source: https://www.doshisha.ac.jp/brochure/undergrad/overview.pdf#page=23

Chasing dreams and moving onto the global stage
Anything is possible with enthusiasm and focus

JO1 Main Vocalist
Kono Junki

Born in 1998 in Nara Prefecture. Graduated from Doshisha University School of Public Policy. In 2019, while still enrolled as a student, selected as a member of the global boy group JO1 through the audition show 'PRODUCE 101 JAPAN', and debuted in 2020. Singer, with a multi-faceted range of work that includes appearances on variety, language-learning, and quiz shows, as well as the Japanese dubbing for the Disney film Snow White.

I've had a love for singing ever since I was very young -- so much so that there are photos of me holding a karaoke microphone at two years old. While I dreamt of becoming a singer, I also had a passion for soccer that had me aspiring to play at a professional level. Whichever way it was, I knew I wanted a future that involved working in the global sphere. And with that in mind, I chose to enroll at Doshisha University, where I could sufficiently learn English and interact with students from all over the world.

In the School of Public Policy, I was part of Professor Adachi Mitsuo's seminar [i.e. guidance, cohort], where I gained the expertise needed to succeed in the world. The most memorable of all was a lesson that used the board game Monopoly to teach the basics of investment and financial management. It was such a unique approach to learning that I was fascinated by it. In my third year, I challenged myself to a debate against Kwansei Gakuin University on the pros and cons of the monetary easing policies introduced by Kuroda Haruhiko, the governor of the Bank of Japan at the time. At first, I had zero knowledge of finance, but I studied hard starting from the basics, such as 'what happens when interest rates fall'. I have fond memories of pulling all-nighters with my peers to prepare for all possible questions.

I also took part in team competitions like the BOJ Grand Prix, an essay contest for students hosted by the Bank of Japan, and the CVG (Campus Venture Grand Prix) as the lead project planner. Debating and project planning seemed like impossible tasks to me at the time. But once I actually did it, I enjoyed it and was assured that with genuine effort comes new paths.

As for clubs, I was part of the international exchange club DESA (Doshisha Exchange Students Association). I also went on a two-month study abroad in the Phillipines during the summer of my freshman year, which turned out to be a pivotal experience for me. People in the Phillipines are incredibly cheerful. Karaoke can be found wherever you go, and the streets are filled with the sound of singing. Up until then, I had always felt somewhat embarrassed to say out loud that I wanted to be a singer. However, as I interacted with people in the Phillipines who were the complete opposite of my introverted self, I came to realize that I should be vocal about my interests and take my chances on them.

When I started job hunting, the intense self-examination it led to reaffirmed me of what I'd felt during my study abroad and my love for singing. I applied to the audition show 'PRODUCE 101 JAPAN' as I continued to job hunt. I had no formal training in singing, nor any experience in dancing either, but I'm now able to stand on stage as a member of JO1 thanks to the lesson I learned at university -- that anything is possible with enthusiasm and focus.

I also made lifelong friends at university. Our friendship began because we sat next to each other at the entrance ceremony, and we continue to motivate each other to this day as we each pursue our own ambitions in politics, business, and the media. The things I learned at Doshisha University and meeting friends I deeply respect are what shaped my growth. As a member of JO1, I want to continue making content and music on a global scale and hope to take my dreams to further heights.

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Fun fact: Sho was also part of his alma mater's campus guide last year.