[Concert Review] Kenshi Yonezu Enchants New York with Storybook Spectacle and Soul-Stirring Sound
Outside the iconic dome-shaped Radio City Music Hall—an Art Deco dream glowing against the spring night—throngs of fans lined up hours before doors opened. Some had been waiting since 9 a.m., clutching umbrellas, tote bags, and hope, eager for merch that would sell out before many even reached the front. The crowd was a mix of casual fans and cosplayers—Miku from “Sand Planet,” jumpsuits from “Close and Open,” and even a “Lemon” tribute in heels—all adding to the electric atmosphere. For many, this was their first time seeing Kenshi Yonezu in person. For some, their first concert ever. And for nearly everyone? Unforgettable.
Inside, every floor buzzed with anticipation. The merch lines wove through the venue like vines, each person praying for at least one t-shirt or sticker pack (the "cat one" or the "anime one," depending on who you asked). Staff seemed overwhelmed but tried their best—one even referred to the sticker sets as the “female pack” and “cat pack,” unintentionally adding to the lore.
As 8:00 p.m. neared, the room filled with fans vibrating with excitement. Despite the strict no-photo, no-video, no-glowstick rule (standard for many Japanese artists like Ado), there was an unspoken agreement: we were about to witness something sacred.
And then, it began.
From the first notes of REDOUT, it was clear: Kenshi wasn’t just performing—he was telling a story. The visuals behind him painted vivid scenes, not just complementing the music but becoming part of it. It was cinematic. Songs flowed into one another with recurring imagery, almost like a musical short film told in acts. At one point, a sequence of songs connected through shared anime visuals created a dreamlike continuity that captivated everyone.
His vocals? Unreal. While a few Discord and Reddit users noted moments where he might have been pitchy—likely from jetlag or end-of-tour fatigue—most agreed his performance was raw, live, and deeply human. “It proves he’s not lip-syncing,” one fan wrote. Others said it made the night feel more special, like a one-of-a-kind version crafted just for NYC. Many even preferred it to Tokyo Dome’s Day 1 show.
The setlist had its surprises—Eine Kleine made my wife tear up beside me, completely caught off guard by a song she never expected to hear live. Later, during Spirits of the Sea, I glanced around and saw other fans visibly emotional, heads bowed, lips trembling. Kenshi wasn’t just performing songs; he was opening wounds and healing them at the same time.
The live band was phenomenal, and the backup dancers? Equally so. One number featured them in flowing kimonos, moving in sync like ripples across water. During Lemon, they held soft-glowing lanterns as the crowd clapped along, lighting the stage with something more intimate than glow sticks ever could.
A few standout moments:
The piano solo stunned everyone into silence.
Kick Back with the selfie stick? Absolute chaos in the best way—no one saw it coming.
The LOSER > Kick Back > Peace Sign segment? Back-to-back serotonin.
There were moments of quiet awe—especially during Azalea and ゆめうつつ—and others of explosive joy. Even the way Kenshi used the stage was thoughtful; he moved with purpose, and his little dances during certain tracks brought the crowd to life.
By the end, fans were buzzing, clinging to the high. The encore gave us Bow and Arrow, Plazma, Lost Corner, and a soft closing with おはよう—a gentle goodbye that left many in tears.
Final Thoughts
There was post-show depression in the air the next day—shared across Discord, Reddit, and group chats. “I might never have that much fun again,” one fan posted. Another added, “I felt like I lived a whole lifetime in that single day.” That’s what Kenshi Yonezu gave us: not just a concert, but a memory seared into the soul. It wasn’t perfect—but it was magic.
We can only hope this won’t be the last time he visits. Until then, we’ll ride this high, hum along to Lemon on our commutes, and remember the night New York became a page in Kenshi’s storybook.
