RADWIMPS’ latest nationwide tour “Road to Catharsis Tour 2018” opened in Mie Prefecture’s Sun Arena on 1st June, and wrapped up at the Kobe World Memorial Hall on 27th June — for a total of eleven spectacular performances. This tour was carried out in conjunction with the release of their new single “Catharsis”, which is also the theme song of the Fuji TV broadcast of the recently concluded World Cup Russia 2018.

Photo by Takeshi Yao

With so many fans decked out in the band’s football jersey-style tour shirt (reminiscent of the Japanese national squads’ Samurai Blue regalia), the tour was just as intense as the World Cup matches! Check out the tour report for the 20th June 2018 performance, held at the world-renowned Yokohama Arena!

Photo by Takeshi Yao

The concert opens with a flash of red light and the sound of sirens, as RADWIMPS frontman Yojiro Noda launches into “AADAAKOODAA”. The crowd responds with intensity as “One man live” begins, with Akira Kuwahara and Yusuke Takeda bursting into the stage. “We’re back, Yokohama! This feels like a festival like no other!”, Noda declares during the MC, showing the fans how much the band is also feeling the passion.

Photo by Takeshi Yao

On centerstage, a beautiful blue sky is projected as the band plays “Ore Iro Sky”, which seamlessly merges with a cool and jazzy rendition of “Yayu”. “We’ve been playing a lot of our older songs, so if you feel the need to lean your head on someone’s shoulder, please do so on mine,” Noda implores the crowd, as the band plays the ballad “Sparkle”. Starting off as a piano solo, it quietly builds in intensity, as a massive soundscape spreads onto the second half of the performance.

Photo by Takeshi Yao

As Kuwahara declares, “It’s the second half! Let’s give it our best shot!”, the band begins to play “Oshakashama”. Kuwahara and Noda, as well as support musicians Toshiki Hata and Mizuki Mori, launch into thrilling solos that the fans absolutely loved. As “Catharsis” begins to play, more cheers erupt from the crowd.

Photo by Takeshi Yao

The entire venue clapped in time with the chorus part, and as the line “Negau dake” was sung repeatedly, the three members converged on the center of the stage and played with all their heart and soul. On the outro of the next song “Senno”, Kuwahara rips into a complex and chaotic guitar solo, firing up the crowd as Noda materializes on the substage.

Photo by Takeshi Yao

Noda plays the popular track “Weekly Shounen Jump” on the piano, which was met with massive applause. He moves on to “Tremolo” and ” Iin Desu Ka?”, as well as another soccer broadcast theme song “Kimi to Hitsuji to Ao”.

Photo by Takeshi Yao

During the encore, Noda thanks the crowd from the bottom of his heart — stating, “Thank you for singing along to our old songs. You have reminded me of things I myself have already forgotten.” He continues, “Whatever happens, we have to live every day with our songs”, and plays an emotional rendition of “Bo Ningen”. “We’re also making an album,” Noda states, “It’s gonna be an absolutely amazing one!”. Playing “DADA” as the final song, the evening ended with the best feeling of catharsis.

Photo by Takeshi Yao

『RADWIMPS Asia Live Tour 2018』 is happening in July and August, with dates in eight cities including their first concerts in Beijing and Chengdu — for an anticipated audience of over 40,000 fans. Check out their Singapore concert on 13th August — one of only two stops in South East Asia!

• Event Information
RADWIMPS Asia Live Tour 2018 in Singapore

13th August 2018
Zepp @ BIGBOX Singapore
Doors open: 7:00 PM
Concert starts: 8:00 PM
Tickets available via APACTix