We were at KENSHI YONEZU’s concert in Paris / WORLD TOUR - JUNK

Attending a J-Pop concert is a unique experience, and Kenshi Yonezu's live performance was no exception. From the moment I arrived at the venue (Zenith - Paris La Villette), I knew this would be something special. The concert hall, with its impressive 6,200-seat capacity, was about to be packed, yet being among the first to enter gave me a moment to appreciate the grandiosity of the space.

No Phones, No Glowsticks – Just Pure Experience

One thing that immediately stood out was the strict no-phone policy—no photos, no videos, not even texting was allowed inside. Even no glowsticks! This might seem surprising at first, but it created an atmosphere where everyone was fully present in the moment, rather than viewing the performance through their screens. Fans could only use their phones outside the venue, in the designated hallways. This rule, common in J-Pop concerts, encouraged real human connection and interaction.

The Atmosphere Before the Show

Even before the show started, the energy was palpable. The queue was filled with fans from all around the world, many speaking Japanese, and the kindness of the crowd was remarkable. Some people were signing flags, others were handing out stickers with their social media handles, and overall, it felt like a big community gathering rather than just a wait to get inside.

Thanks to @ademoons for this sticker.

As someone who hasn't attended many concerts in the past, I couldn't help but notice one unexpected benefit of being a man—shorter restroom lines. A small but amusing observation.

The Performance: A Night to Remember

Once inside, the concert setup was seated, but the moment Kenshi Yonezu took the stage with "RED OUT", the entire audience was on their feet. The energy was electrifying. He seamlessly transitioned between powerful performances and heartfelt conversations with the audience, and he clearly showed his enjoyment being there, and thankfulness to everyone supporting him.

Throughout the near 2 hours of the show, he would sing a few songs, take a moment to talk, and then get back to the music, keeping the crowd engaged the entire time. The vibes were immaculate, and I found myself singing and dancing along with everyone else in the Pit. Despite the seating arrangement, nobody stayed seated for long.

The Band & Visuals

The show was not just about Kenshi—his talented band and dancers played a crucial role in making the performance unforgettable. The guitarist, Hiroshi Nakashima (中島宏士 クロジ), bassist, Yu Sudou (須藤優), drummer, Masaki Hori (堀正輝), and pianist, Jun Miyakawa (宮川純) brought Kenshi's music to life with precision and passion. The dancers added an extra layer of visual storytelling that perfectly complemented the performance.

A Phone-Free Experience Like No Other

What struck me the most was how much this phone-free experience enhanced the concert. Instead of scrolling through social media, people were genuinely engaging with each other, creating spontaneous conversations, and actually enjoying the moment together. I might have even made some new friends along the way.

Final Thoughts

I won't spoil the setlist for those who still have a chance to attend, but if you're considering going, do it. At the time of writing, there are still tickets available in the United States (New York and California), and I 100% recommend the experience.

I also bought a "RED OUT" hat :>

A huge thank you to Live Nation and the entire REISSUE RECORDS team for making this incredible night happen in Europe and all around the world. And if there's another show in the future… please invite me 🥺