The idol group ≠ME performed their first arena tour opening day on May 4 [1], debuting the drama theme song "Koko de First Kiss."
This milestone marks the group's expansion into larger venues as they enter their eighth year. The move to arena-scale performances signals a growth in their commercial reach and fan base under the production of Rino Sashihara.
The event took place at the Tokyo Garden Theater in Tokyo [2]. The group held two performances on the day, one in the afternoon and one in the evening [1]. During these shows, the group introduced five new songs to the audience [3].
Among the new releases, the drama theme song "Koko de First Kiss" served as a centerpiece of the performance [2]. The tour, titled "≠ME Arena Tour 2026 'Kassai Parade'," represents the first time the group has embarked on an arena-level circuit [2].
Moeko Kanizawa, the leader of ≠ME, expressed her gratitude regarding the scale of the event. "I am truly full of gratitude for being given such a wonderful opportunity," Kanizawa said [4].
The group's transition to the Tokyo Garden Theater allowed them to perform for a significantly larger crowd than previous hall-sized venues. This shift is part of a strategic push to celebrate the group's longevity and artistic evolution as they move into a new phase of their career [2].
“The group introduced five new songs to the audience”
The transition from halls to arenas is a critical benchmark for Japanese idol groups, indicating a shift from niche popularity to mainstream commercial viability. By debuting five new songs and a drama tie-in during this tour, ≠ME is leveraging its eighth anniversary to solidify its brand identity and increase its visibility through cross-media collaborations.
