Anime song group JAM Project held a series of concerts in Osaka and Yokohama in November to mark its 25th anniversary. The Yokohama show, titled 'JAM Project 25th Anniversary Live Final Countdown,' showcased the veteran singers' wealth of experience in a brilliant performance. It drew 123 overseas fans, highlighting the borderless appeal of their music.
JAM Project, short for Japan Animation Song Makers, was formed in 2000 and is led by singer Hironobu Kageyama. The group consists of Kageyama, Masaaki Endo, Hiroshi Kitadani, Masami Okui, and Yoshiki Fukuyama, all of whom maintain busy solo careers. They have performed theme songs for popular anime like 'One-Punch Man,' tokusatsu series such as 'Garo' and 'Tomica Hero Rescue Fire,' and video games including 'Super Robot Taisen' (Super Robot Wars).
The Yokohama concert, held at Yokohama Budokan, drew a total audience of about 8,200 for the series. The setup was minimalist, with no elaborate staging or large screens for close-ups, creating an intimate atmosphere focused purely on the music. From the start, the quintet performed songs like 'Gong' and 'Storm 2021' in quick succession, alternating lead and chorus roles, delivering a sequence of anime songs that emphasized their vocal prowess.
Through the Arigato Tomodachi Project, 123 fans from countries including Taiwan, South Korea, the United States, Chile, Thailand, and the Netherlands attended, along with visitors from China, including Hong Kong, despite ongoing tensions. JAM began international tours as early as 2008, when few anime song artists performed abroad, embodying their 'No border' motto by bringing authentic Japanese anime songs to global audiences.
The 'Final Countdown' title refers to a crucial battle for the group's continuation, according to the head of their management agency, as members juggle individual commitments and advancing ages. Kageyama repeatedly used the word 'kakubetsu' (very special) onstage, saying things like 'JAM’s staff are very special' and 'Our fans are very special.' Ultimately, the concert affirmed that JAM Project's music holds a special place for listeners.
