The much-anticipated SHOWbiz 2025 concert series kicked off on January 5, 2025, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, captivating audiences with its vibrant display of talent from Japan's junior performers. Featuring 90 talented individuals from various junior groups, including HiHi Jets, 美少年, 7 MEN 侍, 少年忍者, Go!Go!kids, and Lil かんさい, this event promises to celebrate the rich lineage of Japanese idol culture and to inspire new generations.
Running until January 13, 2025, the series consists of 13 performances, where junior idols ranging from 8 to 27 years old will showcase their diverse abilities. Anchored by the mission to inherit the traditions laid down by senior idols and pave the way for the future, the concert features distinct themes spanning genres like Jazz, Hip Hop, and Rock & Dance, inviting audiences on an exhilarating artistic voyage.
The grand opening saw energetic numbers like "The Days of Shining" from the original musical series “PLAYZONE,” engaging the audience right from the start with impressive visuals, including circular stages with fountain displays. Orikawa Naohiro, aged 21, lively proclaimed, "Let’s shout 'Hello' to the new future of 2025!" setting the tone for the performances to follow.
Each concert segment creatively combined elements of audience interaction and performance. Audiences were treated to elaborate stage setups as the performers—coming together across group lines—showcased their skills through specially curated shuffle units. During the “Future” section, representatives from the current gen performed tracks from iconic soundtracks, immersing spectators in nostalgia mingled with the freshness of youthful exuberance.
The evening incorporated elements from well-known past performances, such as trampoline basketball demonstrations by members of HiHi Jets and 美少年, which kept the energy levels soaring inside the arena. The interactivity continued with the beloved "Junior Mansion" act, now revived as the modern “Ariake Mansion,” offering unique performances from various members even as they performed within their designated spaces.
This connection with the audience was palpable. During the final act of the concert, fans erupted with vivid enthusiasm, standing to cheer during the closing number, illuminating the arena with glow sticks and hand fans. The warmth radiated back to the performers, whose expressions reflected sheer joy as they responded, "This scenery is everything!" reminiscent of their envisioning of connection through music.
With numerous enchanting performances across 39 songs, junior groups collaborated and creatively broke the norm, choosing to avoid group-specific sets and instead unite as one dynamic ensemble. Curated tracks included not just current hits but also classics from veteran groups like KinKi Kids and TOKIO, paying homage to the entire spectrum of Johnny’s idol legacy.
Despite the concert's presentation style encouraging patrons to remain seated for most of the show, the segments where the audience could rise to cheer allowed for genuine interactions, reinforcing the bond between performers and fans. Mizuki (24) reflected on this unique concert experience by saying, "We think the show is really great through SHOWbiz, and we’ll continue this happy relationship with our audience!"
With excitement building for the remaining performances, fans are left eager to see how the tradition of innovation and celebration of Japan's pop culture unfolded during these enchanting nights. The SHOWbiz 2025 concert not only fulfilled its goal of presenting entertainment but also reinforced the connections between past and future, etching its mark on the history of Japanese idol culture.