What happens when one of Japan’s most polished idol figures steps into something darker?
One moment, Ryosuke Yamada is smiling through glittering idol pop. The next, he is pulling viewers into a monochrome world of sharp choreography, low vocals, and dangerous expression work.
That whiplash is exactly what makes “VENOM” so compelling.
Released on May 13, “VENOM” serves as another preview of his upcoming second solo album Are You Red.Y?, scheduled for release on May 20. While “MAGIC MUSIC” embraced sparkling charm and colorful theatrics, “VENOM” descends into something far darker — seductive, dangerous, and almost intoxicating in atmosphere.
As a member of Hey! Say! JUMP and one of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT’s most recognizable performers, Ryosuke has long built a reputation as an all-round entertainer, balancing idol activities, acting, variety appearances, gaming content, and increasingly ambitious solo work. With that diverse skill set, he has captured the hearts of fans across multiple generations.
Since last year, he’s now stepped into a solo career alongside his activities as a member of Hey! Say! JUMP, releasing new music that showcases his unique voice and artistic vision, while also exploring different genres and collaborating with various artists to broaden his appeal.
Additionally, his engaging presence on social media has allowed him to connect with a wider audience, enhancing his popularity and reach. This evolution not only highlights his versatility but also marks a significant chapter in his professional journey as he continues to push the boundaries of entertainment.
More than simply another album track, “VENOM” feels like a defining statement for this stage of his solo career. While his public image has long balanced polished idol charm with versatility as an actor and entertainer, “VENOM” pushes much further into theatricality, darker aesthetics, and performance-driven storytelling than many expected.
Built around heavy beats, sharp choreography, and a strikingly lower vocal register, the song reveals another side of Ryosuke entirely. The opening laugh alone immediately sets the tone, pulling the viewer into a world that feels unstable from the very first seconds. By the time the chorus hits, “VENOM” no longer feels like a standard idol release, but closer to a cinematic performance piece built around tension, movement, and control.
The music video leans fully into that darker identity. Monochrome visuals, dramatic lighting, and black liquid imagery create an atmosphere reminiscent of dark fantasy and comic-book villain aesthetics, while Ryosuke himself moves through the set almost like a supernatural figure rather than simply a performer. At times, the visuals make him appear less human and more like a beautifully rendered game character brought to life.
Choreographed by KAITA, who previously worked on “Donkey Gongs,” the performance thrives on precision. Hip hits, sharp neck movements, controlled hand angles, and aggressive directional changes give the choreography a physical intensity that never loses elegance. Even the styling becomes part of the movement itself, with fabric, silhouettes, and lighting all emphasizing the sharpness of the performance.
What makes “VENOM” especially compelling, however, is Ryosuke’s command of expression. Every glance feels intentional. Every camera angle appears understood before the shot even lands. Whether through subtle facial changes, the way he controls his gaze, or the confidence in his body lines, the performance constantly feels calculated without ever losing its natural charisma.
That duality has become one of the defining fascinations surrounding Are You Red.Y? so far. “MAGIC MUSIC” and “VENOM” feel almost impossible to belong to the same artist at first glance — one overflowing with bright idol energy, the other embracing darkness and danger. And yet, together they highlight one of Ryosuke’s greatest strengths as an entertainer: his ability to transform completely while still remaining unmistakably himself.
“VENOM” is addictive, impossible to look away from, and almost unreal in its execution. Yamada’s lower vocal delivery, intense expression work, and the sheer precision of the choreography stand out particularly, fitting for one of J-pop’s most charismatic idol performers. He effortlessly shifts between cute, elegant, cool, and dangerous concepts, with “VENOM” feeling like yet another reminder of just how many different versions of Ryosuke Yamada still remain to be discovered.
The sight of him returning to aggressive, hard-hitting choreography has sparked excitement for the upcoming live performances, with many already anticipating the overwhelming atmosphere the song could create inside a dome venue. Even through a screen, “VENOM” feels designed to command a crowd.
At the same time, international reactions have also surged following the MV release, reflecting the growing global attention surrounding Ryosuke’s solo activities. Comments in various languages flooded the release almost immediately, reinforcing how strongly his performances continue to resonate beyond Japan.
That momentum is only expected to grow further following the official announcement of his first-ever Asia tour, Ryosuke Yamada ASIA TOUR 2026 Red.Y. While details regarding venues, ticket sales, and opening times will be announced at a later date, the announcement itself already marks a major milestone in his solo career.
More than anything, “VENOM” proves that after years in the industry, Ryosuke Yamada still refuses to settle into a single image or expectation. Instead, each release seems determined to reveal another side entirely.
Dangerous, theatrical, and impossible to ignore, “VENOM” shows an artist continuing to evolve in real time — and audiences across Asia are about to witness that evolution live.
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