Salaryman Cheerleaders 'Cheer Re-Man's' Hold Largest Solo Performance Yet! Rehearsal Studio Interview Arrives!

Office workers take flight into the air.

With over 600,000 total followers across social media, the adult performance team 'Cheer Re-Man's' has become a sensation, appearing on TV programs, commercials, and major corporate events. Balancing their weekday lives as company employees with weekend performances, they continue striving to become Japan's premier performance team. Now, they're set to take on their largest solo performance to date at Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo and ORIX Theater in Osaka.

In June, we visited their rehearsal studio to speak with the Cheer Re-Man's members as they practiced for the upcoming show, asking them about their motivations and aspirations for this performance.

Cheer Re-Man's Interview

Interviewed Members: Akai, Mochizuki, Kōbara, Andō, Maruyama

— Watching your rehearsal, we were overwhelmed by the intensity and energy. Seeing people soar through the air like rockets made our hearts leap. On top of that, your smiles and voices radiate such positivity—it looks like so much fun! What drives you all to keep pursuing cheerleading even after becoming working adults?

Mochizuki: Of course, I absolutely love cheerleading. But even more than that, what excites me most is discovering just how big of an achievement we can accomplish together with my teammates. Looking back now, it might not necessarily have had to be cheerleading, but for us, cheerleading was the only path. The motivation to keep training comes from wanting to see everyone and push forward together. Having teammates who are seriously chasing their dreams alongside me, even while working full-time jobs, is what matters most.

Kōbara: Naturally, the presence of my teammates is essential, but this activity itself is incredibly stimulating. My job as a company employee is enjoyable too, but I can pretty much imagine where I'll be a year from now. With Cheer Re-Man's, I can't predict my future at all. When we first started, I never imagined we'd appear on TBS's morning variety show 'Ravit!' within six months, or that one or two years later we'd be competing on the UK's popular talent show 'Britain's Got Talent.' This solo performance is another unimaginable milestone. The fact that I can live such an exciting life is entirely thanks to this team. Being in an environment where I can pursue dreams with the best teammates possible is so inspiring that I'd never regret dedicating every spare moment outside of work to it. In fact, I'd regret not doing it now. That's how seriously every single one of us is committed.

Maruyama: I currently live in Fukuoka for work. During the week, I work there, then fly to Tokyo every weekend for rehearsals, returning Sunday evening. I do this because it's a challenge I can only undertake now. As Mochizuki said, it's a miracle to have gathered teammates who share such high energy and identical goals. It takes time and physical effort, but it doesn't feel like a burden at all. I'm truly enjoying this environment.

Andō: To add to that, I love the expressive aspect of cheerleading. Men in suits performing acrobatic moves—with incredible intensity. I find that form of expression uniquely compelling, something you don't see in other dance or theatrical performances.

Mochizuki: The high difficulty and thrill of whether a stunt will succeed or not is exciting. Each performance feels like taking a free throw in basketball—will it go in or not? Many of us love that moment when we launch someone into the air and it lands perfectly with a 'bang!'

Kōbara: Of course, we train rigorously to increase our success rate to 100 percent. Because of that effort, the moment a stunt succeeds brings a fresh joy and a deep sense of accomplishment from the bottom of our hearts. Sharing that moment with the audience is also wonderful.

Mochizuki: Cheerleading is generally associated with women, so people are often surprised when they hear men do it. But when they actually see us perform, their expressions change. Even those who initially watch from a distance end up saying, 'That was truly amazing!' after the performance. It's a sport that can shift people's perspectives, and experiencing those moments is one of its great appeals.

Kōbara: At our solo performance in Ikebukuro, an elderly man came up to us in tears, saying, 'I'm so glad I came.' That made me feel deeply that we did the right thing.

Mochizuki: On social media, we receive messages from people who are feeling pessimistic or going through tough times, saying our performances inspired them to keep going. That's when I truly feel the significance of what we're doing.

— While the flyers often get the spotlight in cheerleading, the base players are equally important in this team sport. Are there any of you who secretly want to fly?

Kōbara: Yes! I definitely want to fly.

Mochizuki: If possible, everyone wants to fly.

All: (Laughter)

Akai: I also wanted to fly when I first started. But after about a year, that desire faded. Because cheerleading isn't just about watching the person flying—it's a performance meant to be experienced as a whole.

Kōbara: Strictly speaking, we form three tiers: base, middle, and top, from bottom to top. Generally, we maintain the same positions we had in college. However, due to limited numbers, we sometimes take on new roles. For example, Mochizuki was a base in college but now serves as middle. How has that been?

Mochizuki: Since I used to be on the lifting side, the sensation is completely different. Before, I didn't fully grasp how difficult flying really was, so when a stunt failed, I'd wonder why.

Maruyama: You really thought that?

All: (Laughter)

Mochizuki: But once I actually became a middle, I truly felt the incredible skill of the base players supporting us. Changing positions gave me a chance to appreciate how each member contributes their unique strengths. It's because everyone is in their ideal role that the team functions so smoothly.

Andō: More than personal preference, your physique determines the most suitable position, and it's about giving your best in that role. Beyond cheer stunts, we also have members skilled in floor acrobatics or dance. Recently, as we've become more conscious of entertainment value, our options have expanded, and members are challenging themselves in various new ways.

Maruyama: Back in college, we tended to avoid dance and weren't very good at it. But now we're facing that challenge head-on, aiming to present a complete performance. We even rent dance studios on weekday evenings to practice.

Akai: Right now, there's a fitness training trend sweeping the team. Five or six of us even participated in 'Best Body Japan,' a nationwide fitness beauty contest. We enjoy strength training, it benefits the team, and it's all positive—plus, the higher we can lift our flyers directly correlates with our growing muscle mass.

— The vocal energy during performances is also captivating—the powerful, deep male voices add tremendous intensity. Is that something you consciously do?

Akai: Not particularly consciously—it just comes out naturally?

Mochizuki: At this point, it's more about encouraging ourselves.

Kōbara: While cheerleading is often seen as cheering on the audience, we're also constantly motivating each other. Today we repeated intense full run-throughs over and over—if we'd stayed silent, everyone would've hit their limit. But by shouting 'Let's go!' we're able to push past those limits.

What we do consciously is eye contact. Cheerleading involves inherent risks and can't be achieved with mere acquaintances. Within our trust, the flyer looks into the eyes of the lifter, the flyer makes eye contact with the middle. That strong bond of trust is what enables us to successfully execute stunts. It sounds cheesy to say out loud (laughter), but that's truly part of it.

— Cheer Re-Man's signature suit-clad performances are unforgettable. After all that jumping and flipping, don't the suits ever tear?

Maruyama: They stretch! We've never had one rip.

Kōbara: We wouldn't have made it this far without Uniqlo's highly stretchable 'Kandō Jacket' (laughter).

— What do you feel has been the best part of doing men's cheerleading?

Kōbara: Simply being part of this team right now.

Mochizuki: Before forming this team, Akai and I often questioned whether our lives were on the right track. We spent weekends just playing video games—just ordinary people with no particular purpose. Now, we're holding solo performances. Having teammates who share our vision, and knowing our efforts can inspire others—that's only possible because of cheerleading. I'm truly glad we took that first step and kept going.

Andō: Cheer Re-Man's has positively influenced many aspects of my life beyond the team. Of course at work, but also in always asking myself if I'm satisfied with the status quo and whether there's something I want to pursue, then taking action. I've developed a mindset that embraces continuous challenges. Seeing all my teammates giving their all is also deeply motivating.

Akai: Same here. And staying slim (laughter).

Maruyama: If anything, we're getting thinner.

Mochizuki: We're not aging either.

Kōbara: Anti-aging effects (laughter).

Akai: As mentioned earlier, it really comes down to my teammates. Sharing such intense passion and high goals with people you walk alongside is truly a blessing. These teammates are the most important thing in my life, and I credit cheerleading for creating this environment.

Mochizuki: Personally, I have two favorite moments. One is the atmosphere backstage right before the performance, after intense rehearsals. Everyone is listening to the music, fidgeting with excitement yet filled with fighting spirit. That moment when all our efforts finally come together—'Let's go!'—is something you'd never experience in ordinary life. The other is when we actually perform, launching someone into the air and nailing a difficult stunt. The instant when everyone is overwhelmed with joy releases adrenaline and creates an indescribable high.

— Finally, any message for our readers?

Akai: Men's cheerleading itself is quite rare. We want more people to know this kind of entertainment exists. Come see us—we guarantee you won't regret it!

Mochizuki: Around the world, there may be even more incredible acrobatic techniques. But when it comes to sheer energy and passion, we can proudly say no one can beat us. If you're struggling with something or have lost your motivation, please come see our show. We hope you can recharge your energy and think, 'If Cheer Re-Man's can work this hard, I can push forward a little longer too.'

Andō: We hope our performance moves your heart and leaves you with something meaningful. Even if you can't take immediate action, we hope it stays with you. Ordinary salarymen working weekdays and pouring their hearts into this every weekend—may that passion reach you.

Tickets on sale now!

For performance details and ticket information, visit the official website:

https://26live.cheerremans.co.jp

Performance teaser video:

https://youtu.be/2wl_VduZvbU

CTomoko Hidaki

What is Cheer Re-Man's?

Formed in June 2023 by alumni of Waseda University's men's cheerleading team.

The team name means 'cheering salarymen.'

'RE' signifies 'reboot'—returning to the stage after retirement and beginning new challenges.

Gaining international and domestic attention through a runner-up finish on the global audition show 'Britain's Got Talent,' performances at professional baseball and B.League games, the Volleyball World Championship, TV appearances, and commercials.

Performance Overview

Cheer Re-Man's Solo Performance

<Tokyo Performance>

Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026, 5:30 PM start

Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall A (Yurakucho)

<Osaka Performance>

Date: Monday, October 12, 2026 (National Holiday), 5:30 PM start

Venue: ORIX Theater

Performers: Cheer Re-Man's

[Ticket Prices (All Reserved Seats, Tax Included)]

S Seat: ¥7,500, A Seat: ¥5,400, B Seat: ¥3,900

VIP Seat: ¥14,500 *VIP Seat includes exclusive performance merchandise

<Tokyo Performance> Tickets: https://tickets.kyodotokyo.com/re-26live/

0570-550-799 (Weekdays 11:00–18:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00–18:00)

<Osaka Performance> Tickets: https://w.pia.jp/p/cheermans26kdsk/

General Sale Start: Saturday, May 16, 2025, 10:00 AM

※Children under 4 not admitted

※No refunds or cancellations after ticket purchase, except if performance is canceled

※Resale of tickets for profit is prohibited

※One ticket required per person

※Wheelchair users should purchase S Seats and contact the inquiry number below

※Merchandise for merchandise-included tickets will be distributed at the venue on the day

[Inquiries]

<Tokyo Performance> Kyodo Tokyo: 0570-550-799 (Weekdays 11:00–18:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00–18:00)

<Osaka Performance> Kyodo Information (Monday–Friday, except holidays, 12:00–17:00): 0570-200-888

Organizer: Kyodo Tokyo

Cooperation: Kyodo Osaka

Publicity: Kyodo Media