A sold-out crowd of over 7000 and a lineup featuring three of the biggest names in Modern J-Pop made matsuri ‘25: Japanese Music Experience LOS ANGELES an event with high expectations. The event brought YOASOBI, ATARASHII GAKKO!, and Ado together for a co-headlining night at the Peacock Theater, which was backed by CEIPA and Toyota’s MUSIC WAY PROJECT—an initiative aimed at expanding Japanese music’s international presence.

The Challenges of Expanding Overseas

Before the performances took place, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) hosted a panel/networking event featuring executives from Japan and the United States, in which they discussed the challenges of expanding Japanese artists’ reach overseas. 

The session opened with remarks from JETRO Los Angeles Executive Director Yoshiko Tsuwaki, which was followed by an introduction to MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ), a new awards show launching in Kyoto in May. While the panel covered the logistical and financial hurdles of overseas touring and the restrictions and production costs involved, the session was closed with pre-recorded messages from Ado, ATARASHII GAKKO!, and YOASOBI, who each touched upon the significance of the event.

Fans traveled from across the United States and beyond to see three of Japan’s leading contemporary artists on stage.

YOASOBI’s Start

Duo YOASOBI began the night with their literary-inspired J-pop electronic sounds, setting an inspiring tone from the outset. Their international momentum has remained strong since they sold out their upcoming UK Wembley Arena tour in seconds. This performance follows a standout 2024 that saw them perform at Coachella, sell out a United States tour, and take the stage at Lollapalooza.

Dressed in futuristic, Dune-esque outfits, vocalist Ikura (Lilas Ikuta) and producer Ayase performed against a backdrop of eye-catching visuals, and made full use of the venue’s massive screen. They opened with “Seventeen,” carried through “Shukufuku” (The Blessing), then “Undead.” 

ATARASHII GAKKO!’s Unpredictable Follow-up

ATARASHII GAKKO! followed next, during which the four-member group, known for their blend of J-pop, hip-hop, and punk, skipped a traditional entrance and stormed through the back of the theater. The New School Leaders kept the momentum from YOASOBI’s conclusion by going with an 11-song set that felt more like a dance party.

Fueled by self-choreographed routines, the members broke the barrier, during which the girls turned the theater into their playground. During “Tokyo Calling,” the group’s lead, SUZUKA, launched herself into the crowd and sprinted through the aisles as fans scrambled to keep up. 

They also performed an unreleased track titled “Free Yourself,” and performed their gospel-infused latest single “One Heart” live for the first time.

ADO’s Remarkable Voice

Following ATARASHII GAKKO! came Ado, whose silhouette appeared inside a semi-transparent cube as the opening chords of one of J-pop’s biggest singles of 2023 rang out. Ado’s 10-song set allowed her to command the stage with her voice, which ranged from precise whispers to feral screams, during which each note hit with impressive weight.

Between songs, Ado broke character to speak with the crowd in both English and Japanese, during which she joked about her time in Los Angeles. 

Before she sang her final song, Ado addressed the crowd with a poignant note that would end the night.

“I want to guide as many people towards happiness,” the singer said. “Everyone who came here today—you’re precious to me. You’re my precious.”

The full concert will stream globally via Sony Music Solutions’ Stagecrowd platform on March 29th and will remain on-demand until April 13th.