Veteran Japanese singer Akiko Wada made her highly anticipated return to the popular television program, 'Music Station,' marking her first appearance on the show in 20 years. This momentous event aired on January 24, where she collaborated with the contemporary dance vocal group Da-iCE to debut their new single, 'FUNKEYS.' Upon her entrance, accompanied by Da-iCE member Yudai Ohno, Wada expressed her excitement, saying, "I’m incredibly nervous, you know." Despite feeling the pressure, she managed to maintain her composure as she took to the stage.
During the live performance, Wada, dressed in a stunning crimson jacket, and the Da-iCE group delivered an electrifying rendition of 'FUNKEYS,' complete with dynamic choreography. The synergy between the legendary singer and the younger group was captivating, leaving viewers buzzing with appreciation. Wada noted, "We’re all here to have fun!" showcasing her approachable demeanor even under pressure.
Social media exploded with praise following the performance, reflecting how well-received it was. Fans expressed sentiments like, "That was cool!" and "I was so happy to see them together!" Others noted the nostalgic aspect of Wada's return and the modern twist brought by Da-iCE's energy, remarking, "What an amazing collaboration!" Many viewers described the performance as "truly remarkable," with comments flooding the internet praising the chemistry between Wada and Da-iCE.
The collaboration was born out of their previous meeting on the same show, which occurred during the production of the single. Wada reached out to Da-iCE for collaboration, and the group enthusiastically accepted, with their member Daiki Kudo writing and composing the song. The resulting synergy was evident on stage as both artists blended their unique styles.
Further adding to their joint success, Da-iCE celebrated their own milestones, with recent events commemorated by their concert held at K Arena Yokohama. On this occasion, audience members were treated to 22 performances, concluding with Wada's surprise appearance during the encore. Reunited again, she shared the stage with Da-iCE, performing 'FUNKEYS' to the delight of the audience. Wada expressed her gratitude, saying, "I learned so much and I’m so happy. Thank you to everyone who came out!"
The 'Da-iCE DAY 2025' event attracted nearly 20,000 fans and featured numerous memorable performances. Da-iCE opened the show with songs from their hit catalog and cultivated excitement as they prepared to welcome Wada. Daiki Kudo led the audience with enthusiastic commentary, conveying their mutual appreciation for the support of their fans.
Meanwhile, Wada also echoed her sentiments about the collaboration, sharing her desire to perform even more songs with Da-iCE. This sincere enthusiasm contributed to her persona, underlining her dedication to her craft even at 74 years old.
This partnership between Wada and Da-iCE seems to be more than just professional; it heralds a bridge between generations of artists and diverse styles of music. Fans can look forward to what this dynamic collaboration may produce next and what influences it may inspire across the music industry.
Both Wada's long career and Da-iCE's continued rise have made significant impacts on the Japanese music scene. Their collaboration signifies not only the blending of traditional and modern music but the spirit of unity within the industry, celebrating shared passions across age and genre.