Blending powerful sounds and high-energy moves, B&ZAI delivered an explosive performance at this year’s SUMMER SONIC music festival, leaving a lasting impression and marking a significant milestone in their career.
After 5 consecutive performances on Summerfest/Sunny Beats from the 3rd to the 7th, B&ZAI rounded up their August dates with an appearance at SUMMER SONIC 2025 on the 17th. Following a special showcase by FYURA, a rising six-member female vocal group, at the Pacific Stage (Makuhari Messe No.9 Hall), the up-and-coming juniors from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT delivered a high-energy mix of covers of beloved songs and group originals:
Weeeek (NEWS)
LOVE YOU ONLY (TOKYO)
なつ♡あい
Cry Out (Snow Man)
バンザイ～好きでよかった～（ウルフルズ)
Love so sweet（嵐）
First Beat
象（SUPER EIGHT)
PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN
Their performance, which started at 11:20 JST and lasted right around 30 minutes, showcased the band’s musical depth — violin solos, sax/rap sections, and layered vocals continue to affirm that they are more than the typical “sparkly” idols. The group also performed verses of “宙船” and “First Beat” during rehearsals earlier in the day.
B&ZAI kicked things off with “Weeeek“ by NEWS, which many consider to be the ideal song for festivals. They had previously performed it during the Kakueki! Scorching B&ZAI Derby event from July, and it once again set the mood for what would be an unforgettable experience. This is an upbeat, pop-rock track with a cheerful melody and energetic vocals. Written by GReeeeN, it encourages listeners to enjoy every day of the week, even when life gets busy. The lyrics highlight the struggles of everyday life —school, work, and obligations— but maintain a positive message about living in the moment and appreciating each day. The playful tone and catchy chorus made it a huge hit and a signature song in NEWS‘s catalog.
Next on the set was “LOVE YOU ONLY“ by TOKYO, which they performed live for the first time, much to the delight of fans. Released in 1994, this was TOKYO‘s debut single and a bright, energetic pop-rock track that became iconic in the ’90s. It’s a love song with straightforward, heartfelt lyrics expressing unwavering devotion and affection. It has a fun, nostalgic feel and is known for its catchy chorus.
Third was their second original song “なつ♡あい,” which is quickly becoming a fan-favorite with the dance practice video having accumulated an impressive 1.4 million views on YouTube —and counting— just one month after its release. While they couldn’t replicate the number to the fullest extent due to the smaller stage space and the need to do the vocals live, the members still managed to perform the lyrics to perfection, igniting excitement in audiences with the candid, unfiltered energy of summer love.
Fourth on the list was “Cry Out“ by Snow Man. This is a powerful and emotionally charged piece that is often performed with intense choreography that enhances its impact, starting with a dance routine and interlude. Blending dramatic orchestration with modern pop production, the track speaks about breaking through inner struggles, expressing one’s true feelings, and finding the strength to move forward.
Then there was a rendition of “バンザイ～好きでよかった～” by ウルフルズ. This is a feel-good, heartwarming ballad that celebrates the simple joy of being in love. The lyrics express gratitude and happiness for loving someone and being loved in return. Its laid-back melody and honest, relatable message have made it a staple at weddings and events. The “Banzai!” shout in the chorus gives it a celebratory and uplifting feel, and also a double meaning, given the name of the group that covered it here. Covers of non-STARTO songs are unique to festivals, which made this performance particularly special.
Next was the classic “Love so sweet“ by ARASHI, which B&ZAI also performed at Kakueki. This is a soft, romantic melody with an upbeat tempo and a sweet message. The lyrics convey pure and enduring love, filled with hope and appreciation for a significant other. It’s one of ARASHI’s most beloved singles, capturing the group’s signature blend of warmth, harmony, and charm. It’s best known as the theme song for the drama “Boys Over Flowers 2,” starring ARASHI member Jun Matsumoto.
Second-to-last was B&ZAI‘s first original track, “First Beat.” Not only does it perfectly capture the resolve and resilience of the eight members, but it also showcases their strengths on a level outside the realms of what you would normally think an idol can do. Their past histories and growing ambitions mix to create a powerful beat that lingers long after it ends. Read our review of the song here.
The showing reached its climax with “象“ (“Zou“) by SUPER EIGHT, leaving a lasting impact with its powerful message — “See you again here in 10 years.” “Zou,” meaning elephant in Japanese, is a high-powered, rock-infused track that stands out for its intense energy and deep metaphorical lyrics. Accompanied by heavy guitar riffs, strong rhythms, and emotionally charged vocals, the piece uses the image of an elephant to represent inner strength, persistence, and resilience in the face of pressure, judgment, and misunderstanding. It’s about standing tall and proud even when others try to tear you down or don’t understand you, which made it a formidable note to end the set on.
A memorable moment featured member Rei Yabana channeling his love for rock and back playing (putting his bass on his shoulder to play it behind his head) to close out both the song, a dramatic visual that prompted a big reaction from the crowd, and amped the emotional weight of the song.
Perhaps what was most impressive throughout their performance was the fact that, even though they performed for half an hour with little breathing between songs, the band never missed a beat. There was a noticeable sense of urgency, which was present all throughout their set. Every note, every lyric, and every gesture carried weight, which highlighted the group’s determination and allowed them to truly connect with the audience. This wasn’t just a showcase, it was a statement.
ABOUT SUMMER SONIC
SUMMER SONIC (サマーソニック, Samā Sonikku) is an annual summer music event held simultaneously in Chiba and Osaka, usually across one weekend in mid‑August. The festival began in 2000 and originally took place at Fuji‑Q Highland. Since 2001, it’s been held in Chiba, and, from 2002 onward, it has expanded to Osaka as well. The festival had two three-day editions (2009 and 2011), but most have spanned two days. It has also expanded internationally with editions in Shanghai (2017) and Bangkok (from 2024).
The festival embraces a broad range of genres: rock, alternative, pop, electronic, hip-hop, metal, and more — there’s always something for every musical taste. It also mixes global sensations (like Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beyoncé, and Camila Cabello) with prominent Japanese artists as well as indie acts and emerging stars.
The event also features multiple curated stages that cater to diverse audiences — including Main (Marine and Mountain), Sonic, Pacific/Massive, Beach, Pavilion (Osaka), and special events (Sonicmania and Midnight Sonic).
The 2025 edition included showings from notable regional stars like HYDE, LiSA, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, MAZZEL, and THE RAMPAGE, as well as international headliners like Fall Out Boy and Elijah Woods, among others. In a festival ecosystem teeming with energy, the performances thrived — not in isolation, but as vital threads in SUMMER SONIC‘s vibrant musical tapestry.
ABOUT PACIFIC STAGE
Introduced as a rebranding of the former Rainbow Stage, the Pacific Stage, which is where B&ZAI performed, is a curated platform that spotlights rising-level artists from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In the 2025 edition, the Pacific Stage (Chiba), alongside Osaka’s Massive Stage, was specifically dedicated to highlighting hot artists expanding their activities in Asia and the rest of the world. So, while Marine Stage hosts headliners like Fall Out Boy, and the Mountain, Sonic, and Beach stages cater to genre-driven and experiential performances, Pacific serves as a pop-cultural bridge — offering exposure to emerging or regional artists with growing ambitions. On August 17, the stage delivered a rich experience that resonated with both genre enthusiasts and trend-watchers, making it a milestone for many festivalgoers looking for fresh, boundary-pushing music.
Though lacking explicit capacity figures like Sonic’s attendance cap, Pacific tends to feel more accessible than the massive Marine/Mountain, letting fans get close to performers — making first impressions memorable. While mainstream chatter centered on the more well-known performers, the Pacific lineup played a critical role in giving curious festival-goers exposure to emerging and regionally acclaimed artists.
While STARTO talents might regularly appear on various forms of media, such as variety shows and dramas, attending their live shows can be a struggle even for hard-core fans. Thus, them appearing at more publicly available and known festivals like this is a big win for everyone. Not only for the slightly easier access to see the idols perform, but for the groups themselves to appeal to a new audience that they wouldn’t usually perform in front of, and maybe even convert curious festival-goers into dedicated fans. SUMMER SONIC 2025 was able to be livestreamed on select Asian countries via Stagecrowd, although, unlike previous events B&ZAI participated in, the stream was limited to a live broadcast, meaning no archival video is available. Still, you can catch glimpses of their showcase on various social media channels.
It’s also worth mentioning that B&ZAI were one of the acts making their Kanto-region festival debut here, bringing youthful energy and unpredictability —in a good way— to the event. Overall, their appearance at SUMMER SONIC 2025 highlights their rising prominence in the music world. Their ability to attract and mesmerize new and old fans alike, combined with their live performance prowess, makes their presence at music events a truly captivating experience. From polished idol performances to deeply musical and emotionally resonant showcases, B&ZAI‘s evolution is palpable. And we can’t wait to see what’s next.
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