Along with announcing the upcoming release of the tour “Ae! group Debut Tour ～The Best Ae LIVE in the World～,” Ae! group launched a project where fans could vote for #The Ae LIVE You Want to See Most.
The project results were revealed in the YouTube livestream, where the boys offered a visual commentary on the top 10 fan-selected songs. As a special surprise, they announced that the live performance of the top-voted song, “WANT!!,” would be available in full size. Fans can now enjoy the magic of Ae! group’s live performances anytime they want!
“WANT!!” was performed after “Aa‼︎‼︎‼︎” (Aッ‼︎‼︎‼︎) and followed the group’s opening greetings to the audience, during which they transitioned from darker, edgier outfits to a pastel pink ensemble that exuded elegance. The outfits sparkled like stars in the night sky, almost rivaling the bright and colorful sea of penlights held by fans, enhancing the upbeat and fresh melody that “WANT!” brings to the stage.
This lively and whimsical song conveys heartfelt feelings for someone in a lighthearted, playful manner, and Ae! group certainly captures this essence in their performance. They consistently engage in fanservice and seize every opportunity to showcase their cutest and brightest sides, making their live shows even more enjoyable for the fans.
The hand choreography presented earlier on their official TikTok had the entire audience following along, perfectly synchronized with the resonant beats of “Love Me Do.”
This routine is not only easy to mimic but also incredibly cute, making it suitable for any occasion. Fans can’t help but adore it when their favorites show off such charm, and “WANT!!” captures this essence, and it makes you … want more 😉
Aside from the song being an overall serotonin boost and a treasure trove of cute screenshots from the performance, the lyrics capture the joy and exhilaration of appreciating the distinctive traits of the person they adore. From their mannerisms to their style of communication, “WANT!!” highlights the strong attraction to the individual’s uniqueness and idiosyncrasies, cherishing every aspect of who they are.
From Ae! group’s perspective as the singers, they enjoy the unexpected moments, playfulness, and even the “too much” aspects of the person they love, making them irreplaceable. The song wraps up with a strong message: Ae! group is fully captivated by this person (you) and feels a rush from being around them (you). It’s a declaration of love and admiration that’s both fun and heartfelt, with an energetic vibe.
The song was a perfect display of the group’s ever-growing vocal abilities, showcasing each member’s unique color and charm. Keita Richard Kusama’s distinctive vocal tone takes the spotlight in the bridge. While he is often praised for his rap parts in their heavier songs, tracks like this emphasize his vocal capabilities far more. The impressive number of lines Richard has, along with his harmonies, makes it simply delightful to listen to him. Every time the camera zooms in on Richard and reveals his adorable dimples, hearts melt.
Seiya Suezawa’s extraordinary high note at the end never fails to leave you breathless, complemented by his dynamic stage presence. The ability of Seiya to adapt to any genre and make it sound uniquely his own is nothing short of amazing. Masaya Sano’s stable vocals captivate audiences; whenever he sings, there’s only Masaya, no one else. Much like a big puppy, Masaya’s energy on stage radiates such joy that it’s hard not to feel immensely happy while watching him.
Ken Kojima’s vocals have significantly improved over the years. While he often plays behind the keyboard, waving his hands to engage the audience, he charms everyone whenever he gets the chance to step forward. Forget the usual quirky and bizarre Ken Kojima; this Kojiken is here to steal hearts and keep them.
Let’s not forget Prince Charming himself: Yoshinori Masakado. Hailed as the number one ria koi1 for consecutive years, his charms are undeniable, particularly during songs like “WANT!!.”
His vocals are sweet like honey, and every shot of him on stage makes you scream “I LOVE YOU,” or more accurately, “LOVE ME DO” for this particular track. His little smiles and bounces in the background are absolutely adorable, and his flying kisses leave you breathless. Experiencing the end of his fanservice is truly one of the greatest feelings on earth, as he seamlessly transitions from charming and sensual to irresistibly cute, radiating the ultimate boyfriend aura.
While he sings about loving our smiles more than a million-dollar nightscape, the same can certainly be said in return for him and the rest of the group.
And let’s take a moment to appreciate whoever decided on that close-up of his hands at the end—they definitely deserve a raise!
The performance ends with the members posing with a heart of their choice but Masaya’s… could be questioned. But that doesn’t matter when you’re as adorable as Masaya is, then you get away with a lot!
In the words of Ae! group…
“I love the you who loves me.”
Don’t forget to follow Ae! group on all their official accounts to keep yourself updated with the recent news!
Photo assets © STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.
- It’s a term often used in fan culture, referring to the state where someone not only supports their favorite idol or celebrity but also harbors romantic feelings, expressing a desire to date or even marry them. Similar terms include “リア恋” (ria koi) and “ガチ恋” (gachi koi), which convey the same meaning as “real-life crush.” ↩︎