Since bursting onto the scene in 2020, Japanese vocal sensation Ado has captivated a global audience with hits like "New Genesis," "Usseewa," "Backlight," and "Odo."

This year, Ado is set to return for her anticipated world tour, 'Hibana,' which marks her second one following the 'Wish' tour in 2024. "I originally had an idea of naming this tour 'Spark,'" said Ado on naming her tour 'Hibana.'

She added, "To start a revolution can also be expressed as 'Spark a Revolution,' and the word 'spark' is also often used in contexts like 'light a fire,' 'start a fire,' and 'provoke something.'"

"If my first world tour was my 'Wish,' my next step is to light a fire in the world as someone from Japan. Hot as a spark of fire, even if it’s small, I want to be the inspiration to start something big. 'Hibana' is a Japanese word for 'Spark.' I want to bring my Japanese heritage on the road with me so I named this tour 'Hibana,' in Japanese," Ado stated through a press release.

The tour will feature six stops in Asia after Saitama: Bangkok, Manila, Taipei, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and two stops in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne.

Promoted by AEG Presents Asia and Ovation Productions, Ado's 'Hibana' powered by Crunchyroll in Manila is scheduled to happen on May 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tickets range from PHP 1,800 to PHP 10,250.

Ahead of her concert in Manila, tokyohive had the opportunity to chat with Ado about her solo tour. Check out our exclusive interview with the artist below!

tokyohive: Aside from the tour, tell us about the goals you’re working towards for this year.

Ado: My personal goal for this year is to stay healthy. I want to exercise as much as possible and try to maintain a lifestyle so I won’t get sick.

tokyohive: How do you find the preparations for your second world tour so far? How is it different from your first tour, stage production- and preparation-wise?

Ado: I want to communicate more with the audience. I want to get people more excited through my stage performance, and most of all, I want to show my growth as an artist since the last ‘Wish’ tour. It’s difficult to actually talk to all the fans directly, one-on-one, but I hope to create and share special time together with them that overcomes the language barrier. I want to put out a special show for you.

tokyohive: What are your pre-stage rituals? What helps you stay calm before performing?

Ado: I do casual stretches, voice training and listen to favorite VOCALOID songs to hype myself up!

tokyohive: Your shows only have a few days in between. What do you usually do to unwind between your performances?

Ado: I don’t really have a way to unwind and relax. When I’m on tour abroad, I know I should rest but I end up going out a lot. (laughs)

tokyohive: You said that you aim to show your growth through this tour. Could you describe to us the growth that you’ve been experiencing and seeing within yourself? Looking back, how are you satisfied with your improvement as an artist?

Ado: As an artist Ado, we started planning the world tour in 2023. But at that time, I couldn’t imagine myself visiting so many countries/regions. In 2024, that plan came true and I kicked off the year with my world tour. Right after that tour, I had a special live ‘Shinzou’ at National Stadium and another tour titled ‘Profile of Mona Lisa’ in Japan so I was moving nonstop. In my life, I think every year has been a growth but 2024 has been the richest and fulfilling. I am fortunate that I got to experience so much at a young age and I learned so much. By encountering so many different cultures, music and entertainment, I was able to show my growth to everyone around the world which I will treasure for the rest of my life.

tokyohive: Take us back to when you first started in the industry. What made you decide to pursue the path of being a singer at an early age? 

Ado: I decided to pursue this pass because I wanted to be reborn as a new me. I wasn’t good at anything. I wasn’t good in class or sport. I didn’t excel in anything now that I’m popular. When I gave up my love for drawing, I met the world of “Utaite.” That became my light and courage. Since then, being an “Utaite” has become my dream.

tokyohive: Lastly, please leave a message to your fans and invite everyone to attend your second ‘Hibana’ tour!

Ado: This ‘Hibana’ tour is a bigger tour compared to the ‘Wish’ tour from last year with more visits to the cities I’ve never been to. I hope to put out shows for everyone around the world that people will remember as their best memory. I can’t wait to see you all there.