SixTONES, the six-member group celebrating their fifth anniversary since debut and the tenth anniversary since formation this year, decided to perform at summer festivals actively in August. This was not their first festival experience: they appeared at the GOBU GOBU FESTIVAL on May 12, 2024, at the Expo Commemorative Park in Osaka; at Talking Rock! FES.2024 on July 6, 2024 at Yokohama Arena, making a complete surprise appearance; and on December 31, 2024, at COUNTDOWN JAPAN.
However, this year, SixTONES decided to take a bigger step and show festival fans that they have the essence to appear in such significant summer events, which hold a long tradition in Japan. This year, there is a significant difference compared to their performances at festivals in previous years. The key point is that their songs are now available on streaming services. In other words, a virtuous circle has been created in which people who become interested in them through the festival can quickly access their songs and further deepen their appreciation of their appeal.
The first festival of this year was CANNONBALL. In times of extreme heat, which can pose health risks for outdoor events, this indoor festival aims to provide the best live music performances in a comfortable environment, offering both seating in the stands and reserved tickets. Additionally, there is a wide area to enjoy food and festival merchandise.
The festival took place at Saitama Super Arena, under the motto “hotter than hot, but without the sun”, aiming to provide a festive atmosphere without the discomfort of summer heat. The opening music was a short version of “Golden“, with Jesse concluding by saying one of the song’s phrases, “Gonna keep it Golden.” Their first song was “Kokkara (こっから)“, one of their signature tracks with over 100 million views on YouTube. From the very first minute, SixTONES had the audience energized.
At festivals, not all attendees are necessarily fans of the group, but with SixTONES, the entire audience raised their arms and moved to the rhythm of the music.
Next, they performed “Waves Crash“, a choice that surprised and thrilled the audience. It was perfect for a festival, as the song’s atmosphere resonated powerfully in a live setting.
They then presented their latest three singles consecutively: “GONG” (song for ACMA:GAME), “BOYZ” (the opening of Wind Breaker Season 2), and “Barrier (バリア)” (song for the movie Ojo to Banken-kun). The live arrangements enhanced some tracks, such as バリア (Barrier) in a rock version, giving them even greater power. It was a burst of intensity, rhythm, and overflowing passion: a demonstration of strength and control simultaneously.
After this powerful sequence, the group entered an MC segment, showing themselves to be genuine and spontaneous.
Juri said, “Many of you probably don’t know our songs, but since you’re here, enjoy with us.”
Then Jesse began singing “I Want It That Way” by BACKSTREET BOYS, encouraging the audience to join in on the chorus. A very clever move by Jesse, allowing attendees unfamiliar with SixTONES to feel connected through a globally recognized song.
This lighthearted moment served as the perfect lead-in to the emotional debut of “Stargaze“, composed by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.
The final block—”Bang Bang Bangin’“, “Outrageous“, “ABARERO“, and “WHIP THAT“—was an authentic sprint to the top: from contagious party vibes to dark rap, visceral rock to electronic sensuality. In just four songs, SixTONES showcased their full expressive range and overwhelming energy, shaking Saitama Super Arena like an unstoppable wave.
SixTONES did not perform to pre-recorded tracks but were accompanied by a live band, which greatly amplified the impact of their performance.
After their vibrant performance, SixTONES returned to the stage once more as surprise guests in MAXIMUM THE HORMONE’s block. Emerging through a cloud of smoke, the six performed “Koi no Batallion (恋のバタリアン)” together. This song is a track from their fifth studio album, composed by Ryo-kun of MAXIMUM THE HORMONE.
The stylistic contrast was striking. Seeing an idol group like SixTONES on a metal/punk stage, head-banging, running, and connecting with Maximum the Hormone’s hardcore energy, created an exceptional genre clash that festival attendees are unlikely to forget. The collaboration demonstrated the festival’s ability to break stylistic boundaries and show a wider audience how different styles can coexist explosively and authentically.
With the hype still high, less than a week later, SixTONES performed at SUMMER SONIC, an annual music festival held simultaneously in Chiba (Tokyo) and Osaka over one weekend in August. Considered one of the largest and most diverse festivals in Asia, it combines international artists with local talent across genres such as rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, metal, and more.
SixTONES’ SUMMER SONIC 2025 debut was a statement of stage maturity. Taking the MARINE STAGE with a burst of energy, they began with こっから—their festival trademark—and built a flawless 40 minute set where intensity and emotion were perfectly balanced. They became the center of the festival, proving they can captivate new audiences and exceed expectations now that their catalog is widely accessible.
The setlist was almost identical to CANNONBALL, except “Outrageous” was replaced by “Fiesta”, a song composed by the Japanese group Shonan no Kaze. The track stands out for its festive and energetic rhythm, fusing Latin influences with SixTONES’ characteristic style, and became a central piece of their SUMMER SONIC 2025 performance, where the entire MARINE STAGE audience waved towels and moved them in rhythm with the music.
During the MC, SixTONES showed attentiveness and awareness of the audience’s well-being, reminding attendees at this outdoor event to stay hydrated and seek help if they felt unwell. Once again, their humility and genuine care for fans were evident, demonstrating that the health and safety of the audience is always their top priority.
SixTONES’ performance, along with others at SUMMER SONIC, was broadcast live on WOWOW Channel for the Japanese audience, and through the online entertainment platform Stagecrowd in seven Asian countries: South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. It was the perfect opportunity for SixTONES to increase their exposure across the Asian continent.
The two summer festivals SixTONES performed in less than a week received very positive reviews, even from attendees who had only known the group by name. They also changed perceptions about idol groups, showing that SixTONES goes beyond the traditional idol mold and can excel on any stage. SixTONES has the power to make anyone attending their concert feel something, even if they are unfamiliar with their music. Their music undoubtedly transcends boundaries.
SixTONES possesses a captivating essence that can be felt in every detail of their music and live performances: from the strength of their vocals to the precision of their choreography and the chemistry they share on stage. This captivating essence not only captivates those hearing them for the first time but also holds the attention of their most loyal fans, creating a deep and authentic connection. If given the opportunity to continue exploring and expanding their sound, they could establish themselves as one of the most popular groups in Japan and eventually make their mark on the international stage, bringing their style and energy to audiences around the world.
Far from being confined to a typical idol group, SixTONES displayed at CANNONBALL and SUMMER SONIC the power and presence of a true festival band.
On the occasion of the festival celebrations, SixTONES decided to release on streaming services “Koi no Batallion ( 恋のバタリアン)“, which they performed at CANNONBALL with MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, and “Fiesta”, which created an unforgettable scene of towels waving in rhythm with the music in SUMMER SONIC.