Ado releases first live-action music video for autobiographical song "Vivarium"

By Sam 28 February 2026

Japanese superstar Ado has released her first-ever live-action music video for the new song “Vivarium” (ビバリウム), which paints her own life story in her own words.

The music video was directed by Kyōtarō Hayashi and produced by Mizuki Ōno of ACROBAT FILM. Across approximately 300 cuts, the visuals weave together past struggles, indomitable spirit, and hope for the future, expressing the words and echoes of the song with striking intensity. It reflects Ado’s stance—as both a singer and as a person—facing her music and herself head-on.

The new song “Vivarium” is based on the autobiographical novel Vivarium: Ado and I (ビバリウム Adoと私), released on February 26. Arranged by Takakei “CO-K” Takashi (Ado’s live band master), the track channels Ado’s inner cry—struggling with self-doubt yet reaching for light—into a powerful vocal rock anthem.

The autobiographical novel Vivarium: Ado and I was written by Narumi Komatsu—bestselling author of M: A Person Worth Loving and Sorette Kiseki: GReeeeN’s Story—after three years of interviews with Ado. It tells her story from childhood, through her difficult school years, the relief she found as an “utaite” (cover artist), her meeting with Cloud Nine CEO Takuya Chigira, the birth of “Ado,” and her rise to world tours.

Ado’s comment

“This is my first time in a live-action MV, and I’m in it myself, so I think it’s going to be really something to watch… There are quite a few bold scenes here and there, so listeners might be a little confused (laughs). Personally, I performed the underwater scenes myself, so I really want you to pay attention to those (I got very wet). The running scenes are kind of funny to me because I look a bit desperate… but running in heels was actually really tough (laughs). Still, I think this became something really, really important for the song ‘Vivarium’ and the novel Vivarium: Ado and I. Whatever form I take, I’m still me. Please watch it many times!”

Director Kyōtarō Hayashi’s comment

“I felt ‘resolve’ from this song. And I understood that it connects to the decision to shoot in live action now, so I took on the challenge with her. I wanted to express, with power, the words and echoes in the song—that attitude of facing the music she has created and nurtured as both a singer and a person, woven with hope for the future. I wove it together, frame by frame. Please enjoy.”

Producer Mizuki Ōno’s comment

“‘Ado is me.’ Holding onto that resolve I received from her, we locked every cry of the heart and every emotion into this video together. Please experience her present moment—struggling and suffering, yet never stopping her pursuit of challenge.”