On Sunday, August 25th, Kitayama Hiromitsu made a surprise appearance at the final performance of Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS vocalist Imaichi Ryuji’s solo arena tour “RYUJI IMAICHI LIVE TOUR 2024 “R”ED” held at Lala Arena Tokyo Bay in Chiba, and performed a collaborative song for the first time.
At the end of the main performance, the words “Special Guest HIROMITSU KITAYAMA” were displayed on the giant screen at the venue, and the audience erupted in cheers at the pleasant surprise. “Hello, I’m Hiromitsu Kitayama! I’m here for the last show! Are you having fun?” Kitayama appeared and performed his first digital single “Ranshin”, instantly capturing the hearts of the fans who had gathered to see Imaichi’s tour finale.
After the song ended, Imaichi appeared on stage and introduced himself, saying, “So Mitsu has come to visit! Let me introduce him again, I’m Kitayama Hiromitsu!!” Imaichi: “Welcome to the event.” Kitayama: “It’s the last day. I’m so happy.” Imaichi: “I’m even happier about this!” Kitayama: “No, I’m the one!” They exchanged words that showed how close they are, and Imaichi said, “We’ve been friends for seven or eight years now, but today is the first time we’ve gone on stage together. It’s kind of like this,” to which Kitayama replied, “So that’s what it feels like. It’s kind of sparkling.” They both seemed excited about this new experience.
“It’s already crazy, isn’t it everyone? Since Mitsu came, let’s do that song!” Imaichi gave the signal, and they performed their first collaboration song “REALLY LOVE feat. HIROMITSU KITAYAMA” from the album “R” released on Wednesday, June 26th. They walked side by side along the bold S-shaped runway in the arena, singing with a sense of adult composure. As the fans in the venue got excited about the long-awaited performance of the two together, Kitayama smiled and said, “Everyone’s so warm! It’s amazing! It’s a great day.”
Then, when Imaichi passed the question “Tomorrow, right?”, the conversation turned to Kitayama’s first album “ZOO”, which was released at midnight the next day. The album is said to be a collection of music from various genres, just like a zoo with all kinds of animals. When Kitayama asked, “Can I sing a little bit of the song that features Taka-chan from the album with you?”, the audience exclaimed in anticipation. In stark contrast to “REALLY LOVE feat. HIROMITSU KITAYAMA”, “THE BEAST feat. RYUJI IMAICHI” began with an intense sound. The collaboration stage ended with the excitement of the venue reaching its peak with the two’s high-speed raps.
After Kitayama left the stage, Imaichi once again expressed his gratitude, saying, “It was awesome! I’m really happy that my best friend Mitsu came to the end of the show. Thank you everyone!” and the concert continued with this momentum as it reached its final sprint.
At the end of the encore, after the introduction of the band members and dancers who had been touring together with him on this tour, Kitayama was called back onto the stage and reappeared with a bouquet of flowers, saying, “Congratulations on completing the tour!” He then conveyed his thoughts, saying, “Everyone was really warm-hearted, and I, like everyone else, would like to support Taka-chan as a member of RILY’S! Thank you very much for today!” Finally, Imaichi left a message for the gathered fans, saying, “Well, today is the end of “R”ED, but I will continue to work hard as an artist, facing forward. Please continue to give me your enthusiastic support! I love you all! Thank you very much!”, concluding the tour finale.
Imaichi has just finished his arena tour, but on his birthday, Monday, September 2nd next week, he will hold his first solo concert at the Budokan, “RYUJI IMAICHI ~ANNIVERSARY STAGE 2024~ “R” in Budokan”, and in October he will hold his first solo concert overseas, “RYUJI IMAICHI “R”OAD THE FINAL in TAIPEI” at Zepp New Taipei. Don’t miss these two special concerts by Imaichi Ryuji, who is still running through 2024 as a solo artist.
Collaboration song information
“THE BEAST feat. RYUJI IMAICHI”
Released on August 26, 2024
Included in HIROMITSU KITAYAMA’s first album “ZOO”
[Streaming & Download]
https://tobe-music.lnk.to/ZOO
Latest release information
Released June 26, 2024
Ryuji Imaichi NEW ALBUM “R”
[List of music distribution service links]
https://ryujiimaichi.lnk.to/s4uelW-20240626-R
[“REALLY LOVE” Official Music Video]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgXRGnjsP7A
[Click here for details on the album]
https://avex.jp/ryuji_imaichi/news/article/?id=1115558
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