Report of Ado’s “Shinzou” Live: A Night of Power, Pain, and Pure Emotion
A full-on emotional rollercoaster—from explosive energy to tearful truth, this is what it felt like to witness Ado’s most powerful performance yet.
With the Hibana world tour just around the corner, excitement is building. Some of you may have been lucky enough to catch the Wish tour or other Ado performances in the past—but today, I want to bring you a full report from one of her most historic concerts: “Shinzou” at the National Stadium, held in April 2024.
It was the largest solo concert ever by a female artist in Japan, drawing 75,000 people each day for a total of 150,000 across two days.
Why do I write these? Because I want to remember moments that changed something in me—and because I believe some of you might feel the same way. My hope is that this report shows just how incredible Ado's live shows truly are, and helps you feel even more excited for Hibana.
Some Background First…
In April 2024, I attended Ado's special live performance titled "Shinzou" at the National Stadium. This report captures my vivid memories before they fade away. (I wrote this in May 2024 originally in Japanese)
(Note: I attended both days, but this report mainly focuses on the second day of the "Shinzou" LIVE.)
Entering the National Stadium
Having explored the merchandise booths the previous day, I arrived at the venue around 3 PM. The crowd was larger than the first day, with a diverse mix of attendees across all ages and genders. My seat was in the last block of the arena.
Upon arrival, I met two fellow Ado fans around my age (fellow middle-aged men) whom I had connected with on Twitter. We chatted excitedly before entering the arena to await the start. As the opening time approached, TeddyLoid's DJ set began, energizing the crowd.
After TeddyLoid's performance, shortly after 6 PM, the instrumental version of my favorite song, "Kokoro to Iu Na no Fukakai," started playing! This track has been used before, such as before the encore of "Kanpanera" and in the outro of "MARS," indicating its significance to Ado.
A Rocket Start with "Usseewa"
The screens displayed a beating heart, and from the center of the stage, a cage rose, revealing Ado! The show kicked off with the hard-hitting intro of "Usseewa." Starting with this track was unexpected!
Both I and those around me were ecstatic, instantly igniting the atmosphere. Ado's intensified growls and the iconic gesture of pointing to her temple were thrilling to witness up close. I found myself shouting uncontrollably.
Before I could catch my breath, the aggressive intro of "Tot Musica" began! The lyrics start in runes, so I just shouted along as best as I could. Two back-to-back high-energy tunes aimed to set the massive National Stadium into full throttle, and they succeeded. Despite its slower tempo, following "Usseewa" with the overwhelming power of "Tot Musica" sent the voltage to the max.
Next came two tracks from the first album. During "Lucky Brute," reminiscent of "Kanpanera," Ado performed while lounging lazily. The contrast between her relaxed demeanor and powerful vocals was so striking that I couldn't help but laugh along with the person next to me.
This was followed by "Domestic de Violence," a song from "Kyogen." In the "Kanpanera" DVD, her mix of growls made for an incredibly cool performance, but...
At this point, I realized something.
Yes, from the "Kanpanera" DVD to "MARS," I had felt Ado's singing evolving tremendously, but now, she had progressed even further! It hasn't even been a year since "MARS"...
Did she awaken during her first world tour, "Wish"? Haha.
Once again, I was struck by Ado's incredible talent.
Next was "Aishite Aishite Aishite" from her "Utattemita" album. This was likely its first live performance in Japan (it was part of the setlist during her world tour "Wish"). Her versatile vocals ranged from growls to milky tones to intense screams, showcasing an astonishing range that left me in awe.
The audience was completely captivated.
Then came more tracks from "Kyogen." The irregular rhythms of "Kagakushuu" stood out, followed by "Motherland," which Ado mentioned in her Rockin' On Japan interview as one of two songs that closely express herself. (The other being "Kokoro to Iu Na no Fukakai.")
This led into the mid-tempo "Gira Gira." This song holds personal significance for me. When I first started listening to Ado, it was the track that made me realize her delicate expressive power, especially this line:
"Aisarenai kurai nanda"
(“It’s just that I’m unloved”) (Quote from "Gira Gira")
It wasn't performed during "MARS," so hearing this beloved song live...
I was so happy I was left in a daze.
Drone Art and Consecutive New Song Performances
Following this was "Eien no Akuru Hi." Ado had discussed the moment of stopping time during her appearance on "Shirasuta," and everyone was listening, entranced.
As the grand performance continued against the backdrop of the evening glow, I was overwhelmed with emotion.
As Ado's song concluded and the performance neared its end, I heard an unusual sound from above!
Looking up, I saw drones flying! It was drone art!!
Amid the majestic performance, drones depicted EKG waveforms and the blue heart—the theme of this concert—in the sky.
Fireworks erupted as well!
What... what... I've never seen such an incredible production!
Coupled with the dramatic performance, I was moved to the point of tears.
ORIHARA's illustration depicted numerous cables extending from Ado's heart, connecting to surrounding speakers.
After aiming for the world and touring, to hold a live performance at Japan's central venue named "Shinzou" (Heart).
"I consider my heart to be everyone here. Because of you all, I can continue singing as Ado and venture out into the world."
I felt this message profoundly, and the giant heart depicted in the drone art in the sky deeply moved me. (As mentioned in the subsequent MC, the name "Shinzou" held even more meanings!)
After the overwhelming production settled, the mood shifted with "Watashi wa Saikyou," followed by the call-and-response fun of "Ready Made" (I couldn't quite remember the correct order of "doudai→koukai→nounai→mondai" and regretted it...).
Then came the upbeat "Kurakura," reportedly its first live performance.
And to my surprise, even "Chocolat Katabura," released just this year!
Released just before the "Wish" tour, overseas fans had been anticipating it, but it wasn't performed then. Hearing it now was electrifying!
Her versatile singing left me in awe, and without pause, she launched into "Value," delivering two new songs back-to-back! Seriously?!
This track was released during the "Wish" tour. To overseas fans, I apologize for hearing it first... Both were truly outstanding.
Next was "Hello Signals." Apparently a collaboration with SoftBank, but I hadn't listened to it enough and couldn't quite get into the groove... such a missed opportunity...
(The YouTube version is less than two minutes; the full version was performed that day)
The 16th song was "Ibara."
Partway through this song, Ado stepped out of the cage to sing!
As with "MARS," the stage was adorned with impressive giant rose stems and thorns, creating a truly beautiful art performance. In this song, Ado's voice is both kind—like she’s singing close to the listener—and fierce, as if she’s pushing us forward. I love both sides of her equally.
From “Ibara” to “Sho”
What followed “Ibara” was “Sho.”
Ado stepped boldly to both ends of the stage, responding to the energy from fans on the left and right sides of the stadium, singing her heart out with full power.
The entire stadium exploded with excitement! And then—bam!—the next song came in with a super cool key change: track 18, “Odo”!
The transition from “Sho” to “Odo” was seriously epic!! Huge props to the band—what a performance!!!
Of course, I was hyped beyond belief, but it was obvious that the whole stadium was just as electrified by that sequence.
18 Songs In… the First MC?!
Somehow, it had already been 18 songs (!!) before we got our first MC.
The speed and intensity of it all made time feel warped—I honestly thought we were only around the 10th song 😅
Ado talked about how, during the Wish Tour, experiencing different countries and cultures made her appreciate Japan even more. She said she now strongly wants to share Japanese culture with the world—especially the world of Vocaloid and utaite singers.
(She also showed a short highlight reel from her world tour.)
She went on to explain the deeper meaning behind the concert title “Shinzou” (Heart). It wasn’t just about expressing all human emotions—it also meant that, for her, the “heart” is rooted in the culture of Vocaloid and utaite.
She even made a bold statement about wanting to “save people” through her work.
This could be interpreted in many ways, but personally, I believe it’s real. Music really can change hearts, values, and lives. It changed mine.
When Ado says “I want to save people,” I think she means exactly that—through music.
Some people around me reacted with skepticism, but honestly, for someone her age to say that out loud with conviction takes incredible courage. It hit me hard.
I genuinely respect her way of life—her resolve.
(You could already sense this mission-driven mindset in her interview in the February 2024 issue of Rockin' On Japan.)
“Shin Jidai” Explodes onto the Stage
After Ado’s heartfelt MC, the next song was “Shin Jidai.” The structure was flawless.
The emotional impact from the MC burst through the massive screen visuals on stage, and the crowd just exploded.
I truly believe Ado will shape the new era.
Even the Grammy she declared she’d win last year—I’m sure she’ll get it. But for Ado, that’s just a stepping stone.
She’ll go on to become something even more incredible—moving people around the world, standing beside them, and giving them strength to move forward.
Then the lights dimmed, and with that, the main set of 19 songs came to an end.
Encore: One Surprise After Another
Of course, no one in the audience was ready to leave.
People chanted for an encore endlessly, and after a short wait...
Something was happening on the dark stage.
Someone was walking forward—a middle-aged man with a legendary aura, holding a guitar...
Wait—what?? Is that... Tak Matsumoto from B’z?!
No way. It was too unreal—I could only laugh.
And then: kyuuin, kyuuuuin! He played a crying, emotional guitar solo right there.
After Matsumoto-san’s solo, the stage lit up and a giant blue rose balloon appeared.
The next song: “Dignity.”
Ado was standing near the top of it—kind of like a modern-day Sachiko Kobayashi 😆
It was an outrageously luxurious collaboration between Matsumoto-san and Ado. Of course, the guitar parts were specially arranged for the Shinzou live version.
The guitar cried out like it was grabbing our actual hearts—and yes, the iconic whistle voice rang out, too...
After the song, Matsumoto-san gave a quick wave to the audience and exited the stage like the classy man he is.
Band Introductions and Solos
Next, the screen started showing each band member, one by one.
Drummer Ryunosuke Morita, bassist Naoki Kobayashi.
Keyboardist Sara Wakui. Bandmaster and guitarist Takashi “CO-K” Koukei.
Each one played a short freestyle solo in their own style, and the crowd went wild. They were all unbelievably cool.
(Wakui-san was especially popular during the Wish Tour—on Reddit, people kept asking, “Who’s that powerful and beautiful keyboardist?”)
Ado in the White Birdcage
Then, Ado wasn’t on stage anymore.
Instead, she appeared at the far left of the stadium—in a moving float shaped like a glowing white birdcage, like an Ado-style Electrical Parade!
Still inside the birdcage, she began the next song: “Yukue Shirezu.”
It’s a rock track written by Shiina Ringo, full of Ado’s signature growls. The birdcage floated through the arena, making the whole crowd erupt.
I was in the second-to-last row in the arena, and I thought, is it going to come this way?
And as the song progressed—yes. YES. It was getting closer!
...Closer!!!
...IT CAME!!!!!
I could see her! Ado was inside the tiny cage, wearing what looked like a black veil over the upper half of her face, moving intensely as she sang. The cage was literally shaking.
When she got closest, she faced our direction and sang directly at us.
She was just about 2 meters (6.5 feet) away—so close I felt like I could jump up and touch her!!
And there I was, a 40-something-year-old solo-attending father of 3 kids, screaming at full volume:
“AdoooooooOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!”
Even now, just remembering it gives me goosebumps. That miraculous few seconds was easily the second biggest highlight of my night.
Ado's Final Messages
The birdcage floated past my area, and the set continued with “Gyakko” and “FREEDOM.”
The call-and-response during “FREEDOM” was such a fun way to include even those in the back of the stadium—a really kind, thoughtful touch.
Then Ado returned to the main stage for her second MC of the night.
She said she wants to become a bridge between Vocaloid and utaite culture and the rest of the world.
Then came a duet with Hatsune Miku.
The song? A completely new one: “Sakura Biyori to Time Machine.”
The person sitting next to me seemed to be a huge Vocaloid fan and was totally freaking out.
I’m not that familiar with Vocaloid myself, but as the culture that nurtured Ado, I’m definitely going to dive deeper into it from now on.
At the end of the song, Ado blew a breath toward Miku, and she turned into flower petals and disappeared.
Ado’s Final Words — and “Kokoro to Iu Na no Fukakai”
Ado returned for one last MC.
What she said was incredibly raw and emotional—it moved the whole audience.
Unlike Day 1, Ado broke into tears mid-speech on this night. Many in the audience cried with her.
Personally, having read her past blog posts and interviews, I had always sensed her inner struggles and fears. I often worried if she’d be okay.
But more recently, her interviews showed a shift toward something more positive—and I had hoped that was true.
In this final MC, she spoke openly about the pain she’d carried since her early teens.
It felt like she was speaking not only to her younger self, but to every person in the crowd who might feel the same way she once did.
Before she gained support as an utaite, she was completely alone.
Even after her sudden success, she felt lost in the fast-changing world and struggled with the loneliness that came with it.
“Even if there was nothing good about the day, returning home and listening to Vocaloid and utaite singers was the one thing that always made me happy.”
Hearing her say that made it clear—Ado had truly been alone for a long time.
I couldn’t hold back tears.
She went on to say:
“That’s why I want to give back to Vocaloid and utaite.”
These words hit deeply, coming from someone who had survived such a past.
“If you could remember this day, it would make me happy.”
— How humble can one person be?! LOL
Of course we’ll remember it. I’ll support you forever.
Then, after thanking the audience, she announced the final song.
When she said “Kokoro to...” I pumped my fist and shouted, “YESSS!!!”
Yes—“Kokoro to Iu Na no Fukakai.”
For me, this was the number one climax of the night.
It’s the song she once said best represents herself from her first album.
The arrangement is full of shout vocals and dramatic shifts, and coming right after that emotional MC—and with lyrics that mirrored her story—it hit harder than ever.
Her voice trembled at times, because she was crying, and soared with raw emotion.
But even then, she carried herself with the strength of a true professional—doing everything she could to sing to the very end, no matter what.
She didn’t let the emotions take away her voice. She gave everything, like someone who knows what it means to sing for others.
I’m sure every single person in the venue was silently cheering for her—“You got this!!!”
I’ve watched this song over and over on the “Kanpanera” DVD. It’s my absolute favorite.
But this night’s version was something else—the emotional tension in her performance was overwhelming.
It was truly special.
Finale: Fireworks, and the End of a Perfect Night
As the final song ended, Ado said goodbye—and fireworks lit up the night sky from every corner of the stadium.
It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable night.
Ado, thank you for giving us this incredible experience.
To everyone who supported her performance—thank you so, so much. It’s a memory I’ll carry for the rest of my life.
This was written mostly for myself, to record these memories before they fade. But if it moved you in any way, I’m really happy.
As Hibana approaches, I hope this glimpse into Shinzou helped you feel just how powerful, vulnerable, and unforgettable an Ado concert can be. Whether you're a longtime fan or about to see her live for the first time, one thing is certain: you're not just attending a show—you're stepping into a story only Ado can tell.
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next era.As Hibana approaches, I hope this glimpse into Shinzou helped you feel just how powerful, vulnerable, and unforgettable an Ado concert can be. Whether you're a longtime fan or about to see her live for the first time, one thing is certain: you're not just attending a show—you're stepping into a story only Ado can tell.
Thanks for reading. If this kind of deep dive is your thing, I’ll be doing more of these in the future. Subscribe for free and stay tuned.