The STARTO Junior group SpeciaL returned to the solo spotlight with their first solo concert in more than two years, SpeciaL LIVE 2025 4ever SpeciaL, and the four members delivered a performance sharper and more spirited than ever. Dumpling Box had the chance to experience the show at The Globe Tokyo on September 26th, 2025.
The four-member group SpeciaL has been together since May 24th, 2018—first known as Jr. SP before taking on the name SpeciaL in December 2022. The lineup of Ren Hayashi, Tatsuru Matsuo, Yuki Wada, and Kodai Nakamura carries a blend of ballet, acrobatics, singing, tap dancing, acting, and more—skills they’ve honed through years of back-dancing for groups like King & Prince, Hey! Say! JUMP, and Sexy Zone (now timelesz), as well as performing in more than 180 shows in 2019 alone, the highest in the agency at the time. Their versatility and professionalism have long made them a trusted presence among fellow Juniors and seniors alike.
The overture opened like a slow breath before dawn, lights sweeping across the curtain as anticipation swelled, and at the end of the overture, giant silhouettes of the members appeared before the curtain slowly descended.
They opened with a song highly popular among Juniors, “Lalalila”(ララリラ)”, performing on the upper stage dressed in white outfits.
Then, with their group’s original song called “Sensation (センセーション)”, they moved down to the main stage, continuing with “Grandeur“, a song by Snow Man, which featured intense, synchronized dancing along with smoke effects.
Next, they performed a medley of songs by Hikaru GENJI (“Garasu no Juudai (ガラスの十代)” and “STAR LIGHT”) while skating, showcasing their impressive roller-skating skills. This was followed by “Unmei Girl (運命Girl)“, a Kis-My-Ft2 song, also performed on skates, paying homage to Kis-My-Ft2’s own roller-skating performances—all produced by Ren.
The SHOW corner unfolded with a warmer, more intimate spotlight on their individual talents, a moment that felt less like a segment and more like an invitation into the passions that shape them—their individual talents. “My Dreamy Hollywood (夢のHollywood)“, a song by Travis Japan, began with Kodai performing tap dance steps, which were then followed by the other members. All four members took on the challenge of performing a silent tap dance, choreographed and produced by Kodai.
They continued with “Puppy Boo“, a song by Hey! Say! JUMP. In “SOLITARY“, a song by Koichi Domoto, they defied gravity with a striking look in suits and hats, leaning forward at extreme angles that left the audience astonished.
In the solo corner, the atmosphere shifted as Yuki began with a guitar solo, followed by his solo with the song “Yubiwa (指輪)”, by Tomohisa Yamashita. Then Ren followed with a classic song, “Mystery Virgin“, by Ryosuke Yamada, which was the ending theme song for the fourth season of the popular Japanese drama television series: The Kindaichi Case Files (2022 version available on Disney+).
The mood shifted to cute with pink outfits. On stage, a pink-themed photo spot was set up, and each member appeared as a different animal: a rat, a rabbit, a cat, and a dog, while singing “Pet Shop Love Motion (ペットショップラブモーション)”, a song by Hey! Say! JUMP’s Takaki Yuya, Kei Inoo, Yuri Chinen, and Yuto Nakajima.
During “Zutto LOVE (ずっとLOVE)“ by A.B.C-Z and “CANDY ~Can U be my BABY~,” by Kento Nakajima, they moved down into the audience, giving fans up-close moments. The theater’s intimacy wrapped everyone in the same soft glow, making every row feel close enough to catch a smile or a heartbeat from their favorite idols.
A medley followed, not just a string of songs but a sweep through memories—an emotional collage drawn from debuted groups: “UBU LOVE (初心LOVE)” by Naniwa Danshi, “Mayonaka No Shadow Boy (真夜中 の シャドー ボーイ)“ by Hey! Say JUMP, “Kimi no Kareshi ni Naritai. (君の彼氏になりたい。)” by Snow Man, “Real Face” by KAT-TUN, and “Sukisugite (スキすぎて)” by timelesz, showing their versatility across genres.
During the MC, the members brought water using the concert’s merchandise tote bag. They explained that the pink outfits were originally from Sexy Zone (now timelesz), something that fans have picked up on and cherish immensely. Ren mentioned that he wore Marius’ outfit, which was slightly long in the legs due to Marius’ height.
Next came the comedy corner. Ren, Tatsuru, and Kodai dressed as high school students, while Yuki dressed as a girl named Wada Akiko. The three men confessed their love to Wada, who chose Tatsuru. The scene was accompanied by ARASHI’s “Love so Sweet“, a classic love song.
Kodai led the press in a singing segment, creating a fun moment. He then performed “Kumorinochi, Kaisei (曇りのち、快晴)”, a Satoshi Ohno solo with more tap dance. Tatsuru’s solo was “I’m coming“, a Yuya Tegoshi song, performed on red curtains with his shirt partially open, highlighting Tatsuru’s most sensual side.
In the unit corner, Wada and Kodai performed together “Seiten No Hekireki (青天の霹靂)”, a KAT-TUN song—a rare pairing for fans to enjoy—while Ren and Tatsuru performed “Hoshi no Negai wo (星に願いを)”, a Kis-My-Ft2 song by Yuta Tamamori and Miyata Toshiya, with Ren skating and Tatsuru dancing ballet, using illuminated sticks for added effect. Ren continued wearing skates during “Swan Song (スワンソング)“, a song by DOMOTO.
The show then eased into a more traditional Japanese style, letting the energy settle for a moment before unfurling a new, atmospheric chapter. Wearing Japanese-inspired outfits, they demonstrated traditional dance with katana swords in “Inori (祈り)“, a Kis-My-Ft2‘s song, followed by “New Day”, by Shori Sato and Kento Nakajima from their Sexy Zone days.
One of the most spectacular moments came during “Special Order“, a song by SixTONES, where the members performed with taiko, a traditional Japanese drum, dressed in traditional attire. The fusion of urban electronic R&B and the ceremonial taiko rhythms gave the song a completely new energy. The rhythm and arrangement were produced by Kodai Nakamura.
Afterward, they sang “Ikiro (生きろ)“ by NEWS, a song highlighting their harmonized vocals.
The main show concluded with their original song “Sensation (センセーション)” again, where they gave their all in both singing and dancing. What stood out in the song were the precise synchronized dance, the impressive formations, and the striking stage production.
In the end, it became clear that their skill isn’t just technical—it’s heartfelt. They perform with the kind of devotion that blurs the line between craft and emotion, giving their maximum effort in every performance. Their shows are filled with roller-skating, tap dance, guitar solos, magic tricks, and more, highlighting the unique talents of each member. Without a doubt, this was a concert only SpeciaL could deliver.
Check out the Juniors on their various social media platforms!
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