Japanese entertainment has long enjoyed significant popularity in America, and recent performances by Ado, ATARASHII GAKKO!, and YOASOBI in Los Angeles highlighted the current strength of the scene.
On Sunday, March 16, the sold-out show at the Peacock Theater became the J-pop festival we had all been waiting for, proving that Japan’s biggest acts are not just making their way stateside—they’re here to stay.
The night was more than just a concert though as it marked the debut of the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) in LA with a portion of ticket sales donated to L.A. wildfire recovery efforts through MusiCares, blending music with a very meaningful cause.
The Knockturnal attended both the concert and pre-concert panel – matsuri’25: JP Music Industry Mixer – an industry networking event hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Los Angeles.
The mixer brought together Japanese and American music industry professionals, including journalist and author Ryan J. Downey (formerly of MTV), Ellen Lu (VP of Regional Festivals, Goldenvoice), Tom Windish (EVP, Wasserman Music), and Rob Kelso (Director of U.S. Operations, Creativeman Productions). The discussion centered on the global expansion of J-pop.
The evening kicked off with opening remarks from Yoshiko Tsuwaki, executive director of JETRO Los Angeles, setting the tone for the series of discussions.
CEIPA followed by introducing the highly anticipated and one-of-a-kind MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ), a new awards show featuring 65 categories, introducing the March 2025 entry announcements and the event’s scheduled dates—May 21-22 in Kyoto.
“This was the very first event of its kind,” Nomura noted, emphasizing CEIPA’s mission to serve as a global bridge connecting Japanese music fans worldwide.
Photo by YURI HASEGAWA
Following the announcement, the second panel, Music Festivals and Live Events: The Key to Japanese Artists’ Success in the International Market, featured industry perspectives on how Japanese artists are navigating the global music scene. Moderated by Ryan J. Downey (Billboard, MTV, Loudwire), the panel covered key topics such as:
- The unique challenges Japanese artists face when performing in America
- The importance of support networks from home
- The high costs of touring in the U.S.
- Audience metrics for Japanese artists in the American market
- The role of anime in music discovery—while a helpful gateway, it presents unique challenges
- Bridging cultural and industry gaps through international collaborations
The long-standing belief that “it must be in English” for success abroad was also challenged, with Kelso noting, “That’s no longer the case.”
After the panel discussion, attendees were treated to a very special screening of video messages from Ado, ATARASHII GAKKO!, and YOASOBI to get attendees excited before the show!
“For matsuri’25, I have prepared an exclusive setlist and special stage production to showcase my performance… so please look forward to it.” – Ado
“…to see Japanese music getting this kind of spotlight in 2025, to be just half a step ahead and leading the way… that makes me really happy.” – ATARASHII GAKKO!
“We hope to pursue sharing the charm of YOASOBI with all the fans who are longing for us here in the U.S.” – YOASOBI
Photo by YURI HASEGAWA
Following the panel, the night kicked into the electrifying performances from all three acts, starting with YOASOBI!
With a setlist packed with fan favorites like The Brave, Monster, Into The Night, and Idol, YOASOBI delivered an unforgettable show.
They brought out a live band dressed in neutral tones, a perfect contrast to their vibrant and colorful stage production. Their sound? Pure hyper-pop-rock energy.
The performance was a sensory experience—strobe lights and the lighting effects enhanced the atmosphere without overpowering the music. The crowd, spanning all ages, jumped all together, fully immersed in the high-energy set.
Despite the rock-heavy sound, there was an undeniable cuteness to the performance. YOASOBI masterfully balanced dark, mysterious storytelling—often inspired by novels—with an uplifting, high-energy momentum in their music.
Throughout the set, the duo both expressed gratitude repeatedly, humbly thanking the audience between songs.
Photo by YURI HASEGAWA
Then came ATARASHII GAKKO!, immediately diving into their signature blend of precision and chaos. Dressed in their modernized school uniforms, they stomped, sprinted, and flipped in their choreography, creating an intense and fun concert experience!
Their opening track, infused with trumpets and an almost angelic vibe, set the tone for a theatrical, bold, and unique performance.
The group’s choreography, movements, and facial expressions were so exaggerated and expressive, that it almost felt like watching commedia dell’arte—a mix of comedy, drama, and pure artistry. ATARASHII GAKKO! is a beast of their own!
At one point, they formed a human pyramid with the main singer standing on top of all the girls—an entrance that was as iconic as it was unexpected.
Adding a cultural touch, they geared up in kimonos for a segment of their set, blending tradition with their signature rebellious energy. Tokyo Calling was an absolute standout—one of the members even ran into the crowd, singing with their entire body above the first row, fully immersed in the moment.
Closing out the night was none other than Ado. Known for her mysterious persona, Ado embraces the concept of a faceless idol—proving that even within the shadows, talent can shine through.
Ado, Photo by Viola Kam (V’z Twinkle)
From behind her signature shadowed box, outlined by her frame, she delivered insanely raw vocals and choreography.
Adding to the exclusivity of her set, the audience was required to put their phones away, creating an undistracted experience. Ado isn’t just making waves in the industry, she’s leading a storm.
Overall, the night was the perfect mix of Japan’s international success, with the show that followed along just to prove it!
Look forward to the newest Japanese award show MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ) on May 21-22 in Kyoto and learn more about the event’s organizers below… until next time!
JETRO is organized and managed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), a ministry of the Japanese government that focuses on economic and industrial development through entertainment, innovation, technology, and foreign investment. JETRO currently maintains 76 offices overseas in 50 countries and 48 offices in Japan, including the Tokyo and Osaka headquarters. For additional info, please visit www.jetro.go.jp/usa/about.html.
CEIPA was established by five major Japanese music industry organizations — the Recording Industry Association of Japan, the Japan Association of Music Enterprises, the Federation of Music Producers Japan, the Music Publishers Association of Japan, and the All Japan Concert and Live Entertainment Promoters — and it also organizes the MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN set to take place in Kyoto, Japan, in May 2025, and will be livestreamed globally on YouTube.
The MUSIC WAY PROJECT supported the TOKYO CALLING / INSPIRED BY TOKYO showcase on March 11 at the South by Southwest® (SXSW®), Mohawk Outdoor in Austin, Texas. The lineup for the TOKYO CALLING stage featured Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai / GOKUMON, Enfants, TOKYO SYOKI SYODO, and Chiaki Mayumura.
GOLDEN VOICE, creators of Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival, operates successful Los Angeles and Bay Area music venues including the Fonda Theatre, The Roxy Theatre, El Rey Theatre, The Novo, Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall, The Regency Ballroom, and The Warfield. Goldenvoice holds exclusive booking deals at Brookside at The Rose Bowl, Santa Barbara Bowl, Mountain Winery, Great American Music Hall, and Frost Amphitheatre. They also have produced events such as Desert Trip, Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, Day N Vegas, Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Festival, Just Like Heaven, and many more. Beginning as an independent punk rock promoter in the early 1980s, Goldenvoice grew to be the preeminent alternative promoter in Southern California by forging strong relationships with both bands and music fans. Currently, Goldenvoice promotes over 1,600 concerts a year in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada, plus recently adding North American tours to their growing list of accomplishments. For additional info, please visit www.Goldenvoice.com.
For additional info about MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN, please visit www.musicawardsjapan.com.
