AKIRA Kicks Off Father's Day Concerts in Taiwan, 4-Year-Old Son Cheers: 'Dad, Do a Good Job!'

Japanese artist AKIRA, a member of the renowned group EXILE, is set to embark on his first solo concert tour in Taipei, marking his 20th anniversary with the group. The highly anticipated performances are scheduled for August 8th and 9th at the CLAPPER STUDIO in Taipei.

AKIRA, accompanied by fellow EXILE members MAKIDAI and P-CHO from DOBERMAN INFINITY, as well as members of the group THE JET BOY BANGERZ (TJBB), met with Taiwanese media. The large entourage of 13 artists expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming shows. They are closely monitoring Typhoon Bailu, which is approaching Taiwan, and hope it will not cause any disaster. "We have been paying attention to the typhoon's movements for a week," AKIRA stated. "We most hope it does not bring disaster to Taiwan. Many people have prepared for a long time for this performance, and we are looking forward to it. We are afraid fans may not be able to come smoothly. Our first step is to arrive in Taiwan safely, and we hope fans can also travel to Taiwan smoothly."

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We have been paying attention to the typhoon's movements for a week. We most hope it does not bring disaster to Taiwan. Many people have prepared for a long time for this performance, and we are looking forward to it. We are afraid fans may not be able to come smoothly. Our first step is to arrive in Taiwan safely, and we hope fans can also travel to Taiwan smoothly.

Coincidentally, the first concert falls on Taiwan's Father's Day. AKIRA, MAKIDAI, and P-CHO, all fathers themselves, vowed to "work extra hard tomorrow." P-CHO's family is also expected to attend. When asked if his 4-year-old son, nicknamed "Little Treasure," would cheer him on in a style reminiscent of Taiwanese celebrity Lin Chi-ling, AKIRA chuckled. He shared that his son does cheer him on, but with an adult tone, asking in Japanese, "Did you hype up the atmosphere?" urging his father to "do a good job." This anecdote drew laughter from the audience.

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We 3 dads will work extra hard tomorrow!

MAKIDAI and P-CHO, though perhaps less familiar to the Taiwanese public, are considered benefactors to AKIRA, having known him for two to three decades since their teenage years. MAKIDAI recalled discovering AKIRA at a nightclub, noting his height, wild dancing, and drive. He was struck by the contrast between AKIRA's passionate stage persona and his polite, lengthy messages in private. MAKIDAI humbly attributed his success in discovering AKIRA to luck, acknowledging AKIRA's subsequent role in nurturing younger talent like TJBB.

The artists reflected on their transition from energetic young performers to seasoned fathers, sharing that they now bond over parenting and showing off photos of their children. When asked whose child is the cutest, they unanimously declared, "All children are the cutest!" AKIRA views THE JET BOY BANGERZ as his "sons," having guided them from auditions to their formation. He expressed a paternal feeling towards them, especially with Father's Day approaching. The group's members, like Sato Yo, have a voracious appetite, with one member, TAKI, reportedly suffering a stomach ache after eating three small bento boxes post-concert. AKIRA joked that he invests in them, rather than just treating them to meals.

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Did you hype up the atmosphere? Do a good job.

Looking ahead, the "LDH LIVE-EXPO" is scheduled for the end of the year at the National Stadium in Tokyo, marking a significant return to large-scale performances after two years. AKIRA encouraged fans to anticipate the event and consider traveling to Japan to attend. The artists also expressed concern for the victims of the Kumamoto earthquake, noting that some members have roots in the region. They extended their sympathies, acknowledging the hardships faced due to the heatwave and the ongoing reconstruction efforts, and expressed hope for government assistance and a swift return to normalcy for the affected communities.

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He is tall, dances wildly, and has drive. After we talked, he messaged me privately. The message was long, and his attitude was very polite. I realized his performance and private personality were very different. When he returned to himself, he was very polite.