Johnny's Jr. WASSHOI CAMP! in Dome is 'Fun! Fun! Fun!'

Written for Tokyohive by Kat Gruss

Every so often, as a Johnnys’ Jr. fan, there comes along a show that brings fans together for a night of song and dance with our favorite boys. There are plenty of original songs and covers by debuted Johnnys’ groups to last a few hours not to mention plenty of moments where you need a keen eye or binoculars to keep track of everything happening in the venue. It’s these kinds of shows that people look forward to, but me?

I’m completely wary of them.

Not without reason though! I am the kind of person who prefers to solely focus on my bias when I go to shows. When I pay for a ticket, I want to know that I’m going to see my bias a decent portion of the time. With ten groups and heaps of fresh and upcoming talent in the venue, would I see enough of my favorites to make it worth it? The answer, it turns out, was yes.

When the ALL Johnnys' Jr. 2023 WASSHOI CAMP! in Dome (ALL Johnnys' Jr. 2023 わっしょい CAMP! in Dome) concert was initially announced earlier this summer, I thought it was a no brainer. I wasn’t going to attend, and I wasn’t going to ballot for that concert. And that was the end of it…

But then the livestream for WASSHOI was announced, and although I was still skeptical, at over half the price of a concert ticket, it didn’t hurt to check it out. Johnny’s concerts, whether they feature from the debuted talent or the Juniors, are always full of love and are a good time. Plus getting to watch from the comfort of my own home didn’t hurt.

The start of the WASSHOI stream, in all honesty, confused me, but at the same time I understood what the producers were going for. It’s a swift introduction of all of the current Johnnys’ Jrs., holding a handwritten sign with their name on it as it progressed through each of the groups. Depending on the Junior there were small pictures or even the odd one out who chose to hold their sign upside down for the comedic effect. The idol that elicited the biggest reaction from me was when KAT-TUN’s own Kamenashi Kazuya was one of the people introduced!

We transitioned into the dome where the newest additions to the Johnnys’ Jrs. were doing their appeals to the audience with their various talents. Dance, comedy, sword play, singing in English, skateboarding; if you could think of it, one of the tiny Juniors probably did it. The whole scene was very wholesome until thunder struck and our cheerful scene turned dark as the resounding thunder echoed throughout the dome. A small boy woke to the sound of rain as intense choral singing filled the air.

Mysterious figures in hooded jackets danced around the center stage as the scene became more intense until, at the climax, those hoods were removed to reveal members of Shonen Ninja. To the surprise of those tuning in to the live stream, mysterious tents popped up in various locations throughout the dome which were torn away to reveal the other nine Johnnys’ Jr. groups, the last being HiHi Jets and Ae! group.

The first song of WASSHOI started with a bang as Kis-My-Ft2’s heavy rock song, FIRE BEAT, filled the air. Nothing really says “welcome to our show” like a number where you want to dance and sing along, and that’s the kind of feeling I get with FIRE BEAT. Not to mention the next song, LIPS by KAT-TUN, set a very hard opening for a concert I had thought would be soft and sweet. For both songs the various Junior groups were on raised platforms that slowly made their way around the back half of Tokyo Dome, allowing the boys to come close to their fans who feel so far away in such a large venue.

The beginning of the next song rapidly changed the feeling of the dome concert. The music was cut in the dome as the Juniors sang along to the classic V6 song WA ni Natte Odoro (WAになっておどろう). Not only did this highlight the absolute vocal talent of the Johnnys’ Jrs., for singing acapella is incredibly hard to do, but it was a touching moment where fan and idol could sing together. Hearing the sounds of the fans’ voices joined in with the idols they love so much made me wish my voice could be joined in with all of theirs. After so many concerts where fans had to be silent due to COVID guidelines, this was truly beautiful to behold.

The Juniors performed a wonderful cover of Kanjani∞’s (関ジャニ∞), LIFE~Me no Mae no Mukou he~(LIFE ~目の前の向こうへ〜) before the dome went dark once more. Videos of various debuted and actor talents in the company were shown saying the name of the show, “What’s Showing?”, before the huge curtain blocking the main stage dropped, revealing a massive stage set up filled with all of the Juniors as they dance and sang REAL DX by former Johnny’s duo Tackey & Tsubasa (タッキー＆翼).

One highlight of this concert is that we do get a solo performance of each Junior group. It gives fans of other groups the chance to see various performances from Juniors they might not have even considered.HiHi Jets’ FRONTLINE was a fast paced number that highlighted the beautiful singing of member Inoue Mizuki as well as the talented rapping of Igari Soya on top of strong performances from the rest of the group. Lil Kansai’s Lil miracle was a very soft and upbeat song featuring beautiful piano accompaniment that the boys danced wonderfully to during their performance. SpeciaL’s Sensation (センセーション) was a surprisingly electronic number that gave the quartet a new side to their image. Last for this solo corner was Ae! group performing their rock song PRIDE that was a fun performance to watch as they jammed out on stage.

After another small appeal corner by four Juniors, we slid into the Shuffle Corner of the show. Juniors from different groups were matched together to perform covers of Johnny’s songs that were an absolute delight.

We started this part of the concert with a cover of SMAP’s Lion Heart (らいおんハート) as soaring vocals filled the dome. The entire performance was highlighted by beautiful water effects as the circular center stage slowly turned, giving the audience views of each performer. We quickly jumped over to the main stage as the next group of Juniors came pounding onto the stage performing KAT-TUN’s Real Face before sliding into a touching cover of ARASHI’s One Love as solo shots of their faces were projected onto a large screen behind them.

Dressed in all white suits and dashing top hats, the next group of Juniors took the stage performing an absolutely adorable cover of Hey! Say! JUMP’s Kimi Attraction (キミアトラクション). This performance featured fun interactions between Bishonen’s Ukisho Hidaka and 7 MEN Samurai’s Nakamura Reia that could bring a smile to anyone’s faces. As the song ended, we were quickly transitioned to Tokyo Dome’s dugouts as our next group of performers sang Omoidama (オモイダマ) by Kanjani∞ dressed in the uniforms from Johnny’s Sports Day. This song transitioned into GUTS! by ARASHI, complete with original choreography, as the performers moved to the stage to perform the classic choreography to this number.

Suddenly, beatboxing filled the dome before heavy rap music followed, and the rap aficionados of Johnnys’ Jrs., took the stage performing S.C with new lyrics. This song was originally performed four years ago in the last Johnnys’ Jr. dome concert, and it was a nice addition to bring back such a fun number to relive. To wrap up the first half of the Shuffle Corner was an acrobatic filled performance of V6’s MUSIC FOR THE PEOPLE. There were enough flips and tricks you could say this was the second coming of A.B.C. (Acrobat Boys Club), a former Johnnys’ Jr. unit.

After spending so much time in unit shuffles or performing their own songs, we returned to the center stage where the Junior groups were split into East vs West, complete with a colored light flooding the area around them. The East Junior groups, led by vocal performances by Bishonen and HiHi Jets, performed Maittane Konya (まいったネ今夜) by SHONENTAI (少年隊) on a red background before transitioning to an Ae! group and Boys be rendition of Secret Agent Man by Secret Agent on a blue background. Both performances were fun and lively, completed with interesting choreography and camera work that kept the viewer engaged.

The other Junior groups aren’t left out of the singing fun for long. With large squares of flowing fabric, all of the Juniors join in on a performance of Kondo Masahiko’s (近藤真彦) cover of Andalusia ni Akogarete (アンダルシアに憧れて). The performance is absolutely stunning to watch as the fabric the Juniors are wielding is whipped around or seen floating through the air. The cuts to members in all of the groups also gives the viewer the chance to see how their bias is performing this beautiful number.

The last song before the MC is, possibly, one of my favorite performances of the entire dome show. Fun! Fun! Fun! is one of the newest original songs for the Johnnys’ Jrs., and it was a wonderful little number that I couldn’t help but smile through. It served as an introduction rap for each of the Junior groups while also injecting a little East vs West fun into the performance in the dome. One of the highlights was the rap battle between Igari Soya of HiHi Jets and Toma Ruku of Lil Kansai. It was an absolute joy to watch them rap on the center stage before an East vs West Junior dance battle started before the singing continued. The lyrics at the start of the song were also catchy as well.

“Do what you want (Wanna have fun)
Do what you love (Wanna have fun)
Do what you need (Wanna have fun)

Everybody! Wanna have fun!”

They’re very easy English lyrics matched with a backing bass and drum line that made me want to pound my penlight in the air to the beat. I can imagine having so much fun shouting “wanna have fun” with the Juniors in a huge venue like Tokyo Dome.

The MC started with a reminder of the Junior groups and their names, the excitement and energy building in each group’s introduction until HiHi Jets gave a low energy introduction which made for a fun comedic moment. The MC was quick, focusing more on the members of HiHi Jets, Bishonen, and Ae! group’s conversation before the second half of WASSHOI began.

The show jumped back into the Shuffle Corner but with a small twist compared to the larger units from earlier. The next three songs were duets performed by various talents! The small duet section began with Adachi Kei and Mori Kane performing a sweet performance of CANDY ~Can U be my BABY~ by Sexy Zone’s Nakajima Kento complete with giant lollipops. Go!Go!kids member Hamura Jinsei and Boys be member Ito Atsushi took over the stage with mouse ears to dance along to former NEWS subunit Tegomass’ (テゴマス) Chu! Chu! Chu! To wrap up this trio of songs, Lil Kansai member Nishimura Takuya and Shonen Ninja member Tamura Kairu claimed the upper part of the main stage to perform a rendition of Kis-My-Ft2’s Kitayama Hiromitsu and Fujigaya Taisuke’s duet, REAL ME, that had the entire dome screaming.

The next performance that took place on the center stage was a complete and utter mess, but in the best way possible. The absolute Johnny’s classic, Seishun Amigo (青春アミーゴ) by temporary Johnny’s unit Shuji and Akira (修二と彰) began to play. The next unit of performers started to sing until Boys be member Sumi Shintaro screamed, halting the entire performance. From there, the whole performance devolved into one of the best comedy sketches I have ever seen. It was especially hilarious when a member of Shuji and Akira, KAT-TUN’s own Kamenashi Kazuya, called Ae! group member Kojima Ken’s cell phone to explain his thoughts of the performance. It was only then that this untraditional performance became a usual cover of a wonderful song.

The song Hysteria by SixTONES has a lot of sentimental value for me. It’s the song that solidified my adoration for them, but I also have a strong image of SixTONES performing this song in the most amazing space themed outfits. Imagine my utter surprise when the staging of this performance became more sensual, the performers using chairs and their outfits flowing white button up shirts. The song completely switched in my head from a slightly more ridiculous performance to a more serious one, and I loved it!

Kis-My-Ft2’s Distance was up next in the Shuffle Corner, and this was also a really solid performance by all of the members involved. Distance is a really hard hitting song, and the vocal talent and dancing of the members involved made this a really strong follow up to Hysteria. The intensity only continued building as a band performance of SixTONES’ Special Order took over the main stage, complete with violin and double drum sets. The live music and the way the boys performed on top of the insane laser lights show happening during this song must have had the entire dome dancing with how lively it was as the Shuffle Corner came to a close.

WASSHOI returned to the second half of the group solo performances, giving the last six groups their chance to appeal to the audience. Bishonen performed a slow and beautiful rendition of their original song Kiseki ga Okiru Toki (奇跡が起きるとき) in a beautiful sea of white penlights. AmBitious took to the stage next to perform their upbeat band backing track, Reach for the sky. This group did have a bit of rough vocals, but I could see the potential. They have a lot of room to grow into a wonderful unit. Shonen Ninja performed their song Journey Must Go On, and it was a lot of fun! Their huddle and shouts near the start and drum beats throughout the song reminded me of a sports game, and the song really fit the group.

7 MEN Samurai’s Shout (シャウト) was the perfect addition to the setlist and gave each member the opportunity to stand out. Boys be covered former Johnnys’ Jr. unit 7WEST’s Dial up which pleasantly surprised me. Their vocals and dancing were fairly solid and was a lively song to follow up the previous heavy rock number. The final Johnnys’ Jr. group performance was Go!Go!kids’ cover of the Johnnys’ Jr. song Kono Aozora wa Wasurenai (この青空は忘れない). This song included singing and dancing by the members of the group, showing great promise for their future as a Johnnys’ Jr. unit.

The next corner is, in all honesty, one of my favorite parts of the show. Despite having been utterly confused about its context and how it belonged in the concert from the YouTube live streams that happened back in July, I have come to truly love and appreciate the work and effort that went into this section of the concert. Each and every Japanesque cover is incredibly solid and well thought out.

This corner began with a summer scene, fresh Juniors coming out and engaging in various summer time activities, until one of the boys noticed an instrument with a lot of bells on it. After shaking it a few times, the scene on stage slowly changed. Smoke started to be emitted around the dome as a mysterious tent was erected on the center stage. The boy entered the tent as mysterious music started to play.

HiHi Jets emerged, dressed in traditional Japanese themed clothing, skating throughout the dome as they sang along to SHONENTAI’s Nihon Yoi Toko Makafushigi (日本よいとこ摩訶不思議) before a new group of performers performed Sushi Kuine (スシ食いねェ!) by Shibugakitai (シブがき隊). Shonen Ninja also performed the upbeat and catchy Omatsuri Ninja (お祭り忍者) by Ninja (忍者) together. On the main stage, traditional Japanese taiko drums have been wheeled out to be played as weeeek by NEWS is performed by idols wearing geta, traditional Japanese footwear. The drum beats on top of the joy the boys brought to this song made this an incredible number to watch.

On the center stage, a palanquin has been placed. Emerging from it is Shonen Ninja member, Oriyama Nao, performing a small dance to beautiful music before the scene transitioned to an absolutely beautiful cover of Tsukiyo no Monogatari (月夜ノ物語) by KinKi Kids. Each performer’s reveal was absolutely ethereal, highlighting not only the beauty of the performers but their vocal talent as well. We quickly slid into an upbeat performance of King & Prince’s ichiban that included lightsaber swords as each boy danced along to the beat. We’re also welcomed into a well-done acrobatic corner that ended with three Juniors backflipping off the raised center stage.

As the center stage lowered, it revealed Ae! group along with folding fans performing SixTONES’ Japonica Style. This song absolutely highlights the vocal prowess and range of member Suezawa Seiya, able to soar to meet the upper notes with great ease, before Bishonen revealed themselves on the main stage. From there, the performance only continued to grow and grow as the song progressed. More and more Johnnys’ Jr. groups join in until the main stage is an absolute flurry of activity. There is so much to look at that the eye can’t focus on one thing because the scene was so overwhelming, but, at the same time, you can’t help but feel as if you need to see everything because you don’t want to be left behind. This sensation only continued as Japonica Style progressed into a wonderful explosion of color on stage. This single song was easily the most well produced number in the show and was worth purchasing a ticket for all by itself.

From here, the concert slowly started to wind down as the boys and the audience prepared to say goodbye and close out the show. Whether it was by walking or moving platform, each group traveled around the dome, waving and giving fan service to the people who came and watched them. From ARASHI’s Happiness to Sexy Zone’s Lady Diamond (Ladyダイアモンド) and even the Kansai Johnnys’ Jr. song Kansai Island (関西アイランド), you could feel the love and adoration they had in their hearts. Even through classics like Yuki 100% (勇気100%) or V6’s Can do! Can go!, the boys were focused on every single person, whether they were at home or in front of them.

The entire dome came to a momentary halt as the SMAP song Yozora no Mukou (夜空ノムコウ) began. Some of the boys sat on their moving platforms or on the stage as they sang. It was a very nice contrast to the bubbly and happy songs that were just performed. Near the end of the song, there was a small acapella moment as the Juniors sang before the music picked up once more to back their singing. It was a soft and sweet moment that tugged at the heartstrings of all those watching.

The final performance of the night was the new Johnnys’ Jr. original song All Together Love. Like the song before, it was a slow song each Junior sang as they returned back to the main stage. There were cute pair shots of the idols as they sang and slight water effects along the walkways to enhance the performance. The boys did a slow arm wave the fans mimicked as the final song came to a close.

The concert ended with a final cheer that included the fans as silver tape was shot into the dome for fans to catch and take home as a souvenir. The juniors gave a final goodbye before disappearing backstage, the live stream completed. As the credits rolled, we were given behind the scenes rehearsal footage for WASSHOI which was a nice way to close out the final show.

Overall, WASSHOI blew away my expectations when it came to an all Johnnys’ Jr. concert. The entire show was well produced from beginning to end. There wasn’t a heavy bias towards any group, and, even if there were enough Juniors on stage to fill an entire school, I still felt as if I was able to recognize a new face each time the camera angle switched which was incredibly refreshing.

The one downside to the entire stream was, depending on the camera angle and where the idol was in the dome, some of the camera shots felt a bit too dark, and I wasn’t able to see the faces of the person on the screen that clearly. At the same time, I think that just came down to logistics and the venue structure as a whole, which I’m not sure could be easily changed.

WASSHOI completely changed my perspective on what an all Junior concert can be. I hope that there will be another show in the future or a DVD, so I can show others the magic of what Johnnys’ Jrs. can do.

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