WEST. just wrapped up their concert tour, A.H.O. – Audio Hang Out – after 28 shows across 9 cities, and our dearest Amy ♥ was lucky enough to attend the opening show of their Yokohama Arena leg back on May 2.
Fresh off the release of their 11th studio album, A.H.O. – Audio Hang Out –, they also launched straight into their concert tour (of the same name) earlier this March. Despite the dreary weather on May 2, my heart was full and spirits high—I avoided spoilers and went in only having listened to the album, which made everything even more exciting.
The album itself is such a fun, quirky ride—so full of personality—and I especially loved that each member produced a track. It’s a genre-hopping collection that somehow still feels cohesive, and I was dying to see how it would come to life on stage.
Fujii Ryusei took the reins on concert production, and let me just say: he absolutely nailed it. The show was a non-stop feast for the senses from start to finish!
Even before the concert started, the arena was already buzzing. Instrumental versions of their songs played to hype the crowd, and when the instrumental of “Eejanaika” came on, the entire arena joined in for the calls. The energy? Off. The. Charts.
Then the lights dimmed, and the opening VTR rolled—and OMG, I could not stop giggling! It sounded like Hama-chan (Hamada Takahiro) was narrating in an over-the-top foreign accent, introducing each member in super cool, dramatic scenes… which suddenly turned into hilariously uncool ones. It was peak WEST.—silly, self-aware, and totally charming.
The video perfectly set up the explosive opening number and title track from the album, “A.H.O.” The members emerged on a rising platform in the brightest, most chaotic outfits, complete with sparklers, looking like they were launching into space. What an entrance!! The vibe was loud, proud, and FUN.
Next came “Golden Time,” where the members did their iconic individual greetings before jumping into “Eejanaika.” That one always feels like a festival, and this performance was extra special—Kami-chan (Kamiyama Tomohiro) and Hama-chan surprised us with acrobatics! What a throwback moment with a modern twist!
Then came a cool down—literally and stylistically—with a sleek VTR showing the guys in streetwear. Suddenly, Ryusei popped up in the audience and opened up with his rap in “WESTraight,” Kami-chan’s self-produced track. Other members appeared throughout the arena too—it was such a cool way to connect with the crowd. The 2000s-style hip-hop track hit so hard, and Kami-chan’s rapid-fire rap? Unreal. This genre isn’t something we see often from a STARTO group, and it was such a fresh moment.
Then… “Shoko.” What can I say? It’s basically a WEST. anthem. Seeing the penlights bounce in sync to that beat was absolutely beautiful. Shige got so into it he dashed down center stage for a solo jam session—it was so Shige and I was living for it. No wonder these guys are staples at festivals like METROCK and Azuma Fest!
And of course, no WEST. concert is complete without the beloved Nakama Family Story! This classic comedy corner had us rolling with laughter. Wild costumes, hilarious ad libs, and the usual chaos—iconic. They even worked in a promo for their movie “Ura Shain -Spy Yarasete Morotemasu-“ with a surprise trailer and fake “reviews” from each member in various characters.
The vibe shifted again for “WEST SIDE SOUL!,” the movie’s theme song. Dressed in silver, form-fitting, disco-inspired suits, they brought full-on 70s Motown flair. The groove! The glam! I was obsessed.
After another VTR and costume change, the tone softened with “Akirameru Shuyaku.” It was raw, stripped back, and incredibly emotional. But that solemnity didn’t last—next came the dance-heavy “TICKTOK” (produced by Ryusei), and the whole arena transformed into a club, complete with programmed penlights pulsing like strobe lights. This is where the concert truly felt like a feast for the senses! I was also thrilled that they included one of my personal faves, “Beautiful”, in the setlist again this year—such a gem. Later, we got Shige’s produced track, “Sore Ike Best Friend!”, which he not only wrote, but also choreographed himself—for the first time! It was adorable, full of love and charm, and I’d love to see more choreo from Shige in the future!
Then came the MC. The members chatted about reaching the halfway mark of the tour and reflected on the “Aho” theme, leaning into their Kansai comedy roots. The banter was hilarious—everyone was cracking up. But then came the BIG announcements:
🎉 A brand-new TV show: WESSION, airing on WOWOW starting June 29! 10 episodes of musical collabs with other artists, kicking off with MONGOL800 (who also produced “SOUTH WEST BEACH!!”).
🎉 AND their first-ever outdoor festival—WESSION Festival 2025, October 12–13 at Osaka Expo Memorial Park!!
It’s official: WEST. is going full throttle into their 11th year and I’m here for it!!
Next came the acoustic corner. With all seven members playing instruments live, they delivered heartfelt performances of “Rainy Rhapsody” (produced by Hama-chan) and “Tida” (produced by Akito, in collaboration with Okinawan artist Aizato Rio). It was such an intimate, special moment.
Then the lights dimmed again for a sultry VTR and the “grown-up” segment began—and the kyaaaas were deafening! “shhhhhhh!!” kicked it off, and they looked incredible in black suits with gold accents. Next was Junta’s “Apple Pie”, which—plot twist—is a cheeky jazz number with chair choreo and with apples as props. They had the entire audience enraptured. Non-chan’s (Kotaki Nozomu) “Sweety” was next, where the stage turned into a living room and each member took turns making prolonged eye contact with the camera while they sang their lines… I definitely think we all melted on the spot.
Then came “Checkmate”—live band, red penlights, and off-the-charts energy. The stage was on fire (figuratively… and almost literally). It was absolutely electric and shows how good WEST. is with rock numbers and live instruments!
And just when we thought it couldn’t go any harder, the boys came back in red sports jerseys and launched into a festival-style set: “SOUTH WEST BEACH!!,” “Oi Shigoto!,” and “Moonlight” had everyone dancing and singing along. Kami-chan even brought out an electric guitar! This whole segment felt like we were partying with them—so free and joyful.
Then came the “closer”: “Kono Senritsuyo Dareka no Utaninare,” a hopeful, heartfelt track that made the whole arena sway as one. Hama-chan gave some closing words, and it was really emotional… but we knew it wasn’t quite over yet.
Cue the encore!!
They came back in their tour T-shirts, riding trolleys through the stands, and performed a medley of iconic fan faves:
“Zundoko Paradise,” “Jinsei wa Subarashii,” “Shiawase no Hana,” “Mixed Juice,” “POWER,” “Heart,” and “We are WEST!!!!!!! (10th Anniversary Ver.),”
before ending the night on the perfect note with “BIG LOVE SONG”, the theme of Kami-chan’s drama “Midnight Yatai: La Bonneau.”
💖 What. A. Show. 💖
This concert had it all—from chaotic fun and killer dance numbers to live music and emotional ballads. WEST. gave us everything and more. Even in their 11th year, their energy, creativity, and love for performing shines brighter than ever. They’re still goofy. Still cool. Still full of surprises.
And if this is what year 11 looks like… I cannot wait to see what year 12 has in store!
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