturally accommodated these in good spirits. 

“Let’s do it once more? OK,” Iwamoto had smoothly said the first time, and stood back up to demonstrate his choreography as we moved the cameras farther. “Come back, camera,” Mukai then called out in English after that was done, Iwamoto miming a pulley to support his command. “Sorry, you’re too tall,” I would say during the second instance, and they respond by splitting downwards in a joking attempt to make it into frame. 

All in all, Iwamoto and Mukai’s eagerness to meet their fans could be felt throughout the interview, and from the moment we spoke to them up to the time we watched them on stage that day, their infectious charm did not wane. In the end, the brutal Bangkok heat was no match for the Iwamoto Brothers’ dazzling presence. As they have expressed, the hope is that all nine of Snow Man would get to melt the hearts of even more fans around the world in the years to come. 

Watch Bandwagon’s interview with Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto and Koji Mukai below:

Hi, guys! How does it feel to be back in Thailand and meet international fans here again after three years?

Mukai: Since it is my mother's native land, I am happy to be able to come to Thailand. Not just a trip, but I am happy that I can come with the members for a gig. I feel the warmth of Thai people. That makes me feel like coming every year.

Iwamoto: The last time we came here three years ago, in a good sense, it felt very chaotic. It was like, “Ah, we’re in Thailand! Ah, we’re going to perform here! Hello, everyone in Thailand! Wow!!!” Like that. But this time we received many messages through social media and we got an impression that there are many fans looking forward to seeing us. I'm really happy to be able to come here under the circumstance.

Tiktok dance challenges are huge in Japan and Southeast Asia. Which Snow Man dance move would you love to go viral in the region?

Mukai: Mr. Iwamoto?

Iwamoto: What do you think? ‘JUICY’? The chorus dance for our song titled ‘JUICY’. I choreographed this one. 

Fans know you as the "Iwamoto Brothers (岩本兄弟)" because of your close relationship. What do you like best about each other?

Mukai: Sometimes it looks like there is a wall. He seems cold but actually he is sweet, like Kamatte-chan, off-the-scale sweet. There is a huge gap between his aloofness and his sweet nature. I feel very comfortable being with him.

Iwamoto: Well, for me, he is a year younger. He acts like a little brother and cute. He acts a bit like a spoiled kid, but as his hobby, he takes pictures. He captures faces of our members. He can capture many aspects of good expressions of the members. I think, because he has a good sense of style. And also he does Thai boxing. I like that he can do action scenes.

Mukai: While we are in Thailand… Usually he is a big bro and I am a little bro. But while we are in Thailand, since I can speak Thai, I feel like the big bro and he is the little bro, and I really enjoy it.

We heard Mukai-san taught Iwamoto-san some Thai in preparation for this trip. Iwamoto-san, could you share with us your favourite Thai word or phrase?

Iwamoto: My favourite word is "chai". Chai khrup. 

Mukai: He says this everyday. Chai khrup! If I say something… Chai khrup!

Iwamoto: It’s not just a filler word but frank...

Mukai: Thai language is very cute.

Iwamoto: I agree.

You've just celebrated your third debut anniversary. What are Snow Man's major goals in the next three years?

Iwamoto: Well, regarding Snow Man, not just among ourselves, a lot of our members cherish the time with fans, I think that everyone does. So, live concerts in a large venue where we can party with many people. Not limited to Japan. Maybe Thailand or Asia, I would like to try overseas concerts, too.

Mukai: Yeah.

Iwamoto: Chai.

Mukai: One of our members, Raul, recently modelled for Paris Fashion Week. We have a lot of members working around the world. Keeping these connections with fans in mind, thanks to the fans, we can work in Thailand. Maintaining the connections, I would like to keep having fun in future. At most, we cherish the fans' smiles, and we would like to let loose at live concerts again. I think it's the future of Snow Man.

Speaking of three years, the Golden Sakuma which was finally revealed during the Christmas YouTube live was a huge hit. If you were to make your very own version of that golden statue to commemorate a Snow Man milestone, what pose would the Golden Iwamoto and Golden Mukai have? 

Mukai: Maybe the OK ear pose? OK cuff! Everyone, try "OK cuff!" I would like everyone in the world to try. Bring the OK sign to your ear, then say "OK cuff!" Please try.

Iwamoto: I was on SASUKE. I think it's called Ninja Warrior outside of Japan. We often use the word "Junsaka" in the show. Holding a bar with a pronated grip and a supinated grip. It's often used in Japanese. If I get a chance to have Golden Iwamoto made, I would like it to be with "Junsaka".

Can you each describe your journey as idols so far in one English word?

Iwamoto: “Dream”. Going on a journey thinking of something I dream of being and experiencing. It’s not just me chasing the dream, but our members or the fans… my dream becomes our dream. Children who see the dream develop their dreams. A boy who had a dream becomes one who gives dreams to someone else. Some types of entertainment, Japanese idol culture has that charm, I think.

Mukai: For me, it’s "dream".

Iwamoto: I just said that.

Mukai: Oh, is that the same thing?

Iwamoto: That's OK.

Mukai: I would say dream or happiness… I don't know… Fans and everyone have a good relationship, and we have our dream, also all the fans would dream of where we are going. Since it's important to have a goal, aiming for the top without being lazy, I would like to do my best as one of the members. Should I say dream, or rather would it be “challenge”? I will change my answer to “Challenge”.

Snow Man has many fans around the world, especially in Asia. Please give a message to your international fans. 

Iwamoto: Thank you for supporting Snow Man using social media and in various ways. We really appreciate it. I believe there will be a chance to have fun with everyone in person. Looking forward to the time, please wait and keep dancing to Snow Man's tunes.

Mukai: Same here.

Iwamoto: Stop it.

Mukai: Is that not OK?

Iwamoto: Since it's a good chance...

Mukai: For us, within Asia, I think, there are people who know us; also there are a lot people who don't know us yet. To reach as many people as possible as Snow Man, I would like to do my best. I would try my best everyday to reach as many people as possible with our songs, performances and our nine members' worldview. We look forward to your continued support.

Check out Iwamoto and Mukai's segment at Japan Expo Thailand: