Snow Man kicked off their highly anticipated Dome Tour 2024 RAYS on December 15 at the Tokyo Dome, displaying not just their stylish choreography but also their unbreakable bond marked by the emotional return of member Hikaru Iwamoto, who showcased his resilience after recovering from surgery to remove a benign tumor.
This vibrant concert series, supporting their fourth full album titled "RAY", plans to attract around 61,500 fans at the Tokyo Dome alone, where Iwamoto captivated audiences with heartfelt performances alongside his eight group mates. The tour is described as featuring the essence of nine beams of light coming together, symbolizing their collective strength and radiance.
The opening set was explosive, with Iwamoto, donning a black mask for part of the performance, taking center stage and exclaiming, "東京、騒いでいこうぜ!" ("Tokyo, let’s make some noise!"). This electrifying atmosphere immediately cranked up the energy, drawing roars from the enthusiastic crowd.
A highlight of the evening included the premiere of their new song "SBY", which is set to be featured on their forthcoming best album, capturing the audience's attention with its melodic charm. With 35 songs slated for this performance, fans were treated to both hits and cherished classics, including the lead track "EMPIRE" from their new album, which integrates grand visuals and dramatic pyrotechnics to enrich the experience.
The emotional weight of the concert was palpable; Iwamoto's return was celebrated by fans who cheered him on after he removed his mask during the performance. Responding to their support, he earnestly smiled and said, "ただいま" ("I'm back"). During the show, member Ryohei Abe prompted fellow members and the audience to express their feelings for Iwamoto, resulting in heartfelt cheers proclaiming, "照おかえり!" ("Welcome back, Hikaru!"). Iwamoto later acknowledged the warmth he felt, stating, "Snow Manのファンってあったかいな" ("The Snow Man fans are so warm").
The group's strong camaraderie was evident throughout the night. Notably, Daisuke Sakuma was seen gently patting Iwamoto's back during intense moments, which was indicative of their supportive teamwork both on and off stage. The sense of unity among the nine members reverberated strongly, showcasing their dedication to each other and their craft.
Various performances painted vivid imagery, with members soaring to heights of 24 meters aboard hot air balloons, thrilling fans with the breathtaking spectacle. "We wanted to create something unforgettable together with our fans," shared member Tatsuya Fukazawa, reaffirming the group's commitment to their followers.
The concert also marked the rapid progression of the group itself. Just within four years and ten months since their debut, they have reached the notable milestone of hosting a five-dome tour, the fastest of its kind for any group under their management. "This is just the beginning, and we want to keep moving forward," stated Shota Watanabe, echoing the aspirations of the entire band as they look to the future.
Fans will have more opportunities to catch Snow Man live, as this remarkable tour continues across five cities until the end of the month. More excitement awaits as they prepare for another major event, their New Year's live broadcast concert.
With the concert effectively blending emotional connections and stunning performances, Snow Man is not just illuminating stages but also the hearts of fans everywhere, promising they will keep emitting light through their enduring talent.
