B&ZAI LIVE TOUR 2026: An Epic Finale at Nippon Budokan

B&ZAI held their solo concert B&ZAI LIVE TOUR 2026 -ROCK’N’DOL- in Nippon Budokan on May 9, bringing their nationwide hall tour to a spectacular close. The tour visited 10 cities and spanned 29 performances, including the February 27 show at Tokyo Garden Theater. Held across three dates at the legendary Nippon Budokan, the final performances attracted a total audience of 27,000 people. Exactly one year after the group’s formation, B&ZAI finally stood on the dream stage they had long declared as their ultimate goal.

A group of eight young male performers, dressed in matching denim outfits, poses cheerfully in front of a large concert venue. The sign above them reads 'ROCK'N'DOL'.

B&ZAI is a rising Junior (trainee) unit from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, formed on February 16, 2025, and consisting of eight members: Ryo Hashimoto (Vo./Gt.), Rei Yabana (Ba.), Taiki Konno (Gt./Vo.), Rinne Sugeta (Sax./Gt.), Katsuki Motodaka (Key.), Yujin Suzuki (Gt./Vo.), Hoshiki Kawasaki (Dr.), and Michiharu Inaba (Vn.).

In just over a year since their formation, B&ZAI have rapidly expanded the scale of their activities at an astonishing pace, surpassing a total of 100 performances. Through this tour, the group pursued a style that fully reflected their own identity under the theme of “wanting to energize Japan,” establishing their unique concept of ROCK’N’DOL: a fusion of rock and idol culture. This Nippon Budokan concert marked the grand culmination of their hall tour, which traveled across 10 cities nationwide.

For a pre-debut group under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT to hold a solo concert at Nippon Budokan is an extraordinary achievement not seen since DOMOTO (Kinki Kids) in 1994, making it the first occurrence in approximately 31 years.

Standing on a stage regarded both as the sacred ground of live bands and a dream venue for countless artists, B&ZAI delivered a passionate performance packed with determination, seamlessly moving from explosive rock numbers to classic idol songs while showcasing the full breadth of their identity as performers. At the front of that momentum was Ryo, whose opening shout and commanding presence helped frame the concert not just as a celebration, but as a declaration that B&ZAI had arrived at Budokan with purpose.

The overture opened with a retrospective video chronicling B&ZAI’s journey throughout the past year, showing footage from live shows, festivals, and stage performances in chronological order, from their earliest performances to their most recent stages. As anticipation built inside the venue, the members finally appeared as dark silhouettes against the bright lights of the stage. At Ryo’s shout, “Let’s start being happy. Let’s go to the Budokan!” the lights changed, and the eight members took the stage.

The concert kicked off with “なつ♡あい“, their energetic original summer anthem designed to make the audience celebrate together. Performing from the main stage, each member wore outfits themed around their respective member colors. Pink confetti exploded into the air while fans enthusiastically joined in with chants, shouting the members’ nicknames.

The excitement continued with SMAP’s “SHAKE“. Spread across the length of the main stage, the members energized the crowd while gradually removing their capes during the performance.

The next song was “Paripipo Ansemu (パリピポアンセム)” by WEST., during which the members incorporated towels into the choreography, further heating up the atmosphere inside the venue. They immediately followed with NEWS’ “weeeek“, turning the Budokan into a massive singalong.

Next came “Ready for B&ZAI“, one of the group’s original songs. The track functions as a self-introduction anthem, highlighting each member’s personality and individual strengths, making it easy even for first-time concertgoers to remember the defining traits of every member. During the song, the center stage rose into the air, elevating both the performance and the crowd’s excitement.

The boys then delivered their opening greetings, with Taiki taking the lead as the group’s leader. His presence throughout the concert was less about dominating the spotlight and more about quietly holding the group together, giving the show a sense of warmth and direction even as the setlist moved through wildly different tones.

Hoshiki took the stage in red heels and shifted the mood with a sultry solo dance before the masked members made their entrance. The segment then transitioned into “Masquerade” by Hey! Say! JUMP, with all the members appearing in masquerade masks as the mysterious styling and theatrical choreography completely transformed the atmosphere inside the venue. Just before the chorus, each member removed their mask to reveal their true faces, fans erupted in deafening cheers.

Taiki then stunned the audience with a solo a cappella section that seamlessly transitioned into KAT-TUN’s “YOU“. Dressed in hats and sequined outfits styled with white shirts, black pants, and sunglasses for some members, the group created a mature and sophisticated atmosphere for the performance.

Soon after, jackets hanging from the annex stage descended dramatically, with the members putting them on before launching into their original song “KISS’N’DOL“. During the performance, both Hoshiki and Michiharu showcased impressive acrobatics, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

A humorous video segment followed, featuring the members explaining aspects of the Heisei era: the period of Japanese history spanning from 1989 to 2019, often associated with nostalgic pop culture, fashion, and trends that defined an entire generation. The comedic tone escalated further when the members returned to the stage dressed as women inspired by Heisei-era fashion to perform SUPER EIGHT’s “CANDY MY LOVE“. The chaotic yet charming performance sent the audience into fits of laughter.

The acting corner continued the theatrical atmosphere. Each member introduced themselves using female character names while joking with the audience. The nicknames were as follows: Rei Yabana became “Banako,” Katsuki Motodaka became “Katsumi,” Ryo Hashimoto became “Ryochi,” Hoshiki Kawasaki became “Hochan,” Taiki Konno became “Piichan,” Michiharu Inaba became “Michiko,” Rinne Sugeta kept his own name as “Rinne,” and Yujin Suzuki became “Jinko.” During the skit segment, Michiharu teased Yujin, who sported a bob cut and exuded a “potato-like” vibe, and a fight broke out. There was even a scene paying homage to their agency’s traditional stage production “DREAM BOYS,” in which Rinne, who stepped in to mediate, was injured by a hidden lead plate.

Suddenly, two “princes” (Hoshiki and Taiki) appeared and began performing “Cinderella Girl” by King & Prince. The remaining “girls” then tried on the glass slipper one by one to determine who the true Cinderella was. When the slipper perfectly fit Rinne, Taiki dramatically lifted him into his arms, causing the audience to erupt into deafening screams.

The playful atmosphere continued with Hey! Say! JUMP’s “Puppy Boo“, where Rei and Michiharu appeared wearing adorable cat ears while performing the song in an intentionally cute style.

NEWS’ “Koi no ABO” followed, featuring colorful penlights illuminating the arena. The setlist then transitioned into SUPER EIGHT’s “T.W.L“, keeping the energy high.

A group of eight performers wearing matching denim outfits, standing on stage and waving to the audience, with colorful lights in the background.

During the MC segment, Katsuki mistakenly defined “MC” as “Music of Ceremony” (the correct term is “Master of Ceremony”), prompting the other members to tease him. It was a small moment, but one that captured his role in the group well: despite having a PhD from the Graduate School of Creative Science and Engineering at Waseda University, he can also soften the room with his naturally playful, slightly unpredictable charm.

Then, the members casually promoted their current activities and projects. However, the biggest surprise came when Michiharu unexpectedly announced that he would star in a double-leading film set for release in February 2027, called “17-sai no Proof”.

The audience immediately erupted into screams and cheers so loudly, in fact, that it became almost impossible to hear Michiharu properly as he tried to announce the project. When the announcement was made, the members rushed toward the key visual displayed on the monitor as though it were their own, reenacting a scene from the film while celebrating the news together.

The MC suddenly evolved into a mock press conference held directly onstage. One of the reporters asked whether the group had plans for another live concert, prompting the members to casually reveal future plans in a way that completely surprised fans, as they announced a new series of summer concerts at Kanadevia Hall. Afterwards, the members posed for commemorative photos for the cameras.

Still wearing their MC outfits, the group then performed “Ain’t No Dream OVER“, a song from ANDO’s stage production previously featured in a Dumpling Box report.

The members later rode around the arena in moving carts while performing King & Prince’s “Nanimono“, allowing them to interact closely with fans seated throughout the venue. They continued directly with “Saa Ikimakure ! Wonderful Life ! (さぁ生きまくれ！wonderful life！) by A.B.C-Z.

The next block featured Rinne, Katsuki, and Hoshiki performing “T.A.B.O.O“, Sho Sakurai’s legendary solo song from ARASHI. The dark atmosphere and mature choreography captivated the audience instantly, with Rinne especially standing out through the sharpness of his movement and the force of his rap. Throughout the concert, he repeatedly proved that his role in B&ZAI is not limited to being a guitarist or saxophone player.

His lower register is being well-utilized across various songs, creating a nice balance to the other members who usually take the higher registers. Whether carrying a darker performance block, supporting acrobatic moments, or suddenly becoming the emotional and comedic center of a skit, Rinne moved between roles with the kind of physical confidence that made him feel like one of the group’s most reliable live performers.

Rei then appeared playing a shamisen, a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument known for its distinctive sharp and resonant sound, before the group transitioned into King & Prince’s “Tsukiyomi“. he moment stood out not only for its visual impact, but for the confidence it takes to bring a traditional instrument into a large-scale Budokan performance and make it feel like a natural part of B&ZAI’s rock-idol identity. During the chorus, each member stood illuminated in different locations across the venue under dramatic red and white lighting. Michiharu once again incorporated acrobatics into the performance, adding intensity to the stage.

A lively concert scene featuring a band performing on stage with bright lights and large video screens displaying visuals of the artists.

The group followed with a rock-oriented Hey! Say! JUMP song called “Okami Seinen (狼青年)” performed from the annex stage, maintaining the concert’s increasingly powerful momentum. Here too, Rinne’s lower vocal presence added weight to the performance, giving the song a more dangerous edge that contrasted well with the group’s earlier bright idol energy. Taiki, Yujin, and Ryo then delivered a performance of SMAP’s “Triangle“. The center stage was decorated with candles while the trio, dressed entirely in black, created an emotional and elegant atmosphere.

The concert’s intensity rose even further with SixTONES’ “Anthem“. During the iconic repeated “woow” section in the middle of the song, instruments suddenly appeared onstage as the performance transformed into a full band arrangement. Sparks and pyrotechnics erupted throughout the main stage, while the addition of violin brought a surprisingly dramatic layer to the song.

The live band section continued with their very first original song, “First Beat“. Explosions and pyrotechnics accompanied the performance while each instrumental platform physically moved around the stage, emphasizing the scale of the production. TOKIO’s “LOVE YOU ONLY” followed before transitioning into SUPER EIGHT‘s “Musekinin Hero (無責任ヒーロー)”.

During ARASHI‘s “Love so sweet“, Michiharu stood center stage and delivered a violin solo that deeply moved the audience, and Yujin urged the crowd, “Is the Budokan getting hyped up? We’re living a dream right now. Everyone, please give us even more of your energy!” The arrangement also highlighted how essential Rinne’s saxophone is to B&ZAI’s full-band sound, an instrument that usually isn’t considered standard in a band arrangement. Over the years, he’s constantly improved his skills, while finding ways to incorporate the instrument, allowing him to turn the saxophone into an essential sound to the band’s identity.

Their arrangement of a classic J-Pop love song really showcases their idol roots and allows them to fully blend their band identity with it, and vocally, it truly gives them space to put their own colors into the performance.

While Michiharu’s violin gave the performance its emotional lift—another instrument that doesn’t generally see the light among band sets but truly adds character to the songs—Rinne’s saxophone filled out the upper layers of the ensemble, allowing the song to feel fuller, warmer, and more distinctly like a B&ZAI live arrangement rather than a straightforward cover.

NEWS’ “BLACK FIRE“ featured Ryo and Yujin as a powerful duo performance, adding another layer of intensity to the concert’s final band section, and showcasing the breadth of the genres and styles the members can handle.

The rock segment ultimately concluded with SUPER EIGHT‘s “Zou (象)” filled with flames, sparks, and fireworks exploding across the stage, creating an overwhelmingly cool and explosive finale. In this block, Rinne and Michiharu became one of the most memorable pairings of the band section, with saxophone and violin cutting through the heat of the arrangement like two voices challenging each other across the stage. Their musical exchange added a sense of live-band spontaneity to the finale, making the performance feel less like a polished reproduction and more like a true concert climax.

During the final greetings, Rinne introduced himself as B&ZAI’s sun, a phrase that felt especially fitting after a concert where he had constantly connected the group’s musical, physical, and entertainment sides. His brightness was not only about being loud or playful. It was in the way he helped hold the atmosphere together: raising the temperature during the band sections, throwing himself fully into the comedy corners, and still carrying the seriousness of standing at Budokan with visible gratitude and pride.

Rei also reflected on the joy of standing on the Nippon Budokan stage with his members, saying, “I feel truly grateful and blessed to be able to experience this precious stage at Nippon Budokan with the members like this.” He expressed his gratitude to the members and fans, adding, “Thanks to all of you who always support us, we’ve been able to achieve one of our goals. Let’s continue to make our greatest dreams come true together from here on out. Thank you so much!”

Coming after his earlier member introductions, the words reinforced what had already become clear throughout the concert: if Rinne brought the brightness of the sun, Rei gave the group its center of gravity, supporting B&ZAI with both musical steadiness and an almost painfully sincere affection for the members around him.

A music group performing on stage, surrounded by falling confetti and snow-like material, showcasing dynamic poses and colorful outfits.

The group then performed “Braver“, a brand-new support song filled with encouraging lyrics. The eight members linked arms on the main stage and passionately and rawly belting out “Don’t run away, don’t run away” and “Don’t lose, don’t lose.” As artificial snow suddenly began falling across the venue, Rei became visibly emotional and broke into tears. They all smiled with earnest expressions, and finally turned their backs to the audience, thrusting their fists high into the air to bring the main set to a close.

The encore began with fans loudly chanting the group’s name throughout the Budokan. Returning to the stage wearing official concert T-shirts, the members once again performed “なつ♡あい“ while playfully throwing around the artificial snow that still covered the stage. For TOKIO‘s “JUMBO“, the members once again picked up their instruments, reinforcing B&ZAI’s strong identity as both idols and live performers.

The final song of the show, called “Shoudou Never end (衝動 Never end)” was another brand-new track, leaving fans with one final surprise before the concert came to an end.

As the show closed, the audience performed one last coordinated chant with the members before silver gintape streamers shot across the venue, marking the emotional end of B&ZAI’s long-awaited Budokan concert.

In the end, B&ZAI LIVE TOUR 2026 -ROCK’N’DOL- at Nippon Budokan was far more than simply the finale of a nationwide tour. It became a statement of who B&ZAI are as a group just one year after their formation: performers capable of balancing the intensity of a live rock band with the charm and energy of classic idols.

From explosive band performances and powerful choreography to comedic skits, emotional MC moments, and heartfelt interactions with fans, the concert showcased every side of the group’s identity. The members moved seamlessly between genres and atmospheres, proving their versatility while never losing the sense of fun and closeness that defines them.

Standing on the legendary Budokan stage, a venue long considered sacred ground for musicians in Japan, B&ZAI delivered a performance filled with ambition, gratitude, and determination for the future. And with new songs, future concerts, and even bigger dreams already ahead of them, the group made one thing clear: this was not a final destination, but the beginning of an even larger journey.