Four years ago, at the start of 2020, I stood in Yokohama Arena surrounded by friends as we watched SixTONES’ (pronounced ‘Stones’) last Junior concert at TrackONE -IMPACT- before their debut later that month. We cried listening to their final speeches, all throughout their performance of their debut song, Imitation Rain, and those tears continued to fall as they came out singing “Laugh” in the Life for their encore. It was truly an amazing day.
In the time since that concert, I haven’t been to a SixTONES concert. Other groups took priority within my finances, but I always made sure to keep up with their music. I listened to the evolution of their sound, and I knew that one day I would be able to go and see them in person once more. I just didn’t know that it would take so long.
When this year’s dome tour, VVS (pronounced “Vibes”), was announced, I knew that I wanted to go. I had missed their dome concerts last year because I hadn’t been lucky enough to hit, and there was no way I was going another year without seeing SixTONES. When the results came out, there had been a momentary flash of disappointment. Once again, I hadn’t hit, but, thanks to the kindness of a friend, I would be able to attend after all, and I couldn’t wait.
From the very start VVS had accomplished something that I had never experienced before. Typically, at most STARTO ENTERTAINMENT concerts, the stage structure stays fairly consistent. There’s a giant mainstage at once side of the venue, a smaller center stage and finally a back stage with walkways connecting each of these stages. The details of the mainstage and flow of the walkways vary from concert to concert, but the overall layout remains the same.
VVS’s stage structure was something I had only seen in concert DVDs of other artists. There was a huge center stage in the middle of the dome with an enormous rigging that held multiple screens above the circular stage. There were also six walkways jutting out into the audience with a small stage at the end with a lift that was utilized during the show. This type of structure made it feel as if SixTONES were close no matter where you were sitting in the dome. They also utilized the walkways so each member went down each one, so fans always had a moment where their favorite member was in front of them.
Typically, when I think about SixTONES, I don’t imagine a dance heavy show. I know that I won’t get choreographed routines from start to finish and be absolutely awed by their dance prowess. I don’t say that as a negative either! Because SixTONES are a different definition of the word “idol,” and that is something that makes them stand out amongst the lineup of STARTO talents.
When I go to a SixTONES concert, what I get is energy! Wild, crackling energy that evolves into one of the absolute best parties you can experience. From the very start of the show, they come bursting out of the lifts to perform the lead track from their album, ANTHEM (アンセム). They keep the energy and excitement up through Rollin’ but it’s when the concert hits Outrageous and ABARERO that SixTONES really comes into their element.
Outrageous is the kind of performance that shows off SixTONES abilities as idols. I would equate it to the controlled chaos that they excel so well at. This performance is meticulously planned, the choreography and placement of the members thought out, but during the choruses is where SixTONES really lets loose. Because they know their song so well, they head bang and get crazy during the dance breaks while having a performance that doesn’t devolve into what looks like a mess on stage. They get wild, have fun, but SixTONES knows how to rein it in when it’s time to sing those verses.
This same energy SixTONES have when they perform is also reflected in their special effects scattered throughout the show. ABARERO is one of the perfect representations of this with pyrotechnics bursting throughout the song. It’s a dark and dangerous feeling watching those flames criss-cross around the circular stage, and it’s hard not to keep your penlight bumping to the beat.
The party doesn’t stop once SixTONES leaves the stage though. During their performances of DON-DON-DON, RAM-PAM-PAM, and Bang Bang Bangin’, where they are largely on a decorated truck driving around the dome and getting even closer to fans, they’re still exerting 150% into their performances. With how much fun they’ve having in every corner of the dome, it’s hard not to enjoy yourself.
This isn’t to say that a SixTONES concert has nonstop party vibes from start to finish! There are times where they slow it down and let their vocals shine, especially from members Taiga Kyomoto and Jesse. The way the two of them sang in the ballad House of Cards was particularly breathtaking as all of the members danced around elaborate mic stands.
The other members’ vocals also pack a punch. After the MC corner, the group does a small acoustic corner featuring their song Call me and a second song that rotates from show to show. These two songs are where SixTONES’ vocals truly shine, and you can hear every bit of raw emotion as they sing to their fans. It’s truly beautiful to sit and listen to them as you realize that behind the chaos and party energy of so many of their songs is talent that has been crafted and honed over so many years together.
What truly makes a SixTONES concert perfect is their MC time. When they stand on stage and talk, it’s like you’re sitting next to your best friend and relaxing at home. Because, in all honesty, anything can happen during a SixTONES MC. Whether it’s Taiga needing to race off to use the bathroom or Juri Tanaka asking for a rice ball and eating it onstage or even Shintaro Morimoto getting a filming camera and walking around recording his group-mates without saying a word, anything becomes instantly hilarious. SixTONES are well known by their fans to have a long MC corner, and the 45 minute-long one I experienced perfectly showed off each members’ personality and was full of laughs from the members and the audience. The phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” is the definition of this part of the concert.
But, out of every single song performed at VVS, JAPONICA STYLE was the most powerful for me. Being in Tokyo Dome, watching them sing and dance this beloved Junior era song, a strange feeling hit me during the apex of the song. Watching hundreds of thousands of cherry blossom petals falling down, the water effects being shot up from the walkways and hearing the music blasting through the speakers, I relived each and every time I had seen SixTONES perform JAPONICA STYLE live. It was hard not to get emotional comparing each previous performance.
I remembered seeing them perform it at Summer Paradise in Tokyo Dome City Hall and CHANGE THE ERA -201ix- at Yokohama Arena, each performance outdoing the last. I had thought it was impossible to outdo the one before, but the rendition in Tokyo Dome was the best of the best. It encompassed the absolute evolution of the group and showed what they have the capabilities of doing while also being a promise of what is to come. This single performance of JAPONICA STYLE showed every single person who watched it that SixTONES are a force to be reckoned with.
I can honestly sit here for hours and discuss all of the parts about VVS that made this an absolute stand out show for me. Whether it was new album songs, returning songs from previous albums or songs that originated during their time as Juniors, the flow and the pacing of VVS was perfect. The whole show, under all of the glitz and glam and special effects, felt as if it was a love letter to their fans that showed their growth over their nine year history. Whether someone had been supporting them since their no-group name era, from their time as Juniors or even five minutes before walking through the door, everyone is welcome at a SixTONES show
A SixTONES concert is a vibe. It’s having each detail be meticulously thought out but letting the chaos reign. It’s the absolute party of the year, a complete body workout as you dance to their music, but it’s also the perfect ballads with stunning vocals from all the members. It’s the laughter from all of the jokes the members make but also the love they have for each other as well as their fans. But, most importantly, a SixTONES concert is the feeling of coming home and being able to hang out with your six best friends.
VVS is truly perfect. It was the kind of concert I had been craving to watch, and it ticked every single box of things I had been hoping to experience from a SixTONES dome. I absolutely cannot wait for this DVD to get announced, so I can relive it over and over. But, more importantly, I am so excited to continue watching SixTONES grow as a group and where they’ll go together.
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