Immersive Opera Captivates 15,000 at Zico All-Star Game Halftime Show

On July 27, 2025, the Zico All-Star Game in Hiroshima transformed into a global celebration of peace and soccer, drawing in over 15,000 avid fans. This significant charity match, named after soccer legend Zico, featured a spectacular halftime show produced by More Than Musical, showcasing a unique blend of athleticism and artistry.

The highlight of the halftime performance was undoubtedly the presentation of immersive opera, designed to draw the audience into the heart of the story. Acclaimed opera singers, soprano Emma Aoki and tenor Kyosuke Kanayama, took the stage and mesmerized the crowd with their powerful performances. The show commenced with the iconic “Triumphal March” from Giuseppe Verdi's opera Aida, enveloping the audience in a wave of emotion and anticipation. Aoki followed with a beautiful rendition of “One Fine Day” from Puccini's Madame Butterfly, while Kanayama’s rendition of “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot left everyone in awe of his vocal prowess.

The concept of immersive opera is a novel approach aimed at enriching the viewer's experience, allowing them to dive deep into the storyline and emotions conveyed through the music. Given that this event marked the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, it was an occasion for reflection and hope. Zico, who co-hosted the match alongside his son Junior, emphasized the power of soccer to foster unity and peace.

“This year marks 80 years since Hiroshima’s devastation. I believe it is my duty to promote 'peace' from Hiroshima, a symbol of hope in the world, through the unifying spirit of soccer,” said Zico during the event. “Let’s pray for peace. Soccer transcends nationality and gender; it is a story that belongs to all of us.”

The Zico All-Star Game aims to raise awareness for global peace, a mission it has championed for the past two decades under the moniker “Jogo Das Estrelas” in Brazil. This year's event was not just about soccer; it was an appeal for unity and harmony on a global scale.

More Than Musical: A New Era in Opera

Established in 2016 by Rumiko Hasegawa in Hong Kong, More Than Musical has revolutionized the way opera is performed by condensing standard durations to a more accessible 90 minutes. This contemporary style is well-suited to modern audiences, which they’ve skillfully integrated into their immersive opera productions. Following the success of their opera-musical film “La Bohème: New York's Song of Love” directed by Rain Letmar, they began staging performances across Japan in 2023. The company has since committed to establishing itself in Japan through newly formed non-profit activities, thereby expanding its artistic reach.

The halftime show of Zico All-Star Game included talented performers such as:

- Emma Aoki (Soprano)
- Kyosuke Kanayama (Tenor)
- Directed by Tetsu Taoshita
- Arrangements and performance by Natsuko Nishioka
- Sound engineering by Yu Igarashi and Takashi Tsutsumi
- Produced by Rumiko Hasegawa (More Than Musical)

The event generated not only extraordinary athletic displays but also a profound sense of community through the shared love of music and the universal quest for peace.

For those who missed it, the show was later broadcast across various media outlets, including RCC Chūgoku Broadcasting and BS-TBS.

Final Thoughts

The Zico All-Star Game and its immersive opera halftime show present a powerful reminder that through sport and art, the message of peace can resonate loudly across cultures and generations. As we look forward to more events of this nature, we revel in the hope that unity can always be found through shared passions.

For more information about the Zico All-Star Game, visit Zico All-Star Game.

To learn about More Than Musical, visit More Than Musical.