Radwimps gives Filipino fans a night of sparkle and music

It was a night of sparkle, music, and peace as Japanese rock band sensation Radwimps held their first-ever Manila concert last Wednesday, May 1 at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Presented by local concert organizer PULP Live World, Radwimps finally met their Filipino fans who sang along with their oldest and newest songs such as “Lights go out”, “Never ever ender”, “Nanoka”, “Is there still anything that love can do?” and more.

Photo credit to PULP

Photo credit to PULP

The band’s vocalist, guitarist, and pianist Yojiro Noda expressed his happiness after feeling the warmth of the Filipino fans’ welcome for the band.

“Hello there, Manila! This is so incredible. Thank you so much for coming. Today is the very first show in the Philippines. You guys are already amazing. Thank you so much,” he said.

Photo credit to PULP

Fans couldn't help but also get hyped up by the beautiful lights and visuals that seemingly synched with their amazing performances all throughout the show.

“This is way more than what we expected. It is our first time here. It's way over what we expected. Thank you so much. Arigato,” Yojiro stated.

Guitarist Akira Kuwahara and bassist Yusuke Takeda also had their special gift for their Filipino fans as they both introduced themselves by speaking in Filipino.

“Hello sa inyong lahat. Ako si Kuwahara. Masaya ako makilala ka. Salamat sa pagpunta ngayon. Matagal namin kayo gusto makitang... Magenjoy tayo hanggang dulo,” he said.

Yusuke added, “Magandang gabi. Ito po si Yusuke, bassist. Kamusta? Nice to meet you… Masaya kami ihandog ang concert na ito sa inyo. Maraming salamat po sa pagpunta. Sana maging memorable ang concert na ito sa inyo… Gawin natin epic ang concert na ito today.”

Photo credit to PULP

The band also sent the whole stadium to another level of screams, cheers, and excitement with their blazing and jaw-dropping performances, such as the live version of their hit song "Sparkle" from the anime film Your Name and "Suzume" from the anime film of the same title.

A plus note for the "Suzume" stage was the guest performer, Japanese singer Toaka, who brought goosebumps and more dreamy vibes to the coliseum, making everyone feel like they were transported inside an anime film.

Another highlight for Radwimps and Filipino fans were the sing-along sessions, where the fans proved why it is a must for the band to come back to the country for another show.

“What an amazing audience. Is it okay if we come back in the future? Definitely we will be back,” Yojiro said.

Besides their beautiful music and performances, Radwimps also had a touching and heartwarming message as they acknowledged the history of the Japanese and the Filipinos during World War 2, revealing that they actually visited some sites remembering the Japanese occupation in the country.

“We don’t want to forget what the people, you know, what the people did. And I truly feel grateful to be here and standing in front of you guys and perform the music and you guys cheer up on the music. This means so much to us,” Yojiro expressed, highlighting the purpose and name of their tour, The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace.

“We would like to keep this peace moving on with our music,” he added as the band bowed to their audience, showing respect.

READ: Here are 4 things you can look forward to in Radwimps Manila concert

Radwimps will be heading to various Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Seoul for their May schedule before returning to Kanazawa in June.