Live Report: FRUITS ZIPPER, the Hottest Idol Group Around, Shows Incredible Growth during 2nd Solo Concert
FRUITS ZIPPER has become a smash hit in the idol world in 2022, with the group’s track Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro pulling in over 500 million plays on TikTok. The girls held their second solo concert, Sekai wa Kimi
kara Hajimaru, at Shibuya WWW X on November 11. Tickets quickly sold out after they went on sale following the group’s first solo concert at Ebisu LIQUIDROOM in September, which was also completely sold out.
FRUITS ZIPPER debuted in April, with members chosen from the KAWAII LAB. idol project launched by ASOBISYSTEM. Despite being less than a year old, the members managed to perform at almost all major summer idol festivals. They also performed at SUMMER SONIC 2022. Snagging tickets for the group’s performances is not easy, as both solo shows have completely sold out after minutes of tickets going on sale.
Many of FRUITS ZIPPER’s fans are women, though the recent concert’s ratio of men to women was about half. As the show was about to begin, fans in the audience began to hold up their penlights, each illuminated with one of the seven member’s colors.
The special effects for the show were unique to the event, and as the music began alongside a countdown, the members appeared, dancing in perfect sync and starting the performance off on a high note. Expectations for FRUITS ZIPPER are high, with fans always waiting for them to take things to the next level.
The excitement in the venue reached a fever pitch as the girls performed Kanpeki Shugi de☆ and Kimi no Akarui Mirai wo Oikakete, two songs that have become staples of their live performances.
During the MC portion, the members thanked the fans for coming out and showed just how excited they were to be on stage.
After the chat, FRUITS ZIPPER performed a ton of popular songs in succession, including We are Frontier, RADIO GALAXY, and Re→TRY&FLY. RADIO GALAXY featured a remix of the intro and dance portion, and the trio of tracks showed the cooler side of the group, which embodies the idea of NEW KAWAII
The packed house was even more excited when the song Furefure Summer! began, and the audience suddenly became a sea of swirling towels and penlights.
During the next MC, the members announced a lottery, with the winners walking away with a Polaroid photo of all the members. Each girl showed a unique expression as they drew the numbers, and fans were easily entertained by their genuine emotion and close friendship with one another.
The following two tracks were, of course, Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, FRUITS ZIPPER’s signature song and a major 2022 hit, and skyfeelan, which shows a softer side of the members and pulls from Tweets they’ve made in the past.
As the song ended, a video began playing on the screen, announcing that the final show of the group’s first Tokyo/Nagoya/Osaka tour, FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER, would take place at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA on February 12. This will mark the largest venue ever for the group and the audience was instantly buzzing with excitement.
To wrap up the show, the members performed their new song Sekai wa Kimi kara Hajimaru, which was also the name of the concert itself. The song, which was first performed at the September concert, was released digitally on November 11. It was the perfect song to wrap up such an incredible show.
As fans relentlessly begged for an encore, the members returned to the stage to perform Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro one more time.
During the MC in between, the members thanked the audience for their cheers and chatted about the tour scheduled for next year.
“I want to eat Yabaton in Nagoya,” Karen Matsumoto said.
When chatting about the final show to be held at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, Luna Nakagawa said that it feels like “an absolutely mad event” for the group, but also expressed her enthusiasm and excitement for the show next year.
The concert ended with a performance of Sekai wa Kimi kara Hajimaru.
While the solo concert didn’t feature any incredible stunts or large-scale effects, the members and staff managed to create something indescribably impressive. Without flashy special effects, the girls put on a show that brought people together and made an impression on all in attendance.
FRUITS ZIPPER continues to grow at an incredible pace. Each live show gets bigger and bigger, and the media is taking notice. It’s exciting to think about what these girls will do next.
text:Tsukasa Hasegawa
photo:Yuuna Yoshimori
Information
<Track Information>
Sekai wa Kimi kara Hajimaru – FRUITS ZIPPER (Digital Single)
Release Date: November 11, 2022
Streaming Links: https://ssm.lnk.to/SKH
<FRUITS ZIPPER>
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
RELATED ENTRIES
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FRUITS ZIPPER Member Yui Sakurai Concludes Project Celebrating 10th Anniversary as an Idol, Will Release Solo Track Recently Performed Live
Last October, FRUITS ZIPPER member Yui Sakurai began a one-year project titled ‘Yui Sakurai 10th Anniversary -IDOL OF IDOLS-’ to celebrate the 10th year since her idol debut. On October 2, the idol held ‘Yui Sakurai 10th ANNIVERSARY LIVE 2024’ at Zepp Divercity (Tokyo). Sakurai debuted in the entertainment industry in 2013 and currently boasts the mint green member color in the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER. With their adorable looks and unique personalities, the members have become popular with both men and women alike, and are currently seen as representatives of idol culture going into 2025. ‘Yui Sakurai 10th Anniversary -IDOL OF IDOLS-’ included a solo tour held in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, along with the release of her first photo book. The recent solo concert represented the culmination of the project, and understandably, many fans came to the venue to congratulate the idol. As the lights dimmed and green penlights filled the venue, Sakurai appeared in a dress resembling a bouquet of flowers, accompanied by the lively sounds of the band. The idol first performed her solo song Spotlight from FRUITS ZIPPER’s latest single NEW KAWAII / Fruits Basket. The track expresses the singer’s desire to grow up after 10 years as an idol, and dares to feature a tune that Sakurai doesn’t excel at. The audience agreed that Sakurai performed Spotlight with a perfect score of 100 points, proving her growth before her fans. Continuing on, the idol won the hearts of the fans yet again with Zurui Kawayui, a pop tune with a distinctive sound. The live performance immediately invited fans into the ever-changing world of Yui Sakurai without holding back. After thanking the fans who had gathered at the venue, Sakurai continued with a cover of Seiko Matsuda’s classic Akai Sweet Pea. Her performance mesmerized fans, her voice soft, but she quickly raised the venue’s voltage with a cover of Hatsukoi Cider by Buono! After changing into an angelic costume complete with wings, she went on to perform Tokaikko Junjou (°C-ute) and More Kiss (Fairies). Her confidence amazed the crowd. In addition to these covers, Sakurai also performed You, You, You, a new song prepared for the concert. The dance number embodied a more mature Yui Sakurai, blending cuteness and sexiness and showing an entirely new side to the performer. As the atmosphere seemed to switch, Sakurai also performed covers of Tenshi wa doko e (≠ME) and Idol (YOASOBI.) The stage was a stunning sight, and loud cheers rang out from the entire audience.The second half of the concert began with Caste Summer Session as silver tape fell from the ceiling. Even though fall had already begun, the venue was filled with summer-like enthusiasm. With the electricity in the venue at its highest level of the night, Sakurai sand FRUITS ZIPPER’s signature song Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro solo. The biggest KAWAII of the day had certainly appeared at Zepp Divercity (Tokyo), and for the last song of the show, the idol performed BABY I LOVED. Her crystal clear voice captivated every fan in the audience. As soon as the idol left the stage, the fans immediately asked for an encore. These loud voices summoned the artist back, and she performed her new song You, You, You for a second time. An MC portion followed, in which Sakurai read a letter reflecting on the past decade, including the excitement she felt starting out as an idol, the heartbreak of leaving the stage at one point, and how it felt meeting the other members of FRUITS ZIPPER. “I’m only here because of those who support me and protect me. Even in my private life, I’m supported by so many people,” she said. “I continue to love and cherish each and every one of you!” Continuing, Sakurai concluded her letter hoping for future growth. “For my next anniversary, I’d like to truly embody what it is to be an eternal idol for everyone, inspired by the phrase “idol of idol” given to me by (producer) Misa Kimura.” The final encore was a second performance of Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, and fans were allowed to record video. Yui Sakurai’s growth and cuteness are sure to spread around the world thanks to this footage taken by the audience. Sakurai’s 10 years as an idol have not been smooth. Nevertheless, she continued to work as hard as she could and has grown into an idol who can now fill Zepp Divercity (Tokyo), not only as a group but also as a solo artist. “If you don’t give up, your dreams will come true.” This Cinderella story was something the artist realized together with her fans. The story of Yui Sakurai will continue, into her 11th year, 15th year, 20th year, and beyond. “Someday, I’d like to hold a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan,” Sakurai said when the concert concluded. Fans are excited to see what other dreams she’ll make come true in the future. In addition, the new digital single Zurui Kawayui will be available on all music streaming services on October 20, the 10th anniversary of Sakurai’s debut. The solo song You, You, You and Caste Summer Session will also be available. Information
<Streaming Information>
Zurui KawaYui – Yui Sakurai (New Digital Single)
Release Date: October 20, 2024
Tracklist:
M1 Zurui KawaYui
M2 Caste Summer Session
M3 You, You, You -
FRUITS ZIPPER Begins First Nationwide Hall Tour, Announces 3rd Anniversary Concert at Saitama Super Arena
FRUITS ZIPPER kicked off its nationwide tour, FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2024 – AUTUMN – THE STORY OF SEVEN COLORS, on September 28 at Toda City Culture Hall in Saitama. The tour will feature 15 shows in 12 cities around Japan and is the largest hall tour in the group’s history. Tickets for all performances, except additional dates, are sold out. The members transformed into ‘NEW KAWAII Princesses’ for their 1st album released in April, with the 2nd single album’s artwork based on the theme of “the beginning of a fairy tale.” The tour’s theme is “Story,” and audiences will be treated to the tale of how these girls became princesses in the first place. Wearing dresses corresponding to their member colors, the group performed popular tracks like Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro and NEW KAWAII, as well as the new songs Fruits Basket and Starlight Valkyrie from their 2nd single CD released on September 18. FRUITS BASKET performed a total of 20 songs, including solo and unit songs, sharing each member’s individuality along with the meaning of the title “THE STORY OF SEVEN COLORS.” For the encore, the group performed Fruits Basket for a second time, and during their performance, the members ran through the aisles of the venue, interacting with the fans. In the middle of the song, the music stopped and a screen suddenly appeared on stage. As the members looked at each other in confusion, an image appeared on the screen, announcing that FRUITS ZIPPER would hold a concert on June 3, 2025 at Saitama Super Arena to celebrate the group’s third anniversary. The venue was immediately filled with applause as fans screamed “congratulations,” with some in tears following the exciting announcement.Member Suzuka Chinzei quickly responded to the crowd. “I didn’t expect this big of a surprise, but I’m so happy to be able to share this moment with all of you–the moment that my dream of performing at Saitama Super Arena came true,” she said. The first day of the tour ended with cheers as the group performed Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro to conclude the night. More details about the group’s 3rd-anniversary concert will be released on FRUITS ZIPPER’s official website soon. Photo: Yuna Yoshimori Information
<Anniversary Live Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER 3rd Anniversary LIVE
Date: June 3, 2025
Venue: Saitama Super Arena<Nationwide Tour Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2024 – AUTUMN – THE STORY OF SEVEN COLORS
9/28 Culture Hall (Saitama)
10/6 Fukuoka Civic Hall (Fukuoka)
10/14 Orix Theater (Osaka)
10/15 Orix Theater (Osaka)
10/30 Kanamoto Hall (Hokkaido)
11/16 Sendai Sun Plaza Hall (Miyagi)
11/17 Utsunomiya City Cultural Center (Tochigi)
11/24 Sunport Hall Takamatsu (Kagawa)
11/26 JMS Aster Plaza (Hiroshima)
11/28 Century Hall (Aichi) *Additional Show
11/30 Forest Hall (Aichi)
12/2 Culttz Kawasaki (Kanagawa)
12/8 Kobe INternational Hall (Hyogo)
12/12 Tokyo Garden Theater (Tokyo) *Additional Show
12/16 Tokyo Garden Theater (Tokyo)[Tickets]
VIP Reserved Seats (Front area with bonus goods): ¥12,500 (Tax Included) *Limit 1 person per purchase
General Reserved Seats: ¥6,600 (Tax Included) *Limit 2 people per purchase*All tickets will be digital.
*Children 6 years old and older must have a paid ticket. One ticket per person is required to have a seat, even if the child is 5 years old or younger.
For children under 5 years old who do not require a seat, only one child per parent/guardian may view the show on his/her lap.
*Resale and transfer of tickets is not permitted.
*No recording or photography is permitted in the venue.
*Baggage may be inspected upon entry.[Ticket Inquiries]
Please check the “Frequently Asked Questions” page on the PIA Help page or search for your specific question using the “Help Search” function.
*We will be unable to respond to inquiries regarding performance details, seat locations, etc. Thank you for your understanding.
https://t.pia.jp/help/<New Single CD Information>
NEW KAWAII / Fruits Basket – FRUITS ZIPPER (2nd Single CD)
Release Date: September 18, 2024
Purchase: https://lnk.to/NK_FB_CD
Stream: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/NEWKAWAII_FRUITSBASKET -
On September 18, FRUITS ZIPPER will release their second-anniversary concert at Nippon Budokan on DVD and Blu-ray. On the same day, the idol group will release its second single CD titled NEW KAWAII / Fruits Basket. The release will be a double A-side single, including the popular song NEW KAWAII from the group’s album released on April 10, as well as the new song Fruits Basket. The CD will be available in nine formats, including a Limited First Edition, Regular Edition, and seven unique Member Editions. The Limited First Edition will include the song Rainbow, which was performed for the first time during the group’s Budokan performance. In contrast, each Member Edition will include solo songs that the girls have performed at birthday events and unit songs performed at FRUITS ZIPPER’s first arena concert at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Additionally, the Limited First Edition will come with a unique jacket and high-quality booklet. The theme of the album’s artwork is ‘the beginning of a fairy tale.’ For the group’s previous album, each member wore a dress of their own unique design to become a ‘NEW KAWAII Princess,’ but this album tells the story of these girls before they became royalty. The way the girls approach this classic fairytale-like concept will show their ‘NEW KAWAII’ side. In addition, a release event will be held to commemorate the release of the second single CD. At Asobi Mall, which handles official FRUITS ZIPPER goods, a Blu-ray of the Budokan concert and the CD can be purchased simultaneously and will be paired with a group acrylic stand as a W-purchase privilege. Quantities of the bundle will be limited.
Standard Edition
Limited First Edition
Mana Manaka Edition
Yui Sakurai Edition
Karen Matsumoto Edition
Amane Tsukiashi Edition
Suzuka Chinzei Edition
Noel Hayase Edition
Information
<Single CD Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER 2nd Single CD
NEW KAWAII / Fruits Basket
Release Date: September 18, 2024Limited First Edition – KLF_10009
Price: ¥3,000 (Tax Included)Member Edition – KLF_10010~10016
Price: ¥1,800 (Tax Included)Standard Edition – KLF_10017
Price: ¥1,200 (Tax Included)[Specifications / Tracklists]
Limited First Edition
M1. NEW KAWAII
M2. Fruits Basket
M3. Starlight Valkyrie
M4. RainbowMember Editions
M1. NEW KAWAII
M2. Fruits Basket
M3. Member-specific song*
M4. Unit song*
*Suzuka Chinzei Edition: Paasu to Meimi / Tenshinranman, Luna Nakagawa Edition: Chill out / Bye-Bye, Amane Tsukiashi Version: Tsuki no Ne / Pinky Red!, Karen Matsumoto Edition: Super Karen Time / Pinky Red!, Noel Hayase Edition: Suekko Paradox / Bye-Bye, Yui Sakurai Edition: Spotlight / Tenshinranman, Mana Manaka Edition: Manakama Nakamana / TenshinranmanStandard Edition
M1. NEW KAWAII
M2. Fruits Basket
M3. Starlight ValkyriePreorder: https://lnk.to/NK_FB_CD
CD & Blu-Ray with Bonus (Limited quantities): https://asobisystem.shop/ -
Having celebrated her 10th year in showbiz in 2023, Yui Sakurai, a member of the popular idol group FRUITS ZIPPER, will release her first photobook on February 20, 2024.
The photos were shot in Phuket, Thailand, and the Phi Phi Islands, which Sakurai had dreamed of visiting. On the world-class island of Phuket, the artist experienced riding an elephant along the beach and enjoyed a romantic floating breakfast in a warm pool. When visiting the Phi Phi Islands, Sakurai visited Maya Bay, which served as the location for the film The Beach and is known by many as ‘Phantom Beach.’ Along with some swimsuit shots, Sakurai also makes her first appearance in lingerie.
A special edition of the photobook including an acrylic stand, a special book, and an exclusive box will be sold exclusively at HMV&BOOKS online, HMV&BOOKS, HMV (participating stores), and Tower Records (the Shibuya store and online). The special book features an exclusive dialogue between Sakurai and the other members of FRUITS ZIPPER, snapshots of their many outfits, and other rare personal details. Those who purchase the special edition will also be invited to attend an exclusive event.
<Comment from Yui Sakurai>
“I am so excited to announce the release of my first photobook! Shooting this book overseas during the 10th anniversary of my idol career was a dream come true. The release date is February 20, which is the last day I’ll be 23 years old. I’m so lucky to be able to experience so many wonderful things!
Thank you so much to the fans and all of the people whose support has made this dream come true! In the book, you’ll see plenty of photos that show not only my on-stage self, but also my more relaxed self and a more personal side of me! I hope this release will give more people an opportunity to get to know me…I hope you’ll enjoy it…”
Information
Yui Sakurai’s 1st Photobook (Title to be announced)
Release Date: February 20, 2024
Specifications: 128 pages / Softcover
Publisher: KobunshaOnline Stores:
・Standard Cover (Amazon) http://x.gd/oFHwA
・Seven Net Exclusive Cover http://x.gd/XRqga
・Rakuten Books Exclusivev Cover http://x.gd/K16aG
・[Special Edition] HMV&BOOKS http://x.gd/m8tBo
・[Special Edition] Tower Records http://x.gd/0Kpi1
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Concert Report: ATARASHII GAKKO! Mesmerizes Packed Crowd in St. Paul during the Final U.S. Performance of the Seishun Tour
Upon my arrival on Thursday, November 16, I wondered if the intimate space of the Amsterdam Bar & Hall in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota would be able to contain the massive personalities of ATARASHII GAKKO! The four members never hold back–either on or off the stage, it seems–and as fans began to arrive en masse, it was clear that the Twin Cities wasn’t lacking a fanbase for the dance-vocal group currently taking the world by storm. Just under three weeks prior, ATARASHII GAKKO! had performed for a whopping 8,000 fans at their first arena concert, held at the famed Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Now, they were preparing to walk out to a crowd of only a few hundred, most with cocktails in hand and lyrics memorized. The majority of the concertgoers seemed more than passingly familiar with the group, though a few bewildered onlookers couldn’t possibly have been prepared for what the night would bring. Needless to say, although the stage was quaint, the concert was anything but. None of the members’ usual energy had diminished, and despite this being the final stop on the U.S. portion of the tour, there wasn’t a hint of fatigue to be found during the hour-long set. The show was sold out weeks in advance, and plenty of eager fans equipped with glowsticks and wearing the group’s signature socks rushed toward the stage to secure the best spot. Other attendees swarmed the merch booth, eager for a hoodie or bag to show their pride. For the show to be standing room only was a boon–it’s unlikely anyone in the audience could have remained seated once the four girls appeared following the intro, quickly leading into the high-energy number Seishun wo Kirisaku Hado. Fans were instantly chanting in unison, responding eagerly as Suzuka addressed the room, her enthusiasm bordering on contagious. Nine years after its formation, ATARASHII GAKKO! Recently announced that the group would be making its Kouhaku debut at this December’s 74th Kouhaku Uta Gassen. The New Year's Eve staple features performances from the most popular musical acts of the year, proving that the group has found its footing both domestically and abroad. Fans swatted balloons around and jumped in time to the beat as saisyu jinrui, one of the group’s older songs, began to a sea of applause. Suzuka, Rin, Mizyu, and Kanon didn’t seem phased to hear the largely American audience singing along in Japanese, though their appreciation and joy were palpable as they moved in perfect unison. CANDY and The Edge followed, with the members taking turns asking the audience to raise their hands or clap along. Anyone who wasn’t already a fan was likely converted by the commanding energy sweeping the room, making it impossible not to move along. During the MC portion, the members showed off their English, asking the audience “do you know Seishun?” They explained that it means “to live your life to the fullest,” and quickly invited the audience to celebrate this important idea. Throughout the show, they would often initiate a call and response, teaching those assembled a few words in Japanese and expressing their interest in returning to America for another tour in the future. Given how quickly the tickets sold out this time around, the sky’s the limit for concerts in the future. In January, ATARASHII GAKKO! will perform at Nippon Budokan for the first time, ushering in a new era of popularity for the four members. It makes me wonder what massive U.S. venues may someday play home to another of their unforgettable shows. Madison Square Garden? Radio City Music Hall? The Hollywood Bowl? As the question “Suki?” rang out, the crowd cheered, as Suki Lie has become a fan favorite since its release earlier this year. The girl’s choreography, as usual, was a highlight of the show, with Fantastico and the Yohji Igarashi remix of Pineapple Kryptonite quickly sending the audience into a rhythmic frenzy. Just in front of me, I watched a couple mimic the vast majority of moves in perfect unison, taking time to laugh and joke when they failed to hit the mark. That’s the essence of ATARASHII GAKKO!–fun. The group represents ‘fun’ in its purest form, asking fans to recall the freedom of youth and to reach out to grasp it one more time, without fear of failure or embarrassment. Dance as if no one is watching, sing along in a language you cannot understand, and dress up in a school uniform despite being in your upper 30s. Why not? As expected, the entire building shook as fans marched along during the group’s newest release Tokyo Calling. It had been enough of a warm-up, and as each of the girls placed a hand behind their heads, Otona Blue, the group’s magnum opus, rang out to a sea of screams. The track has amassed an incredible response on TikTok over the past year; this, despite being released way back in 2020. ATARASHII GAKKO! performed the song on THE FIRST TAKE, with the YouTube video now sitting at 50 million views. Everyone likely woke up with a sore neck after mimicking the classic choreography during the chorus. After the explosive energy of WOO! GO! and NAINAINAI, the girls began to say their goodbyes, asking their fans to visit Japan someday and promising to return to St. Paul sometime in the future. Exiting the stage, they returned only a few minutes later after the audience demanded an encore, this time dressed more casually and eager to chat with a few fans at the front, one of whom was holding up a skilled drawing of Suzuka. The singer accepted the gift gladly, with other fans handing bouquets to the other members. As the lights in the venue brightened, the group snapped a few photos with the audience, creating the perfect keepsake for such a perfect night. No one wanted such an energetic time to end, and the group knew just how to bid farewell to America–with the lively rock track Free Your Mind. The venue became a sea of clapping hands, and the concert came to a close on the highest possible note. With a performance at Kouhaku fast approaching and their first-ever Budokan show only two months away, it’s almost certain that ATARASHII GAKKO! will return to the U.S. in the future. Until then, American fans will continue to support these four powerhouses from afar, eager for the day we meet–and dance–again. Report: Carley Garcia -
FRUITS ZIPPER’s First Arena Concert Report: Group to Hold Second Anniversary Concert at Nippon Budokan!
On October 28, the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held their first arena concert at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and announced that they would perform a solo show at Nippon Budokan on May 18, 2024 to celebrate the group’s second anniversary. During the concert, the group also performed the new song Kimikoi (Dear you) for the first time. The track is filled with gratitude for the legions of fans who have supported the group since their debut and is available to stream now. This September, FRUITS ZIPPER’s first nationwide tour ‘FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2023 -AUTUMN-’ took the girls to Osaka, Aichi, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, and Kanagawa. The tour culminated in a sold-out show at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the first arena performance for the group. Presale tickets also sold out, and around 8,000 people attended the event. Even before the show started, there was plenty of excitement both inside and outside the venue.When the show’s opening video began to play, the crowd’s fervor exploded. Penlights incorporating wireless lighting were introduced for this concert, and once the entire venue was flooded with beautiful, unified light, the members appeared. The concert began with Pure in the World, which has been popular throughout the tour. Continuing with Kanpeki Shugide☆ and Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete, the girls were ready to show off their skills in their first-ever arena show.
Once the girls had a chance to breathe, the audience’s cheers echoed throughout the venue. Each member asked the crowd if they were excited, and the fans quickly responded as loudly as they could. During Fre-Fru Summer!, the girls rode in a giant float that traveled around the arena, bringing the members and fans even closer. Despite the show taking place at the end of October, the vibes inside the arena were entirely mid-summer. As the excitement of the fans grew, RADIO GALAXY began, featuring lasers and other flashy effects, turning the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium into a dance hall. Not letting up, the group transformed the atmosphere into something more emotional, performing Roller Coaster Heart, We are Frontier–remixed for the tour–and Zutto, Zutto, Zutto! The final song of the first half was CO-Kosei, which was performed for the first time at the Kanagawa concert in September and shows off FRUITS ZIPPER’s individuality. During the halfway point titled WORLD KAWAII CLASSIC, the seven members were divided into three groups and performed a unit song for the first time. First on stage were the friendly Amaren Sisters (Amane Tsukiashi, Karen Matsumoto) to perform their song Pinky Red. The song's comical lyrics and catchy melody transformed the venue into a sea of cuteness, playing into the pair’s standard interactions. The audience was also excited to see the world’s most adorable JoJo Pose during the performance. The next unit was comprised of Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, and Mana Manaka, who performed their song Tenshinranmanwhile showing off both their cute idol-like appearance and their uniqueness. Finally, Luna Nakagawa and Noel Hayase performed Bye-Bye, showing off a next-level melody and rap segment not heard in any FRUITS ZIPPER songs in the past. Fans couldn’t take their eyes off the girls’ performance, which was completely unexpected for an idol concert. During the MC, the members shared the story behind each song and praised one another.
The second half of the show continued with the same incredible momentum as the first. Each member appeared in new costumes covered in ribbons before performing Sekaiwa Kimikara Hajimaru, Welcome to the ♡ Furuppa, and the incredibly popular Happy Chocolate. Yui Sakurai’s line ‘Naani, naani,’ which trended on TikTok earlier this year as ‘Naaze, naaze,’ immediately struck a chord with fans. During the second half of the show, the girls gave an energetic and cool performance of Re→TRY & FLY as flames illuminated the stage. The voltage in the venue continued to ramp up as the group performed skyfeelan and Going!, making it the perfect environment for FRUITS ZIPPER to perform their new songKimikoi (Dear you) as a surprise. The track is packed with gratitude for the group’s fans who have supported them from the start and urged them to aim higher, through their first CD release, nationwide tour, and solo concert at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Kimikoi (Dear you) was produced with the hope of “continuing to make dreams come true together with the fans.” The lyric-like posts that have been posted on FRUITS ZIPPER’s Twitter over the past few days caused a stir among fans, and all foreshadowing led to this new song. The girls thanked everyone from the bottom of their hearts as they sang the moving lyrics with all of their might. The concert came to a close with FRUITS ZIPPER’s signature track Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro. As the members danced along to their signature track, many people in the audience did as well. 8,000 people dancing in unison truly embodied the heart of "NEW KAWAII.” But the concert wasn’t over yet. The members returned to the stage after hearing the audience loudly begging for an encore, thanking the fans for their support. “We’re not done yet, so I’d like to show everyone an even more incredible performance,” said Yui Sakurai. The group filmed a TikTok with the 8,000 audience members as they performed Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, so visit FRUITS ZIPPER’s social media to check it out! For the encore, the girls performed Kimikoi (Dear you) again, this time allowing the audience to record video. “Let’s get this trending,” said Matsumoto as the performance began. Suddenly, a video began playing on the large screen on stage, announcing that FRUITS ZIPPER would be celebrating its second anniversary with a performance at Nippon Budokan on May 18, 2024. The members were also speechless, as they hadn’t been made aware of this exciting news. As some of the girls were moved to tears, the fans congratulated them with loud voices and warm applause. Fittingly, the group then sang Chou Medetai Song ~Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana?~, and the entire venue celebrated the overwhelmingly exciting news. The shouts of "Congratulations" rang out louder than ever before at the massive Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Luna Nakagawa commented on the final performance of the tour with tears in her eyes, expressing her joy at being able to stand on the stage she had always dreamed of. Yui Sakurai, who celebrated her 10th idol anniversary on October 20, also reflected on the day she passed her first idol audition and the day she quit her part-time job to pursue showbiz. “I’m so happy to be able to stand before you all today as an idol, and I’m so glad I came back. Today, I was able to fulfill my dream of making so many people happy, and I hope I was able to repay everyone for their incredible kindness.” Suzuka Chinzei continued with her final remarks. “I want everyone here tonight to be happy,” she yelled with a huge smile on her face before the group launched into their debut song Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete. The girls showed their determination to strive towards the next stage of their careers, and after the song, Luna Nakagawa asked that the lights in the venue be turned off so that the girls could only see the penlights in the crowd. The seven-colored lights illuminating the venue may as well have been beacons leading FRUITS ZIPPER towards their bright future. FRUITS ZIPPER has had a total attendance of over 16,000 people since its nationwide tour began in September, and is scheduled to perform at Nippon Budokan in May. Fans look forward to seeing what kind of happy performances await them in the future as the girls continue to evolve. <Member Comments> Comment from Suzuka Chinzei “It’s a miracle that we’ll be able to perform at Nippon Budokan on our second anniversary, and it’s all thanks to the fans and people who have always supported us that this dream is coming true. We’ll give the best possible performance as a girls' idol group worthy of standing on stage at such a legendary venue, so I hope that everyone in the world and the universe comes!” Comment from Yui Sakurai “I can’t believe that we’ll soon be standing on stage at Budokan. It’s the goal of every idol, and we’re doing it just two years after our debut. I hope that the fans will look forward to that special day–we’ll work hard and do our best to truly become idols worthy of Nippon Budokan!” ■Set List OP OVERTURE M01 Pure in the World M02 Kanpeki Shugide☆ M03 Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete M04 Fre-Fru Summer! M05 RADIO GALAXY M06 Roller Coaster Heart M07 We are Frontier -Tour Remix ver- M08 Zutto, Zutto, Zutto! M09 CO-Kosei M10 Pinky Red (Amane Tsukiashi, Karen Matsumoto) M11 Tenshinranman (Suzuka Chinsei, Yui Sakurai, Mana Manaka) M12 Bye-Bye (Luna Nakagawa, Noel Hayase) M13 Sekaiwa Kimikara Hajimaru M14 Welcome to the ♡ Furuppa! M15 Happy Chocolate M16 Re→TRY & FLY M17 skyfeelan M18 Going! M19 Kimikoi (Dear you) M20 Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro Encore M21 Kimikoi (Dear you) M22 Chou Medetai Song ~Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana?~ M23 Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete Kimikoi (Dear you) - FRUITS ZIPPER (New Digital Single) Information
<Concert Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2023 -AUTUMN- The Parlor of FRUITS ZIPPER TOUR FINAL
Date: October 28, 2023
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium■U-NEXT Livestream Information
Available: November 11 at 10:00 ~ November 24 at 23:59
Details: https://t.unext.jp/r/fruitszipper<2nd Anniversary Concert Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER 2nd ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL LIVE 2024
Date: May 18, 2024
Venue: Nippon Budokan
Details to be announced at a later date<New Song Information>
Kimikoi (Dear you) – FRUITS ZIPPER (New Digital Single)
Release Date: October 29, 2023
Streaming URL: https://KAWAIILAB.lnk.to/kimikoi
Available on all major music download and streaming sitesM1. Kimikoi
M2. Kimikoi (Instrumental)