On January 12, 2025, renowned singer Hayashi Morihiko dazzled her fans at the 'ANISON & POPS NIGHT' concert held at the Hitomi Memorial Hall of Showa Women's University, Tokyo. This highly anticipated event, which sold out with approximately 1,900 attendees, was part of her 39-concert tour promoting her recent album 'ANISON COVERS 2', themed around anime song covers aimed at adults.
Sporting a radiant green dress, Hayashi kicked off the concert with the cover of '鳥の詩' (Bird's Poem). Her powerful voice filled the hall as she greeted the audience energized, stating, "今日は2025年最初のステージ。アニソンはもちろん、私のオリジナル曲も含めた森口博子の音楽を丸ごと全部お届けいたしますので、思いっきり楽しんでいきましょう！" (Today marks the first stage of 2025. Of course, I will deliver all of Hayashi Morihiko's music, including anime songs and my original tracks, so let’s enjoy thoroughly!).
With songs like '微笑みの爆弾' (Smile Bomb), 'YOU GET BURNING', and 'プラチナ' (Platinum), she raised the excitement level throughout the venue. Hayashi's setlist comprised 18 songs combining both her anime classics and her hits.
Midway through the show, renowned music producer and guitarist Toriyama Yuji joined her on stage. The duo performed 'ゆめいっぱい' (Full of Dreams) acoustically, enveloping the audience with soothing melodies. Hayashi expressed her gratitude by saying, "夢には締め切りはないのだと教えてもらいました。どんな時でもずっと信じてくれるファンの皆さんにも出会えた。誰にも譲れない宝物です。" (I learned through anime songs there are no deadlines for dreams. I have met fans who believe in me at all times. They are treasures no one can take away.).
The concert moved seamlessly from one uplifting performance to another, with Hayashi swapping to a lavish purple tulle dress for the second half. She sang her debut theme song from '機動戦士Ζガンダム' (Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam), '水の星へ愛をこめて' (With Love to the Water Planet). This was followed by 'サムライハート' (Samurai Heart), which has garnered her dedicated fans since its 1988 release.
Stage presence was one of Hayashi's strong suits, as she brought energy with her popular originals like 'もっとうまく好きと言えたなら' (If Only I Could Love You Better) and '夢がMORI MORI' (Dreams Are Mori Mori). The audience showed their admiration with enthusiastic cheers, prompting her to beam, "今日最高に楽しい！" (Today is the most fun!).
For the encore, Hayashi returned dressed in modified pink bikini attire, inspired by her 'ANISON COVERS 2' album cover, prompting cheers from her fans. She concluded the magical evening with '恋はタヒチでアレアレア！' (Love Is Tahiti). Hayashi highlighted the importance of embracing life without fear of age as she stepped forward to share her motives for this tour. "今年は40周年、これからもアニソンとPOPSの架け橋を目指して、今まで以上に皆さんと楽しめるよう全力で盛り上がっていきます！" (This year marks my 40th anniversary; I will continue to bridge anime songs and pops, making sure we enjoy even more together from now on!).
With this declaration, she left her fans eagerly anticipating what is next for this legendary artist, as she closed the curtain on another unforgettable performance.