Shikufoni's First Live Show: An Exciting Premiere with Kiyoshi Ayakouji

On September 30, 2025, Shikufoni, a unique 2.5D talent group, made waves with the debut of their first live variety show, 'Shikufoni Live #1.' This thrilling event was broadcast on Nico Nico Live and hosted by Sho Kiryuin from Golden Bomber. The show featured guest Kiyoshi Ayakouji from Kishidan, allowing viewers an exclusive look into the world of Shikufoni and the wisdom shared by industry veterans.

The show kicked off with an energetic call to action: "Shikufoni~nniko niko namaa!!" and excitement buzzed in the virtual space as fans expressed their anticipation with comments like, "I can't wait!" and "So thrilling!!!" As the broadcast commenced, Kiryuin welcomed the audience enthusiastically. Each member of Shikufoni introduced themselves with their designated colors, establishing an upbeat atmosphere right from the start.

Shikufoni is a 2.5-dimensional talent group that formed in 2022, selected from a competitive audition process. They made their debut with the song 'J0KER×JOK3R' on August 12 of the same year and reached a remarkable milestone of over one million subscribers on their YouTube channel by April this year. With their ambition set on performing at the Tokyo Dome, Shikufoni is on an exciting journey.

As Kiyoshi Ayakouji appeared, the chat filled with enthusiastic reactions such as, "It’s really him!" and "How fantastic!" The Shikufoni members shared a sense of awe, exclaiming terms like "legend" and "incredible" as they realized they were sharing the screen with such a renowned figure.

Kiyoshi expressed that he views Shikufoni as "his direct younger brothers,” given that his group, Kishidan, also consists of six members with their own colors. This connection added a personal touch to the show, with humor and camaraderie evident between the two groups.

The first segment of the show, titled, "Tell us, senpai! Questions for Kiyoshi Ayakouji!!!" featured questions posed by Shikufoni members to their esteemed guest. In a comical remark, LAN, the leader of Shikufoni, asked Kiyoshi about the most important aspect when producing a hit song. Kiyoshi humorously replied, "Ultimately, it’s masturbation!" eliciting a laugh from everyone.

"I’m not sure if I have any hit songs, but whenever I created something widely known, I realized I was true to my desires. The only one who can fulfill your desires is you, so pursue them wholeheartedly. Your excitement is your compass," he shared. He recalled how Kishidan’s famed song "One Night Carnival" faced skepticism from his co-members during its conception, highlighting the importance of believing in one’s creativity despite outside opinions.

The discussion continued with questions about maintaining originality and passion while being creative. Kiyoshi advised the members to keep an open mind, be proactive, and stay true to a few guiding principles of their own that help them remain grounded regardless of changing trends.

"Create only three essential tenets for yourself that will keep you anchored," Kiyoshi said humorously, listing three 'Ks' – action, rest, and gratitude – as vital themes for longevity in the entertainment industry. His enthusiastic engagement showed his deep commitment to sharing knowledge with the up-and-coming talent, resonating strongly with Shikufoni members.

Midway through the show, a fun segment called "Do you want to come to my place? Manly Line Challenge!" took place. Members spontaneously created “manly” lines based on prompts set to the tune of Kishidan's hit song. Two groups competed against each other, leading to an engaging and interactive experience that delighted viewers.

The latter part of the evening featured a final challenge for the manly line segment, and the lively atmosphere continued to build. The event not only emphasized the importance of creativity and mentorship but also injected a healthy dose of humor and entertainment into the proceedings.

With the blend of serious advice and playful banter, 'Shikufoni Live #1' offered viewers a well-rounded experience that showcased the talents of Shikufoni members while celebrating the wisdom of seasoned artists like Kiyoshi Ayakouji. This premiere set a positive precedent for future episodes, and we'll certainly be looking forward to what's next for this exciting 2.5D group.

For those who missed it, catch the replay on Nico Nico Live, with the first half available for free and the remaining segment exclusive to premium members.