When the Japanese hitmaker arrives in Europe, his only two dates sell out. Kenshi Yonezu live is a vivid and unique experience! Here’s why.
I have to admit, I never expected to be able to see Kenshi Yonezu on stage one day, for several reasons. First, because getting concert tickets in Japan is an Olympic sport based purely on luck. And second, because the artist had not shown any sign of wanting to perform in Europe. And yet… I couldn’t resist the call of both his dates in London and Paris. But is the real-life experience worth more or less than the one lived at the cinema?
Much more, of course! Across the two dates, the show looks fairly similar… and yet is nothing alike. The storm rumbles, and the opener, RED OUT, is absolutely electric. Lightning strikes behind the artist in his beige outfit, and backlit, he reveals his captivating voice. The set flows on. The audience rises, the dancers take over the stage, the screen bursts with colours, and the energy is contagious with Kanden!
SHINING IN SPACE
The pace slows and London chooses to sit back down for the calm part of the set, the crowd ready to receive his music solemnly. Paris, mostly, remains standing, in a different but equally admiring dynamic. The venues are not the same, and the Eventim Apollo offers a more intimate atmosphere, with a stage framed by ornate carvings, whereas the Zénith delivers a wide open arena. In either case, Kenshi Yonezu elevates his lyrics and moods, adapts, and shines at the centre of the space.
His dancers show this too. Choreographies that are precise but not rigid, colourful costumes ranging from tight sportswear to traditional hakama and kimono, highly expressive painted faces—the company is all in and adds a certain flair to the production. You can feel the need for humanity, improvisation, and connection through their presence in songs like Sayonara, Mata Itsuka!, Mainichi or the sublime Lemon.
ELECTRIC GENTLENESS
Able to transport the audience to magical worlds through his soaring music and powerful voice, Kenshi Yonezu adds an extra touch of wonder with the animated worlds behind him. Indeed, the giant screen shows live footage of the concert. But it also shows animations perfectly aligned with the song’s aesthetic and rhythm. I’m thinking particularly of Spinning Globe and its character walking through vast landscapes, Azalea and its flowers, or the video for Umi no Yuurei with its seaside vibe.
That was the softness. But there’s no way the electric part becomes just a strobe moment. Flamingo, in London, gets its wild pastel green and pink animation, and LENS FLARE, in Paris, features concert visuals and green laser effects. Both venues turn red for the highly anticipated and explosive KICK BACK, which ends with footage shot from the stage by the artist himself using a camcorder. It’s the most vibrant section, as this track was preceded by the excellent LOSER and followed by the equally awaited PEACE SIGN. And we’re not done yet, as another animation takes over the screen for the equally fun DONUT HOLE. What a legendary set!
A TRUE MOMENT TO EXPERIENCE
The main set ends both times with the emotional Garakuta. For the encore, three tracks bring epic vibes, celebration and optimism back to the stage. Like a lovely “see you soon” through BOW AND ARROW, the incredible PLAZMA and of course LOST CORNER. As the end credits roll, you realise the energy and generosity of the show. Much chattier than I would’ve thought, Kenshi Yonezu and his team were in full sharing mode. A few words in English or French—“I love you” and “Je vous aime” always hit home—others in Japanese, and plenty of small jokes with his guitarist added a sense of closeness, a unique connection only felt live, in that moment.
No photos, no phones or glow sticks. Just hands in the air and eyes fixed on the stage and the show. These gigs, we ended them standing and dancing with everyone else. It engraves itself into the eyes and memory of fans of the genre and of the artist with (almost) 1001 hits. Kenshi Yonezu has supported his new album brilliantly with his JUNK Tour that, although it might be a tad different from the Japanese tour, is far from being junk! Experiencing concerts like this, with a focus on the moment, reminds me why I love music so much. We don’t speak the same language, but we still understand each other. So let’s hope that with these first sold-out venues, Kenshi Yonezu keeps his promise to come back soon.
