On April 6, 2025, KENSHI YONEZU took to the stage in Los Angeles for a breathtaking night of music as part of his highly anticipated “JUNK” world tour. Playing to a sold-out crowd at the iconic YouTube Theater, the elusive artist—known for blending alternative rock, pop, and surreal visuals—delivered a career-spanning performance that was equal parts intimate, explosive, and unforgettable. The artist made sure the crowd paid attention to him as no phones or lightsticks/glowsticks were allowed.
The Night Begins
The night kicked off with the hard-hitting “RED OUT,” a bold, industrial-tinged opener that set the tone for the show’s cinematic scope. Immediately following was “Kanden,” whose jittery rhythms and infectious chorus turned the energy up even further. “MARGHERITA,” one of Yonezu’s newer tracks, brought a smoother, almost romantic energy, creating a gorgeous contrast with the chaos that preceded it.
When “Melancholy Kitchen” began, a wave of nostalgia swept over the audience. The delicate piano and poetic lyrics offered one of the night’s most tender moments, showcasing YONEZU’s storytelling strength. That warmth continued into “LADY” and “Azalea,” both deep cuts rich with emotional undertones and layered instrumentals that rewarded longtime fans.
The Night Takes a Turn
The midsection of the show explored dreamlike territory with “Yumeutsutsu – Daydream.”. This is a lush and ethereal track that lived up to its name, before giving way to the bittersweet “Sayonara, Mata Itsuka!”. The soaring “Chikyugi – Spinning Globe” that fans know and love from the movie “The Boy and The Heron” was also a hit. These songs painted vivid emotional landscapes, and the live arrangements gave them even greater weight and texture.
Things took a darker turn with “YELLOW GHOST”. It’s a glitchy, post-apocalyptic track with aggressive visuals that stood out as a statement piece in the set. That intensity rolled directly into “M87,” a dramatic anthem that echoed across the theater, almost cinematic in its delivery. Then came one of the night’s most emotional peaks—“Lemon.” The dancers added to the emotion as they used lights in their dances. As always, the audience sang along, many visibly moved by its raw, unfiltered emotion.
From there, Yonezu dove into “Spirits of the Sea“. This track is an atmospheric masterpiece that played like a dream sequence. Followed by a whimsical yet poignant “Tomaremiyo – Stop Look Both Ways.” “LENS FLARE” came next, its offbeat groove and haunting visuals making it one of the most unique and captivating moments of the evening.
The tempo picked up again with “Mainichi – Every Day,” a hopeful, rhythmic track that provided a bright lift heading into the concert’s final stretch. “LOSER” and “KICK BACK” followed—both absolute crowd-pleasers with their explosive energy and sharp hooks. YONEZU went viral for his theme songs for the animes Chainsaw Man and My Hero Academia. It was no surprise when the crowd was noticeably louder. By the time “Peace Sign” hit, fans were out of their seats, chanting every word. “Donut Hole,” a nod to YONEZU’s Vocaloid roots, was met with a roar of recognition. The main set closed with “Garakuta – JUNK,” the gritty, chaotic anthem that encapsulates the tour’s namesake.
Encore
After a thunderous call for an encore, YONEZU returned with “BOW AND ARROW,” a track that bristled with both elegance and defiance. During the encore, he introduced his band and dancers to the audience. He also allowed the guitarist to have the stage for a bit, but definitely for a comedy skit versus to show off his guitar skills. If you were there, your reaction to him would be “GOOOOOD”.
He followed with the shimmering, synth-laced “Plazma,” and ended the night with the hauntingly beautiful “LOST CORNER.” It was a perfect closing, one that left the crowd suspended in the emotional atmosphere YONEZU had crafted so masterfully.
