In this year’s tour, VIIsual, Travis Japan—Kaito “Chaka” Miyachika, Kaito “Umi” Nakamura, Ryuya “Shime” Shimekake, Noel Kawashima, Shizuya “Shizu” Yoshizawa, Genta Matsuda, and Kaito “Machu” Matsukura—embodies bringing you into another dimension, another VIIsion, where every movement tells a story, and each note resonates deep within your soul, creating an unforgettable tapestry of sights and sounds that linger long after the final bow.
There’s a moment when time feels like it stands still—the air hums with anticipation, penlights illuminate the darkness, and the stage transforms into a gateway to something extraordinary. In that electrifying moment, every heartbeat synchronizes with the rhythm of the performance, drawing the audience into a collective experience of wonder and excitement.
Yokohama Arena, with its capacity of 17,000, buzzed with energy. Fans arrived in droves, carrying uchiwas adorned with their oshi’s names and custom-made signs that sparkled in the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, a vivid tapestry of devotion woven from penlights and collective excitement.
Much like other concerts under the STARTO name, the fans doing oshikatsu outside the arena for any show is one of the most magical things to experience as a fan. There’s something absolutely magical about seeing fellow fans donning their favorite’s name, color, and really embodying the love they hold for their dear member of the group. The atmosphere is electric, filled with laughter and excitement, as fans get together under one united mission: to enjoy the show.
Each cheer and chant before the show starts resonates deeply, creating a sense of unity that transcends individual fandoms. As the start approaches, the anticipation builds, and it’s heartwarming to see the creativity that fans express through their craft, outfits, and intricate lightstick displays, all showcasing their unwavering support and dedication to the beloved tigers.
Seeing the sea of lightsticks in a rainbow of colors makes you realize that this communal spirit is what truly makes concerts an unforgettable experience, as it highlights the passion and connection shared among fans from all walks of life.
The stage was a marvel—a neon-lit cityscape featuring the names and logos of the members. One of the focal points for this tour was the “VIIsual Road,” a runway of embedded LEDs that shifted designs to match each performance. This dynamic path not only connected the main stage to the fans but also transformed the entire arena into an interactive spectacle.
The concert erupted into life with “99 PERCENT,” a high-energy opener and theme song from Genta’s drama “The Date of Marriage.” Trapdoors sprang open, revealing six figures silhouetted by swirling lights.
Without missing a beat, they transitioned into “Love Tag“— choreographed by Kis-My-Ft2’s Kento Senga—and these two songs were the best concert openers with their high energy and intense choreography. It kept the audience on their toes right from the start, the heat rising in the arena, and the boys shining bright like diamonds in the sparkling lights.
The crowd’s cheers crescendoed with “Crazy Crazy,” the lead song from the album with the same name as the tour. Chaka’s expressive moves brought the choreography to life, perfectly complementing the track’s modern, distinctly Japanese aesthetic.
The setlist, divided into six blocks, showcased the group’s versatility. Machu’s sultry jazz-inspired “Whiskey and Tonic“—written and produced by the pure tiger himself—turned the stage into a cozy lounge, complete with a bar counter and sofas. The group leaned into the setting, interacting as though they were unwinding after a long day—sipping imaginary drinks, lounging comfortably, and throwing playful glances at each other.
The boys, striking casual poses while singing, add to the intimate, laid-back atmosphere, and the arena truly turned into something more intimate than a concert venue. Their ability to make the stage feel like a shared moment with the audience brought an authentic charm to the performance.
Meanwhile, “Fireflies“—produced by Chaka—radiated an indie ’90s rock vibe that stood out in its intimacy and rawness, featuring choreography by Calin, Chaka’s co-star from R4 STREET DANCE, and they performed under a sparkling mirror ball.. The unit songs further elevated the show, and Chaka, Shime, and Machu’s “Trick! Trick!” was a whimsical explosion of video-game-inspired choreography, with the trio wielding oversized tools in sync with LED visuals that added a playful twist.
Umi and Genta’s “Warm it Up” captivated with sensual, intertwining movements that left the audience breathless, and certainly warmed up. As the rhythm pulsed through the air, they moved in perfect harmony, their bodies telling a story of desire and passion that tangled beautifully on stage.
Each moment was punctuated by the music, creating a mesmerizing visual experience that drew everyone in—not to mention, quite intimate—making it impossible to look away. The chemistry between them was electric, igniting a palpable energy that reverberated throughout the arena, ensuring that every spectator felt the heat of their performance.
Noel Kawashima’s absence was keenly felt, yet the group honored him beautifully, highlighting the importance of the seven of them. As his name lit up in neon on the stage, an audible hush fell over the arena, with fans holding their breath in collective reverence.
During “Underdogs“—with lyrics written and produced by Noel—his empty tiger cart traveled the arena alongside the others, a powerful visual that resonated deeply with everyone present. The pop-punk anthem expresses their identity through its driving melody, and during the song, everyone in the arena raised their fists and penlights to the rhythm.
“Underdogs” is more than just a song—it’s a testament to perseverance, the strength of solidarity, and the beauty of dreams fought for and earned. Travis Japan has delivered a track that resonates deeply, celebrating the power of resilience and the unbreakable connections that make every struggle worthwhile.
Later, during “Lonely Stars“—the duet between Shizu and Noel—the gentle spotlight on Noel’s symbolic place and the other members stepping in for his vocals brought many in the audience to tears. The lyrics carried an emotional weight that resonated deeply with everyone present. The tributes were not just poignant but felt like a shared act of remembrance, uniting the group and their fans in a moment of mutual love and support.
A reminder that Travis Japan is seven.
Shizu’s produced song, “HBD,” brought a heartfelt moment as fans extinguished their penlights in unison, simulating the act of blowing out candles, and during high-energy numbers like “BO$$Y” and “Thrill,” bursts of fire erupted along the “VIIsual road, ” enhancing the intensity, much in line with the passion and intensity Umi and Shime respectively brings as the producers. The audience’s excitement was palpable, with fans waving their penlights in synchronized motions and cheering louder with every fiery burst.
The snow globe-like LED lighting during “Rush” was mesmerizing. “Rush,” produced by member Genta, is an R&B tune with autotune that expresses a wide range of emotions and dazzled with laser effects and sensuous choreography.
The song leans heavily on sensory imagery, drawing listeners into the visceral experience of love’s overwhelming power. This isn’t love confined to soft whispers or gentle sighs—it’s love as a storm, fiery and uncontrollable, evoking both the thrill and vulnerability that come with giving yourself over to someone.
Much similar to what fans feel toward the group; the burning need to reach out and connect to their favorite member, to immerse themselves fully in the shared energy of a live performance, where every note resonates like a heartbeat, intertwining their emotions with the group.
The performance captures that exhilarating rush, especially with the way the boys attentively added to the rush with their exposed skin. The breathless moments of euphoria you feel when you stand in your seat watching Travis Japan shine on stage are exactly what they captured during this performance.
The encore brought the night to a euphoric close with “Crazy Crazy” again, and true to the souvenir from last year, fans were allowed to record this performance. The encore song rotates for each show, allowing fans to collect different souvenirs if they attend more than one show. This is still uncommon among concerts under the STARTO name, but it’s heartwarming to see the boys keeping it up for the fans.
As the group traversed the arena balconies, their connection with fans felt evident. Chaka’s final rallying cry, “Do you love Travis Japan? We love you, too!” resonated deeply, affirming the bond that makes their performances unforgettable. And this is one of the reasons why Travis Japan is so beloved worldwide.
The boys excel at fan service and are always performing with their fans in mind. Everything they do—music promotions, drama, movie, stage play, interviews, livestreams, blog updates—is for their fans, and during the shows, it’s one of the few instances where they can give back a little of the love they receive from the fans directly.
During the show, they also announced their new double A-side single, “Say I Do / Tokyo Crazy Night,” and their second world tour scheduled for summer 2025. These milestones signal a bright future for Travis Japan, whose charisma, talent, and unity continue to inspire fans worldwide.
The creativity in the production shone throughout the night. From the intricate lighting sequences that pulsed in sync with the music to the elaborate set pieces like the rotating platforms and towering LED walls, every detail was meticulously designed. One particularly stunning moment was during “Golden Girl,” where shimmering gold confetti rained down, bathing the arena in a warm, radiant glow.
Their performance of their second single, “Moving Pieces,” was also marvelous to experience, the combination of the road and their synchronized dancing only added to the magic. The choreography was enhanced by the illumination display of the road, creating a vibrant backdrop that captivated the audience.
Each carefully crafted movement seemed to be in perfect harmony with the pulsating lights, and the audience was drawn into a world where art and technology intertwined seamlessly.
The energy in the atmosphere was palpable, making it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone present as they were transported into a realm of creativity and expression.
The projections on the “VIIsual Road” shifted seamlessly to reflect different themes, from lush forests to sparkling cityscapes, immersing the audience in ever-changing worlds depending on the performance. Even subtle touches, like the interplay of shadow and spotlight during quieter songs, highlighted the group’s emotional storytelling.
Each block felt carefully curated, offering unique experiences that ranged from playful to deeply emotional.
The tour evoked memories of the Road to Authenticity tour, where Travis Japan explored their identity and authenticity through their performances, delving deep into what it means to be true to oneself.
Each act in that tour was a reflection of their inner struggles and triumphs, resonating with fans on an emotional level. However, VIIsual amplified everything to an extraordinary level—bigger effects, bolder visuals, and a more cohesive narrative that celebrated their growth—their VIIsual.
This latest tour was not just a continuation but a radical evolution, showcasing their artistic maturation and dedication to their craft while integrating cutting-edge technology and artistic expression.
It offered fans a unique experience that intertwined not only their musical artistry but also their visuals, taking them and the audience on a journey of self-discovery and collective celebration, marking a significant milestone in their artistic journey.
“VIIsual” aims to visualize the miracle of the seven members coming together as Travis Japan, each with distinct personalities, according to Umi, who produced the album. The title incorporates the Roman numeral “VII” (7), symbolizing this collective of strong individuals.
The title does not simply mean the word “Visualize: to imagine, envision, or picture,” + the seven members, it is also a goal and a statement. For fans, it’s for us to imagine what Travis Japan can achieve; for Travis Japan, it is to envision the endless possibilities in front of them. The album is a visual representation of what they have achieved so far: “Look at us. Look at what we can do.“
It’s a statement that this is just the start of something bigger.
From the beginning, they have aimed to deliver their entertainment—uniquely theirs, but giving back to the environment they grew up in—to the world, and with each release, Travis Japan is realizing this dream, step by step.
And that’s what they have done.
As the group united at the end with their signature circle formation, they promised to deliver their best performances while inviting fans to join them in their journey. And you will, won’t you? 賛成！
More Travis Japan!
Photo assets © STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.
Thanks to Life in Cartoon Motion for the concert insight and help! Make sure to check out Kenyth’s own report of the show, along with more pictures!
“They were phenomenal. Seeing them from my seat, locking eyes with them – it’s a moment I won’t soon forget,” he shared as we were talking about the show.
As we shared our favorite parts of the show, his explanation for his choices made laughter erupt, and it’s such Kenyth answer: “My favorite part of the show, is a three-way tie between Candy Kiss—my favorite song of theirs—Rush (for six very shirtless reasons), and Warm it Up – again, for the BL Ship known as UmiGen that has set forth a dozen flash fictions (not all of them written by me, I swear).”
The pride we share for these talented seven tigers doesn’t go missing, even if we’re in separate parts of the world, and while I have seen Travis Japan before their debut and since their debut in Japan, this was Kenyth’s first time seeing the group on their home country.
“This was my third time seeing Travis Japan in concert, but my first in Japan. Obviously, I missed Noel, but seeing the guys doing their thing on the type of stage they were made for was an absolute joy. I am so proud of them.”
And pride is just one of the things we feel for Travis Japan.
Travis Japan is moving pieces in a puzzle, constantly aiming to level up, and never giving just 99% at any given challenge thrown at them. They’ll continue to fly higher, and keep on smiling, as they turn up the vibe and we just dance together.
素敵なレポートをありがとうございました。私は初めて参加するTravis Japanのコンサートだったのでふわふわしててよく覚えてなかったのでレポートを読んで思い出が蘇りました。ありがとうございました。