The Japanese rock band RADWIMPS kicks off their 2023 North American tour in San Jose, California, and to a crowd that couldn’t be more excited.
It was a huge weekend for the band themselves. Known by many for their work producing and creating the music for Anime movies like Your Name. and Weathering With You, it was the opening weekend in the states for the film Suzume, which they once again created music for. The excitement doesn’t end there for RADWIMPS, as this tour marked the first time they played a show and toured the US. Tickets for the San Jose, as well as other dates, sold out quickly. Many Anime lovers have a fondness for the movies RADWIMPS have been a part of, and their music plays a huge role in their love for them.
The show started off on a huge note. A voice overhead announced the band would be taking the stage soon, letting the crowd know this would be a memorable night that marked the RADWIMPS’ first performance in the US. Asking the crowd to also limit their phone recording out of respect for the band. There were moments the audience still could not help themselves and phones shot up. As minutes later, RADWIMPS took the stage and opened with a performance of “Grand Escape” from the film Weathering With You. The room erupted in excitement when they recognized the opening notes, and was deafening as the song builds and picks up near the end.
The biggest reactions, of course, came when RADWIMPS played music from the Anime films. They primarily focused on their own songs outside the movies, but still sprinkled tracks from Your Name. and Weathering With You throughout their set. They still made songs some of the crowd may not have been as familiar with through their fun stage presence, performance, and large LED screen and visuals. Lead vocalist Yojiro Noda paused between songs to joke and ask, “Do you all even know what I’m up here saying?” The crowd laughed, some raised their hands and yelled back they did. He went on to explain how he realizes many in the room don’t speak Japanese, but explains how music is about feeling. He hopes everyone in the room can feel the thoughts, feelings and soul that RADWIMPS puts into their music and understands that way.
This is what music is about. A room full of people passionate about the songs and performance, and coming together to appreciate and experience it together. It was a memorable night for all, and will be a tour RADWIMPS will remember fondly.
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