Dumpling Box had the honor of attending KEY TO LIT’s arena tour, titled KEY TO LIT Arena Tour 2025 WAKE UP THE FOOL. KEY TO LIT, pronounced as “Kiteretsu” was formed on February 16, 2025, and is composed of five members: Taisho Iwasaki, Mizuki Inoue, Reia Nakamura, Soya Igari, and Taiko Sasaki. Each of them brings extensive experience in singing, dancing, acting, and variety shows, which has earned them significant popularity.
Dumpling Box recounts everything that happened at LaLa Arena TOKYO-BAY on October 5, so you don’t miss a single detail!
A red curtain covered the entire stage as two massive screens on either side displayed the tour logo designed by Reia. When the lights faded, and the venue was swallowed in red light, anticipation rippled through the crowd—it was undoubtedly a moment that suggested the audience was in for an incredible concert!
The opening began with a meticulously crafted sequence by Soya, followed by a powerful, magnificent solo from Taisho and projected silhouettes of the members. The song, entirely in English with lyrics displayed on the main screen, immediately set the tone. When the members finally appeared atop a massive sculpture bearing the character “天” (pronounced ten), inspired by the characters “奇天烈” (Kiteretsu, the pronunciation of the group’s name), the venue erupted. They wore striking coats with the large kanji 奇 (pronounced ki) embroidered on them.
They launched into their original song “WAKE UP THE FOOL”, referencing the tour’s title, and as the camera captured each member in turn, the cheers only grew louder. The massive “天” structure slowly moved toward the center stage, carrying them forward as they continued the performance.
In “Cry out” by Snow Man, the fur coats came off, replaced by sharp movement, heavy smoke, and a full display of each member’s individuality.
In “FIRE BEAT” by Kis-My-Ft2, they ran along the catwalks throughout the venue, demonstrating their passion.
With “Keep the Faith” by KAT-TUN—a powerful song that matched their determination—they returned to the main stage, voices ringing with power, and as all five were projected on the main screen, fireworks burst overhead, creating an overwhelming, stunning visual.
Then, Taisho, Mizuki, and Reia introduced themselves and energized the atmosphere before the mood shifted again when the lights dimmed and, in one corner of the stage, Taiko played the drums while interacting with the audience, while Igari hyped the crowd with his rap. “Kokkara (こっから)” by SixTONES—representing the group’s origin point—became a declaration of intent as Taisho shouted, “KEY TO LIT, let’s go as far as we can!”
Dressed casually in jeans and shirts, they followed with “Top Checker” by Coming Century and “Peak” by KAT-TUN, racing the catwalks once more as if to prove they had no intention of holding back.
The concert’s atmosphere transformed completely during the jazz corner. Four disco balls descended above the stage, along with a suspended coat rack and wardrobe inspired by SMAP’s “Shareotsu (シャレオツ)”. As if inside a room of their own making, the members selected outfits mid-performance, dressing one another with playful ease—Taisho helping Mizuki into a jacket, Reia and Mizuki leaning in so close the audience screamed. In “Love Situation” by ARASHI, they appeared again in glittering red suits and hats, followed by the elegant intensity of “Kareinaru gyakushū (華麗なる逆襲)” by SMAP. Taisho’s a cappella opening silenced the venue before his voice soared, and “One and Only” by Takuya Kimura clearly demonstrated how much both fans and members were enjoying the stage.
After the seductive tension of “Real Face#2” by KAT-TUN and “ANTHEM(アンセム)” by SixTONES, the show dove seamlessly into KEY TO LIT’s signature MC segment—one of the group’s most beloved trademarks.
When Mizuki coughed, Taisho showed concern and asked, “Are you okay?” Mizuki replied, “Probably from singing nonstop! I’ll be fine after drinking water!” Taiko immediately added, “It’s a cold!”
Moments later, a sink appeared on stage as Taiko exclaimed, “Wash your hands! Wash your hands!” launching them into “Wash Your Hands” by Twenty★Twenty, complete with the hand-washing choreography. A truly strange but typical KEY TO LIT touch. The absurdity only grew as they dried their hands using towels printed with Taiko’s face, sending the entire arena into laughter.
After explaining that they had created a rap song to introduce themselves as a group, they debuted their new track titled “KITERETSU FIRE”. With traditional Japanese elements woven into the sound, fans waved their fans as props while bursts of fire lit up the stage. Through a single song, the audience came to understand each member’s personality—and Taisho’s final high note at the end of the song was stunning.
“Special Order” by SixTONES followed with relentless energy and heavy stage effects. By the time the next MC began, all five members were visibly out of breath, struggling to speak between laughs.
The MC brought major announcements: Igari teasing a significant upcoming movie role, and Reia revealing that he would hold his first solo art exhibition next spring. Their words were met with warm applause and visible emotion.
“I’ve been given the opportunity to appear in a fairly important movie… stay tuned, because you’ll discover why I dyed my hair this color and what that unnatural blonde means!” Soya said. After Reia announced, “Next spring, I will hold my first solo exhibition!” all members shouted, “Congratulations!”. As Reia addressed the fans: “I am absolutely thrilled. This dream, that everyone wished for, has come true!” his and Soya’s words were met with warm applause and visible emotion.
While Mizuki and Taisho went to change, Igari, Taiko, and Reia continued talking.
The ARASHI medley began with Mizuki expressing the group’s respect for their predecessors and for ARASHI’s legacy ahead of their 2026 conclusion.
“Although we are a group formed only six months ago, we want to continue appreciating the history and traditional culture our predecessors always valued. With this spirit, we would like to cover ARASHI’s songs, whose activities will conclude in 2026, with the utmost respect from KEY TO LIT.”
After the five members performed “SUNRISE Nippon (SUNRISE 日本), each member then stepped forward individually: Mizuki delivered a beautiful solo vocal performance in “Hatenai Sora (果てない空)”, Taiko showcased his unique dance skills in “truth”, Igari took over Sho Sakurai’s rap part in “Believe”, and Reia displayed his soft voice in “My Girl (マイガール). Lastly, Taisho captivated the audience with his wide-ranging solo vocals in “One Love”, all of them demonstrating the group’s versatility.
All five reunited for ARASHI’s debut song, “A・RA・SHI“, maintaining the original choreography as they honored the group that inspired their shared dream of one day standing on the National Stadium stage.
The arena fell into darkness once more before the next corner began with all fans’ lights off, leading into “Battery” by SMAP. With a Japanese aesthetic theme, the members wore illuminated outfits and delivered a performance that united the entire audience. Suspended again atop the towering “天,” the five became a living symbol of their ambition.
During “Seppaku no Tsuki (雪白の月)” by DOMOTO, while Iwasaki and Inoue sang, Igari glided gracefully across the venue on his signature skates, adding elegance to the performance.
The final stretch charged forward with “DON’T U EVER STOP” by KAT-TUN, “A.D.D.I.C.T” by Kis-My-Ft2, “CALL” from DREAM BOYS, and “$10″ by SMAP, consecutively and with full intensity, bringing the show to its final phase.
As the evening drew toward its close, the members delivered heartfelt farewell speeches about the day’s performance with all the fans, as the audience raised glow sticks in each member’s color: Soya (green), Reia (pink), Taiko (blue), Mizuki (red), and Taisho (white). More than one person in the audience wiped away tears.
Dumpling Box has translated their speeches into English, especially for KEY TO LIT‘s international fans.
Soya Igari
Thank you very much for today! Wow, it was so much fun. I fell on my skates earlier, but I’m fine, really (laughs). When we perform later, please don’t look at me thinking, “Oh, he fell before… but tries to look so cool…” (laughs). We chose the tour title WAKE UP THE FOOL because we are still five nobodies: it embodies our hope and desire to become anything from now on.
While creating this live show, we were feeling our way, but I believe the five of us realized that KEY TO LIT wants to grow in this direction. How can we entertain everyone in the future? We grow each day, thinking about the steps we must take to reach our goal of performing at the National Stadium. What I realized while preparing this show is that there is still much more of our charm that has not yet been revealed. We wanted this live show to be our calling card, but this is far from all that we have. There is still so much more to discover. We hope you enjoy it in the future.
Earlier, we performed an ARASHI medley. ARASHI themselves will conclude their activities in 2026. As times change and others move firmly toward their next paths, our moment will come. Our generation must shape the new era of Japanese entertainment. We are entering that competition and have no intention of losing. Surely, those who will lead that era will be us, KEY TO LIT. And you are fans of a truly proud group. And right now, right here, you are witnessing with your own eyes KEY TO LIT’s first live performance! Applause! Congratulations!
We hope you enjoy watching us grow, watching us move toward our dreams. Without you, we couldn’t do anything. It is thanks to your presence that we can speak boldly. We will continue to entertain you, so let us continue speaking boldly! Come see us again. Thank you so much!
Reia Nakamura
Thank you very much for today. It was absolutely amazing, right? Today as well! Starting from Osaka, both Osaka and Niigata were so much fun, but it all ended in the blink of an eye… I guess when you’re having such a good time, time flies… That’s what I thought. Thanks to everyone in Chiba, we were able to hold extra concerts and achieved seven full performances, so I am very happy to have done so many. I thought here we could truly savor it, or feel that we had done a lot, but before I realized it, today was the last day.
The reason I feel this way is that everyone got excited together at the live shows, laughed heartily, cooperated to turn off the lights this way, or even matched their colors with the members without being asked. It’s all thanks to that warmth. I have been doing this idol work for 16 years, and honestly, I have never had a single day where I thought it was unpleasant or difficult. I believe it’s all because I have met wonderful people like you.
One of my personal goals was to hold a solo exhibition with my favorite artworks. I always thought that if I ever achieved it, I would want to announce it in front of everyone. That happened today, and I am very happy to have shared it with everyone who came to see it. I also want to share it with those who couldn’t come today, so I will post it on social media. If any of your friends missed it today, please tell them. Sharing this happiness would truly make me happy.
I have mentioned that I have been doing this work for 16 years, but even before I started working, there were many decisive moments in my life. However, when choosing a path, I don’t think there is a single “correct” answer.
That’s why I believe that demonstrating the path I choose now and the path I choose in the future is how all the paths I’ve taken in the past can be validated. Before joining the agency, I tried all kinds of things. I did skateboarding, art, things like that. Looking back, I often think: “If I had taken that class, I would be at a different stage now…” But I sincerely believe I am happier the way I am now. I want all the paths I have taken with you to be the right ones, so I want to conquer the world together with you on the path ahead.
So, guys! I know life has tough moments. When they come, remember us. Remember the good times. Whether it’s going to a concert on a whim or when you feel like sharing something with someone, just watch KEY TO LIT on YouTube and share it.
Basically, you don’t have a second to forget us. And to everyone who has been holding those pink lights, not just now, but always. KEY TO LIT will continue advancing, aiming to become national superstars and literally conquer the world. But don’t lose sight of me even for 0.1 seconds. We hope to have your support forever. We love you all ♡
Taiko Sasaki
Honestly, being able to perform live at each show, receiving everyone’s smiles and cheers, makes me very happy. At the same time, I think each time about how we must make everyone smile and feel happy even more.
To achieve this, I need to keep appearing more and more on variety shows. If KEY TO LIT were a robot,Igari would be the right arm and I the left, you know? I want to become a man who can shine even more on variety shows, evolving into a Sasaki Taiko full of pop and humor.
When you cry, I always smile. Let my smile make you smile too. I will keep striving to make you happier and happier! Your continued support means everything to me!
Mizuki Inoue
About half a year has passed since we formed. Although we have only been active for half a year, I like and respect them very much, and I honestly think it was great that it was KEY TO LIT.
Whether in the process of creating a live show, interviews for magazines, YouTube, or even social media, I am always thinking about how we can make everyone enjoy themselves, how we can make everyone happy, how we can make them feel joy, how we can make them smile. I also feel how hard you have worked to look your best to meet us today, how carefully you chose your outfits.
At the core of what we feel, above all, is this desire to continue entertaining you. I know some of you may not be able to smile properly at this moment, but we will never stop striving to be here for you. So, if anything from KEY TO LIT reaches you, I would love for you to take that first step and walk alongside us from here on.
Taisho Iwasaki
Today is the last day of this performance in Chiba, and I sincerely believe KEY TO LIT is the strongest. Each member has a completely different personality, way of thinking, and set of skills. Although I know we still have things to do and areas to develop, I sincerely believe we are rough gems. Seeing things like Reia’s solo exhibition announcement or Igari’s movie announcement tomorrow shows how each of us is becoming stronger individually.
Five strong people come together to form a star. I sincerely believe that if each of us continues on our own path, KEY TO LIT will only become stronger. Live performances are the place where the five of us can unite and directly convey our presence and power to all of you.
Even though we were just formed, I am thrilled that our first tour is in such a large venue. We are delighted, but I feel that KEY TO LIT still has a lot to achieve. We want to perform in even larger venues, visit many more regions and cities, and convey KEY TO LIT’s power to even more people. Beyond that, we, KEY TO LIT, will be at the National Stadium. I promise! I know it sounds incredibly ambitious, but I don’t see it as a dream; I see it as an absolutely achievable goal.
We still have a lot to do to get there. We must continue challenging ourselves, continue spreading our wings, and moving forward. But I sincerely hope that by showing everyone how we are running toward our dream, we can inspire the entire nation.
That is why these live concerts, spending time with all of you, discussing things together, and trying new things… this time is truly wonderful! I look forward to the future. With the conviction that we are the ones who will shape the times to come, I want to move forward with all my strength.
To everyone who came to that first KEY TO LIT live concert, where we will finally perform at the National Stadium, thank you all once again! I sincerely believe this profession exists thanks to all of you who come to see us.
I know it’s only possible because you are all here, so I will never forget my gratitude to you and will continue giving everything I have. Please continue supporting KEY TO LIT!
After their emotional speeches, which brought tears to the eyes of more than one person in the audience, they closed the main set with their new song “Burn Down”, radiating pure energy, and accompanied by spectacular pyrotechnics and flames so powerful the heat could be felt even from the upper levels.
Returning for the encore, they stood shoulder to shoulder for “Gorimuchuu (五里霧中)” by Arashi and “Zukko-ke Otoko Michi (ズッコケ男道)” by SUPER EIGHT, bringing this live show to a close.
It was a performance that showcased the members’ determination to reach the top—proof that despite past hardships, they are ready to give everything they have. More than anything, it felt like witnessing the unmistakable spark of future pop stardom take shape in real time.
Photo assets © STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.
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