Protostar (single)

Shortly after the end of Produce 101 Japan, JO1 was revealed to fly to South Korea for the preparation and the production of their debut.[1] On January 14, it was revealed that the group's debut single is titled "Protostar" with "Infinity" as the lead song, and a March 4 release date.[2] A concept trailer was released on January 28, 2020.[3] "Protostar" was released in three different editions. The first edition is a CD and DVD bundle limited edition that includes a making video for "Infinity" and a talk segment with members. The second edition is a CD and photo booklet bundle limited edition. The third edition is a normal edition that includes the other two new songs, "Running" and "La Pa Pa Pam".[4]

On February 3, 2020, a video teaser for the "Infinity" music video was released, followed by a short version and making video two days later.[5][6]The song was also aired for the first time on J-Wave's Step One.[7] On February 16, the full music video was released. Sho Yonashiro commented: "Protostar implies our wish that we, who were ordinary people, gather and become stars. And "無限大 (Infinity)" is a song that embodies the infinite possibilities and infinite growth of JO1."[8]

An animated music video for "Running" and a short performance video of "La Pa Pa Pam" were also released.[9][10]

To commemorate the single's release and their debut, a special live streaming event was held on the group's official Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube channel.[11]

"Infinity" is used as the theme song for TV commercial of ABC-Mart x Nike's project titled Nike One.[12] The song is also used as ending song for TV Asahi's show Sonna Koto Kangaetakoto Nakatta Quiz! Torinikku-tte Nanno Niku!? and Kansai TV's variety show Chihara Junior no Zao.[13]

On March 24, 2020, JO1 had their first live performance ever on a TV program by performing "Infinity" on NTV's morning show Sukkiri.[14]

The group delivered a special "home performance" of "La Pa Pa Pam" on Mezamashi Uchi Festival, a special episode of Fuji TV's Mezamashi TV due to COVID-19 pandemic on May 4.[15] The performance featured combined images of the members performing at their home and doing various activities at home.[16] Subsequently, the group performed remotely on various TV shows, such as Love Music and NHK's Shibuya Note.[17][18]

"Protostar" debuted at number 1 on Oricon's Daily Singles Chart with an estimate of 215,409 copies sold.[19] It remained at the top spot for seven consecutive days, and ranked number 1 on Weekly Singles Chart with 327,187 sold.[20] Subsequently, it ranked third on the Monthly Singles Chart.[21] All songs from the single charted on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 with the title song "Infinity" ranked first the week the single was released.[22] The single also topped Billboard Japan's Top Single Sales.[23]

Internationally, the single peaked at number 1 on iTunes's real-time album charts in five countries, such as Hong Kong and Taiwan in addition to Japan.[24]

According to SoundScan Japan, the single ranked seventh on their singles chart for the first quarter of 2020.[25] The single later received Platinum certification by the RIAJ for surpassing 250,000 copies sold.[26]

The single's continuous commercial success made JO1 included in various mid-year rankings. The group ranked eighteenth on Billboard Japan's 2020 Mid-Year Top Artists, a chart that combines points from Japan Hot 100 and Japan Hot Albums for the first half of 2020, and ranked eighth on 2020 Mid-Year Top Singles Sales.[27][28] They also ranked sixth on Oricon's Mid-Year Singles Sales and tenth on Total Singles Sales.[29][30] The group also ranked second on New Artist Total Sales ranking by earning an estimate of 640 million yen from one single alone.[31]

Credits adapted from QQ Music.