【Live Report】Celebrating Her 60th Birthday! Kyoko Koizumi, a Continuing Pioneer in Japan's Entertainment Scene, Holds Her First Solo Performance at Nippon Budokan, Exclusively Broadcast and Streamed by WOWOW!

Live Photography: Seitaro Tanaka, Miya Kawamura

Since her debut as a singer in 1982, Kyoko Koizumi has released numerous hit songs. She has also acted in movies and plays, and worked as a writer. Since founding her company, Ashita no Ashita, in 2015, she has been actively producing works across various genres including stage, video, music, and publishing. Throughout her long career, she has consistently been at the forefront of Japan's entertainment scene. Starting this year, she embarked on a nationwide tour with 25 venues and 31 performances to celebrate her 60th birthday, causing a frenzy wherever she went.

This tour, a culmination of her musical activities since her 40th anniversary in 2022, featured her first solo performance at Nippon Budokan. Tickets sold out immediately, and additional side and back view seats were released. Over two days, approximately 24,000 spectators gathered. Before the show, a DJ performance by Takaki Koki heightened the festive atmosphere. Then, as the venue darkened, the late Kiichi Yoshikawa's translated version of "Imagine" by RC Successions echoed through the hall, marking a solemn opening to the concert.

Live Photography: Seitaro Tanaka, Miya Kawamura

As a giant neon sign reading "KK60" rose, Kyoko Koizumi appeared in a dazzling gold dress. The first song was a new track, "Beautiful Name," produced by Shin Koizumi Productions. She poured her heart and soul into the song, delivering a tribute to life by Godiego to the audience surrounding her 360 degrees. This was followed by "Love's Boogie Woogie Train," a cover of Ann Lewis by the same project. The audience's excitement reached its peak with the ultimate disco-funk.

After introducing the musicians with "Celebration," the band's loud music signaled the start of the party. The declaration song "Because I'm an Idol" united the stage and the audience in a call-and-response. In "Don't Stop Kissing," a medium pop song featuring a horn section, she created a musical space with depth.

Live Photography: Seitaro Tanaka, Miya Kawamura

The highlight was the "Fan Call Medley" corner. A spotlight shone on the back of the stage, where the "Sally Buddies" guard, dressed in happi coats (composed of former members and new generation women), recreated the once-famous cheers. "My 16th Year," "Wonderful Lovely Boy," "Spring Breeze Temptation," "Half Girl," "Beautiful Mermaid of the Shore," "Yamato Nadeshiko Seven Transformations." It was not just a parade of hits but a tribute to her debut days, with a performance that beautifully expressed her long-standing gratitude.

After concluding this block with the standard number "The Stardust Memory," she passionately sang "Night Dawn MEW," a minor melody that touched the heart, blending her enchanting vocals with sorrow and longing. Everyone was captivated by her exquisite nuances as a singer. "Embraced by the Winter Wind," composed by Toshihiko Takamizawa and arranged by Kami Ue, is a representative song that fuses a folksy melody with rock sound. The song, with its impressive intro drums and synth sounds reminiscent of bagpipes, was colored with emotion through her singing.

After rushing through "Gakuen Tengen" (a rock arrangement of the original by Finger 5), the first half ended, and it was time for a break. In "Summer Time Machine 1966-2026," photos from her childhood were projected onto the screen. The audience was surprised to see the nostalgic photos move, thanks to AI. The past leads to the present and then to the future. The wonderful video seemed to convey something important.

Live Photography: Seitaro Tanaka, Miya Kawamura

After changing her outfit, Koizumi reappeared, singing her debut song "My 16th Year" with an acoustic arrangement, accompanied by the guitar of band leader Kenji Ueda. Following "Enjyo Nami Damu Musume" (a dance music rhythm), she sang "Mizu no Rouge" (composed by Kyōhei Tsutumi and written by Takashi Matsumoto) and "Fade Out" (handled by Haruo Chikada), showcasing the essence of house and enka. As an artist who has collaborated with many talented creators, she once again felt the magnetic pull. With "Yasashii Ame" (a gentle rain) backed by piano played by Shunsuke Watanabe, the Budokan was wrapped in a warm, comforting atmosphere.

Noteworthy was the new song "Buddy," her first in 14 years. She sang a new anthem praising her dear ones, whom she always says are her assets. The target of her praise includes fans who have lived through the changing times with her. The venue was filled with joyful smiles, making it very beautiful. After "Sweet & Spicy" (a session with SOIL&"PIMP"SESSIONS), she performed "T-junction" and "Dance in Time" from the drama series "The Second Last Love," and surprise appearances by co-stars in the first-floor seats! The emotional moment of "bonding with friends" was truly moving.

The final part of the main performance was a satirical song "There Was a Pig on the Eastern Island Vol. 3" in collaboration with Bakufu Slump. In today's chaotic world where conflicts are rampant around the globe, she entrusts her wishes to the song. Her unwavering stance is not something that can be achieved with just one strength and one weakness. It is something she has cultivated over 44 years since her debut, or rather, over 60 years of her life. And as many people involved can testify, Koizumi's axis has never wavered. Overwhelmed with emotion, she welcomed the encore. She sang "I'm Glad I Met You," which is not just about love but about a big "love," and concluded the special night with the soulful "100%," scattering evergreen charm.

Live Photography: Seitaro Tanaka, Miya Kawamura

In the 1980s, she reigned as the strongest idol, Kyokyokyon. In the 1990s, she became an icon of pop culture as KYON2. In the 2000s, she stood out as an actor with her unique presence. Koizumi, who has been a fashion leader and role model, turned 60 this year on February 4. What has not changed since her debut is her sincere attitude of sticking to her beliefs and confronting expression with stubbornness. Her driving force is probably her innocent spirit. The high-purity innocence at the core of her diverse creative activities continues to attract people. We hope to continue witnessing the dazzling life of Kyoko Koizumi, who shines across time and space.

Kyoko Koizumi "KK60 ~Koizumi Memorial Hall~ KYOKO KOIZUMI TOUR 2026"

May 3, 2026, Nippon Budokan

【Set List】

OP DJ - Takaki Koki -

Opening (Imagine)

Beautiful Name

Love's Boogie Woogie Train

Celebration

Because I'm an Idol

Don't Stop Kissing

Fan Call Medley

(My 16th Year ~ Wonderful Lovely Boy ~ Spring Breeze Temptation ~ Half Girl ~ Beautiful Mermaid of the Shore ~ Yamato Nadeshiko Seven Transformations)

The Stardust Mem