On April 9, 2026, JO1 stood on the stage of Tokyo Dome and delivered more than just a concert—they delivered a powerful statement about their future. At their dome show, 「JO1DER SHOW 2026 'EIEN 永縁' IN TOKYO DOME」, the group expressed a strong 決意 (ketsui, determination) to move forward while holding close the precious 縁 (en, bonds) they have carefully built over the years.
Moving Forward with Precious Bonds
The concert took place on April 8 and 9 at Tokyo Dome, with additional performances scheduled for April 22 and 23 at Kyocera Dome Osaka. Backed by a live band throughout the entire show, JO1 delivered a performance filled with 迫力 (hakuryoku, intensity and power).
Through this live performance—ライブを通して (raibu o tooshite, through the concert)—the nine members expressed their determination to move forward together with the connections and fate they have woven since their debut.
The theme of the show centered around eternity. The concept of “永遠” (eien, eternity) was 大きな樹に見立てて (ookina ki ni mitatete, likened to a large tree), creating a grand, story-like structure that unfolded across the night. This use of 〜に見立てる (to compare or liken something to something else) gave the performance a poetic depth.
Dressed in pure white outfits, the members opened with 「Venus」, singing and dancing gracefully with a steady gaze toward the future. They followed with 「ICARUS」, performing passionately as if soaring toward the sun, and then with 「MONSTAR」, delivering a perfectly synchronized stage that suggested strength capable of transcending even time and space.
Special Arrangements and Powerful Highlights
Several songs were 披露されました (hirou saremashita, performed/unveiled) in special arrangements just for this dome concert.
For example:
- 「SuperCali」 transformed into a dynamic version featuring a wildly intense piano.
- 「BE CLASSIC」, which samples Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (“Fate”), evolved into an even more dramatic sound.
- During 「Handz In My Pocket」, traditional Japanese drums—和太鼓 (wadaiko)—appeared on the upper stage. The members danced fiercely to the powerful beats, even performing alongside a 獅子舞 (shishimai, lion dance), blending modern pop with traditional Japanese culture.
Another major 見どころ (midokoro, highlight) was the special unit performances created specifically for the dome shows. Each unit crafted a highly detailed, conceptual stage that captivated the audience.
The group also performed songs that had never been showcased live before. One of them was 「Dot-Dot-Dot」, a track from their September 2023 album EQUINOX. Set against a stage designed like an American-style bar, the members stepped lightly to a funky band sound.
Encore: Smiles, New Songs, and a Message for the Future
Responding to fans calling for an encore, the nine members returned to the stage in casual outfits. Riding on moving carts, they traveled around the dome to get closer to their fans, known as JAM.
In medley format, they performed:
- 「Dreaming Night」
- 「NEWSmile」
- 「Love seeker」
- 「ハッピー・ジャムジャム（JO1 ver.）」
The atmosphere turned joyful and peaceful, filled with bright smiles.
During the encore, they also performed their March digital release 「Breezy Love」, a tie-in song for the self-care brand “Sorule,” for which member 木全翔也 (Kimata Shoya) contributed lyrics and composition, and 金城碧海 (Kinjo Sukai) participated in writing the lyrics. The song’s danceable beat and refreshing synth-pop sound filled the dome with groove.
Finally, the members performed 「EIEN」, a new song written and composed by Kimata especially for the Tokyo Dome concert. The song expresses the feelings of holding irreplaceable memories and carefully woven bonds close to the heart while stepping into the future.
Member 豆原一成 (Mamehara Issei) shared a message with the audience:
「僕たちはまだまだあきらめず上に向かって歩いていきたいと思います。」 Bokutachi wa mada mada akiramezu ue ni mukatte aruite ikitai to omoimasu. “We still want to keep walking upward without giving up.”
It was a declaration of continued growth—and of momentum, or 勢い (ikioi), that has defined JO1 since their debut.
Cultural Context: Why Tokyo Dome Matters
Tokyo Dome is one of Japan’s most iconic venues. Performing there is considered a major milestone for artists. For idol groups like JO1—who were formed in 2019 through the survival audition program 「PRODUCE 101 JAPAN」—a Tokyo Dome concert symbolizes years of growth, fan support, and hard-earned success.
The title 「永縁」 combines 永遠 (eien, eternity) and 縁 (en, bonds/fate), reflecting a uniquely Japanese way of viewing relationships—not just as friendships, but as meaningful connections shaped by destiny.
Learn Japanese from This Article
Vocabulary
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 決意 | ketsui | determination, resolution |
| 縁 | en | bond, connection, fate |
| 勢い | ikioi | momentum, vigor |
| 迫力 | hakuryoku | intensity, power |
| 披露する | hirou suru | to perform; to unveil |
| 見どころ | midokoro | highlight; main attraction |
| 紡ぐ | tsumugu | to spin; to weave (stories/bonds) |
| 和太鼓 | wadaiko | traditional Japanese drum |
| 獅子舞 | shishimai | lion dance |
Grammar Spotlight
1️⃣ 〜を通して
Meaning: through; via; over the course of
Structure: Noun + を通して
Example from the article: ライブを通して、決意を表現した。 Raibu o tooshite, ketsui o hyougen shita. “They expressed their determination through the live performance.”
More examples:
経験を通して学ぶ。 Keiken o tooshite manabu. “Learn through experience.”
音楽を通して世界とつながる。 Ongaku o tooshite sekai to tsunagaru. “Connect with the world through music.”
2️⃣ 〜に見立てる
Meaning: to liken A to B; to compare A to B
Structure: A を B に見立てる
Example from the article: 永遠を大きな樹に見立てた。 Eien o ookina ki ni mitateta. “They likened eternity to a large tree.”
More examples:
人生を旅に見立てる。 Jinsei o tabi ni mitateru. “To compare life to a journey.”
桜を雪に見立てる。 Sakura o yuki ni mitateru. “To liken cherry blossoms to snow.”
This expression appears often in poetry, performances, and traditional arts.
Useful Expression
あきらめず上に向かって歩いていきたい Akiramezu ue ni mukatte aruite ikitai “We want to keep walking upward without giving up.”
Notice あきらめず (akiramezu)—a formal or written-style way of saying “without giving up.” It connects smoothly to the next action.
Continue Learning
Working on your reading skills? Our Katakana Essentials: Adapting Global Words to Japanese lesson is a great next step.
JO1’s Tokyo Dome performance wasn’t just a milestone—it was a promise. A promise to treasure the 縁 (en) they’ve woven and to keep moving forward with unwavering 決意 (ketsui).
これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.