TOKYO — Global Citizen brought its global movement to Japan for the first time on June 18 with the inaugural Global Citizen Live: Tokyo, transforming Tokyo International Forum Hall A into a stage where music, advocacy and social action converged for a single evening.
Headlined by YOSHIKI and the global group &TEAM (エンティーム), the event featured performances from AI and Yuki Chiba while drawing attention to Global Citizen’s mission of expanding access to education and healthcare worldwide. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Chris Peppler, the concert combined high-profile performances with a call for collective action in support of some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The evening opened with AI, whose powerful vocals immediately energized the crowd. Delivering a set that included “Happiness,” “Not So Different,” and “I Wanna Know,” the singer filled the venue with a sense of optimism that set the tone for the night.
Yuki Chiba followed with a performance that showcased why he has become one of Japan’s most closely watched artists. The audience erupted as he launched into “Team Tomodachi,” the viral hit that has generated international attention, while tracks including “Shinzo” and “Jiyu” maintained the momentum and transformed the venue into a sea of raised hands and cheers.
One of the night’s most anticipated appearances came from the nine-member global group &TEAM (エンティーム). The group took the stage with explosive energy, delivering a dynamic performance that quickly ignited the crowd. Their set included fan favorites “FIREWORK,” “We on Fire,” and “Run Wild,” with synchronized choreography and polished vocals earning enthusiastic cheers from the audience throughout the performance.
While the performances from AI, Yuki Chiba and &TEAM captivated the audience, the night’s defining moment arrived during the closing set from YOSHIKI.
The legendary musician delivered an emotional and theatrical performance that celebrated both his own career and the power of music to connect people beyond borders. As the set unfolded, the audience was treated to a series of surprise appearances that elevated the concert into a truly memorable occasion.
HYDE, MIYAVI, Kiyoharu and Beverly joined YOSHIKI on stage for a succession of collaborative performances that drew sustained applause throughout the venue. The appearance of multiple generations of Japanese rock and music icons on a single stage created an atmosphere that felt both celebratory and historic.
Among the highlights were stirring performances of “Endless Rain,” the epic “ART OF LIFE,” and “Red Swan,” the globally recognized theme song from the television anime Attack on Titan. The combination of YOSHIKI’s piano performance, HYDE’s unmistakable vocals, MIYAVI’s electrifying guitar work and the contributions of the evening’s other guest artists produced some of the concert’s most memorable moments.
YOSHIKI also delivered a powerful drum performance that pushed the energy inside the venue to its peak, bringing the event to a dramatic conclusion and earning a standing ovation from many audience members.
Beyond the music, Global Citizen Live: Tokyo served a broader purpose. Ticket proceeds from the event will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a global initiative working to expand access to quality education for children around the world. The fund aims to raise approximately ¥16 billion to help create educational opportunities for young people facing significant barriers to learning.
The event also highlighted grassroots organizations receiving support through these efforts, including Ubuntu FS Promotion in Kitakyushu and SDGs Promise Japan, both of which are engaged in initiatives designed to improve educational access and promote sustainable development.
Speaking about the significance of the event, Global Citizen Co-Founder Simon Moss described Global Citizen Live: Tokyo as a historic milestone for the organization in Japan and emphasized the importance of continued international cooperation in addressing global health and education challenges.
Attendees earned access to the event through actions completed via the Global Citizen platform, reflecting the organization’s longstanding approach of connecting entertainment with civic engagement and advocacy.
Since its founding in 2008, Global Citizen has grown into one of the world’s largest advocacy movements focused on ending extreme poverty. Through its campaigns and events, the organization has helped secure commitments valued at more than US$50 billion, impacting the lives of approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide.
With performances from AI, Yuki Chiba, &TEAM and an unforgettable finale led by YOSHIKI alongside HYDE, MIYAVI, Kiyoharu and Beverly, Global Citizen Live: Tokyo successfully introduced the movement to Japanese audiences while demonstrating how music can be used not only to entertain, but also to inspire action and raise awareness of global issues.
Event: Global Citizen Live: Tokyo
Organizer: Global Citizen
For more information, visit https://www.globalcitizen.org
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