TOKYO: Momoiro Clover Z, the cherished Japanese idol ensemble, concluded their nationwide 15th-anniversary tour with a mesmerizing performance in Tokyo last week. This extensive tour, commencing in July and featuring appearances at summer festivals, spanned four months and included a dozen sold-out shows.

On a radiant October Saturday, the outward-bound rapid train from Shinjuku pulsed with excitement. Passengers proudly adorned themselves in the colors of their beloved members – Kanako Momota’s red, Shiori Tamai’s yellow, Ayaka Sasaki’s pink, and Reni Takagi’s purple. All were en route to the same destination: the 15th-anniversary finale show of Momoiro Clover Z.

The scene grew even more vivid upon arrival at the station closest to the venue. Clusters of fans donning Momoclo merchandise were ubiquitous, emphasizing the sense of unity among enthusiasts regardless of age or gender. They reveled in the shared anticipation of this special day and the joy of reuniting.

As the clock ticked towards showtime, the stage lights gracefully dimmed, revealing the quartet in their elegant black dresses, a departure from their iconic multicolored uniforms. This shift underscored the tour’s theme, “QUEEN OF STAGE.” The concert commenced with the 2011 classic “Hashire!” specially arranged for this momentous tour. Mononofu (the group’s fans) were already at their zenith, enthusiastically joining in with the Song, a customary finale for the group’s performances.

Following was Momoclo’s renowned anthem, “DNA Rhapsody,” complemented by six dancers clad in white. The atmosphere was akin to a Broadway production, showcasing the unique artistry they’ve cultivated over their remarkable 15-year journey.

“Let’s savor this evening,” encouraged the four members as they ascended on moving platforms to engage with fans on the opposite side of the venue. Weaving through the audience, they delivered concert favorites like “Gorilla Punch -ZZ ver.-” and “Nightmare Before Catharsis,” both of which were highlights from their May performance titled “Yoyogi Mugendai Kinenbi Momoiro Clover Z 15th Anniversary LIVE.”

The concert repertoire extended beyond their classic hits. A standout moment was undoubtedly their latest single “MONONOFU NIPPON feat. Tomoyasu Hotei,” a collaboration with the iconic Japanese guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei. Changing into outfits reflecting their individual member colors, they flawlessly performed the song, igniting an escalating wave of energy from the fans. Over the course of this four-month tour, the bond between the group and their fans had deepened, solidifying an even stronger connection while performing this newly released track.

Throughout the tour, as the seasons transitioned, the four members revealed a more relatable, millennial side through their stage banter. Sasaki shared her current battle with autumn hay fever, a phenomenon she hadn’t experienced during their previous performance at the venue in August. Meanwhile, Tamai expressed her fondness for the season, particularly the scent of osmanthus. Momota reminisced about the days when they adhered strictly to scripted banter, meticulously memorizing every word. However, they had since discarded scripts, embracing spontaneous dialogue during their performances. This evolution mirrored their remarkable 15-year journey in the industry.

As the concert approached its grand finale, the energy surged even higher. Following the relaxed and seasoned banter, the audience was treated to a medley, a nostalgic journey through their history, featuring actual music video footage from their debut onwards. The medley showcased an array of songs spanning their career, from early classics like “Momoiro Punch” (2009), “Pinky Jones” (2010), and “Saraba, Itoshiki Kanashimitachi Yo” (2013) to their 15th-anniversary song “Ichigo Ichie” (2023).

Notably, significant milestones from their career, such as their 2012 debut at Nippon Budokan and the 2014 National Stadium performance, were featured in the backdrop. It was more than a journey through the evolution of artists; it was a testament to how teenagers transformed into top artists, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. This effectively conveyed the message from the lyrics of “The Golden History” (2018), featured in the medley, which speaks of growing stronger with every passage through different eras.

Though fans may have encountered the group through different eras or songs, we all gathered that night to celebrate the present state of Momoiro Clover Z. It was an emotionally charged experience for more than a few fans, some of whom were brought to tears.

“Ending our 15th-anniversary live tour with the song we’re most attached to feels just right,” beamed Momota, before they launched into their major debut single, “Ikuze Kaitou Shoujo.” This song marked their TV debut and symbolized the immense time and effort they invested in their early years.

In their 2-hour-and-a-half set, the four showcased footage from their 15-year journey through 25 songs. The theme of “You’re not alone” resonates through their music, and the four members embody this concept perfectly. They’ve created a warm and inclusive community that welcomes fans of all ages, from young girls to parents, reinforcing their years-long endeavor to spread smiles and music, a courageous aspiration in our complex world.

As the quartet exited the stage, Mononofu resumed their chants for the encore, creating a magical atmosphere with hundreds of glow sticks illuminating a spectrum of colors. What came as a surprise was the announcement of a new single, “Chikai Mirai,” written by Yujin Kitagawa of the Japanese duo Yuzu, set to be released on October 27th. The audience was fortunate enough to witness the inaugural performance of the song.

After bidding farewell to the dancers, the four members remained on stage to deliver their final song, “Hoero.” Momoclo gave their all in their signature style, and Mononofu responded with an eruption of cheers, bringing the show to a particularly triumphant conclusion. 

However, the anniversary show wasn’t the end. A mysterious teaser appeared on the backdrop immediately after the performance, signaling the beginning of a new chapter: the production of their seventh album in the coming year. Momoiro Clover Z didn’t conclude their anniversary celebration with nostalgia; instead, they left their devoted fans with a surge of anticipation that would linger until the moment they reunited with Mononofu in the near future.

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