Neko is a special project unit formed during the concept battle stage of PRODUCE 101 JAPAN: Shin Sekai, captivating audiences with the performance of the original song “Neko”(2026) Inspired by the playful, mysterious, and mischievous charm of cats, the stage combined catchy melodies, dynamic choreography, and expressive storytelling to create one of the competition’s most memorable performances. The seven-member team consisted of trainees YOSHIKI (Yoshiki Yada), KO.REN (Ren Koshimizu), K.DAIKI (Daiki Kato), OSUKE (Osuke Tsuchida), S.AYUMU (Ayumu Shinogaya), HYUNJAE, and Y.SHU (Shu Yamashita). Bringing together diverse talents and personalities, the members showcased their versatility through a concept that balanced cute appeal with a confident, teasing attitude. Their chemistry on stage and attention to detail helped transform the performance into a fan favorite, earning praise for its polished execution and strong visual identity. “Neko” highlights the competitive spirit and creative growth at the heart of the PRODUCE 101 JAPAN series, where trainees are challenged to adapt to new musical styles while demonstrating their individual strengths. The song’s feline-inspired concept allowed the members to explore playful performance techniques while delivering memorable vocals and synchronized choreography.