As with any concert, there is always an atmosphere. The excitement, the emotions, and the sheer mass of people coming to a single venue. Depending on the venue, it can set expectations. I’ve been to Kings Theatre, United Palace Theatre, and Carnegie Hall here in the local area of New York. Being the home of Broadway and of many famous venues, there were some places I had not had the fortune to attend. One being the famous Radio City Music Hall. I heard about the many events that were held, like the famed Radio City Christmas Show and the Rockettes. But it never caught my interest. That and financial situations at the time. So when I heard that artist Kenshi Yonezu would be stopping by New York, I was curious. I was not the biggest fan, but my interest grew ever since his Golden Certification hit in the US, a first for a Japanese artist, and the opening song for Chainsaw Man, “KICK BACK”, came on the scene. I loved the manga series, and that song is an absolute hit for me and many fans.
My brother loves to listen to his songs, so I attended with wonder and questions about whether it would become a worthwhile experience. A person attending Radio City Music Hall for the first time and listening to his other hit songs as a first-timer. I was aware of his involvement with Final Fantasy XVI and the Studio Ghibli film of The Boy and the Heron. I wasn’t aware of his other works or his extensive repertoire. I can proudly say that after attending his performance and tour, it made me a fan even more. His performance was just something. It resonated with me on an emotional level. I can understand now why he was revered. Kenshi Yonezu’s 2025 Work Tour JUNK is a pure platinum experience. It shines bright with both passion and heart.
(Disclaimer: Ticket was provided by Sony Music Masterworks for review and coverage of the event. All statements made here are solely my own and not reflective of SONY or any of its properties. Biggest thanks to Justin Denaro, Jamie Bertel, and Joshua Piedra for the opportunity. )
So, as it was my first time attending Radio City Music Hall, I wondered how the turnout would be. This is New York we are talking about, and these tickets were not cheap. Checking before the show, the Orchestra section, or right in front of the stage would be priced at +$200 before tax and service fees. Even for mezzanine seats and balcony levels at lower prices, it was still expensive. But to the fandom, it was nothing. The venue for the night was sold out. And being right in Rockefeller Center, the crowds were expected. It makes me happy that I wasn’t going to buy the merchandise that was being sold. It was essentially packed, and lines for refreshments or merchandise were blocking the ways to move around. Thankfully, finding my way to my seat wasn’t much difficulty.
Now for a small criticism. I’ve been to concerts as a regular attendee and as part of the press. We were able to take pictures of the theater while in our seats or after the show. For Radio City Music Hall, they were adamant that no recordings or photos be taken, BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the show. I wasn’t even allowed to take a picture of the statement ordering this. They were very strict. If for the simple reasons of security, no bootleg copies or recordings of the concert, I can understand somewhat. But not allowing taking pictures before the show, of the stage or venue is crazy. During the show, security was on high alert, and I saw some attendees get caught and forced to delete their photos or recordings. Though they can’t get everyone, and I see some fans sneak some shots in or recordings of the event. It’s always fun to see the difference between concerts and how they treat attendees. For the Sonic Symphony Concert, we were allowed pictures and recordings, and the security there was fine with it. At the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Orchestra World Tour at Carnegie Hall, photos were at least allowed. Here, it was no go. Not even if you were a Press member. If this were a strict order from management or Japan, I could understand more. However, it makes it harder to detail the event, and I feel my words cannot do Kenshi Yonezu’s performance justice. Many attendees were Japanese and wanted to take pictures as a souvenir and memory of the event. Though I can see the high production that was involved, and I understand that the Japanese Entertainment Industry has no tolerance for illegal copies. So, while it is unfortunate that any pictures in this article are of only the outside of the venue, I understand the orders and will be respectful of their rules.
Kenshi Yonezu and His Emotional Radiance
(You can find the setlist for his tour JUNK here. Use it as a reference to timeline the performance in this coverage.)
While awaiting the show to begin, it was amazing to see the seats being filled up. Many fans, local and international, came to see Kenshi Yonezu. It was amazing that even in hard times, fans still came together to see him and just forget about the world. Even if it is just for two hours and at expensive prices. But to reiterate, it was well worth it for the experience.
As the stage went dark and the show began, the excitement from the audience was peak. The band members came out, and then Kenshi himself. The first song of “RED OUT” began. Everyone in the audience was on their feet, cheering and vibing. As a fairly new fan and listening to this song for the first time, I can already tell his versatility and how he blends emotion with his songs. Even if you don’t know the lyrics at first, you can just feel the emotion to get the message. Then the next song of “Kanden“. Here, I must give special attention to the backup dancers and the setup for the song. As we are in New York, this song is a total city vibe. The dancers brought the energy and flair of song, and it resonated with me as a New Yorker.
The mood gradually shifted to the more relaxed and low-fi style as the setlist continued to “LADY“. I always enjoy songs that just put you in a relaxing mood. The Piano chords, the lower beats-per-minute, it was a song that puts you in a mood on a sunny day. This can also be said for the next song of “Azaela“, but for a good night. Seeing the lyrics for this song, it just reminds you that while things change and age can make you jaded and cynical, you are still you. And there will be one who will love you regardless. This vibe would continue with “Daydream” and “Sayonara, Mata, Itsuka!“. A reminder that time is just going back so fast, but remember to take it slow. A solid reminder for me, as for anyone who feels stressed from their job or life in general. He then had a quick break to say his gratitude to the audience and how it was amazing to be in New York and Radio City Music Hall.
Now, the next song was arguably the most memorable of the night for me. “Spinning Globe” or “Chikyuugi“. The setup and the background video for this song were just perfect. It was landscapes and background, and a shadow figure trekking through. For the record, I did not know that this was the song for the Studio Ghibli film The Boy and the Heron. If you have seen any Ghibli film, it can put you through all emotions. From tears, heartbreak, happiness, joy, and everything in between. That’s just how much Miyazaki has influenced the world. This just pushes me hard to watch the film now. The reason I’m stating this is that this song made me tear up. I was not the only one in the audience. It moved many to tears. Listening to this song for the first time, I can understand why he was hand-picked by Ghibli to make this song for the film. It is just that emotionally resonating. A reminder of one’s mortality, love, and legacy. It stinks that I could not take a picture of this moment because it was just that good.
Now, we move on to build up on energy and shifting moods. “YELLOW GHOST“, “POST HUMAN“, and “M87“. For POST HUMAN, the background video was interesting because it had a desert city with a big robot in the background, but it was coming apart and being destroyed by flames and destruction. When referencing the lyrics, I can see the connection as even though things are coming apart, the drive to seek connection will still be there.
Now to one of his biggest hit songs, “LEMON“. Approaching one billion views on YouTube, it still resonates with many people. I first heard this song on my brother’s playlist. It then had a more sentimental impact on me as I recall listening to this while my brother was driving my dad and me to visit my grandmother’s grave and other family members. It was a somber tone compared to the lyrics of the song. But I would still remember it as a bittersweet memory, and that would be another memorable moment that night. Props to the backup dancers for recreating the choreography like the music video.
The next song was another first time for me, “Umi no Yuurei” or “Spirits of the Seas”. This song was played during the movie Children of the Sea in 2019. They had the same anime video playing in the background when Kenshi was performing. Again, a first for me, and I had not seen the movie. But it had the same emotional resonance that you would expect from Kenshi Yonezu. A Summer Vacation and the connection between people and nature. This was another quiet moment, but it felt like the audience and I were enjoying that moment together. I really need to set some time to watch more anime films.
But now we rev things back up with some energy hits like “Tomaremiyo” or “Stop and Look Both Ways”, and “LENS FLARE“. Admittedly, at this point, I was just bopping my head and was vibing in the performance. One thing I have noticed in his songs is the use of piano and keys. A certain elegance, but also a classy set when making a certain moment pop in the song. This is especially true for the next song, “Mainichi” or “Every Day”. As it is titled, it describes the everyday life that we go through, the mundane and stressful moments. Each week. Each year. The endless loop till we cease to exist in this life. And like the ending lyric to the song: “Can I still end up loving it?”, before getting a pie to the face. A very apt way to describe life. Props the stage hands as they brought out the chair to start the song like the music video. The following song was just as impressive: “LOSER“. They had a dancer who did the same contortion and break dance moves as in the music video. A great song when you feel like you’re down on luck and need a pick-me-up.
Now, the song I have been waiting for. The song that had introduced me to him and the primary reason I wanted to see him. The opening song for Chainsaw Man, “KICK BACK“. Everyone in the audience was on their feet when the room turned red and the sound of the revving engine. My favorite song on the list, and I cannot take any pictures! The best way to describe the experience is the video below from a previous event. Minus the pyrotechnics.
This song perfectly describes the anime of Chainsaw Man and the main character of Denji. Sure, you can aim for the stars and earn lots of money, fame, fortune, or anything that you are die-hard ambitious about. But for Denji or me, I am satisfied with the bare minimum. But there will be a sense of greed in you, and you want to pursue that happiness. Filling up on happiness until you rest in peace. It was the song that matched that sense of angst, but knowing what you want in life. Even if it means pissing some people off in the process. Kenshi was an absolute rockstar in this song. From the backup dancers, the energy of the room, and him picking up his camera and doing his POV on stage while singing. This and a Spinning Globe would be my moments I would remember of the concert. I was singing, screaming, and just had a blast during this moment. Almost hurt my throat in the process.
We were fast approaching the end, but the anime hits kept going with My Hero Academia’s Season 2 Opening “Peace Sign“. I was a fan of the anime, but the energy from the fans was enough to make up for it. I have heard the song in passing, so I recognized the beat and the uplifting tune to match the show’s theme. We then had a second quick break. This time around, we had the guitarist helping with the commentary as he knows a bit more English. He thanked the fans and said to the crowd that they would love to come back to New York. He also stated how big Radio City Music Hall is and how it was designed. He also did a Keanu Reeves moment and said the crowd was beautiful. Naturally, I and some audience said “You’re Beautiful!”, to which he received well. Then it was off to the final songs for the night. The fact that Kenshi and the band went and played for two hours with just two short breaks is nothing but amazing.
Rounding out the main song list were “Doughnut Hole” and “Garakuta“, or the title of the tour, “JUNK”. For “Doughnut Hole”, I had no idea what was going on. All I know there was an anime video to go along with music, and I was invested. All that I can figure is that there was a group of girls protecting their city from a powerful conglomerate and getting help from and black, cat-like alien. It was weird, bizarre, and I liked it. A nice note is the transition of the background video from Doughnut Hole to Garakuta. From the city, and going to an underground cavern, to continue with the theme. A shiny spot and finding beauty within darkness. At least that is how I like to interpret it. And that was it for the main set list. Until the cheers from the audience came for the encore performance.
His newest song for the opening of last season’s anime Medalist, “BOW AND ARROW“. This song is a bop, and if you have watched the anime connecting it, you can see why it was chosen for the show. The ice skating and the energy that goes with it are just a great combination. Reminding you that you will have your moment to shine when it comes to it. The next song is “Plazma“. The keyboard section goes hard here, and it matches with the video playing with it. Floating Cars, a starry sky, space, and a technical theme to it all. Very EDM if you want to recommend to the DJ. Now, the final song of the show, “LOST CORNER“. This was a great song to end on in the city of New York. The city street signs that were shown in the video behind Kenshi, the backup dancers, and the band members. It was a great ending to it all. They then all bowed, and Kenshi Yonezu thanked us. He hoped that he could come again soon, and he exited stage right. Roll the credits on stage!
So that was my night in New York of the JUNK World Tour with Kenshi Yonezu at Radio City Music Hall. I had an absolutely wonderful time, and it made me a fan. The resonance, the emotional impact, and the vibe that his songs had in that moment are indescribable. As with many moments, concerts, and experiences, you just had to be there. Yes, it is expensive given the venue, but if you were there, you understood that you were present right by Kenshi Yonezu. The accolades that Kenshi Yonezu earned, I can understand. The songs that can match any life situation. The emotional state you can be in when listening to “Spinning Globe”. After the concert, I was in a good state of mind. Especially after a tiring work week and stressors that took hold. So it was much needed.
As if it wasn’t clear already, Kenshi Yonezu is an amazing artist, and the JUNK World Tour is a platinum experience. If you are a fan or just curious like me about his songs, definitely check out his shows if he comes to your local area—provided you have the money to pay for tickets and are not financially compromised. I hope he comes back again to New York so that more can experience his music and understand why he is so beloved. Thank you very much, Kenshi Yonezu and Sony Music, for this experience.
Now I need to add some songs to my playlist and see more anime films. Until next time, sayonara.
