ennichi ’25 brought a vibrant celebration of destiny, culture, and cross-Pacific creativity to Japan House Los Angeles, presented in collaboration with Music Way and JETRO Los Angeles. Led by Japan House President Yuko Kaifu, the event gathered influential figures shaping the future of Japanese music—including composer-producer and Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Shunichi Tokura, who emphasized his CBX (“Cultural Business Transformation”) philosophy, and JETRO Executive Vice President Akiko Okumura, who highlighted the global growth of Japan’s diverse musical culture. With Sony Music Entertainment Japan CEO Shunsuke Muramatsu underscoring the industry’s mission of uniting people through music, ennichi ’25 set the stage for a dynamic panel exploring the evolving Japan-U.S. creative scene—featuring Jeff Miyahara, Peyote Beats, Taku Takahashi, and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu—offering a rare, in-depth look at the journeys, challenges, and innovations driving Japanese music into its next chapter.
ennichi ’25 Begins
ennichi ’25 transformed Aurora Warehouse on December 2nd, 2025, into a vibrant, festival-like hub of music, culture, and community. It highlighted the shared “en”—or destiny—that connects Japan and the U.S. creative scenes. Presented in collaboration with Music Way, JETRO Los Angeles, and CEIPA. The event blended industry insight with thrilling live performances, all surrounded by rows of vendors serving takoyaki, yakitori, boba, festival games, and more. From emerging groups to established hitmakers, ennichi ’25 offered a rare, concentrated look at Japanese music’s past, present, and rapidly expanding global future.
A Festival Atmosphere Rooted in Culture
Before the performances even began, fans gathered outside browsing food stalls and game booths reminiscent of a summertime matsuri. Artists later joked about trying the food themselves, proving that even performers couldn’t resist the takoyaki stands or the smoky scent of yakitori drifting through Hollywood.
Inside, the energy shifted to an industry-forward tone as speakers and executives— including Japan House President Yuko Kaifu, Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Shunichi Tokura, JETRO Executive Vice President Akiko Okumura, and Sony Music Entertainment Japan CEO Shunsuke Muramatsu—framed the day around creativity, cultural exchange, and the evolution of Japanese music abroad. Their insights set the stage for artists who would bring those ideas to life through their performances.
f5ve: Charming Chaos and Crowd Energy
First to hit the stage was f5ve, who wasted no time turning the room electric. Opening with “UFO” and “Magic Clock,” the group immediately introduced themselves to cheering fans. They then launched into a tight, energetic run of tracks including “Wish,” “Lettuce,” and the fan-favorite “Sugar Free Venom.”
Between songs, f5ve showcased their signature playful charm. Individually introducing each member, hyping up the crowd, and chatting about exploring L.A. They shared that they ran into fans while shopping the day before, laughed about all the Japanese foods they’ve been trying in the city. They even asked the audience for recommendations. The casual banter made the set feel intimate, even as the energy kept climbing with “Firetruck,” “Real Girl,” “Bow Chika Wow Wow,” and “Television.”
As a surprise, a few lucky fans in the audience received signed albums. f5ve also teased that their 1.5 album is on the way soon, sending excitement rippling through the venue. They started to close with “I Choose You”. Then “Underground” gave us a surprise with a special dance appearance from Psychic Fever of Exile Tribe’s Tsurugi in full cowboy swagger. Finally “Snowman,” ending their set on a high note.
JP THE WAVY: A Full-Throttle Hip-Hop Takeover
Next came JP THE WAVY, who stormed the stage with an explosive hip-hop set. From the moment he declared “I’m from Japan” with this hit track, fans knew they were in for a high-energy ride.
His setlist played like a rapid-fire highlight reel of his most iconic tracks:
“Bushido – Good Gas,” “GO GO GO,” “Okay,” “Balenciaga Big Chains,” “Wavebody,” “Ready or Not,” and “Neo Gal Wop.”
Each song hit with heavy bass and crisp delivery, and JP’s effortless charisma kept the crowd shouting every chorus back at him.
He powered through audience favorites including “Won’t Stop,” “Rolling Dice,” “What’s Poppin”. Also performing “Tokyo Drift,” before ending with the viral anthem “Cho Wavy De Gomenne,” sending fans into a final frenzy. JP’s set proved exactly why he’s become such a central figure in Japan’s global hip-hop breakout.
Awich: Raw Emotion, Power, and Okinawan Pride
Awich delivered one of the most commanding sets of the night—equal parts storytelling, raw emotion, and musical force.
Opening with “Frontiers” and “Shook Shook,” she immediately challenged the crowd with a playful threat:
“I know you’re here for Psyfe, but if you don’t jump for my set, they’re not coming out.”
The audience erupted.
Throughout the performance, Awich wove personal history into her music. Before “Remember,” she shared that one Psyfe member—Kuk—is from Okinawa like her and was once her rap student. She reflected on Okinawa’s layered history, its American cultural imprint, and how that shaped the island’s artistic identity.
She performed “Rasen in Okinawa,” “Longiness,” and “Butcher Shop”. Also performed “Wax On Wax Off” with special guest Lupe Fiasco. Awich opened up about her journey: being told to set aside her dreams and becoming a wife and mother. After losing her husband she ultimately decided to pursue rap to show her daughter what chasing a dream looks like. Her latest album—which she noted was produced by RZA of Wu-Tang Clan—captures that story in full.
She closed with the powerful trio “Fear Us” featuring Joey Bada$$, “Gila Gila” with JP THE WAVY, and the fierce “Bad Bad.” Her performance was nothing short of transformative—commanding, vulnerable, and unforgettable.
Psychic Fever from EXILE TRIBE: Precision, Power, and Fan Connection
Closing out the night, Psychic Fever exploded onto the stage with “Swish Dat” and “Spark It Up,” immediately demonstrating their signature LDH choreography—sharp, synchronized, and impossibly clean.
After introducing themselves, they kept the momentum strong with “What’s Happenin’”. They brought JP THE WAVY back out for “Just Like Dat,” a collaboration that had fans roaring. They thanked him before rolling into “Gelato,” then shifted into a sequence of unit stages. It started with “Rocket,” “Psyfe Cypher,” “Tokyo Spiral,” and “Highlights,” each showcasing different combinations of members.
A brief a cappella moment encouraged fans to sing along, creating one of the most heartfelt connections of the evening.
The group returned with “Temperature,” the emotional “Piano SE – Love Fire,” and “SE ~ Paradise.” Before their final track, they admitted they were sad the night was ending too. Especially after fans expressed disappointment that the next song was the last. Jimmy asked who had seen their tour before sharing that they came all the way from Japan to represent their culture—“sometimes cute, sometimes energetic.”
They closed with “Talk To Me Nice,” wrapping up the event with warmth, gratitude, and signature EXILE TRIBE charisma.
Here, artists sharing their personal stories, experimenting across genres, and bridging creative scenes from Tokyo to LA. ennichi ’25 wasn’t just a concert or conference—it was a snapshot of Japanese music’s next evolution.
And if the passion in the room was any indication, that evolution is only getting started.
Photos by: YURI HASEGAWA
