LIVE REPORT: 7 MEN Samurai LIVE 2024 and JOY!

STAR CONTRIBUTOR

Written exclusively for Tokyohive by Sabina Lindstrom

On July 29, the six-member group 7 MEN Samurai — Reia Nakamura, Katsuki Motodaka, Rinne Sugeta, Taiko Sasaki, Taiki Konno, and Rei Yabana — ignited the stage at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL, marking the commencement of their first nationwide hall tour, 7 MEN Samurai LIVE 2024 and JOY! With a total of 46 performances across 8 cities, the tour is set to draw approximately 110,000 fans, each show ablaze with the samurai spirit that defines the group.

With influences from cyberpunk visuals, the stage was adorned with two larger-than-life statues of Buddhist deities, crafted and designed by Reia. These statues, featuring instruments, gas masks, and megaphones, embodied the unique style of 7 MEN Samurai. Although he has previously contributed with designs and illustrations for their shows, this marked Reia's first foray into set design at this scale, and seeing his vision materialize on such a grand stage was profoundly moving.

Renown for their band performances, 7 MEN Samurai demonstrated their versatile talents from the onset. The show began with a dramatic entrance, as each member made their way down the main paths of the arena, the crowd's cheers reaching a fever pitch. Shedding their black robes, they revealed the new denim costumes designed by Reia, immediately setting the tone for the coming spectacle as they started the first block of the concert.

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The opening song, B4N4N4, penned by the talented Rei and later elevated into a rousing group anthem, resonated deeply with the current spirit of 7 MEN Samurai. Its fast-paced, impactful rhythm deviated from typical idol pop, showcasing a refreshing departure and establishing the group's distinctive sound.

Each note and lyric seemed to stir the audience's hearts, creating an electric atmosphere that lingered long after the song ended. The intricate melodies and their distinct vocals brought the lyrics to life, immersing the crowd in a world of raw emotion and untamed energy. A performance unlike any other, making it the perfect opening for the group for this live tour.

Followed by covers of SixTONES' Waves Crash and Hey! Say! JUMP's Try & Error, the group turns up the heat in the hall to the max, ensuring that everyone in the audience gets fired up alongside the group. The electric atmosphere, charged with anticipation and excitement, intensifies as the music pulsates through the venue.

As the powerful melodies and captivating rhythms fill the air, you can't help but wave along with your penlight to the intense beat of the music, feeling the adrenaline rush of the performance. The energy they emit on stage spreads like wildfire throughout the crowd, igniting a symphony of thrilling emotions and echoes with the exciting heartbeats of the audience.

The opening block culminated in a mashup of their original songs, with Rinne and Reia delivering Hot Night, Taiko and Taiki performing Siren, and Katsuki and Rei energizing the crowd with Chaos Killer. Each member's individual charm shone through, yet the mashup as a whole was a powerful display of unity, creating an unforgettable moment and musical artistry that epitomized the group's cohesion and creativity.

A defining feature of 7 MEN Samurai is their band setup, typically with Reia on vocals, Rinne on saxophone and guitar, Katsuki on keyboard, Taiko on drums, Taiki on guitar, and Rei on bass. However, the group often plays around with the positions, and it's become a staple performance in their concerts. They often switch roles, particularly for the song JUMBO (originally by TOKIO). This year's live tour is no exception, and the audience can eagerly anticipate who the lead singer for each show will feature!

Reia's proficiency in both bass and guitar allows him to seamlessly replace any member when needed, particularly when Rei, their music university student, is required on another instrument. The most memorable setup in this show occurred when Katsuki took on vocals, prompting Taiko to humorously demand the bass from Reia, resulting in a playful and chaotic performance that had everyone, including the members, in stitches. This spontaneous moment, guided by Rinne's intervention, showcased the group's ability to turn confusion into a magical, energy-filled experience that captivated the audience.

Each exhilarating performance of JUMBO is a unique masterpiece, thanks to the dynamic nature of their constantly changing roles. Each member of 7 MEN Samurai brings their own flair and talent, resulting in an incredible and unforgettable show every time. No matter the lineup or setup, they flawlessly deliver a stellar performance that leaves audiences in awe and begging for more.

The solo performances, divided into two blocks, highlighted each member's unique style. Rinne's rendition of Kis-My-Ft2's Smile was a heartfelt and touching display, with the hall illuminated in his member color red. Known for his muscular and athletic build, one would expect Rinne to choose a more upbeat song to perform. However, with his pure passion and desire to bring smiles and happiness to as many people as possible, a ballad like Smile compliments his personality and desires better. With the song perfectly fitting his vocal range and the spotlight centered on him and him alone on the stage, Smile ends with a handwritten message in English from Rinne: "I love your smile."

With the audience quickly switching their penlights to pink, they readied themselves for the next solo, which was Taiki's performance of Jin Akanishi's LOVEJUICE. Employing low-angle camera work to enhance its sultry atmosphere, he emulated a 2009 Jin Akanishi vibe. Taiki's dance moves, both on the center stage and a on couch set seductively thereupon, were mesmerizing, sharp, and detailed; ensuring that all eyes were on him, showcasing a more aggressive side of his stage presence than usual. The choice of song demonstrated his versatility as a performer, and the smooth transitions between his movements captured the essence of the music. The carefully structured performance showcased his skillful execution and dynamic range, adding to the solid image he has as someone who gives his all when it matters.

Not missing a chance to shine extra bright, the youngest of the group, Taiko, entered the stage with drama and grace before performing a short dance number. His movements were fluid and captivating, drawing the audience in with every step.

The transition into his solo cover of ROCK THA TOWN (timelesz) was seamless, and as he began to sing, his powerful vocals filled the venue, resonating with raw emotion. The other members of the group joined in on their instruments, skillfully enhancing the sound and turning the performance into a dynamic band arrangement with Taiko as the charismatic lead vocalist.

This shift allowed the audience to fully appreciate his multifaceted talents, both as a dancer and a singer. The song not only showcased Taiko’s passion and talent for dance but also provided a platform for his vocals to soar, captivating the audience with every note.

As the drummer of the group, Taiko is often hidden behind the drums, driving the rhythm and providing a solid foundation for their band arrangements. Yet, when he takes center stage, his presence is magnetic, and it's a delightful departure from his usual position, allowing everyone to witness his exceptional prowess as a performer.

One of the show’s impressive highlights was their performance of Fuma Kikuchi (timelesz)’s song But… Under Katsuki's direction, they transported the audience into a cyberpunk world with an instrumental loop arrangement crafted on stage by Katsuki, Taiko, and Rei. Utilizing their various instruments, they created an intro instrumental for the song, with each arrangement varying slightly for every show as Rei controlled it all from his setup on stage. This kind of on-the-spot arrangement adds to the uniqueness that each show holds and ensures that the experience you get is uniquely yours.

The sensuality and allure of the song were enhanced by the boys wearing different white shirts along with black pants, adding to the maturity of the vibe. The use of fluorescent fabric covering the front stage stood out, creating an illusion of weightlessness and fluidity, mimicking the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean, reflecting the song's mood.

The ethereal ambiance captivated the eye and offered a novel perspective on 7 MEN Samurai, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. Designed to embody the essence of cyberpunk, the outfit's fusion of sheerness and futuristic elements added a compelling dimension to their overall style.

For this tour, the pair-unit songs were decided through a cute, retro, pixel game that Rei participated in creating. He arranged and made the music and carefully designed each member's character in pixel format. With each show, fans could eagerly anticipate which pair would perform by watching the little characters get through a game level until two of them successfully crossed the finishing line.

Each performance was a unique blend of creativity, talent, and passion, leaving the audience captivated and yearning for more. Reia and Taiko delivered a dramatic take on SixTONES' PARODY, while Rinne and Katsuki rocked out to SixTONES' KOKKARA along with their respective instruments. Rei and Taiki set the stage ablaze with timelesz' Honne to Tatemae, showcasing their mature and sensual sides rarely seen.

In true summer fashion, the group brought a summer medley of songs by their seniors, and this section was the long-awaited part where they ran through the audience to give out fanservice. 7 MEN Samurai is known for their close bonds and appreciation for their fans—called "Himes." The term "Hime" means "princess" in English, but is written with the kanjis for 痺愛 ('numb love'), inclusive of all fans. Reia explained this name change in a video on their previous site ISLAND TV, emphasizing their plan to make fans numb with love, making the name a fitting resolution. The boys took turns going around the arena and up to the balconies, giving everyone, regardless of their seat, a chance to see them up close and briefly interact, showing their love and support for their favorites. 7 MEN Samurai pays attention to details like this to ensure they can give back as much love as they receive.

When the audience wasn't busy recovering from the boys' impact, they sang along with the classic songs, creating a united and fun atmosphere together with the group. The second solo block began with Rei's 2024 rendition of his self-produced and written song I Know. First performed at their inaugural Summer Paradise shows back in 2020, the song has seen various upgrades since then.

The video in the background showed clips from those performances, highlighting the song's evolution through the years. Rei's dedication to his craft was evident in the emotion and energy he infused into every performance, captivating audiences with his raw and unapologetic style. Breaking boundaries and reshaping perceptions with his unique take on rock influences, Rei stayed true to himself, presenting as a "not-so-conventional idol" and showcasing his raw talent as a musician and artist. His performance was a grand, unique experience from start to finish, leaving a lasting impact on everyone.

Reia, known as the idol of the century, brought the epitome of what fans expect from the number one ranked "idol I want as my lover." Utilizing his artistic talents, he not only mesmerized the audience with his impressive performances but also showcased his creativity by drawing the comic-styled background video to his bright and magical solo of Kazunari Ninomiya's (ARASHI) Himitsu (English: Secret).

This masterful combination of music and visual art took the audience on an immersive journey, embracing them in a beautifully woven love story. The audience was part of this story, as he ended his solo with a silhouette of a girl he held hands with, within which was a video feed of the audience, promising to continue walking together. Reia proved with grace and charm what it means to be a Hime and what he promises to give back to the fans.

Katsuki positioned himself on another corner of this artistic triangle. Accompanied by a grand white piano, Katsuki performed his newest solo Akashi, a melancholic piano ballad written and composed by himself. Known for his keyboard skills and rap parts within the group, this vulnerable performance highlighted another side of him. The song showcased his vocal prowess and skills as a pianist, as he poured his heart out under the spotlight.

The ambiance transported the audience to another realm, creating an ethereal experience. Katsuki's emotive delivery drew the audience in, evoking a sense of emotional resonance that lingered long after the final notes faded. His raw, unfiltered expression invited a deep personal connection with each audience member, transporting them to a world where emotions flowed freely.

Before the last block of the show, Taiko once again graced the stage alone for a short interlude dance break. His captivating movements blended traditional and modern dance techniques with effortless grace, drawing all attention to his performance and creating a moment that lingered in memory.

Shout was more than just a song for the band—it was an anthem. As they took to the stage, the energy in the room shifted, and anticipation filled the crowd. The guitar riffs and pounding drums set the tone for an explosive performance. When Reia stepped forward with the custom megaphone, it was a moment of pure connection, symbolizing breaking free. Shout was not just a song; it was a declaration of their identity and a testament to their unwavering spirit.

Their rendition of SixTONES' Rollin' and their first original song, SAMUDAMA, demonstrated their growth as artists. These songs showcased their continuous improvement and dedication to their craft, proving they were not the same group from a few years ago. Taiki's vocals carry through the venue with an air of confidence and resonate with the audience's cheers as he effortlessly hits the high notes and harmonies.

With the second band block coming to an end, we got to experience the current peak of 7 MEN Samurai's band setup. Each member has grown into their roles comfortably and exudes a different confidence from before. They show that they are not just playing instruments, they are performing with the instruments. It is evident from the way they perform and how their vocals blend together with the music on another level than before.

Through the years, the group has started to incorporate Rinne's saxophone a lot more, even if Rinne has taken it upon himself to learn the guitar to contribute more to the band. The addition of the saxophone is an unusual but beautiful way to add personality and flair to their performances unlike no other.

The debut of their new ballad Ashiato (English: Footsteps) added depth to their setlist. Known for their high-energy performances, this ballad offered a more intimate and emotional experience, reflecting a deeper connection with their audience. Taiko shared that Ashiato captured their feelings and daily experiences, symbolizing the memories they share with their fans and the footsteps they take on their journey together.

Throughout the concert, 7 MEN Samurai demonstrated that perfection is not the key to a great performance; rather, it is the spirit and connection with their fans that make their shows extraordinary. The setlist mixed nostalgic and new, blending eras into something modern and unique to the group. Their infectious energy and genuine interactions created a captivating and memorable experience for everyone in attendance. The tour 7 MEN Samurai LIVE 2024 and JOY! is a testament to their growth, creativity, and unwavering commitment to their fans, embodying the essence of who they are as a group.

As the final notes of Ashiato resonated through the venue, the atmosphere at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL was electric with emotion, a testament to 7 MEN Samurai's unparalleled ability to connect deeply with their audience. Each performance throughout the night had been a masterful blend of innovation and heartfelt emotion, showcasing the group's individual and collective talents with a unique flair. Their infectious energy and genuine interactions created an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impression on every fan in attendance.

Glorious was a standout addition to their repertoire, marking its full performance debut on this tour. The vibrant and infectious charm of the song allowed the members to showcase their dance moves and idol aura. Glorious quickly became a beloved song among fans, embodying traditional idol and J-POP music with their unique flair, solidifying its position as a song to keep up the energy and spirits of everyone attending.

The tour 7 MEN Samurai LIVE 2024 and JOY! exemplified the group's growth, creativity, and unwavering commitment to their fans. They seamlessly blended nostalgic favorites with fresh new tracks, weaving a tapestry of sound and spectacle that truly represented who they are. From the intricate set designs to the dynamic musical arrangements, every element of the concert was crafted with precision and passion, embodying the essence of 7 MEN Samurai.

As they prepare to take the stage for their solo performance MASSARA at Shimbashi Enbujo starting September 4, fans can look forward to more breathtaking performances that push the boundaries of their artistry. With each concert, 7 MEN Samurai continues to rise higher, their spirit unyielding, their dedication to their craft unwavering. The 7 MEN Samurai LIVE 2024 and JOY! tour is not just a series of performances; it was a culmination of their footsteps until now, a promise of more extraordinary moments to come, and a heartfelt declaration that this is only the beginning for 7 MEN Samurai.

Catch 7 MEN Samurai every Friday at 8pm JST on YouTube!