WACK have eliminated ASP member NAMELESS on day one of the agency’s final joint audition camp, removing the only current WACK member to take part following the announcement that all groups except MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN will disband within 2026.
Beginning on Iki Island in Nagasaki, the audition camp, WACK’s first in three years, runs from March 22nd to March 28th as the agency closes what WACK director Junnosuke Watanabe, who returned to the role earlier this year, has described as “WACK Chapter 1”. Participants are competing for a place in WACK’s structure beyond 2027.
The week-long camp comes at a turning point for the company, which has struggled to mirror the success of earlier groups such as BiSH, which disbanded in 2023. Watanabe told participants that WACK’s previous approach no longer works, outlining a focus on long-term, consistent work in English, singing, and dance. He linked this to his time living in London, where he said he became more aware of the gap between WACK and global standards set by acts working at a higher level, including K-pop artists.
RELATED: Junnosuke Watanabe declares “defeat” as he confirms WACK groups will disband or depart in 2026
The first contestant to be eliminated was NAMELESS, who entered through a seeded slot open to current and former WACK members. No other current or former members ultimately participated, with two scheduled candidates withdrawing before the camp began.
Her exit came at the end of the opening day, following an English test, a surprise a cappella singing assessment, and an extended interview with Watanabe. NAMELESS struggled to complete the assigned song and came under criticism over her preparation, with Watanabe announcing that she would be the sole day one elimination.
In a 2024 interview with Electric Bloom Webzine, Watanabe described ASP as the group closest to becoming BiSH’s successor. NAMELESS stepped back from ASP in early 2025 due to health issues, returning in July, before the announcement later that year that WACK’s existing groups would be dismantled. ASP were also the only WACK group to sign with a UK-based label, JPU Records, and had been central to the agency’s activity in London, including appearances across all six WACK in the UK showcases.
Alongside NAMELESS, the opening-day lineup featured Babychang, sayu, SAURi, Umimura Yuki, Tsuchino Usagi, RiNARiNA, Winker Single, HANANOANA, Coco Party Doco, RYUUSEiKO, Rebechi Ngale, Yobu Yobu Yobu, Genjitsu Yua, Mutilder Single, mahoho, Rioncity, HiMAHiTO, Kaero Ouchi, nyu-ki, Tate Mae, and Chan PP Maika. All listed participants, apart from NAMELESS, are using audition names that parody existing WACK idols.
On the first day, candidates were told to set realistic personal goals and were tested on work they had been informed about in advance, particularly English. In the surprise vocal round, only six participants — HANANOANA, RYUUSEiKO, Genjitsu Yua, mahoho, Tate Mae, and Chan PP Maika — managed to sing through a full verse and chorus when called on.
Watanabe indicated that the current process is focused on identifying candidates willing to commit to long-term development rather than immediate results.
As with past editions, the audition camp is being broadcast in full on Nico Nico Live, including evaluations, meals, and overnight monitoring.
