Tokyo, Japan - The iconic Love Live! franchise celebrated its 10th anniversary over the weekend with the encore performances of the LoveLive! Orchestra Concert at the Pacifico Yokohama National Convention Hall, drawing fans from all over.
The event took place on January 4 and 5, 2025, and was organized as a response to the overwhelming success of the previous orchestral concert held earlier in March 2024. It featured the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied by members of the popular school idol group μ's, including Emi Nitta, Ayana Taketatsu, Pile, Riho Iida, and Aina Kusuda, who took the stage adorned in elegant outfits.
Conducted by Nobuyuki Nakada, the concert took fans on a nostalgic musical trip back to the heartwarming moments of the anime, combining live orchestral arrangements with stunning visuals from the show. The first evening commenced with the performance of "Hajimari no Asa" which set the tone for the event, enchanting the audience as the μ's members united on stage to perform the beloved song "Bokura wa Ima no Naka de". The sheer energy and talent emanated from the stage quickly filled the concert hall, drawing cheers and applause from the packed audience.
Throughout the concert, the audience was treated to memorable orchestral arrangements arranged by Keichiro Hoshino, with each piece seamlessly synchronizing with classic scenes from the anime. Fans reminisced as they enjoyed the highlights of Okinawa's scenery, the struggles of the school idols, and moments of friendship, all projected on the big screen. The craftsmanship and artistry of the musicians truly brought the world of Love Live! to life.
The first half of the concert culminated with the performance of "Kitto Seishun ga Kikoeru," where μ's once again graced the stage with their heartfelt rendition, exuding nostalgia and emotions as they delivered lines like “Tonari wa Kimi nandam” to the captivated audience.
The second act kicked off with music from the scene where Honoka Kosaka became the new student council president, showcasing her rise to leadership. Fans were on the edge of their seats as the group delivered "Sore wa Bokutachi no Kiseki", smiling and locking eyes with one another, creating dynamic energy throughout their performance.
One of the highlights was the song "It’s Always for Everyone" performed with just piano and acoustic guitar, allowing the captivating melodies to shine through amid emotion-laden arrangements. The audience could feel themselves transported back to the cherished moments of their favorite characters, rekindling feelings of joy and warmth.
The concert’s climax featured the powerful anthem "Donnatoki mo Zutto", where μ's delivered their performance with vigor and passion, leading fans to vibrant cheers and standing ovations. The powerful conclusion saw the audience erupting with applause, demonstrating their unwavering love for the group.
Following the main performance, the encore brought the fan-favorite "Snow Halation" to the stage once more, sparking joyous participation as fans illuminated the hall with white light sticks, mimicking snowfall. The backdrop—a lively sea of colors—added to the spectacular atmosphere, reminiscent of prior concerts.
Emi Nitta, representing μ's, shared heartfelt thoughts with the audience, stating, "The Love Live! series will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2025, and I am really happy to share this wonderful moment with everyone at the start of this year. Thank you very much. Please continue to support the Love Live! series and μ's!" Her words echoed the sentiments of the gathered crowd, embodying their collective hopes for future engagements.
With the concert wrapping up on such high notes, the excitement surrounding the Love Live! series appears only to grow. This event not only encapsulated the spirit of the beloved anime but also reinforced the community bond among its fans—setting the stage for the joy the upcoming celebrations and events promise to bring.