On May 7, 2025, the popular nine-member group Cho Tokkyuu held a vibrant release event for their second EP titled "Why don’t you Cho Tokkyuu?" at the Tokyo Garden Theater. This lively event welcomed 8,000 fans, affectionately known as "8-goosha," for free, creating an electric atmosphere filled with excitement and engagement.
The event was not just a celebration of the new EP; it was an interactive experience designed to immerse fans in the world of Cho Tokkyuu. The group showcased their signature "Cho Tokkyuu Pose," a unique hand gesture that fans are encouraged to perform, while also teaching them various calls and chants that are integral to their live performances. The highlight of the event was the demonstration of their new song "Metal na Kayooshi," where fans were instructed on how to use penlights and perform headbanging, a staple in rock music culture.
As the members took the stage, they warmly welcomed the audience, with Yuuki stating, "Today, we welcome all the newcomers!" and Takashi expressing gratitude for the turnout with, "Thank you for coming!" The leader, Ryoga, elaborated on the EP title, explaining that "Why don’t you Cho Tokkyuu?" translates to an invitation for fans to join in the fun.
To kick off the festivities, Yuuki explained the "Cho Tokkyuu Pose," emphasizing the importance of speed and precision in the gesture. "Make a '1' with your right hand and thrust it forward at a speed of 800 kilometers per hour!" he instructed, leading to an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Shuya encouraged the audience to shout loudly, and the collective voice of 8,000 fans resonated in the theater as they shouted, "We are... Cho Tokkyuu!" The members beamed with pride at the fans' enthusiasm, declaring, "Perfect!"
The event continued with three essential activities termed "Cho Tokkyuu suru" that fans needed to master for a successful live performance. The first was practicing calls, where Takashi and Haru guided the audience through the call for their popular song "Burn!". Takashi cleverly noted, "Even though it's in order of car number, (7-goosha) Takashi comes last!" This light-hearted moment added to the camaraderie between the performers and their fans.
Following the calls, the second activity involved learning the dance moves for "My Buddy," which has been featured as a theme song for a TV drama. Takuya and Aloha led the audience in a demonstration, explaining the intricacies of the choreography. Aloha highlighted the importance of synchronization, stating, "Each time, the center member will say something different, so pay attention!"
The third activity revolved around the new song "Metal na Kayooshi," where vocalists Takashi and Shuya explained how to incorporate penlight art and headbanging into the performance. Takashi humorously encouraged fans to forget about their hairstyles for the duration of the performance, while Ryoga added, "So, destroy it!" Fans were instructed to wave their penlights and heads in unison during the performance, creating a dazzling display of lights and energy.
As the live performances kicked off, the audience erupted with excitement during the songs "No.1," "My Buddy," and the energetic "Metal na Kayooshi." The call-and-response dynamic was palpable, with the audience's voices sometimes drowning out the members' names during the calls. Aloha's command of "Ikuyo!" led to a resounding "Hai! Hai!" from the crowd, further energizing the atmosphere.
During "Metal na Kayooshi," the performance was marked by aggressive beats and a powerful message of unity, encapsulated in the phrase "minna nakayoku narou" (let's all be friends). The audience responded with enthusiasm, waving their penlights vigorously as Shuya encouraged them to headbang even more, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
In a memorable moment, Yuuki's jacket tore during the high-energy performance, leading Kai to lament, "That was the outfit I chose!" This lighthearted mishap only added to the fun and authenticity of the event.
As the event drew to a close, Ryoga praised the audience for their participation, stating, "Your practice has paid off! You were perfect!" Yuuki then invited fans to film a TikTok video with the group using "Metal na Kayooshi," creating a memorable moment as they took a group photo with all 8,000 attendees.
Takuya humorously remarked, "We’re buzzing!" as he encouraged fans to let their hearts melt like caramel, referencing the sweet theme of their lead song "Caramel Heart." This song was performed for the first time on stage, with Takuya and Hal at the center, delivering a heartwarming performance that left the audience cheering.
As the event concluded, Ryoga addressed the crowd with a heartfelt message, saying, "Whether you've been supporting us for a long time or just recently discovered us, we hope to share many more beautiful moments together." The audience joined in one last time to perform the "Cho Tokkyuu Pose," creating a unified and joyous atmosphere.
In a thrilling announcement, Yuuki revealed that the music video for "Caramel Heart" would be released at 8 PM, while Kai proudly announced that their EP "Why don’t you Cho Tokkyuu?" had reached number one on the Oricon Daily Album Chart, prompting a wave of cheers from the audience.
The music video, which was released shortly after, features a storyline where nine members express their unrequited feelings for a single woman, culminating in the creation of a giant, showcasing the unique and imaginative flair that Cho Tokkyuu is known for.
Looking ahead, the group is set to embark on their arena tour "EVE" starting in June 2025, with the tour finale scheduled for August 7 and 8, 2025, at Saitama Super Arena, marking their largest solo concert to date. Fans are encouraged to enjoy the full spectrum of Cho Tokkyuu’s performances, from sweet love songs to heavy metal tracks, promising an unforgettable experience.
