Review: YOASOBI'S FIRST ZEPP TOUR! 'POP OUT” at Zepp Osaka Bayside

YOASOBI: A unit consisting of composer Ayase and vocalist ikura, known for turning novels into music. Their debut song “Into the Night" reached an unprecedented 1 billion cumulative streaming plays, and their representative song “Idol," the theme song for “【OSHI NO KO】” surpassed 500 million plays, setting a record as the fastest in history. From 2020, they consecutively appeared on NHK's “Kohaku Uta Gassen（紅白歌合戦）” for three years, and in 2023, they conducted an Asia tour in five countries. Their first solo tour in the U.S., scheduled for April this year, sold out immediately, resonating their name worldwide. Here, we bring you the atmosphere of the first day of the ZEPP tour in Osaka, which started in January. 

Before the start, applause echoed in the venue, filled with anticipation. Books on the screen shattered, and YOASOBI appeared from stage right. With ikura using a megaphone for hype, smoke rising to the ceiling, the curtains opened energetically with “Seventeen（セブンティーン）.” The audience's cheers grew louder during “The Blessing," responding to the call, "Is that all you got, Osaka!?” In "RGB," towels were waved around, and the momentum continued to accelerate.

In the opening talk, a discussion about how they like to eat Takoyaki, responding with Ayase preferring salt and ikura with green onion and ponzu vinegar. Switching to a standing microphone, they induced clapping and played "Halzion." ikura, singing under the simple spotlight of white, captivated with a dignified presence, contrasting with the cuteness during the talk.

They requested the audience, "Wave your smartphone lights!" and then performed “Haven't." The lights swaying to the rhythm created a fantastical atmosphere, blending YOASOBI, the music, and the audience into one.

In the middle, in line with the live theme "POP OUT," 3D effects utilizing the entire stage background were introduced. In “Pokémon Scarlet and Violet"-inspired song "Biri-Biri," monsters appeared, and in "Monster," a dragon flew out, eliciting cheers of "Oh~!" from the audience. In “If I Could Draw Life," ikura's weighty vocals, combined with three-dimensional lyrics, pierced the hearts of the audience.

Her beautiful voice shone in "Comet." The powerful vocal delivery and emotional expression harmonized with the beautiful melody, leading the audience into a state of emotion. On the other hand, the most exciting moment was the performance of "Idol," presented at last year's "Kohaku Uta Gassen." Fan cheers echoed throughout the venue, a moment where the "Idol" YOASOBI and the audience became one.

In “The Brave," Ayase's powerful performance left a strong impression, using his entire body with a backward lean. The anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey's End,” for which this song serves as the opening theme, played in the background, further immersing the audience in the world of the song.

Also, conveying, "We made it with the support of many people to become a lifelong memory. 'POP OUT' also carries the meaning of 'jumping out of everyday life to make it an unforgettable day.' We want you to continue to follow YOASOBI on our 'adventure'," they performed "Adventure." Balloons were thrown into the audience, turning the venue into a lively, theme park-like space.

Finally, the faces of the two playing "HEART BEAT" were projected large on the screen, warming the hearts of the audience as they sang along. In the encore, they pledged, "Let's meet again at the dome performance in October," and presented “Into the Night." YOASOBI jumping and bouncing under colorful lights, united with the fans, reached its climax, a moment fitting for the finale.

Despite their hectic schedule, their professionalism was evident in flawlessly singing high-pitched parts. Their commitment to interacting with fans, singing together, and expressing gratitude at the end of each song, revealed their popular charm. After the U.S. tour, which sold out in 30 minutes, what kind of performance will they show in the dome performance in October? The momentum that shows no sign of stopping builds anticipation

Photo Credit :[Shumpei Kato]

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