Travis Japan hit the Los Angeles stage on October 14th to a sold out crowd at the El Rey Theatre. Their ‘Road to A’ World Tour visited cities Taipei, Hongkong, Bangkok, Seattle, Los Angles and New York. No stranger to Los Angeles, Travis Japan came to the city in 2022, participating in ‘America’s Got Talent’, reaching the semifinals, and placing 3rd in ‘World of Dance’ competition in Orange County.
Seven members Chaka (宮近海斗), Umi (中村海人), Shime (七五三掛龍也), Noel (川島如恵留), Shizu (吉澤閑也), Genta (松田元太) and Machu (松倉海斗) made their official debut with Capitol Records in September 2022 with their single ‘Just Dance!’. However, the group has been working together since 2012 under Starto Entertainment, formerly Johnny & Associates. Amassing a large devoted fanbase throughout the years, Traja-tan (fandom) packed the house in LA.
Appearing on stage in suits, dress shoes and bowties the seven members began their performance with Electronic Pop number ‘LEVEL UP’ and their debut song ‘Just Dance!’. The group went on to perform a tap number complete with illuminated canes for their theatrical styled ‘My Dreamy Hollywood’, a number perfectly fit for the golden age of Hollywood. They went on to perform a dance medley blending their talents across numerous styles while incorporating their Japanese by culture adding masks and fans, and showcasing they impressive synchronicity.
Slowing down with ‘Till The Dawn’ the members gathered side by side, each highlighted under their own spot lights to perform the number. The crowd created a vibrant sea of color as they waved their neon signs and multicolored light sticks as the group performed songs like ‘Unique Tigers’ and ‘T.G.I Friday’.
“We're back in LA!”, shouts Chaka to the crowd happy to welcome back the group to the city. Taking a moment to chat with fans Travis Japan shared they visited The Grove and the farmers market on their trip. Prepping fans for their next song, a cover of Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’, the members took a moment to give praise to Shizu, explaining he choreographed the number for the tour.
Highlighting the groups renowned dance strength the members prepared solo stages showcasing a high energy hip hop medley complete with continued acrobatics from Noel before exiting the stage. Reemerging in all white, very reminiscent of 1999 NSYNC’s ‘(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You’, Travis Japan close out their set with their newest release ‘Fly Higher’ which dropped in the following days after the LA show, on October 21st.
Coming out for their encore stage of ‘DRIVIN’ ME CRAZY’, the group jumped around and playfully danced alongside one another while fans screamed in excitement. Travis Japan made their final exit waving goodbye to fans, however, as the lights turned up the crowd stayed put. As fans began to loudly chant “TJ” the members reappeared onstage confused as to why nobody left. Chaka asked, “Why don’t you guys go back home? We don’t have music”, in reference to their completed set. They decided together to perform one more song, asking fans to put down their phones encouraging them to enjoy the unexpected second encore of ‘My Dreamy Hollywood’. Elated at the second encore Traja-Tan danced and sang loudly, later leaving the venue only to gather together outside to reminisce on the concert.
Travis Japan is set to release their second album VIIsual on December 4th, you can listen to pre released tracks ‘Crazy Crazy’ and ‘Fly Higher’ HERE.
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