Few performances can stop you in your tracks the way B&ZAI’s version of “truth” does. From the first note, it’s not just a cover—it feels like a statement of intent, a declaration of who they are as a group.
Though “truth” is a beloved, well-known song (originally by ARASHI), B&ZAI transforms it into something distinctly their own, layering their multi-instrumental strengths over a foundation of deep respect for the original.
The performance begins, as it should, with Inaba Michiharu’s violin—fragile yet commanding under the spotlight. His tone feels almost otherworldly, shimmering through the venue as if each note could dissolve at any second.
This violin line doesn’t just punctuate the arrangement; it weaves through the entirety of the track, giving the performance a cinematic weight. It’s not an embellishment; it’s the lifeblood of this rendition.
Nowhere is that more apparent than in the instrumental break, where Michiharu’s solo becomes the heart of the song. It’s a moment that silences everything else onstage, leaving only the sharp clarity of his bow gliding across the strings, each phrase swelling and falling with deliberate tension. His skills, often underestimated or overlooked compared to flashier instruments, feel nothing short of mesmerizing here.
The violin isn’t a staple of most band setups, yet B&ZAI integrates it so naturally that it feels indispensable—especially in this song, where its tunes become the emotional through-line. In a performance filled with layered talent, this solo stands as the defining highlight, a reminder that B&ZAI’s strength isn’t just in their numbers, but in how they elevate the unconventional.
That same sense of growth and evolution is evident in Sugeta Rinne’s guitar playing. Since first picking up the instrument, he’s transformed from a player focused on steady supporting chords into one confidently delivering the lead riffs and melodic phrases with practiced ease.
His lines glide effortlessly between Michiharu’s soaring strings and Konpi’s guitar, adding a brightness and clarity that rounds out the arrangement. Watching him now—relaxed, precise, and clearly enjoying his role—feels like witnessing a musician coming into his own. It’s not just technically satisfying; it’s genuinely exciting to see and hear how far he’s come.
Added with what was initially thought to be sweat on his neck (it was shiny, temporary tattoos), Rinne emits a prescence on stage that is hard to look away from.
And then there’s the balance. From Hashimoto Ryo and Suzuki Yujin’s twin vocals to Rinne’s grounding low register, every layer feels carefully considered. B&ZAI doesn’t just lean on their high notes, which so many idol groups do; they embrace contrast, letting their lower voices add depth and gravity to a song already heavy with emotion.
Rather than leaving Hashimoto to carry the melodies alone, he’s supported by Konno Taiki and Yujin, whose distinct vocal colors add texture and nuance. Konpi’s clear, polished tone and Yujin’s warm, resonant phrasing bring their own shades to the arrangement, ensuring that no single voice dominates but all are elevated.
None of the members are weak vocalists by any measure, but B&ZAI’s structure is deliberate—each member takes on a role that lets their strengths shine, creating harmonies and moments that feel intentional rather than crowded.
On top of that, Kawasaki Hoshiki’s drumming—polished yet expressive—and Yabana Rei’s nuanced bass anchor the middle sections, reminding us this is a band, not just an idol unit dabbling with instruments.
And perhaps that’s why the arrangement is so captivating. It was built in-house by Yabana, Yujin, and Michiharu. That creative autonomy shows—this isn’t a glossy, one-off band experiment. It’s a deliberate, collaborative vision where every instrument earns its place. The careful layering of classical elements, like piano and violin, with distorted rock textures pushes “truth” somewhere new without stripping away what made the original so beloved.
For anyone who tuned into Music Station on July 18, 2025, B&ZAI’s range was already clear. Their performance that night paired “なつ♡あい” (Natsu♡Ai), a sparkling summer anthem brimming with sunlit choreography and bright, playful energy, with their original song, “First Beat,” a bold, driving track that underscored their power as a live band. Natsu♡Ai radiated pure summer warmth, its breezy hooks and glowing harmonies led by Hashimoto’s charismatic vocals, and all of them kept the glossy idol sheen sparkling bright in the summer heat.
Then came “First Beat,” a tonal counterpoint that hit with the force of a tidal wave, proving to the audience that they’re simply not just “idols,” but performers as well. This band is them.
Contrasting with the bright and idol-like performance of “なつ♡あい”, “First Beat” truly showcases the strengths in their duality and versatility.
The performance felt like a declaration: B&ZAI are not content to simply play within the boundaries of idol expectations—they intend to forge their own lane, where musicality and performance exist on equal footing.
Seeing these two tracks on national television, and later experiencing “truth” online, crystallizes what makes B&ZAI so compelling. They are neither strictly idols nor strictly a band; they’re a hybrid act unafraid to blur the lines. They can radiate the effervescent charm of a summer festival one moment and deliver a brooding, intricately layered arrangement the next—all while giving each member’s skill a chance to take the spotlight.
Ultimately, what makes “truth” so arresting isn’t just the technical skill—though it’s undeniable. It’s the sincerity that runs through every element.
“We’ll make this shine together.”
“truth” isn’t just a cover; it’s another brilliant showcase of B&ZAI’s limitless potential. A seamless mix of rock, classical, and pop sensibilities carried by eight incredibly talented boys who know their real strength lies not in flashy spectacle, but in weaving their collective talents into something cohesive and alive. If this is the level they’ve reached only months into their formation, the question isn’t whether B&ZAI will rise higher—it’s how far, and how quickly, they’ll climb.
That climb begins now. B&ZAI has been announced as one of the featured acts at OSAKA GIGANTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025, taking place July 19–20 at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Osaka. Performing on Day 2 (July 20), they’ll share the stage with heavyweights like MY FIRST STORY, 04 Limited Sazabys, BLUE ENCOUNT, and PassCode. For a group still carving out its identity post-Junior re-shuffle, JaiGa is more than just another stage—it’s proof they belong in Japan’s larger music conversation.
And they won’t be stopping there. They’re also set to appear at SUMMER SONIC 2025, performing on the PACIFIC STAGE at the Tokyo venue on Sunday, August 17. With two of Japan’s biggest summer festivals on their horizon, and performances like “truth” already cementing their reputation as one of this year’s most promising acts, B&ZAI is poised to rise to greater heights.
If they keep performing at this caliber, expect to see their name not just on festival lineups—but headlining them.
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