ONE OR EIGHT Double Down on Their Roots With Culture-Driven Single ‘YANKEE SQUAT’
ONE OR EIGHT are leaning into identity, culture, and self-expression with their upcoming single “YANKEE SQUAT,” a track inspired by Japan’s yankee youth culture and the widely recognized “Asian squat” pose often seen in everyday street settings.
The group’s new release reframes a gesture frequently viewed as a stereotype and instead positions it as a symbol of community, belonging, and personal space. Alongside the unveiling of the single’s artwork, ONE OR EIGHT introduced “YANKEE SQUAT” as a bold statement rooted in their cultural background and evolving artistic direction.
Reframing Youth Culture
“YANKEE SQUAT” draws from the imagery of Japan’s rebellious youth culture, where the squat posture is commonly associated with casual street gatherings outside convenience stores, parking lots, and neighborhood hangouts. Rather than treating the gesture as something to outgrow, the group reinterprets it as a shared expression of comfort, identity, and camaraderie.
Built on a blend of Latin rhythms, hip-hop production, and the group’s signature edgy aesthetic, the track reflects the energy of summer nights spent in familiar places with close circles. The concept emphasizes how ordinary environments become meaningful through shared experience.
ONE OR EIGHT’s creative direction highlights how cultural symbols can be reshaped into modern storytelling tools. By centering the single on a recognizable yet often misunderstood gesture, the group positions itself within a broader conversation about identity and representation in global pop culture.
Global Growth and Identity
The release comes during a period of international expansion for ONE OR EIGHT, following their first live tour titled “GATHER,” which took them across 10 cities in North and South America. They also recently appeared at Billboard’s Global Power Players event in Tokyo, where they presented Avex executives Katsumi Kuroiwa and Brandon Silverstein with the Global Growth Award.
Despite their growing global footprint, the group’s approach with “YANKEE SQUAT” signals a deliberate focus on authenticity rather than adaptation. Instead of broadening their image to appeal to wider audiences, they are doubling down on the cultural specifics that define their identity.
The single serves as the first pre-release track from their upcoming EP “EN-GÏNE,” which explores themes of momentum, self-definition, and artistic drive. A newly released teaser suggests a larger conceptual world built around the idea of movement and connection.
At its core, “YANKEE SQUAT” reflects the group’s belief that global success does not require abandoning cultural roots. Instead, ONE OR EIGHT present identity as something consistent across borders, shaped by shared experiences and personal history.
The single is set for release on July 15.
