Step and a Step

NiziU was formed through the audition program, Nizi Project by JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan, and is the first Japanese group to be managed by JYP.{{cite web|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/05/20/kpop/nizi-project-japan-jyp-entertainment/20200520172700171.html|title=JYP Entertainment's "Nizi Project" is coming to YouTube|last=So-yeon|first=Yoon|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=May 20, 2020|access-date=August 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520165410/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/05/20/kpop/nizi-project-japan-jyp-entertainment/20200520172700171.html|archive-date=May 20, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/384970|script-title=ja:「Nizi Project」発グループがプレデビューミニアルバム発売決定、秋にメジャーデビュー|trans-title='Nizi Project' group will release pre-debut mini album, major debut in autumn|website=Natalie|date=June 26, 2020|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704145354/https://natalie.mu/music/news/384970|archive-date=July 4, 2020|url-status=live}} The group released its pre-debut EP Make You Happy in June 2020, which peaked at number one on both Oricon's digital album's chart and Billboard Japan{{'}}s Hot Albums chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200713000663|title=Exporting the template: K-pop agencies' overseas idol projects yield solid results|website=Korea Herald|date=July 13, 2020|access-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520165410/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/05/20/kpop/nizi-project-japan-jyp-entertainment/20200520172700171.html|archive-date=May 20, 2020|url-status=live}} Following the commercial success of Make You Happy,{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2020/09/732_295580.html|title=K-pop groups without Koreans|last=Dong|first=Sun-hwa|work=The Korea Times|date=September 7, 2020|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913031652/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2020/09/732_295580.html}} NiziU announced the release of their debut Japanese single titled "Step and a Step".{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/92810/2|script-title=ja: NiziU、デビューシングル発売決定 「みなさんを明るく！元気にできる新曲を」|trans-title=NiziU to release debut single : 'Brighten everyone! New songs that can energize'|work=Billboard Japan|date=October 2, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130122915/http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/92810/2}} Solo jacket album photos for group members Mako, Rio, and Maya, were released simultaneously on October 10. An online autograph session was announced the same day in which NiziU members would fulfill requests from fans.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/400030|script-title=ja: NiziUデビューシングルのソロジャケット3種公開、オンラインサイン会開催決定|trans-title=NiziU debut single solo jacket released, online autograph session decided|website=Natalie|date=October 10, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012101958/https://natalie.mu/music/news/400030}} Album jacket photos featuring Riku, Ayaka, and Mayuka, were released on October 11, followed by photos of all members on October 12.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/400134|script-title=ja: NiziU、デビューシングル付属DVDにMV別バージョンやビジュアル撮影の裏側収録|trans-title=NiziU, debut single attached DVD with MV version and behind-the-scenes recording of visual shooting|website=Natalie|date=October 11, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130122916/https://natalie.mu/music/news/400134}}{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/400202|script-title=ja: NiziUデビューシングルの詳細発表、メンバーソロジャケットすべて公開|trans-title=Details of NiziU debut single released, all member solo jackets released|website=Natalie|date=October 12, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=October 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014095431/https://natalie.mu/music/news/400202}} In lead-up to the release of the single, an online collaboration campaign between NiziU and Lawson Store began in early-November.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/401388|script-title=ja: NiziU×ローソンキャンペーンが11月にスタート、オンラインミーグリほか特典多数|trans-title=NiziU x Lawson campaign started in November, online Meguri and many other benefits|website=Natalie|date=October 20, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101060905/https://natalie.mu/music/news/401388}} Despite participating in the recording of the single and appearing in the music video, Miihi was absent from the dance choreography portion and promotions for the single due to going on hiatus for health problems from October to December 2020.{{cite news | url=https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/news_society/articles/000196401.html | title=「NiziU」メンバー ミイヒが体調不良で活動休止 | language=ja | work=TV Asahi News | date=October 23, 2020 | accessdate=March 12, 2023 }}{{cite news | url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2179797 | title=休養のNiziUミイヒ、体調回復で「活動を徐々に再開」 インスタで感謝伝える「大好きです」 | language=ja | work=Oricon | date=2020-12-20 | accessdate=2022-04-25}}

On November 25, 2020, "Step and a Step" was pre-released as a digital single on various online music portals in conjunction with the accompanying music video.{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/94557|script-title=ja: NiziU、新曲「Step and a step」のMV公開 うさぎダンスに注目|trans-title=NiziU releases music video for new song 'Step and a step' Focusing on rabbit dance|work=Billboard Japan|date=November 25, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125014632/http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/94557}} The CD single was officially released on December 2, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/398902|script-title=ja: NiziU、デビューシングル「Step and a step」12月2日にリリース|trans-title=NiziU releases debut single "Step and a Step" on December 2nd|website=Natalie|date=October 2, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008160526/https://natalie.mu/music/news/398902}} The physical version is available in four different limited editions: Regular Edition, First Press Limited Edition A and First Press Limited Edition B, and Fan Club Edition (With U Limited Edition). Edition A comes with a CD and a DVD containing the music video of "Step and a Step" and the making of album jacket photos. Edition B contains a CD and a 28-page booklet while the regular edition includes only the CD. All three versions contain "Step and a Step" as A-side and three other tracks "Joyful", "Sweet Bomb" and "Make You Happy" as B-side. The fanclub edition comes with the CD featuring only "Step and a Step" and "Joyful".{{cite web|url=https://aramajapan.com/news/musicvideo/niziu-release-music-video-for-debut-single-step-and-a-step/110248/|title=NiziU Release Music Video for Debut Single 'Step and a step'|website=Aramajapan|date=November 25, 2020|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125034048/https://aramajapan.com/news/musicvideo/niziu-release-music-video-for-debut-single-step-and-a-step/110248/}}

"Step and a Step" has lyrics written by Kentz, Yui Kimura, and Park Jin-young, with the latter also serving as the composer. Park Jin-young produced the track alongside Lee Hae-sol.{{cite web|url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/162355249/credits|title=Step and a step - NiziU|publisher=Tidal|date=November 25, 2020|accessdate=November 27, 2020|archive-date=November 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130122915/https://listen.tidal.com/album/162355249/credits|url-status=live}} A youthful and energetic pop song with an "addictive" rhythm, its lyrics convey "a warm message" that is intended to heal listeners during the COVID-19 pandemic, through lines like, "It's okay if you go slowly, step by step, at your own pace".{{cite web|url=https://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2152956|script-title=ja: NiziU、12月2日に正式デビュー！シングル「Step and a step」をリリース…新ビジュアルも公開|trans-title=NiziU officially debuts on December 2nd! Released single "Step and a step" ... New visual released|website=KStyle|date=October 2, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030213403/https://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2152956}}

The music video for the song was uploaded to JYP Entertainment's YouTube channel on November 25, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Mdpr_news2320140/|script-title=ja: NiziUがデビュー曲「Step and a step」MV公開 ミイヒも合流|trans-title=NiziU releases music video for debut song 'Step and a step' Mihi, who is resting, joins|publisher=Excite|date=November 25, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126134818/https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Mdpr_news2320140/}} The music video is magical and features NiziU dressed in immaculate, white dresses as the members are seen performing choreography in multiple colorful settings.{{cite web|url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Wezzy_83509/|script-title=ja: NiziU・ミイヒ、「踊れないほど具合が悪い」と判明しファン衝撃|trans-title=NiziU Mihi, fan shock when it turns out that 'I'm sick enough to dance'|publisher=Excite|date=November 26, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128174351/https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Wezzy_83509/}} The video also includes a "rabbit" dance during the song's chorus.{{cite web|url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Crankin_83423/|script-title=ja: NiziUデビュー曲「Step and a step」MV解禁 ミイヒの笑顔も うさぎダンスにも注目|trans-title=NiziU debut song 'Step and a step' MV lifted Also pay attention to Mihi's smile and rabbit dance|publisher=Excite|date=November 25, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125064519/https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Crankin_83423/}}

A documentary series titled We NiziU: We need U began airing on Hulu{{Broken anchor|date=2024-07-18|bot=User:Cewbot/log/20201008/configuration|target_link=List of Hulu original programming#Hulu Japan|reason= The anchor (Hulu Japan) has been deleted.}} from November 5, 2020, focussing on NiziU's journey towards their official debut.{{cite web|url=https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/niziu/88279|script-title=ja: NiziUのデビューまでに密着した新番組「We NiziU ～We need U～」Huluにて独占配信|trans-title=Exclusive distribution on Hulu, a new program 'We NiziU ~ We need U ~' that was closely related to NiziU's debut|website=CD Journal|date=October 27, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031220759/https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/niziu/88279}}{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2020/11/17/entertainment-news/niziu-babymetal-nhk-kohaku/|title=NiziU and Babymetal to perform for first time on NHK's 'Kohaku' music show|work=The Japan Times|date=November 17, 2020|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122155619/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2020/11/17/entertainment-news/niziu-babymetal-nhk-kohaku/}} To commemorate the release of group's debut single, a one-time commercial featuring "Step and a Step" would be aired on NTV on November 25, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/405946|script-title=ja: NiziUデビュー日に1回限りのテレビCMオンエア|trans-title=One-time TV commercial on air on NiziU debut day|website=Natalie|date=November 24, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125025424/https://natalie.mu/music/news/405946}} In addition, 15-second solo commercials featuring each NiziU member would be broadcast on the Nippon TV affiliated stations of Kansai, Chubu, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, Miyagi and Okinawa corresponding to the home-towns of each member, from November 26 to December 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/niziu/88672|script-title=ja: NiziU、デビュー日に1夜限定で60秒TV-CMがオンエア|trans-title=NiziU, 60 seconds TV commercial on air for one night only on debut day|website=CD Journal|date=November 24, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124033048/https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/niziu/88672}} "Step and a Step" was first performed on Nippon TV's Best Artist 2020 year-end programme on November 25.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/405455|script-title=ja: NiziU「ベストアーティスト」でデビュー曲「Step and a step」初披露|trans-title=Debut song 'Step and a step' debuted at NiziU 'Best Artist'|website=Natalie|date=November 20, 2020|language=ja|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126053853/https://natalie.mu/music/news/405455}}

"Step and a step" (Korean version) was released as part of the limited edition B of U on November 24, 2021.

{{Track listing

| extra_column = Arrangement

| headline = Digital download{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/step-and-a-step-single/1540481857|title=Step and a step - Single by NiziU|publisher=Apple Music|date=November 25, 2020|accessdate=November 27, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124225302/https://music.apple.com/us/album/step-and-a-step-single/1540481857|url-status=live}}

| total_length = 12:50

| title1 = Step and a Step

| lyrics1 = {{hlist|J.Y. Park "The Asiansoul"|Kentz|Yui Kimura}}

| music1 = J.Y. Park "The Asiansoul"

| extra1 = {{hlist|J.Y. Park "The Asiansoul"|Lee Hae-sol}}

| length1 = 3:21

| title2 = Joyful

| lyrics2 = Kentz

| music2 = {{hlist|Kentz|Junya Maesako|Yui Mugino}}

| extra2 = Kentz

| length2 = 3:30

| title3 = Sweet Bomb

| lyrics3 = Safari Natsukawa

| music3 = {{hlist|Trippy|Tim Tan|Ciara Muscat}}

| extra3 = Trippy

| length3 = 2:55

| title4 = Make You Happy

| lyrics4 = {{hlist|J.Y. Park "The Asiansoul"|Yuka Matsumoto}}

| music4 = {{hlist|J.Y. Park "The Asiansoul"|Lee Hae-sol}}

| extra4 = {{hlist|J.Y. Park "The Asiansoul"|Lee Hae-sol}}

| length4 = 3:04

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = First press limited edition A DVD

| title1 = Step and a Step

| note1 = Music video

| length1 =

| title2 = Step and a Step

| note2 = Jacket shooting making movie

| length2 =

}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|artist=NiziU|title=Step and a Step|award=Platinum|relyear=2020|certyear=2020|certmonth=12|type=single|note=CD|refname="platinumcd"|access-date=February 1, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|artist=NiziU|title=Step and a Step|award=Gold|relyear=2020|certyear=2020|certmonth=12|type=single|note=Digital|digital=true|refname="golddigital"|access-date=February 1, 2021}}

{{certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|artist=NiziU|title=Step and a Step|award=Platinum|relyear=2020|certyear=2021|certmonth=10|type=single|streamsonly=true|access-date=October 30, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Bottom | streamsonly=true}}

{{Reflist}}

{{NiziU}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2020 debut singles

Category:NiziU songs

Category:Songs in Japanese

Category:Songs written by Park Jin-young

Category:Oricon Weekly number-one singles

Category:Billboard Japan Hot 100 number-one singles

Category:JYP Entertainment singles

Category:Sony Music Entertainment Japan singles