Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto and Travis Japan’s Genta Matsuda will grace the cover of anan’s March 25 issue (No. 2489), themed “Oshi Tabi 2026 Spring.” The two stars—currently co-starring in a new drama—appear together in what the magazine describes as a “buddy” cover, highlighting their almost brother-like chemistry.

For fans of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT groups, this pairing brings together two popular figures from different groups in a way that feels both fresh and natural.

A “Buddy” Cover with Brotherly Chemistry

The upcoming issue of anan features Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto and Travis Japan’s Genta Matsuda as they 表紙を飾る (hyōshi o kazaru)—“grace the cover” of the magazine.

The two are currently in 共演 (kyōen), co-starring in the Prime Video drama 「カラちゃんとシトーさんと、」 (Kara-chan to Shitō-san to,). Because of this shared project, their dynamic has already drawn attention. According to the report, the photo shoot unfolded with a sense of closeness that felt just like real brothers.

That natural vibe came about 岩本の“アニキ”力と松田の“愛され”力により Iwamoto no “aniki”-ryoku to Matsuda no “aisare”-ryoku ni yori “due to Iwamoto’s big-brother strength and Matsuda’s lovable charm.”

Notice the phrase 〜により (ni yori), a formal way to say “due to” or “because of.” We’ll look at that more closely in the learning section.

The result? A comfortable 距離感 (kyorikan)—a sense of emotional distance and closeness—that makes their partnership feel authentic rather than staged.

Three Scenes, Three Sides of Their Charm

The theme of the issue is 「推し旅 2026・春」 (Oshi Tabi 2026 Haru), meaning “Favorite (Idol) Trip 2026 Spring.” The word 推し (oshi) refers to the idol or celebrity you actively support—your personal favorite.

To match this travel-inspired theme, three different settings were prepared:

1. A Beachside Resort

In a resort scene inspired by the seaside, the two engage in playful 掛け合い (kakeai), or back-and-forth banter—even attacking each other with water guns. The word kakeai is often used for lively exchanges between comedians or close friends, so it perfectly captures this lighthearted mood.

2. An Asia-Inspired Scene

In a setting inspired by Asia, their expressions suggest a mysterious plan in the works. The tone shifts here, showing a different layer of their chemistry.

3. A Cool Night View

Against a stylish nighttime cityscape, the pair show a more mature side, striking poses that highlight their adult 色気 (iroke)—a word that means sex appeal or alluring charm.

From playful to cool, the photo spread presents multiple dimensions of their partnership.

Interview: Group Bonds and “Best Buddies”

The magazine also includes an interview where the two discuss what they consider a “great buddy pair” within their own groups. They talk about private life stories and share thoughts that reveal their deep affection for their respective groups.

In future issues, anan will also collaborate with their drama project, expanding this connection even further.

About the Drama: “Kara-chan and Shitō-san”

The Prime Video drama 「カラちゃんとシトーさんと、」 begins streaming on March 28.

Based on a manga by Mizuto Takano and Futon Chirashi, the story follows:

• Iwamoto as 加良木蒼（カラちゃん） (Karaki Ao, Kara-chan)
• Matsuda as 紫桃みちる（シトーさん） (Shitō-san)

Together, they 巡る (meguru)—travel around—various saunas across Japan, enjoying local gourmet food along the way.

The verb meguru is often used for going around multiple places, such as temples, cities, or sightseeing spots. It’s a great word to remember for travel conversations in Japanese.

Cultural Context: Why anan Covers Matter

anan is one of Japan’s most influential lifestyle and culture magazines. For idols, appearing on the cover—especially in a special feature—signals popularity and strong fan interest.

A “buddy” cover is particularly meaningful in Japan’s idol world. Fans love seeing natural chemistry between members of different groups, especially when it reflects real mutual respect. The idea of 距離感 (kyorikan)—the right emotional distance—is culturally important in Japan, where relationships are often subtly balanced between closeness and politeness.

And with the theme of 推し (oshi), the issue directly speaks to fan culture. Supporting your oshi is not just casual fandom in Japan—it’s an active, heartfelt commitment.

Learn Japanese from This Article

Key Vocabulary

Grammar Spotlight

1. 〜により (ni yori) — “due to; because of” (formal)

Structure: Noun + により

Example from the article: 岩本の“アニキ”力と松田の“愛され”力により、兄弟のような撮影となった。 Iwamoto no “aniki”-ryoku to Matsuda no “aisare”-ryoku ni yori, kyōdai no yō na satsuei to natta. Due to Iwamoto’s big-brother strength and Matsuda’s lovable charm, the shoot felt like that of real brothers.

More examples:

大雨により、イベントは中止になった。 Ōame ni yori, ibento wa chūshi ni natta. Due to heavy rain, the event was canceled.

2. 〜ながら (nagara) — “while doing”

Structure: Verb stem + ながら

Example inspired by the drama:

日本各地のサウナを巡りながら、グルメを味わう。 Nihon kakuchi no sauna o meguri nagara, gurume o ajiwau. They enjoy gourmet food while traveling around saunas across Japan.

More example:

音楽を聴きながら、勉強します。 Ongaku o kiki nagara, benkyō shimasu. I study while listening to music.

Useful Expression

兄弟のような距離感 Kyōdai no yō na kyorikan “A brother-like sense of closeness.”

You can adapt this pattern:

友達のような関係 Tomodachi no yō na kankei “A relationship like friends.”

Continue Learning

• Want to learn more about entertainment? Check out our lesson on Basic Vocabulary Building: Embracing Words Without Latin Ties.
• Working on your reading skills? Our Introduction to Kanji: Pictorial Foundations of Japanese Script lesson is a great next step.
• Struggling with loanwords like “リゾート” or “ビーチ”? Our Katakana Essentials: Adapting Global Words to Japanese will help you decode them naturally.

From playful water-gun battles to cool night scenes full of 色気 (iroke), this anan cover celebrates both friendship and fandom. It’s also packed with natural Japanese expressions you’ll see again and again in entertainment news.

これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.