Ano’s Debut Nippon Budokan Concert: A Sold-Out Spectacle and Exciting Future Plans
On September 3, 2025, Japanese multifaceted artist Ano (real name Shimizu Ayano) made history with her first solo concert at the iconic Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. Titled “Casting a Curse, Dispelling the Illusion” (translated from “呪いをかけて、まぼろしをといて。”), the event marked a significant milestone in her career, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of her solo activities. With tickets completely sold out, Ano drew an impressive crowd of approximately 12,000 fans, transforming the legendary venue into a vibrant hub of energy, music, and theatrical flair. This performance not only showcased her eclectic musical style but also highlighted her evolution from an idol group member to a solo powerhouse in the Japanese pop and alternative scene.
(Daily Sports)
For those unfamiliar, Ano is a dynamic figure in Japan’s entertainment industry. Born on September 4, 1998, in Chiba Prefecture, she first gained prominence as a member of the alternative idol group You’ll Melt More! from 2013 to 2019, where she served as a vocalist and guitarist. She later joined the band I’s while pursuing solo endeavors as a singer-songwriter, model, actress, and TV personality. Ano’s music blends catchy pop melodies with edgy rock elements, often incorporating themes of diversity, self-expression, and emotional depth. Hits like “Chu, Tayousei.” (translated as “Chu, Diversity”) have resonated with fans for their bold celebration of individuality, making her a symbol of modern Japanese youth culture. Her unique fashion sense and charismatic stage presence have earned her a dedicated international following, drawing comparisons to boundary-pushing artists worldwide.
The Nippon Budokan, often revered as the “holy land of rock” in Japan, holds immense cultural significance. Originally built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics as a martial arts hall (Budokan means “martial arts hall”), it has since become a rite-of-passage venue for musicians. Legends like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and countless J-pop icons have performed here, symbolizing an artist’s arrival at the pinnacle of success. For Ano, headlining a solo show at Budokan just five years into her solo career underscores her rapid rise and the deep connection she shares with her audience. This achievement is particularly noteworthy in Japan’s competitive music industry, where such venues are reserved for established acts.
The concert kicked off with a captivating opening movie featuring Ano’s voice layered with effects, setting a mysterious tone. Emerging at the center of an octagonal center stage surrounded by 360 degrees of enthusiastic fans, Ano appeared in a striking red mini-dress adorned with large bone-motif wings—a nod to her quirky, gothic-inspired aesthetic. Flames erupted as she launched into “Chu, Tayousei.,” delivering a flamboyant dance and vocal performance that immediately electrified the arena. From her second album, she seamlessly transitioned into tracks like “Kyokon Kyun” (a tie-in with a TV anime), “F Wonderful World,” and “Bubble Me Face,” building momentum with upbeat rhythms and infectious hooks.
The energy peaked with songs such as “Smile Agenai” (I Won’t Give You a Smile), “Aishiteru, Nante ne.” (I Love You, or Something), and “Namida-kun, Kyou mo Ohayou” (Tear-kun, Good Morning Today Too), where the crowd’s cheers grew deafening. An interlude video on the octagonal LED screens paved the way for a more intimate segment. Ano reappeared barefoot in a simple white mini one-piece, strumming an acoustic guitar on the flower path for a solo rendition of “SWEETSIDE SUICIDE.” The stage then transformed to evoke a scene from the anime “Takopi’s Original Sin,” complete with school desks and chairs, as she performed “Happy Lucky Chappy.”
Ano’s versatility shone through in “YOU&愛 Heaven,” a heartfelt ballad conveying unadorned messages of kindness. Following “AIDA,” the band delivered an instrumental keyboard interlude leading into “Delete,” where Ano returned with an electric guitar in a blue jersey outfit. The song’s dangerous vibe, combined with catchy melodies and her powerful shouts, was amplified by LED visuals. A dramatic highlight came during “Fuhen” (Ordinary Change), with wing-heart-shaped confetti inscribed with anti-comments fluttering down, symbolizing resilience against criticism.
The performance escalated with dancers in rat masks—reminiscent of her music video for “Chutto Ko”—joining for “Neko Haku Gokuraku Ondo” (Cat Vomit Paradise Dance). This flowed into “Bone Baki ☆ Yuugure Diary” (Bone Crack ☆ Twilight Diary), heightening the audience’s excitement. In “Zettai Koakuma Code” (Absolute Little Devil Coord), diverse fashion-clad dancers and mannequins took the stage, with Ano quick-changing into a big-ribbon outfit mid-song. Robot dancers in mirror-ball helmets accompanied “Rori Rokkyun Robo ♡” (Loli Rockin’ Robo ♡, with the ♡ officially a white-outlined heart), before she closed the main set in a T-shirt with the explosive “Zetsu Zetsu Zetsu Zettai Seiki” (Absolute Absolute Absolute Sacred Domain).
Fan reactions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising Ano’s boundless energy and the concert’s innovative staging. One fan described it as “insane” and “a lot of fun,” while another highlighted the acoustic segments as “overwhelmingly powerful, like a live house in Budokan.” International fans echoed this sentiment, appreciating the blend of high-production elements and raw musical talent.
The encore brought fresh surprises. Ano debuted “Midnight Zenbu Daijoubu” (Midnight Everything’s Okay), a new track she wrote specifically for this Budokan show, released on her birthday, September 4, as part of the double A-side single “Casting a Curse, Dispelling the Illusion.” The song’s reassuring lyrics—”It’s okay”—enveloped the venue in warmth, followed by “Past die Future” to wrap up the night. Post-performance, Ano announced her first nationwide hall tour, spanning nine cities from March to May 2026, promising more opportunities for fans across Japan to experience her live magic.
Additionally, the music video for the single’s other track, “KILL LOVE,” premiered on her official YouTube channel. Directed by Minori Nakata, it features Ano alongside actors Ayanon Miki and Tsubasa Yamaguchi, weaving the song’s worldview into a compelling narrative.
Here’s the full setlist from the concert for reference:
- Chu, Tayousei.
- Kyokon Kyun
- F Wonderful World
- Bubble Me Face
- Smile Agenai
- Aishiteru, Nante ne.
- Namida-kun, Kyou mo Ohayou
- SWEETSIDE SUICIDE
- Happy Lucky Chappy
- YOU&愛 Heaven
- AIDA
- Delete
- Fuhen
- Neko Haku Gokuraku Ondo
- Bone Baki ☆ Yuugure Diary
- Zettai Koakuma Code
- Rori Rokkyun Robo ♡
- Zetsu Zetsu Zetsu Zettai Seiki
Encore 1. Midnight Zenbu Daijoubu
Encore 2. Past die Future
Ano’s Budokan debut exemplifies her artistic growth and the inclusive spirit of J-pop, appealing to global audiences seeking authentic, boundary-breaking music. As she embarks on her tour and continues releasing innovative tracks, Ano is poised to captivate even more hearts worldwide. If you’re new to her work, start with her latest single—it’s a perfect entry into her enchanting world. Stay tuned for more updates on this rising star!
