TEAM SHACHI celebrated the New Year with their energetic concert titled "決戦の鯱詣2025 ～ポジティブ・エキサイティング・ソウル・ライブ～" ("Kessen no Shachi-mori 2025: Positive Exciting Soul Live") held on January 4, 2025, at the iconic TOKYO DOME CITY HALL. This event marked the group's first major performance of the year, returning to the stage with high spirits after their busy 2024 schedule where they performed over 130 shows.
The concert, which is the third installment of the "Shachi-mori" series since their evolution from the group "チームしゃちほこ" (Chus Hayako), showcased the unwavering commitment of the members—Haruna Sakamoto, Nao Sakura, Yuki Ooguro, and Honoka Akimoto—who have become beloved figures among fans known as "タフ民" (Tafumin). Leadership was palpable during the concert, reflecting not just their musical prowess but also the bond they share with their audience.
Beginning with the "OVERTURE～春の海～" sampled from the traditional tune "春の海" (Spring Sea), the atmosphere quickly shifted as the screen behind them showcased playful New Year's messages. On this day, the display humorously declared, "1月4日、四鯱" (January 4th, Four Shachi), igniting cheers from the excited crowd. The live performance kicked off with "まつりびと～カキツバタ～" (Matsuribito ~ Kakitsubata), enveloping fans with joyous celebration as the members took the stage dressed in the same outfits they wore back during their previous Shachi-mori event held years before.
One highlight of the concert was the segment featuring the vibrant public interaction during "Hello,TEAM SHACHI," where each member creatively engaged their fans. Yuki's energetic introduction left the audience squealing with excitement, showcasing the delightful dynamic within the group as they contributed to the positive vibe pervading the venue.
The show continued with performances of fan favorites, touching moments during songs like "It's New 世界" (It's New Sekai) echoed the hopes and resolutions of the New Year. The lyrics, "サヨナラ去年の私" (Goodbye, last year's me) rang particularly relevant, prompting sing-alongs and creating an empowering ambiance.
Shifting tones, the concert included the "浅野曲メドレー" (The Songs of Naoshi Asa), featuring tracks composed by well-known songwriter Naoshi Asa intimately linking the four members' journeys since the inception of their careers. Emotional performances emerged during songs such as "ちぐはぐ・ランナーズ・ハイ" (Chiguhagu Runners High), where the connection with fans deepened as they engaged together.
One of the magic moments arrived during the encore when TEAM SHACHI took to the balconies, handing out traditional sweets to their adoring Tafumin. The surprise of this new format evoked heartwarming cheers across the auditorium, reinforcing the communal spirit they strive to cultivate with their fans.
Honoka Akimoto expressed her happiness about how the concert felt like opening a "福袋" (lucky bag), stating, "福袋みたいなライブを届けることができて幸せ。2025年の幕開けにぴったりなシャチらしいライブになった" (I’m happy we could deliver a concert like lucky bags. It was perfectly suited to the kickoff of 2025, showing what TEAM SHACHI is all about). Meanwhile, Nao Sakura remarked, "これまでのライブのベストを更新したと思う" (I believe we've improved upon our past performances), summarizing the overall ambitious approach for the year.
With talented choreography, joy-filled interactions, and visceral performances displaying their growth, the concert was as much a celebration of the New Year as it was of their enduring artistic evolution. From sparks of fireworks lighting up the clarion calls of "DREAMER" to the catharsis experienced during their ultimate anthem "START," TEAM SHACHI punctuated the event with powerful group energy connecting deeply with Tafumin.
The ensemble concluded their performance with exuberant excitement, invoking sentiments of unity and purpose. The night was capped with Haruna Sakamoto’s resolute statement, "ライブに正解や不正解はないのかもしれないけど、今できる一番シャチらしいライブができたと思う" (There may not be right or wrong answers at concerts, but I believe we put on the quintessential TEAM SHACHI show). This sentiment perfectly encapsulated the energetic essence of the night, leaving both members and fans exhilarated and hopeful for the new year.