Manila recently welcomed the highly anticipated debut of Japanese music sensation Ado, bringing her second world tour, aptly titled "Hibana" (Japanese for "spark"), to eager fans. The tour aims to ignite a larger passion for Japanese culture, starting with Ado's powerful music.
Before the show even began, the atmosphere at the SM Mall of Asia Arena was buzzing with energy. Fans arrived showcasing their dedication through handmade merchandise, ita-bags adorned with Ado themes, and even cosplays inspired by her work in anime series like One Piece and Vocaloid characters.
True to her signature style, Ado performed from within a backlit cube, preserving her anonymity and presenting herself solely as a compelling silhouette. This visual choice, sometimes depicting a jail cell or blending with dynamic screen projections, added a dramatic flair, enhancing the impact of her fully choreographed numbers against vibrant backdrops.
The concert kicked off with the high-octane track "Usseewa," Ado's breakthrough hit, instantly electrifying the crowd. The arena became a sea of synchronized blue light sticks, followed by dazzling oranges and yellows as she transitioned to songs like "Show." The audience's quick recognition and enthusiastic participation, including clapping along with the live band and reacting to pyrotechnics, highlighted their deep connection to her music.
Beyond her popular solo releases, Ado treated fans to songs she recorded for various anime series, including "Kura Kura" from Spy x Family, "Stay Gold" from BEYBLADE X, and "Backlight" from One Piece. She shared that this tour represented a significant personal journey, a way for the world to understand her better.
Amidst her performance, Ado candidly spoke about her journey, recalling her beginnings as an "utaite" covering Vocaloid songs online, a time marked by loneliness and criticism. She shared facing moments where she considered giving up, emphasizing the isolation she felt during her rise to fame.
Her vulnerability resonated deeply with the audience. Cheers of support and emotional reactions filled the venue, particularly during poignant performances like the Vocaloid classic "Hibana" – a nod to her roots and the tour's theme – and emotionally charged tracks such as "Charles," "RuLe.," and "Aishite Aishite Aishite." These songs, delivered with raw power and feeling, transcended the language barrier, conveying profound emotions of pain and grief.
Ado delivered a powerful message: "Loneliness isn’t something to be afraid of. That’s the message I want to share — beyond language, beyond borders — with the world." This sentiment underscored the unifying power of her music.
The main set concluded with a lively rendition of "Odo," prompting the predominantly English and Filipino-speaking crowd to chant for an encore in both Japanese ("mou ikkai") and Tagalog ("isa pa"). The visible dedication of the fans – from their organized light stick movements to their multilingual cheers – demonstrated just how effectively Ado's music connects across linguistic boundaries.
Returning for an encore, Ado surprised everyone by performing Sia's "Chandelier," a rare English song choice that was a touching gesture to connect with her international audience. She concluded the night with "New Genesis," pausing to absorb the electric atmosphere before offering a deep bow and a resounding "arigato gozaimashita" to the grateful Manila crowd.
Ado's Manila debut was more than just a concert; it was a testament to the "spark" she has cultivated. Her powerful voice and heartfelt performances, combined with the overwhelming enthusiasm of her fans, proved that music truly has the ability to build connections that go beyond language and borders, leaving attendees feeling less alone and united by a shared passion.
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