As the success of BTS shows no sign of slowing down soon, the K-pop sensation’s unprecedented breakout on the global stage is having an impact on the pop music scene in neighboring Japan.

According to a Yahoo Japan article published Friday, Naoshi Fujikura, president and CEO of Universal Music Japan, said BTS’ career has been a great motivation and he feels hopeful that J-pop artists have the potential to break through as well, including new group King & Prince.

(Universal Music Japan)

The six-member idol act marks the first group from Johnnys’ Universe, a collaboration between Universal Music Japan and Johnny & Associates. The label was launched in January, targeting the international stage.

This isn’t the first time a J-pop group has drawn inspiration from BTS.

(LDH Entertainment)

Earlier this year, another boy band BTZ, also known as Ballistik Boyz, garnered attention for striking similarities to BTS both in terms of number and name.

The similarity didn’t end there, as BTZ’s debut single was entitled “More Dream,” one word short of BTS’ first single, “No More Dream.”

Japan’s idol music scene is not alone in drawing heavy inspiration from K-pop. In 2009, Chinese boy band Ok-Bang made news due to its similarity to K-pop heavyweight Big Bang.

By Yim Hyun-su (hyunsu@heraldcorp.com)