=LOVE Pilgrimage: Music Video Locations and Concert Milestones

Produced by Rino Sashihara, =LOVE formed in 2017. From its first appearance on an event stage in Odaiba, the idol group went on to regular shows at The Galaxy Theatre in Tennozu, Nippon Budokan, Saitama Super Arena, and Yokohama Stadium, gradually performing at larger venues.

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, the sunflower fields of Tourist Farm Hanahiroba, and the stone castle at Lockheart Castle offer three places to visit the world of the group’s music videos. This guide pairs those filming locations with seven concert venues, from Nippon Budokan to the group’s 2026 stadium shows and ninth-anniversary concert.

10 places to follow from music video locations to performance milestones

Three filming locations are normally open to visitors as museums, gardens, or attractions. At concert venues, this guide focuses on the exterior and areas open to the public; entry to audience seating depends on the conditions of each event.

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum | Filming location for the song centered by Kiara Saito

On the shore of Lake Kawaguchi, the Music Forest Museum offers a garden reminiscent of a European town, antique music boxes, and self-playing instruments. The museum was a filming location for =LOVE’s “Last Note Shikanai” music video.

Kiara Saito, the group’s youngest member, centered a title track for the first time with this song. The music video premiered at the group’s sixth-anniversary concert on October 18, 2023, where the group also performed a new song. Its poignant love story and the museum’s scenery come together in the video, with the members wearing white and light-blue outfits.

After entering, explore the music exhibits along with the garden. Self-playing instruments and large music boxes line the galleries, and concerts inside the museum are included in the admission fee. The performers and start times are listed in the daily schedule. It is a place to experience both the filmed music and the sounds playing here today.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last admission at 5 p.m. Adult admission is ¥1,800 on weekdays, ¥2,100 on weekends and public holidays, and ¥2,300 during high season. Personal photography is allowed, but monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited. Visitors are also asked not to take photos during concerts.

Location

3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi

Connection to the group

Museum with a European-style garden and organ hall where the music video for =LOVE’s 15th single, “Last Note Shikanai,” was filmed.

Opening hours and admission

10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m.); adults: ¥1,800 weekdays, ¥2,100 weekends and public holidays, ¥2,300 high season

Sources:Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum | Facility use and music video filming information ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE holds Day 1 of its largest-ever “=LOVE 6th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT” at Saitama Super Arena ／ Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum | Business information, opening hours, and closing days ／ Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum | Admission, discounts, and annual passes ／ Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum | Access, nearby information, and parking

Tourist Farm HANA HIROBA | A filming location for “Weekend Citron,” where you can walk through a field of sunflowers

Walk among blooming sunflowers and pick a flower to take home. At Tourist Farm HANA HIROBA on the tip of the Chita Peninsula, visitors can enjoy the flower fields themselves. The official music video for =LOVE’s “Weekend Citron” credits the farm for filming cooperation.

The music video, released on July 7, 2021, has the theme “YELLOW.” Minami Minegishi directed it, with Rino Sashihara and FUWACHAN contributing lyrics to the summer song. Hitomi Takamatsu is the center. ArmySlick, Yu-ki Kokubo, and YUU for YOU contributed to the composition, and shoji to the choreography.

In 2026, the farm again lists mid-June through the end of December as sunflower season and offers flower-picking to visitors. Blooming conditions, types, and the number of flowers available for picking depend on how the plants are growing, so check the bloom information for your visit date. Seasonal flowers such as cosmos are also available in autumn.

From Meitetsu Kowa Station, take the Umikko Bus to HANA HIROBA Sogo Taiikukan-mae, then walk about 15 minutes from the bus stop. From Utsumi Station, it is about a 15-minute taxi ride. The flower fields change as they are cultivated and bloom, so the farm is not presented as a set recreating the music video’s filming arrangements.

Location

48 Takamidai, Toyooka, Minamichita-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi

Connection to the group

Filming location for “Weekend Citron,” where you can walk through the sunflower field.

Sources:=LOVE official YouTube | “Weekend Citron” music video filming credits ／ Tourist Farm HANA HIROBA | Blooming and flower-picking information, access ／ Sony Music Labels | “Weekend Citron” production credits and tracks on each edition

Lockheart Castle | Visit the stone castle featured in “Shukusai”

Stand before the stone castle and explore its exhibits and gardens. Lockheart Castle in Takayama Village, Gunma, was relocated from Scotland and restored. =LOVE filmed its 2021 music video for “Shukusai” here.

This was Hana Oba’s first song as center, alongside Iori Noguchi as co-center. On her official blog, Oba wrote that she learned she would be center and received the song after a Hiroshima show on the album tour. She later searched for castles where they might film and found Lockheart Castle—then discovered that it was the actual filming location.

The castle was built in Scotland in 1829. Its stones were dismantled and transported to Japan, and the castle was rebuilt in Takayama Village in 1993. This stone building is not a temporary set built for the music video; it is a castle normally open to visitors. The grounds include Williams Garden with flowering trees and a church, so visitors can spend time walking beyond the castle exterior. This does not guarantee access to every specific room shown in the music video.

The address is 5583-1 Takayama Village. Regular hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. An admission ticket is required. Check the official business and access information for seasonal closures and transportation.

Location

5583-1 Takayama Village, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma

Connection to the group

A visit to the stone castle featured in “Shukusai”

Sources:Hana Oba official blog | Her first time as center and filming at Lockheart Castle ／ Lockheart Castle | Indoor attractions, hours, and address ／ Lockheart Castle | History of its construction in Scotland, relocation, and restoration

Nippon Budokan | Two days on the winter tour

The octagonal roof of Nippon Budokan comes into view beyond the trees of Kitanomaru Park. =LOVE first held solo shows at the venue on January 16 and 17, 2021, during its winter tour “You all are ‘My ideal.’”

After making its stage debut at TIF in 2017 and major-label debut that September, the group reached the milestone of its first two-day Nippon Budokan show. At the time, it had 12 members. Audience members were asked to remain seated and not cheer aloud, different participation conditions from those at later shows.

Access to the audience seating depends on the conditions of each event. On days without a concert, visitors can mainly walk through Kitanomaru Park and view the building from outside. The nearest station is Kudanshita, about a five-minute walk from the Budokan.

Location

2-3 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Connection to the group

Venue for =LOVE’s first two-day Nippon Budokan show on January 16 and 17, 2021, during the winter tour “You all are My ideal.”

Visiting and access

The exterior can be viewed from Kitanomaru Park; entry to the audience seating is ticketed for events. About a five-minute walk from Kudanshita Station.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE appears on THE FIRST TAKE for the first time: Maika Sasaki, Iori Noguchi, and Sana Morohashi perform “Ano Ko Complex” in one take with an original arrangement ／ =LOVE official | Announcement of the winter tour shows at Nippon Budokan (December 12, 2020) ／ Nippon Budokan | Address and directions ／ Sony Music Labels | TIF 2017 stage debut and 2023 appearance

Yokohama Arena | The final stop of Zenbu, Naisho., a tour through the members’ hometowns

A walk from Shin-Yokohama Station leads to Yokohama Arena, a venue tied to =LOVE’s first album, Zenbu, Naisho. On July 7, 2021, the final show of a nine-venue national tour visiting the members’ hometowns took place here.

A recorded program on TBS Channel also features the members’ solo performances as they returned to their hometowns. The tour brought songs from the album to cities around Japan before bringing everyone together in Yokohama for the finale.

The venue is at 3-10 Shin-Yokohama, about a five-minute walk from the station. Visitors can normally view the exterior. A ticket to an event is required to enter the audience seating.

Location

3-10 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Connection to the group

Arena where the final show of the national tour for =LOVE’s first album, Zenbu, Naisho., took place on July 7, 2021

Visiting and access

Visitors can normally view the exterior; entry to the interior is ticketed for events. About a five-minute walk from Shin-Yokohama Station on the JR and municipal subway lines.

Sources:TBS Channel | Broadcast information for the Yokohama Arena show on =LOVE’s Zenbu, Naisho. national tour ／ Yokohama Arena | Directions

Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium | A futuristic story and live music

The first gymnasium at Yoyogi National Gymnasium is known for its dramatically curved suspension roof. =LOVE held its fifth-anniversary concert here in September 2022, then returned for the Tokyo dates of the arena tour Timeless Tales on May 5 and 6, 2025.

The 2025 show followed a story set in a near future shaped by artificial intelligence. The group performed “Tokubechu, Shite” twice during the main set and once more during the double encore. A live band joined for the encore, bridging the futuristic story and a concert that brought the songs directly to the audience.

The tour visited five cities, and an additional show at Ariake Arena was announced on the final day of the Tokyo dates. Yoyogi brings together memories of the fifth anniversary and the 2025 show featuring the group’s hit songs.

It is about a five-minute walk from Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae Station. Entry to the audience seating is ticketed for events, so on regular days visitors can view the roof and building from public grounds. Follow on-site notices about closures due to events or construction.

Location

2-1-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Connection to the group

Venue for the fifth-anniversary concert in September 2022 and the Tokyo dates of the May 2025 arena tour Timeless Tales

Visiting and access

Visitors can normally view the exterior of the First Gymnasium. About a five-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station or Meiji-jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE’s 2025 arena tour Timeless Tales, its largest-ever tour with about 90,000 attendees, concludes at Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium in Tokyo ／ Japan Sport Council | Yoyogi National Gymnasium facility guide

K-Arena Yokohama | Iori Noguchi on bass and a string quartet

K-Arena Yokohama, on the waterfront in Minato Mirai, was built for music events. =LOVE held its seventh-anniversary concert here on September 7 and 8, 2024, drawing about 36,000 people over two days.

On the second day, Maika Sasaki, Iori Noguchi, and Sana Morohashi sang “Zurui yo Zurui ne” with a string quartet. A big-band arrangement followed, adding brass instruments; for “Norotte Norotte,” center Iori Noguchi performed on bass for the first time. A record of the show captures changing combinations of voices and instruments.

This is a separate venue from Yokohama Arena, located at 6-2-14 Minato Mirai. The surrounding Music Terrace has restaurants, making it easy to combine a view of the building with a meal or break. Conditions for using the seating and indoor shops vary on event and non-event days.

Location

6-2-14 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Connection to the group

Music venue where the September 2024 seventh-anniversary show featured =LOVE with a string quartet and big band, and Iori Noguchi’s first performance on bass

Visiting and nearby facilities

The adjacent Music Terrace and Arena Bar 7 are open to the public on business days; entry to the arena seating is ticketed for events.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE holds its largest-ever concert at K-Arena Yokohama for its seventh anniversary, drawing about 36,000 people ／ K-Arena Yokohama | Access and parking ／ K-Arena Yokohama | Shop guide

Yokohama Stadium | “Seishun ‘Subliminal’” opens a concert from the audience seats

Inside Yokohama Park, Yokohama Stadium can be viewed from the perimeter even on days without baseball. For =LOVE, this is where the finale of its eighth-anniversary tour took place on April 18 and 19, 2026. About 70,000 people attended over the two days.

The shows opened with “Seishun ‘Subliminal’” and featured first performances of “Moratorium” and “Ohimesama no Tsukurikata.” Green light, the penlight color associated with Sana Morohashi, center of “Moratorium,” spread through the audience.

“Tokubechu, Shite” closed the main set. Group leader Anna Yamamoto has said the song was a turning point for the group. The show also featured a live band, strings, and fireworks in the night sky; the April 19 performance is included in an official video release.

The stadium is in Yokohama Park, Naka-ku, Yokohama, about a two-minute walk from Kannai Station. Entry to the field or stands depends on the conditions for a game, event, or tour. Visitors can combine a regular walk around the park with the stadium staging seen in the concert video.

Location

Yokohama Park, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Connection to the group

Open-air stadium where the eighth-anniversary tour finale drew about 70,000 people over April 18–19, 2026, and was included in a video release

Visiting and access

The stadium perimeter can be viewed from walking paths in Yokohama Park; close to JR and municipal subway Kannai Station.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrates its eighth anniversary with the “=LOVE 8th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM TOUR” finale at Yokohama Stadium, drawing about 70,000 people over two days ／ =LOVE official | Video releases of the Yokohama Stadium shows and content by edition (updated September 6 and October 7, 2026) ／ Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau | Yokohama Stadium and Yokohama Park facility information

MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) | “Beyond ‘KYUN’♡” with a brass band, fountains, and audience lights

Walk around MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) and look up at the edge of its enormous roof. On June 20 and 21, 2026, =LOVE held “Beyond ‘KYUN’♡” here, drawing about 132,000 people over two days.

The show used the vast stadium for performances with the Kyoto Tachibana High School Brass Band, Hitomi Takamatsu on baton, and fountains during Maika Sasaki’s solo song “Mayonaka Mermaid.” The second day also brought the announcement of a Tokyo Dome show planned for January 2027.

During visits, people can see the exterior and, on free public-opening days, go up to Sora no Mori. Regular hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with last entry at 3:50 p.m. The area may close on days with competitions or events, so check the official website for opening dates before visiting. This is separate from access to the stadium’s audience seating and field.

Location

10-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Connection to the group

Venue for the stadium concert “Beyond ‘KYUN’♡,” which drew about 132,000 people over two days on June 20 and 21, 2026

Public areas and hours

Sora no Mori, an outdoor observation floor on the fifth level, is generally open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry 3:50 p.m.); closed on event days and other dates.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE holds “Beyond ‘KYUN’♡,” the group’s largest-ever stadium concert, at MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) in Tokyo ／ MUFG Stadium | Directions ／ MUFG Stadium | FAQ about public access to Sora no Mori

TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO | Revisiting early costumes and songs at the ninth anniversary

TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO in Aomi hosted =LOVE’s ninth-anniversary concert on October 15 and 16, 2026. It also has an outdoor park, and on days when it is open to the public, visitors can walk through the surrounding area and view the building from outside.

Costumes from the group’s first solo concert and its second-anniversary show returned on alternating days. A section linked “Bokura no Seifuku Christmas” with “The 5th,” which tells the story that follows it. In their early costumes, the current 10 members sang songs from the group’s early years at the anniversary concert.

At the venue, the group announced the title of its Tokyo Dome show already scheduled for January 2027, “Subete wa =LOVE,” along with an additional show at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in February. This lets visitors distinguish future plans announced here from the ninth-anniversary show that actually took place at the arena.

The venue is at 1-3 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo. The outdoor park can also close or restrict access, so check the facility’s information for public-opening dates. Entry to the arena is subject to the conditions of each event.

Location

1-3 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Connection to the group

Arena where =LOVE’s ninth-anniversary concert took place on October 15 and 16, 2026, bringing back costumes from the group’s early concerts and performances of songs from its history

Visiting and public access

Visitors can view the exterior and use the outdoor adidas SPORTS PARK on public-opening days; entry to the arena seating is ticketed for events.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE holds its ninth-anniversary concert, “=LOVE 9th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT,” at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO in Tokyo ／ TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO | Directions ／ TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO | adidas SPORTS PARK information

Learn more about =LOVE | Ten members’ roles and performances that change with each song

The 10 members have brought the lyrical world imagined by producer Rino Sashihara to life through singing, dancing, instruments, and stage direction.

A group produced by Rino Sashihara

=LOVE is an idol group produced by Rino Sashihara. It made its major-label debut on September 6, 2017, with a single bearing the same name as the group, “=LOVE.” The name expresses the wish to be loved by fans and to love their own work as well.

The current members are Emiri Otani, Hana Oba, Risa Otoshima, Kiara Saito, Maika Sasaki, Hitomi Takamatsu, Shoko Takiwaki, Iori Noguchi, Sana Morohashi, and Anna Yamamoto. Yamamoto is the group’s leader.

A different center for each song is another way to understand =LOVE’s performances. Hitomi Takamatsu centers “Weekend Citron”; Hana Oba and Iori Noguchi share center for “Shukusai”; and Kiara Saito centers “Last Note Shikanai.” Even among the three music video locations in this guide, the members at the front and the mood of each song differ.

The lineup has changed over the years. On January 13, 2023, Nagi Saito held her graduation concert, performing onstage with the group for the last time as 11 members.

Sources:=LOVE official | Group name, formation, and debut ／ Sony Music Labels | TIF 2017 stage debut and 2023 appearance ／ =LOVE official | Current member profiles ／ Sony Music Labels | Nagi Saito graduation concert ／ Sony Music Labels | Production credits for the ninth single

Kiara Saito’s first title-track center and the other nine members

“Last Note Shikanai” was the first title track centered by Saito, the group’s youngest member. When the group performed the song at its sixth-anniversary concert, leader Anna Yamamoto spoke of the nine older sisters supporting her.

At Galaxy Theatre later that same year, Iori Noguchi described “Kiara Tiara” as a song that shows a side of Saito opposite to the image of her as the youngest. The concert was a release-event show for the group’s 13th single, “Kono Sora ga Trigger.” The group’s first stage appearance was at TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL in 2017.

Sources:=LOVE official | Current member profiles ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE marks its sixth anniversary with the first day of its largest-ever “=LOVE 6th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT” at Saitama Super Arena ／ Sony Music Labels | Special live show at Tennozu Galaxy Theatre celebrating the release of =LOVE’s 13th single, “Kono Sora ga Trigger” ／ Sony Music Labels | TIF 2017 stage debut and 2023 appearance

Three voices and Iori Noguchi’s exploration of instruments

Maika Sasaki, Iori Noguchi, and Sana Morohashi performed “Ano Ko Complex” on THE FIRST TAKE on November 18, 2022. APAZZI arranged the music for the program, where artists perform in a single take. Rino Sashihara wrote the lyrics to the original, with music by Ryo Takahashi.

The trio also performed ‘Zuru-i yo Zuru-i ne’ with a string quartet at =LOVE’s seventh-anniversary concert at K-Arena Yokohama.

Iori Noguchi’s bass performance in ‘Norotte Norotte’ was another expression first presented at this seventh-anniversary concert. Alongside singing as the song’s center, she also played an instrument.

Maika Sasaki and Iori Noguchi also perform together as the duo behind ‘Niji no Moto.’ At the sixth-anniversary concert in 2023, they traded solo songs: Sasaki sang Noguchi’s ‘Haikei Anata-sama,’ while Noguchi sang Sasaki’s ‘Mayonaka Mermaid,’ each taking the other’s song.

1. THE FIRST TAKE (November 2022)

   Anoko Complex

   Maika Sasaki, Iori Noguchi, and Sana Morohashi performed together in a one-take session, singing an arrangement by APAZZI.

2. K-Arena Yokohama: 7th Anniversary (September 2024)

   Zuru-i yo Zuru-i ne

   The same three singers layered their voices over a string quartet, then performed with a big-band arrangement, combining vocals and instrumental performance.

3. K-Arena Yokohama: 7th Anniversary (September 2024)

   Norotte Norotte

   Iori Noguchi, the song’s center, took on bass for the first time, performing with both her vocals and bass playing.

4. MUFG Stadium (June 2026)

   A wind-band collaboration, solo performances, and units

   The program featured a collaboration with Kyoto Tachibana High School’s brass band, ‘Queens’ by Kiara Saito and Iori Noguchi, Maika Sasaki’s solo song, and other varied lineups.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE make their first appearance on THE FIRST TAKE! Maika Sasaki, Iori Noguchi, and Sana Morohashi perform ‘Anoko Complex’ in a specially arranged one-take performance. ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their largest concert to date at K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa for their seventh anniversary, drawing approximately 36,000 attendees! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrate their sixth debut anniversary with DAY 1 of ‘=LOVE 6th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT,’ their largest concert to date, at Saitama Super Arena!

The creators behind ‘Last Note Shika Shiranai’

‘Last Note Shika Shiranai’ was written by Rino Sashihara, composed by Kohei Tsukada, and arranged by Atsushi Yuasa. The music video was directed by Kyoka Nakayama, with choreography by shoji.

The song takes perfume as its subject and portrays a bittersweet romance. It reached audiences in several forms: its first performance at the sixth-anniversary concert, the release of its music video, advance digital release on October 19, and CD release on November 29.

The same sixth-anniversary concert opened with an orchestra entering after its conductor and performing the debut song ‘=LOVE.’ The sound shifted to rock played by a band in the second half. The premiere of the new song’s delicate vocals was set within a program that also changed its overall instrumental lineup.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrate their sixth debut anniversary with DAY 1 of ‘=LOVE 6th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT,’ their largest concert to date, at Saitama Super Arena!

The wish from fans at the heart of ‘Zettai Idol Yamenaide’

Released around the group’s seventh anniversary, ‘Zettai Idol Yamenaide’ expresses fans’ love for their favorite idol, wishing for her happiness and hoping she will keep performing. Rino Sashihara wrote the lyrics; Ryuki Koike and Hirohito Kikuchi composed and arranged the song.

The standard edition includes ‘Nakanaori Cream Puff’ and ‘Umi to Lemon Tea’ alongside the title track. The card below shows the jacket and catalog number for Type-E, a CD-only edition that differs from the versions with video content.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their largest concert to date at K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa for their seventh anniversary, drawing approximately 36,000 attendees! ／ Official =LOVE site | 17th single ‘Zettai Idol Yamenaide’ Type-E

Three performances of ‘Tokubecchu, Shite’—and the following year

‘Tokubecchu, Shite’ was written by Rino Sashihara, composed by Kenta Urashima and Hirohito Kikuchi, and arranged by Kikuchi. The music video was directed by Ryohei Shingu, with choreography by SACO MAKITA.

At ‘Timeless Tales’ in Yoyogi, the group performed the same song twice in the main set and once more at the double encore. The record shows how they returned to it repeatedly within a concert built around a futuristic story.

The following year at Yokohama Stadium, Anna Yamamoto described the song as a turning point for the group. After performing it repeatedly on the 2025 tour, they brought it back the next year as the main set’s finale at the stadium, accompanied by fireworks.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE draw a record approximately 90,000 attendees on the =LOVE ARENA TOUR 2025 ‘~Timeless Tales~’; the final show takes place at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1 in Tokyo! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrate their eighth anniversary with the ‘=LOVE 8th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM TOUR’ FINAL at Yokohama Stadium, drawing approximately 70,000 attendees over two days!

‘Bokura no Seifuku Christmas’ and its sequel, ‘The 5th’

‘The 5th’ follows the story of ‘Bokura no Seifuku Christmas.’ At the ninth-anniversary concert at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, the group performed the two songs back to back, singing about what happened next to the same two people.

The ninth-anniversary concert also brought back costumes worn at the group’s early concerts. By combining those earlier outfits with a song that continues a previous work, the group brought its past activity onto the present-day stage.

The Tokyo Dome concerts scheduled for January 2027 were announced in June at the National Stadium. At the ninth-anniversary concert, the group also revealed the title ‘Subete wa =LOVE’ and an additional show in Nagoya.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | ‘~Nagisa Saito Graduation Concert~ Ima Geneki Idol Chuu: I Love You All ♡’ held! Thank you for discovering and coming to love idol Nagisa Saito! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their ninth-anniversary concert, ‘=LOVE 9th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT,’ at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO!

The voices of ‘Shukusai’ and the creators of ‘Weekend Citron’

Hanahiroba and Lockheart Castle are filming locations for two songs on the same ninth single. ‘Weekend Citron’ is the title track, while ‘Shukusai’ is a B-side; the single was released on August 25, 2021. Both songs are on the standard-edition CD, while Type-C pairs the title track with ‘Shukusai.’

Writing about the recording of ‘Shukusai,’ Hana Oba said she experimented with a low, composed voice and a sweeter tone, adjusting the pronunciation and emphasis of each note. Her account traces the production process—from the announcement that she would be the first center to the recording, choreography by CRE8BOY, and filming at the castle—in her own words.

Minami Minegishi directed the ‘Weekend Citron’ music video; ZUMI served as assistant director and editor, and shoji handled the choreography. Considered alongside ‘Shukusai,’ it shows how one single brought together works with different filming locations, creative teams, and vocal approaches.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | ‘Weekend Citron’ production credits and track listings for each edition ／ Hana Oba official blog | First time as center for ‘Shukusai’ and filming at Lockheart Castle

Trace the group’s work and concerts through a timeline and videos

This timeline follows =LOVE from its major-label debut in 2017 through Nippon Budokan, Yokohama Arena, and stadium concerts. Comparing the release dates of singles and albums with anniversary milestones at each venue gives an overview of the group’s expanding activity.

1. 2017September 6The group made its major-label debut with the single ‘=LOVE.’Music
2. 2021January 16–17The group held a two-day winter-tour concert at Nippon Budokan—its first time on the Budokan stage.Concert
3. 2021MayThe group released its first album, ‘Zenbu, Naisho.’Release
4. 2021July 7The group wrapped up a tour visiting members’ hometowns at Yokohama Arena.Concert
5. 2021September 20The group held its fourth-anniversary concert at Makuhari Event Hall, its first solo show at the venue.Concert
6. 2022September 25The group held its fifth-anniversary concert at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1.Concert
7. 2022November 18Maika Sasaki, Iori Noguchi, and Sana Morohashi made their first appearance on THE FIRST TAKE, performing ‘Anoko Complex.’Music
8. 2023January 13The group held Nagisa Saito’s graduation concert, delivering its last stage as an 11-member group.Concert
9. 2023October 18At the sixth-anniversary concert, the group premiered ‘Last Note Shika Shiranai.’ Kiara Saito became the center of a title track for the first time.Concert
10. 2024September 7–8The group held its seventh-anniversary concert at K-Arena Yokohama, where Iori Noguchi took on bass for the first time.Concert
11. 2025February 26The group released ‘Tokubecchu, Shite / Koibito Ijo, Suki Miman.’Release
12. 2025May 5–6The Tokyo dates of ‘Timeless Tales’ took place at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1, presenting a futuristic story and live instrumental performances.Concert
13. 2026April 18–19The group wrapped up its eighth-anniversary tour at Yokohama Stadium.Concert
14. 2026June 20–21The group performed ‘Beyond “KYUN”♡’ at the National Stadium. The stadium concerts drew approximately 132,000 people over two days.Concert
15. 2026October 14The video release of the April 19 Yokohama Stadium concert went on sale.Release
16. 2026October 15–16The group held its ninth-anniversary concert at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, performing early costumes and songs from across its history in succession.Concert

Sources:Official =LOVE site | Group name, formation, and debut history ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrate their sixth debut anniversary with DAY 1 of ‘=LOVE 6th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT,’ their largest concert to date, at Saitama Super Arena! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their largest concert to date at K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa for their seventh anniversary, drawing approximately 36,000 attendees! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE draw a record approximately 90,000 attendees on the =LOVE ARENA TOUR 2025 ‘~Timeless Tales~’; the final show takes place at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1 in Tokyo! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrate their eighth anniversary with the ‘=LOVE 8th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM TOUR’ FINAL at Yokohama Stadium, drawing approximately 70,000 attendees over two days! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their largest-ever stadium show, =LOVE STADIUM LIVE ‘Beyond “KYUN”♡,’ at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) in Tokyo! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their ninth-anniversary concert, ‘=LOVE 9th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT,’ at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO!

A release capturing the April 19 concert

The standard edition’s Type-B is a Blu-ray, catalog number VVXL-308. A DVD edition, Type-C, is also available under catalog number VVBL-233.

Sources:Official =LOVE site | Yokohama Stadium concert video editions and their contents (updated September 6 and October 7, 2026) ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrate their eighth anniversary with the ‘=LOVE 8th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM TOUR’ FINAL at Yokohama Stadium, drawing approximately 70,000 attendees over two days!

Looking back at the stadium stands and the staging of each song

At Yokohama Stadium, the group began ‘Seishun “Subliminal”’ using footage of the stands and a substage. After visiting the exterior, watching the video can make the normally baseball-viewing stands feel like part of the live performance.

The stage premiered the new songs ‘Moratorium’ and ‘Ohimesama no Tsukurikata.’ Viewers can focus on each song’s role, including Sana Morohashi as center in ‘Moratorium’ and the way ‘Tokubecchu, Shite’ closed the main set.

Type-B is a Blu-ray containing the main Yokohama Stadium concert. The completely production-limited Type-A includes the concert plus making-of footage, a 48-page photo booklet, coasters, and other extras. Type-A and Type-B differ in their included video and printed materials.

Sources:Official =LOVE site | Yokohama Stadium concert video editions and their contents (updated September 6 and October 7, 2026) ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrate their eighth anniversary with the ‘=LOVE 8th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM TOUR’ FINAL at Yokohama Stadium, drawing approximately 70,000 attendees over two days!

Research note | A business perspective: making the same song an experience unique to each concert

At =LOVE’s seventh-anniversary concert, Maika Sasaki, Iori Noguchi, and Sana Morohashi sang ‘Zuru-i yo Zuru-i ne’ with a string quartet, and Noguchi performed on bass for the first time in ‘Norotte Norotte.’ These performances and changing roles that day are details the song titles alone cannot convey. The concert suggests that adding live arrangements or a member’s new challenge to a familiar song can create a memory tied to a particular venue.

When treating a concert as a product, being able to explain ‘what will audiences see this time?’ is a strength alongside venue capacity and the number of songs. In concert reports and video-release descriptions, identifying the performers and arrangement alongside a setlist can help audiences distinguish a show from previous ones. Venue records should also preserve the performances made possible by that space, rather than stopping at the date and attendance. Building a repertoire of songs to perform again and creating new ways to present a familiar song can be treated as complementary parts of the work.

Sources:Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their largest concert to date at K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa for their seventh anniversary, drawing approximately 36,000 attendees! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE draw a record approximately 90,000 attendees on the =LOVE ARENA TOUR 2025 ‘~Timeless Tales~’; the final show takes place at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1 in Tokyo! ／ Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their largest-ever stadium show, =LOVE STADIUM LIVE ‘Beyond “KYUN”♡,’ at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) in Tokyo!

Sources

• Lockheart Castle | History of its construction in Scotland, relocation, and restoration
• Sony Music Labels | ‘Weekend Citron’ production credits and track listings for each edition
• Sony Music Labels | TIF2017 stage debut and 2023 appearance
• Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum | Facility use and music video filming history
• Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrate their sixth debut anniversary with DAY 1 of ‘=LOVE 6th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT,’ their largest concert to date, at Saitama Super Arena!
• Visitor information (hours, closing days, and COVID-19 measures) | Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
• Admission, discounts, and annual passes | Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
• Access, nearby information, and parking | Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
• Official =LOVE YouTube | ‘Weekend Citron’ filming collaboration credit
• Tourist Farm Hanahiroba | Flowering, picking, and access information
• Hana Oba official blog | First time as center for ‘Shukusai’ and filming at Lockheart Castle
• Lockheart Castle | On-site locations, hours, and address
• Sony Music Labels | =LOVE make their first appearance on THE FIRST TAKE! Maika Sasaki, Iori Noguchi, and Sana Morohashi perform ‘Anoko Complex’ in a specially arranged one-take performance.
• Official =LOVE site | Announcement of the winter tour concerts at Nippon Budokan (December 12, 2020)
• Nippon Budokan | Address and access
• TBS Channel | Broadcast information for the Yokohama Arena concert on =LOVE’s national tour ‘Zenbu, Naisho.’
• Yokohama Arena | Access
• Sony Music Labels | =LOVE draw a record approximately 90,000 attendees on the =LOVE ARENA TOUR 2025 ‘~Timeless Tales~’; the final show takes place at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1 in Tokyo!
• Japan Sport Council | Yoyogi National Gymnasium facility information
• Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their largest concert to date at K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa for their seventh anniversary, drawing approximately 36,000 attendees!
• Access and parking | K-Arena Yokohama
• Shop guide | K-Arena Yokohama
• Sony Music Labels | =LOVE celebrate their eighth anniversary with the ‘=LOVE 8th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM TOUR’ FINAL at Yokohama Stadium, drawing approximately 70,000 attendees over two days!
• Official =LOVE site | Yokohama Stadium concert video editions and their contents (updated September 6 and October 7, 2026)
• Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau | Yokohama Stadium and Yokohama Park facilities
• Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their largest-ever stadium show, =LOVE STADIUM LIVE ‘Beyond “KYUN”♡,’ at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) in Tokyo!
• MUFG Stadium | Access
• MUFG Stadium | FAQ, including general access to Sora no Mori
• Sony Music Labels | =LOVE hold their ninth-anniversary concert, ‘=LOVE 9th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT,’ at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO!
• TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO | Access
• TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO | adidas SPORTS PARK usage information
• Official =LOVE site | Group name, formation, and debut history
• Official =LOVE site | Current member profiles
• Sony Music Labels | Special live show for the release of =LOVE’s 13th single ‘Kono Sora ga Trigger’ held at The Galaxy Theatre in Tennozu!
• Sony Music Labels | ‘~Nagisa Saito Graduation Concert~ Ima Geneki Idol Chuu: I Love You All ♡’ held! Thank you for discovering and coming to love idol Nagisa Saito!
• Official =LOVE site | 17th single ‘Zettai Idol Yamenaide’ Type-E

Dates, hours, and ticket information reflect the time of writing. Check each official website for the latest information before your visit.