As the applause melted into the Tokyo night, September 23, 2025 stood as a day when music and fashion collided like shooting stars across the Japanese entertainment galaxy. Japan Institute of Arena in Ota Ward throbbed with the thrill of a new era, embodying the festivalโs concept of a glittering โGALAXYโ where countless stars gathered in celebration: AKB48โs polished pop choruses, NMB48โs fiery youth, and eclectic performances from acts like Taisho Maeda, O-MENZ, MATSURI, Rain Tree, ISSEI, and 22/7 stitched sound into style. Yet amid this constellation, one light illuminated the stage with striking clarityโTaisei Fukumoto.
Taiseiโs artistry has never been a Big Bang, but rather through intimate performances more akin to a meteor shower after the spring rain. One that revealed a voiceโclear and unguarded, yet carrying the weight of old-soul wisdomโfolding into lyrics that felt like confessions. From idol beginnings to university graduation, self-produced tours, and a CD debut, he has transformed one-man stages into spaces of communal catharsis. STARRZ TOKYO 2025 marked yet another turning point in his career. More than another festival slot, it became a milestone moment, where emerging icons shared the spotlight and where Taiseiโs place among them felt undeniable.
When the lights dimmed before his stage, anticipation hung heavy in the air. Taisei emerged in an ensemble balancing streetwear grit with ethereal subtlety: tailored black accented by pearls and silver chains that caught the light like constellations, and the tiny star stickers on his neck made him shine brighter than ever. The outfit reflected his self-curated aesthetic, a mix of personal taste and an awareness of how fashion amplifies performance. Each movement reflected resilienceโthe grace of someone who has wrestled with doubt and stepped forward unbroken.
His setlist charted his evolution with song like the pulsing urgency of โEVE,โ the cheerful lift of โKoi no Joushou Kiryuu,โ the celebratory โEVERYBIRTHDAY,โ the heartfelt sway of โUnspoken Love,โ and, of course, the world premiere live performance of โOTOGI.โ
He also brought out the playful charm of songs like โSUPER LADY FIRSTโ with sharp choreography alongside dancers, and the audience-participation energy of โSexy Bombaye,โ where his call-and-response and catchy moves lit up the arena.
At one point, he even scattered playful kisses in true Taisei-style from the runway, drawing delighted screams, and during a short MC while sipping water, the crowdโs spontaneous cry of โcute!โ made him laugh before he shyly thanked themโa reminiscent memory of how his fans did the same during his first tour, Yonmoji. These moments highlighted not just his vocal versatility but also the unique idol charisma he possesses that turns small gestures into unforgettable memories.
โOTOGIโ was more than a debut. With haunting synths and layered vocals, it painted fairy-tale illusions warped by longing. It became a mirror for shared fragments of joy and sorrow. Taisei explained to modelpress about his creative challenge: in an era of subscription streaming, he deliberately sought to create a song with irresistible replay value, something addictive in its sound design. Influenced by a wide range of artistsโfrom Fujii Kaze and Vaundy to Vocaloid producers and even VTuber singersโhe shaped โOTOGIโ to feel playful and experimental, deliberately avoiding repetition so that no section of the song ever returns the same way.
โI wanted to make a song with that addictive feeling, like no matter how many times you listen, you just end up listening againโso I thought, why not go with a Vocaloid style?โ he said, and the result was both fresh and unpredictable.
The moment did not come without trialโa mic feedback loop, or some in-ear monitor issue, cracked into the performance. But Taisei is a professional through and through, and it was barely noticeable with how gracefully he handled it. Proof that imperfection, when met with sincerity, becomes unforgettable.
Beyond the stage, Taiseiโs candid reflections lingered. He spoke of the solitude of self-production, the whisper of doubtโif what he’s doing is good enough, or should have been done differentlyโand the fine line between persistence and stubbornness. Yet, there’s a certain gratitude carried behind his words, and to all of his fans, it’s clear that the unconditional love and support he has from everyone is what drives him forward and to newer heights.
Taisei embodies persistence. His bow at the finale, sweat gleaming like stars under the lights, symbolized more than performance. It was a show of courage in a world often consumed by polish and perfection.
As STARRZ TOKYO 2025 re-airs on Nico Nico Douga on September 28, viewers are invited to witness not only the spectacle of all the artists and models involved, but also Taiseiโs moment within it. His performance offered more than entertainment; it was a pause in the relentless rush, a reminder of the beauty in resilience and vulnerability.
Among the galaxy of rising stars, Taisei remains our sunโour brightest star in our solar system.
About Taisei Fukumoto
Taisei Fukumoto (็ฆๆฌๅคงๆด), born in 1999 in Osaka, began his solo career as a self-produced idol in June 2024. His first national tour, Yonmoji, launched that August, introducing audiences to his vision as both performer and creator. Later that year, he also appeared at IDOL RADIO LIVE IN TOKYO ใ Shining Moments ใ at Tokyo Garden Theater.
In 2025, Taisei continued expanding his artistry. On March 12, he released his first CD single, Koi no Joushou Kiryuu, a city popโinspired love song he wrote and composed himself. From February to March, he toured nationwide with the hall production Love Typhoon. His next digital single, Sakura Typhoon, followed on April 9, weaving a reflective tale of youth and inevitable change.
The name of his official fanclub, โColorfull,โ combines โColorfulโ and โFull,โ symbolizing Taiseiโs dedication to presenting you with a โcolorfulโ future with full effort.
The platform aims to brighten the daily lives of his supporters through his passionate and full-hearted activities as an idol. The community reflects his desire to share the colorful journey and scenery of his career with his fans, ensuring that every day is a bit more vibrant for them.
Taisei Fukumoto Official Links
More Taisei on Dumpling Box
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