This autumn, one of Japan’s most celebrated lyricists, Takashi Matsumoto, will be honored in a stunning two-day live music event: “Kazemachi Poetic 2025”, taking place at Tokyo International Forum Hall A on September 19 (Fri) and September 20 (Sat). This milestone event marks the 55th anniversary of Matsumoto’s songwriting career and is set to bring together some of Japan’s top musical talents across generations.

Known for penning over 2,100 timeless hits—from “Akai Sweet Pea” and “Ruby no Yubiwa” to “Garasu no Shonen”—Matsumoto’s poetic lyrics have helped shape the sound of Japanese pop and rock for decades. His pioneering role in the legendary rock band Happy End established him as a transformative force in Japanese music history.

Kazemachi Poetic 2025 will feature two uniquely themed concerts:

• “Night One: Wind Edition” (Sept. 19) will showcase classic and emotionally resonant tracks such as “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” “High Teen Boogie,” and “Peppermint Blue,” performed by artists including Masahiko Kondo, Yuki Saito, Takayuki Makihara, and more.
• “Night Two: City Edition” (Sept. 20) shifts focus to urban, stylish hits like “SWEET MEMORIES,” “Rock’n Rouge,” and “Rainy Wednesday,” with performances by Seiko Nizuma, Kiyoshi Hikawa + KIINA, Yuko Ando, Takao Tajima, and others.

Under the musical direction of renowned arranger Akira Inoue, the concerts will be supported by the Kazemachi Band—a lineup of top-tier session musicians who have contributed to many of Matsumoto’s original recordings. Together, they will revive these iconic songs in rich, contemporary arrangements while preserving their nostalgic essence.

Tickets go on general sale August 16, and advance lottery applications open from July 8 at 7:00 AM JST.

Ticket Prices:

Friday, September 19, 2025: All seats reserved ¥18,000 (tax included)

Saturday, September 20, 2025: All seats reserved ¥18,000 (tax included)

2-day pass with reserved seats: ¥36,000 (tax included)

Information

Start: Sep 19th 2025 at 5:30pm

End: Jul 20th 2025 at 11:30pm

Tokyo International Forum Hall A

5-1 Marunouchi 3-chome, Chiyoda-ku

￥18,000