Beauty expert and entertainer IKKO held a singing and dancing live event titled "IKKO DRAMATIC ～Beauty Music SHOW～" on July 18 [2].
The event highlights the enduring popularity of Showa-era music and IKKO's influence as a cultural figure who blends beauty, entertainment, and nostalgia.
The performance took place at Zaza Grand Tokyo in Minato-ku, Tokyo [2]. IKKO, who is 64 years old [1], shared the stage with a variety of guests, including Sumi Tagawa, Yamato Suruga, Tokyo Rikisha, Michiru Yuasa, and the performance association ZERO [1].
During the show, IKKO performed songs from the Showa era, including the track "Donimo Tomaranai" [1]. He said he loves the era's music and specifically mentioned his affinity for enka. He compared the act of singing to taking a supplement [1].
IKKO expressed a desire for the event to serve as a mental release for the audience. He said, "Everyone, let's get excited. There are so many unpleasant things right now. I hope that during this time, they can just fly away."
Throughout the event, IKKO maintained a high-energy presence to encourage the crowd to let go of their troubles. He said that unpleasant things should be treated like a shoulder throw — a judo move used to cast an opponent aside [3].
He further emphasized the restorative power of music, saying, "In my mind, singing is a supplement~. I love enka~", while encouraging the crowd to participate in the celebration [1].
“"In my mind, singing is a supplement~. I love enka~"”
The event demonstrates the continued commercial and emotional appeal of Showa-era aesthetics in modern Japan. By framing music as a 'supplement' for mental health, IKKO leverages his brand as a beauty and wellness expert to position nostalgic entertainment as a form of emotional therapy for a stressed public.
