“Japan is calling!”
And everyone in attendance Sunday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was in wanderlust for it. Bringing J-Pop to America, Ado, ATARASHII GAKKO!, and YOASOBI collaborated for a high-energy show called “MATSURI‘25.” The crowd was filled with excited fans, light sticks in hand, and a love for Japanese culture in their hearts. From parents with children as young as seven to groups of friends in matching anime outfits, along with couples in frilly skirts, it was a remarkably diverse gathering that of course, included industry professionals and press chatting about music festivals like Coachella.
As lead singer Lilas Ikuta from YOASOBI would say, “That’s so fire.”
For three hours straight, the energy is higher than the ceiling, and people pat their foreheads because of how hot they are. There is sweat dripping from everyone’s face as YOASOBI plays the Oshi no Ko theme song, “Idol,” and favorites, “Monster” and “夜に駆ける/ Yoru ni Kakeru.”
ATARASHII GAKKO!’s set is a mix of Japanese-inspired doo-wop/new jack swing hits like “Otonablue,” and aerobic-worthy baselines like “Fly High” and “Change.” All chockfull of choreographed dance moves and formations. The highlight of the night was a new single titled “One Heart,” which had the feel of a Black American Baptist Church praise-inspired breakdown.
At the show’s end, the room was reset for Ado, and the screens turned black, with warning signs that there were “no photos, no videos, no recordings.” What stopped me in my tracks was the Ado Box announcer; they announced if anyone tried to take photos or record the performance, the Ado Box would turn off, and the person would be kicked out of the show, banning them for life. Insane. Surprisingly, everyone in attendance didn’t complain and enjoyed the show without phone usage.
Ado performed in an approximately 12-foot box covered with an LED light with the vibrato of Shakira and a personal flair I would associate with the visual kei genre of J-rock.
“Show” and “Aishite Aishite Aishite” brought the house down.
The night was abundant with joy and positive energy. I enjoyed watching everyone find their rhythm with their light sticks. My favorite moment of the night was when the boys in the crowd were re-creating light formations with their light sticks. It felt like I was in a live-action version of Dance Dance Revolution.
Photos & Words by Asha Moné
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