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Kenshi Yonezu Launches 2025 WORLD TOUR / JUNK

Global J-pop phenomenon Kenshi Yonezu has been captivating fans all over the globe with his highly anticipated 2025 WORLD TOUR / JUNK. The artist will perform at New York City’s iconic Radio City Music Hall on April 4th and at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater in Inglewood on April 6, 2025, promising an unforgettable night for attendees where fans will experience Yonezu’s signature sound and captivating stage presence.  Fans can expect to hear hits from his extensive discography, including hits such as “Lemon” and “Paprika.” The tour represents a monumental moment in Yonezu’s career as he continues to break barriers and expand his global reach.

KENSHI YONEZU US TOUR DATES:

Friday, April 4, 2025 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall

Sunday, April 6, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater

This exciting tour marks Yonezu’s debut performances across Asia, Europe, and the United States, showcasing his unique blend of rock and pop music.  These US performances will cap a global tour that included sold-out shows at Shanghai’s Mercedes Benz Arena, Taipei Arena, Seoul’s INSPIRE Arena, London’s Eventim Apollo, and Paris’ Zenith. Those international dates followed Yonezu’s massive Japanese tour, which drew 350,000 fans across 16 shows in 8 cities, at venues including Tokyo Dome, Osaka’s Kyocera Dome, Fukuoka’s Mizuho PayPay Dome, and Sapporo Dome.

Yonezu has shattered barriers for Japanese-language music in the global market. His anime hit “KICK BACK,” the opening theme for “Chainsaw Man,” made history as the first Japanese-language song certified Gold by the RIAA® and reached Spotify’s Global Top 50. The RIAA also selected him as the only Japanese artist in their prestigious “Class of 2023.”

His remarkable success extends across the anime and film worlds with “Peace Sign” (My Hero Academia), “Chikyugi—Spinning Globe” (theme for Oscar-winning “The Boy and the Heron” directed by Hayao Miyazaki), “BOW AND ARROW” (Medalist), and most recently “Plazma” (Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuX -Beginning—). His video for “Lemon” stands as the most-viewed music video in Japan, with over 900 million views.

Yonezu’s live performances feature his greatest hits alongside tracks from his latest album “LOST CORNER,” released in August 2024. His Tokyo Dome setlist included fan favorites “KICK BACK,” “Lemon,” “Peace Sign,” and “Chikyugi – Spinning Globe,” alongside new material like “Plazma” and “BOW AND ARROW.”

About the artist:

The Japanese singer-songwriter, composer, and music producer known is for his distinctive blend of pop, rock, electronic, and experimental music. Yonezu is one of the most influential and successful musicians in Japan today. After gaining recognition online, under the pseudonym Hachi, the artist transitioned to a solo music career under his real name, “Kenshi Yonezu,” in 2012.

Yonezu’s breakthrough came in 2018 with the release of Lemon, a song that became a massive hit in Japan. The song was featured as the theme for the drama Unnatural, and its popularity skyrocketed. It became one of the most-streamed songs in Japanese history, reaching audiences far beyond his initial fanbase. The song’s emotional depth, paired with his hauntingly beautiful vocals, struck a chord with many people. It also marked his shift from being an underground figure to a mainstream superstar.

Yonezu’s music is known for its genre-blending qualities. Yonezu is incredibly versatile, combining elements from pop, rock, electronic, jazz, and even folk, thus his sound is constantly evolving. His songs often feature intricate arrangements and unusual time signatures, giving his music a fresh and dynamic feel. He doesn’t stick to a single genre, which keeps his sound fresh and unpredictable. He’s known for blending catchy melodies with more intricate, layered compositions. His ability to mix such varied styles allows him to reach a wide audience.

Additionally, he uses symbolic and abstract lyrics that often deal with themes of isolation, self-doubt, and address existential questions. His lyrics are often deeply personal and introspective, which resonates with a lot of people. Yonezu writes songs about the human condition, loneliness, and the complexities of life, but he does it in a way that feels universal. His honesty in addressing heavy themes like mental health and personal struggles has gained him a loyal following.

Apart from his music, Yonezu is a talented visual artist. He often designs his album covers, music videos, and even creates animations for his songs. His visual style is just as unique as his musical style, often blending surrealism, simplicity, and abstract themes. This has allowed him to build a strong artistic identity beyond his music alone.

Pauline Adamek

Pauline Adamek is a Los Angeles-based arts enthusiast with over three decades of experience covering International Film Festivals and reviewing new Theatre productions, Film releases, Art exhibitions, Opera and Restaurants.

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