Not even an 11-hour flight could dampen One Direction's enthusiasm as the boy band touched down in Japan. Looking fresh-faced and thrilled to be there, the group – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne – donned kimono-style jackets emblazoned with 1D and joined their hands together in a traditional Japanese greeting. The quintet had spent some time with their family before boarding a plane to Tokyo on Tuesday as part of a promo tour. And if 18-year-old Harry was feeling sad following the end of his romance with Taylor Swift he certainly wasn't showing it, smiling widely as the band spent some time meeting their fans.
The pair, who had been dating since November, were said to have called time on their romance after arguing during their New Year break to the British Virgin Islands. Japan and the fans quickly made an impression on the singers.
Harry took a picture of the view from his hotel room, and posted it on twitter, writing: "Soooo Hi Japan!" Irishman Niall seemed just as blown away by the response from their followers, writing: "Japan! This place is so cool! Can't wait for next few days ! Gonna be fun!" He added: "Airport was crazy! Big love to Japanese fans." The boys are no doubt hoping to recreate the success they enjoyed in the US. There they succeeded where the likes of Take That and Westlife– and even the Beatles– failed, becoming the first UK act to enter the US charts at number one with their debut album, a feat they topped when their second offering, Take Me Home also entered at the top of the US charts.
Niall - who fans call Nialler– spoke for his bandmates after their debut album Up All Night first took the top spot: "When we got put together as a group, we couldn't imagine ourselves coming to America, let alone releasing our album here, so for us to be sitting at the top of the US album charts is unbelievable."
The boys are currently gearing up for their second world tour, due to kick off next month. They will play 100 shows in Europe, North America and Australasia. Ticket sales reached 300,000 within a day of release in the UK and Ireland, and these include a six-date sell-out at London's O2 Arena. In Australian and New Zealand markets, sales grossed $15.7 million, with all 190,000 tickets being sold for eighteen shows.
More exciting news for fans came at the end of last year when Sony Pictures Entertainment announced that a 3D biopic, featuring the new generation mop tops, is in production.
