On May 27th, 2025 at El Cid in Los Angeles, VK Blanka delivered an intimate, memorable performance that blended heartfelt vulnerability with playful charm. The venue, known for its cozy, slightly offbeat atmosphere, was the perfect setting for the Japanese singer-songwriter’s final tour stop—and his long-awaited performance in LA.
The Show Begins
Things kicked off in true VK Blanka fashion with the artist coming out quickly. He performed tracks such as a favorite song, “Stray Cat” which had some in the crowd dancing already. He introduced himself humbly, noting that this was the final stop on his tour, and dove straight into his emotionally rich setlist.
When performing “Slave of Love,” he admitted it felt “weird” to sing his debut track in Los Angeles, revealing a mix of nostalgia and surrealism. He moved through crowd favorites like “Daddy (Dying in NY),” “Lights Out,” and the aching “Sad in Saudi Arabia,” each delivered with raw honesty and minimal theatrics.
One of the highlights of the evening was “Want You Back,” during which he paused to guide the audience through a call-and-response section. His easy rapport with the crowd shined as he made sure everyone knew how to participate, adding an engaging and collaborative energy to the show.
Another surprise moment came with “アシカダンス,” a quirky fan request he honored from Instagram. Shortly after, he opened the floor for more song suggestions—only to laugh and say he was supposed to switch to an acoustic set. “I’ve written a lot of anime songs,” he said, almost sheepishly, before launching into a medley that included “Lucky Ending” from Fruits Basket and the long version of “Walk” from Flavors of Youth.
Vibing with VK Blanka
Throughout the show, VK Blanka sauntered back and forth across the stage, pausing occasionally to “just vibe.” He encouraged fans to check their emails if they wanted, jokingly breaking the fourth wall of the concert experience. At one point, he shared that he had dreamed of performing in LA and expressed heartfelt thanks for the support. “I’ll keep working on songs and anime tracks,” he promised, “and keep in touch—even though I’m bad at SNS.”
The show continued with the melancholic “Bitter,” a fitting title for his first time performing in LA, and an energetic string of anime anthems including “Black Rover,” “Black Catcher,” and the slithery “Snake.” In a moment that drew laughs, he accidentally started playing a track, then turned it off because it “wasn’t loud enough,” giving fans a peek into his candid, improvisational style.
Another standout was the track where he spells out words (a fan favorite with a playful edge), drawing cheers from the crowd.
VK Blanka’s LA stage was a unique blend of lo-fi charm, wistful emotion, and genuine artist-to-audience connection. It was less about polish and more about presence—an honest performance from an artist still finding his groove, but deeply connected to his craft and his fans. As he left the stage, his promise to return didn’t feel like a cliché—it felt like a hope we could believe in.
Check out our interview with VK Blanka!
