Waiting until 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day to watch a livestream concert might not sound like such a big sacrifice—but when you’ve been awake since 5 a.m. the day before, it certainly becomes a test of endurance. This particular show wasn’t happening at midnight in Japan, either: while it was the very early morning of the new year for us in Venezuela, WEST. SPECIAL LIVE 『WESTA!』 2025-2026 was being performed at 4 p.m. on January 1st in Japan, as the final show of an intense schedule—three concerts in two days, with two shows on December 31st and this one closing the celebrations.
Still, for two Venezuelan sisters determined to start the year with music, that exhaustion quickly faded the moment WEST. appeared on screen. In that instant, sleep deprivation stopped mattering. Their contagious energy and unmistakable love for performing transformed what could have been a long, sleepy night into one of the most joyful, exciting, and emotionally fulfilling ways to welcome 2026.
We watched WESTA! livestream through the STARTO ENTERTAINMENT platform FAMILY CLUB online for international fans. Even from Latin America—thousands of kilometers away from Japan—the sense of closeness was undeniable. There was something incredibly moving about knowing that, while fireworks and celebrations were happening in different parts of the world, fans like us were gathered in front of our screens at the exact same moment as others were watching these same performances live, sharing the same songs, laughter, and emotions. It was a powerful reminder that fandom does not exist within borders. From Venezuela, where Japanese idol culture remains very niche and opportunities like this are rare, being able to participate in such a meaningful event felt deeply special —and honestly, a little unreal.
The concert opened with a VTR introducing the concept of WESTA!. Drawing inspiration from ancient Roman festivals held in colosseums, WEST. presented their own kind of celebration: a festa of music, laughter, dance, and emotion. It felt symbolic—almost like ceremonial—marking the transition into a new year together. From the very start, it was clear that this wasn’t just a performance or just another concert, but an invitation to join them in celebration.
That invitation became even stronger as the live portion began with a display of the cool, sexy image WEST. has confidently embraced over the past few years. The members—Takahiro Hamada, Tomohiro Kamiyama, Junta Nakama, Akito Kiriyama, Daiki Shigeoka, Nozomu Kotaki, and Ryusei Fujii—appeared in striking black, red, and gold suits, complete with fur accents and gloves. Songs like “YSSB,” “Party Maniacs,” and “Shhhhhhh!!” set the tone immediately as the members appeared seated on stage, effortlessly commanding attention as the first notes of “YSSB” began.
For me, that moment carried special weight—“YSSB” was one of the first WEST. songs I ever encountered. As a late Jasmine (fan name of fans of WEST.) who joined the fandom around 2020 during their Happy LIVE With YOU YouTube presentation, seeing it performed live felt like a quiet, but powerful full-circle moment. From that moment onward, it was genuinely impossible to tear my eyes off the screen.
As the members stood and moved into choreography, they once again demonstrated what defines them as a group: versatility. Strong vocals, confident presence, and dynamic movement came together seamlessly, reminding us that WEST. continues to grow while staying true to who they are.
Between performances, the concert was punctuated by VTR segments that leaned heavily into their Kansai roots and signature comedic timing. Dressed in black suits and ties accented with each member’s color, they were “interviewed” with questions related to the theme of the live show. Their serious delivery and deadpan expressions only made the jokes hit harder, and it was nearly impossible to contain our laughter. These VTR segments weren’t just funny—they gave the concert a natural rhythm, dividing it into sections that kept everything flowing smoothly. We could take our time to breathe, laugh, and get ready for what was to come.
One of the most charming and memorable parts of WESTA! was the karaoke session. It felt less like a planned segment and more like we were accidentally peeking into a karaoke booth on an ordinary day. Members took turns to choose songs from within the company and decided who would sing them, leading to beloved pairings taking the mic while the others back-danced, doodled on a whiteboard, or simply joined in as enthusiastic spectators. At one point, someone drew Junta (Junta Nakama) and wrote “Sing!” (Utaeya!), while Shige (Daiki Shigeaki) added the unthinkable confession, “I ate a lip balm stick…” as a simple joke. Another drawing of Hama-chan (Takahiro Hamada) declared, “I want to go fishing!” These small, silly details made the experience feel intimate and unscripted —a burst of joyful chaos placed perfectly between powerful performances.
Their renditions of senpai songs—including ARASHI’s “Troublemaker” and DOMOTO’s “Anniversary” and “Garasu no Shounen”—were especially satisfying, with all seven members confidently dancing to the choreography they clearly know by heart at this point. Even through a screen, the joy of performing these songs together was palpable. I was particularly touched when they sang SUPER EIGHT’s “Tabibito,” as they reminisced about their time as Juniors, back-dancing this and other songs for SUPER EIGHT at the Shochikuza theater.
WESTA! also gave fans a nostalgic rush with a high-tension segment dedicated to some of their most iconic tracks. Songs like “Para! Para! Cha-han,” “Eeyankee,” “AKAN LOVE ~JUNJOU AI YADE~,” and “Horumon ~Kansai ni Tsutawaraishi Diamond~” reignited the excitement both for those in the venue and for those of us fans watching online. Some of these songs hadn’t been performed in such a long time—honestly, probably only hardcore fans could sing along without missing a beat.
During the MC, one particularly memorable moment came from Hama-chan who jokingly complained about the acrobatics he and Kami-chan (Tomohiro Kamiyama) still perform during “Eejanaika!”, while the rest of the group enjoys comparatively easier choreography. With more than ten years since their debut, he pointed out how physically demanding it had become and asked for permission to change the choreography that very night, promising that if fans liked it, it could become the new version of “Eejanaika!”.
Later in the show, a final VTR marked a clear turning point. The members reappeared taking off their sleek black suits, and putting on colorful happis matching their member colors. This visual change perfectly introduced the last section of the concert, where the concept of “festival” was fully embodied. The section began with “Eejanaika!”, WEST.’s debut song, now performed with a brand-new choreography. Gone were the acrobatics by Hama-chan and Kami-chan, replaced by a playful, amusing routine that matched the others beautifully—and fit the festive spirit perfectly. The audience erupted in laughter at the changes. Whether this version becomes permanent remains to be seen, but the moment perfectly captured WEST.’s self-awareness and willingness to evolve alongside their fans.
What followed was a true Kansai-style celebration, with songs like “WEST NIGHT,” “SOUTH WEST BEACH,” and “Colorful Magic.” In their traditional yet vibrant happis, WEST. felt less like idols on a stage and more like hosts leading a joyful festival, inviting everyone—both in the venue and across the world—to join in.
Another standout section totally worth mentioning was the Special Cover Medley. Shuffling between pairs, trios, and group formations, WEST. paid tribute to fellow artists in the company. From Snow Man’s “CHARISMAX”, to Non-chan (Nozomu Kotaki) and Kami-chan’s intense rendition of King & Prince’s “Tsukiyomi”, and the playful, cute performance of Naniwa Danshi’s “UBU LOVE” by Akito (Akito Kiriyama), Hama-chan, and Junta, the group showcased their range in the most enjoyable way. The segment closed with a VTR featuring their dai-senpai 20th Century, followed by a chaotic, yet heartfelt performance of “Can do! Can go!”, with the members dressed in very distinctive Juniors’ outfits—a touching nod to the company’s shared history and a reminder of how much WEST. values the artists and staff who built STARTO ENTERTAINMENT over the years.
By this point, the strain in their voices was noticeable, and understandably so. Taking on the challenge to perform three shows across two days to farewell one year and welcome another is no small feat. Yet even when their voices wavered a bit at times, their professionalism never did. They continued to give their all, demonstrating both their talent and their dedication to delivering the best possible performance for the audience. WEST. proved once again how deeply they value their fans and their craft.
After bidding their goodbyes, the members left the stage… only to quickly return, called back by fans chanting “WEST.! WEST.!” Dressed now in shirts featuring the WESTA! logo and the group’s name on the back, they gave us even more than they already had, smiling and clearly moved by the audience’s energy.
The final song of the night was “Shoko.” My all-time favorite. The title translates to “Evidence” or “Proof,” and as it played, a wave of emotion washed over me. The song speaks of how even our tears are proof that we are alive, and trying our best. Lines about laughing and crying, about restless hearts and long, winding roads, felt especially powerful in that moment—watching from Venezuela, exhausted, emotional, and incredibly grateful. In that instant, “Shouko” felt like a message reaching across continents: a reminder not to fear imperfection, not to believe we’ve been left behind, and to keep going as we are.
In the end, whether they were paying tribute to other groups, revisiting beloved classics, joking around, or showing their cooler, more mature sides, WEST. proved that even across distances, cultures, and time zones, they were the perfect way to welcome 2026. Distance surely means very little when genuine connection is involved. Watching from Venezuela, as Latin American fans who rarely get opportunities like this, the experience felt almost unreal. As someone who has followed STARTO artists since 2008, I never imagined I would one day welcome a new year alongside them through a livestream.
Even though we finally went to bed at 6 a.m., our hearts were full—carrying into the new year all the warmth, joy, and best vibes that only WEST. can deliver. Exhaustion quickly gave way to gratitude, and one thought stayed with us as the sun began to rise: WESTA didn’t just help us start 2026—it reminded us why being a fan, even from the other side of the world, can feel like being part of something truly shared.
If you missed the livestream or simply would like to revive it, make sure to check the FAMILY CLUB online website. The archive will be available starting from January 11th—even for international fans here, so make sure not to miss it!!
Written by Nory♥ for Dumpling Box.
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