#Japan #Tokyo #Live Image #Taro Hakase #Ryu Takako

Live Image BEST Concert Returns After Seven Years

Excitement is in the air as the beloved "live image" concert series makes its grand return in February 2026, after a seven-year hiatus. The event, dubbed "live image BEST," will take place on February 8 and 9 at the prestigious Tokyo International Forum. This special concert will see a reunion of fan-favorite musicians, including Taro Hakase, Ryu Takako, Emiri Miyamoto, and other familiar faces from the concert’s history.

The inception of the "live image" concert can be traced back to August 2000, which coincided with the release of the relaxing music CD "Image." The first live performance was held that same year, and the series has continued to delight audiences annually through 2019, totaling 233 performances and bringing in around 630,000 attendees. Originally, the concert was slated to conclude in 2020, marking its 20th anniversary. However, plans were derailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation of the event.

Now, after years of anticipation, "live image BEST" is set to welcome back fans with open arms. The concert will celebrate the 45th anniversary of master musician Takanori Uemura, who has served as the music director since the inception of the series. Joining him on stage will be renowned artists such as Ryu Takako (piano), Ryota Komatsu (bandoneon), Yuji Toriyama (guitar), and the enchanting Emiri Miyamoto (violin).

In a delightful addition, the latest installment in the Image series, "image2026," will be released on January 7, 2026, just ahead of the concert, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the newest soundscapes prior to the live experience.

Concert Details

• - Title: live image BEST
• - Dates: February 8, 2026 (Sunday) - Doors Open at 16:00 / Show Starts at 17:00

February 9, 2026 (Monday) - Doors Open at 17:30 / Show Starts at 18:30

• - Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall A

Lineup (in alphabetical order):

• - Ryu Takako (piano)
• - Ryota Komatsu (bandoneon)
• - Yuji Toriyama (guitar)
• - Taro Hakase (violin)
• - Takanori Uemura (music director, piano)
• - Emiri Miyamoto (violin)
• - Orchestra Image

Expected Performances:

• - Ryu Takako: "Is Paris Burning?"
• - Ryota Komatsu: "Awakening"
• - Yuji Toriyama: "The Song of Life"
• - Taro Hakase: "Etupirika"
• - Takanori Uemura: "Cheers to the Earth"
• - Emiri Miyamoto: "Wind Flute"

Note: The performance lineup may vary.

Ticket Information:

• - Price (including tax, reserved seating): ¥13,500
• - Ticket Sales Start: General sales will commence on December 6, 2025.

Pre-sale Information:
The pre-sale (lottery) for tickets begins today, October 29, 2025, and will continue until November 16, 2025. Fans are encouraged to highlight the date as tickets are sure to sell out quickly. For complete details and ticket bookings, visit the official concert website.

Official Concert Website:
Live Image BEST Official Site

This event is presented by Kyodo Medias, ensuring a well-organized and unforgettable experience for all attendees. Mark your calendars for this significant musical celebration that promises both nostalgia and remarkable live performances.