M!LK Pilgrimage: Music Video Gardens, Shrines, and Concert Stages

Jutaro Yamanaka’s solo music video, filmed in a garden of light in his hometown. A night at Seibu-en Amusement Park celebrating M!LK’s 10th anniversary. Following M!LK’s songs leads not only to concert venues, but also to members’ hometowns and shrines where they made wishes before a release. This guide connects nine places, from Ashikaga Flower Park to Koshien Stadium, with the group’s works and milestones.

From a luminous music video garden to the 10th anniversary, a prayer, and stages for the songs

1Ashikaga Flower Park | Jutaro Yamanaka’s hometown solo music video, filmed among the lights

Wisteria trellises draped in light and illuminations reflected on the water. Ashikaga Flower Park is a garden that cultivates flowers, and from fall through winter it also offers nighttime scenery. M!LK member Jutaro Yamanaka filmed the music video for his solo song ‘Himitsu no Parade ~Daremo Inai Yume no Machi de~’ here. In a comment on the official video, released November 15, 2024, he explained that he filmed at a garden in his hometown and wrote the lyrics himself.

The solo song appears on the digital EP BIG LOVE SONGS, released for M!LK’s 10th anniversary. A member of a group that usually sings as five connected lyrics he wrote himself with a landscape tied to his own life. ‘A dream town with no one in it,’ as mentioned in the title, is not the name of a real town. The night garden serves as the setting for a story that steps a little outside everyday life.

In the official music video, Yamanaka, dressed in white, appears in a luminous garden alongside animal mascots. Looking beyond the singer to the spread of lights in the background and the depth across the water helps bring to mind the scenery to take in on site. The mascots and filming effects, however, were staged for the video; they are not part of a regular visit.

During the fall and winter illumination season, the park operates separate daytime and nighttime sessions. If you are visiting for the video’s nighttime scenery, take care not to confuse daytime admission for viewing flowers with evening admission for the illuminations. The garden’s featured flowers change with the seasons, and spring wisteria and winter wisteria lights have different appearances. Decorations from the year of filming may not remain in place.

Before your visit, check the official website for that day’s hours and park information. After seeing the nighttime scenery, revisiting the music video can bring back the garden’s full scale beyond the frame and the distance of the lights as seen from its paths. The pleasure of visiting is hearing a solo song Yamanaka chose to film in his ‘hometown’ again in a place where his background and the work come together.

Location

607 Hasama-cho, Ashikaga, Tochigi

Connection to the group

Jutaro Yamanaka’s hometown solo music video, filmed among the lights

Getting there

About a 3-minute walk from Ashikaga Flower Park Station on the JR Ryomo Line

Visitor information

Paid admission. Daytime and nighttime sessions are separate. Prices and hours vary by season and flower conditions.

Sources:M!LK official music video and Jutaro Yamanaka’s pinned comment
M!LK official announcement of the solo music video release
Ashikaga Flower Park visitor information

2Seibu-en Amusement Park | Celebrating the group’s 10th birthday at night with the M!LK fans

Seibu-en Amusement Park features Yuhigaoka Shopping Street, designed to evoke a Showa-era town. On November 24, 2024—the 10th anniversary of M!LK’s formation—the group held ‘#HappyBirthdayMilk: M!LK Turns 10!’ here. The official site reported that tickets sold out and announced a YouTube livestream for fans unable to attend in person. It was a place where people in the audience and fans watching from elsewhere celebrated the milestone together.

That day was also the digital release date of ‘I CAN DRINK.’ Ten years after their 2015 CD debut song ‘Kōhī ga Nomemasen’ (‘I Can’t Drink Coffee’), the five members sang a title that answered it. Rather than explaining how they had grown up in abstract terms, the song converses with an earlier work. For people who had listened from the beginning, it offered a sense of nostalgia; for those who discovered the group later, it provided a path back to their debut song.

The anniversary event was a post-closing concert that began at 7 p.m. The original notice instructed attendees to gather at the pool entrance and stated that park attractions and parking would not be available. These were special entry arrangements for that night. For a regular visit today, follow the park’s current operating information and use the main entrance on the Seibu-en Amusement Park Station side. Do not mistake an old concert notice for current admission instructions.

Visitors today can enjoy the amusement park’s streets and attractions during regular hours. The park does not advertise the 2024 special concert stage or displays as currently open for viewing. Photos from the event show the five members lined up in outfits each had chosen for personal reasons. It was a night when their individual histories—not just matching costumes—were celebrated at the amusement park.

The park has slopes and stairs. Check the official park map for the areas you want to visit, and look for event-day arrangements or attraction closures before setting out. According to an event report, after the livestream ended, the members performed ‘Masshiro Sunrise’ for the audience at the venue. It was an anniversary celebration for both those gathered in person and those joining from afar.

Location

2964 Yamaguchi, Tokorozawa, Saitama

Connection to the group

Celebrating the group’s 10th birthday at night with the M!LK fans

Getting there

Next to Seibu-en Amusement Park Station on the Seibu Yamaguchi Line (regular park admission)

Visitor information

Regular park admission is paid. The 2024 anniversary concert has ended; access to its special event venue is not available as part of a regular visit.

Sources:Sports Nippon | On-site report from the 10th-anniversary show at Seibu-en

Sources:M!LK official | 10th-anniversary event sold out and livestream announcement
M!LK official | Event-day venue access conditions
Seibu-en Amusement Park | Current transportation information
Seibu-en Amusement Park | Operating information

3Akagi Shrine | Writing a goal on an ema on the day a new song was released

Akagi Shrine, atop the Kagurazaka hill, enshrines the deity of Mount Akagi in Gunma. The present shrine buildings were rebuilt under architect Kengo Kuma’s design as part of the Akagi Shrine Renewal Project, completed in 2010. Its bright worship hall combines glass and wood. The grounds also include Keisetsu Tenjin Shrine, Shusse Inari Shrine, and Akagi Cafe, which uses vegetables from Gunma Prefecture.

On August 10, 2022, the release day of the single ‘Kiseki ga Sora ni Koi wo Hibikaseta,’ all five M!LK members visited. They passed together through the large torii gate, purified themselves at the water pavilion, and received a shrine blessing in the worship hall. The members offered tamagushi branches, received purification, and listened to a norito prayer.

They received a sacred talisman and marriage-blessing bracelets made with cords in the members’ colors. On ema votive plaques offered to the shrine, each member wrote a goal for the group; many expressed a wish for the fans’ happiness. Jutaro Yamanaka wrote, ‘I’ll work hard at kanji.’ Hayato Sano drew an omikuji fortune on behalf of the group; it was a ‘middle blessing.’

‘Kiseki ga Sora ni Koi wo Hibikaseta’ is the opening theme for the drama Boku no Daisuki na Tsuma!, starring Kanako Momota. From Kagurazaka Station on the Tozai Line, the shrine grounds are a short walk away. Follow the shrine’s photography guidance; avoid commemorative photos facing away from the shrine building or taken inside it. Visitors cannot enter the worship hall to recreate the members’ prayer scene.

Location

1-10 Akagimotomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Connection to the group

All five members received a shrine blessing and offered ema on August 10, 2022, the release day of ‘Kiseki ga Sora ni Koi wo Hibikaseta.’

Nearest stations

1-minute walk from Exit 1b of Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line; 5-minute walk from Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station on the Toei Oedo Line

Facilities on the grounds

Main shrine, Keisetsu Tenjin Shrine, Shusse Inari Shrine, and Akagi Cafe

Sources:THE FIRST TIMES | Prayer visit and release-day live at Akagi Shrine
Akagi Shrine | Official site
Akagi Shrine | Photography guidance for the grounds

4Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Plaza | A mini-live on the release day of the album M!X

A glass-roofed plaza at the foot of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building in Nishi-Shinjuku. The 46-year-old building was retained during renovation, which was completed on June 30, 2020. The ceiling reaches about 25 meters at its highest point, and the event space covers approximately 3,250 square meters, with room for up to 2,000 people. In a disaster, it can also serve as a temporary shelter for 2,850 people.

On March 5, 2025, the release date of their second major-label album M!X, M!LK held a mini-live here and spoke with the press. They explained that the album title’s ‘X’ layers the Roman numeral for 10 to mark the group’s 10th anniversary, and that the title came from Jutaro Yamanaka’s suggestion.

Speaking about lead track ‘Ii jan,’ Jinto Yoshida recalled being surprised on first hearing it: ‘The A and B verses sound like M!LK, then the chorus suddenly turns techno-house.’ Hayato Sano said he watched the music video and thought, ‘I wondered if a commercial had cut in.’ The song led to the group’s appearance on that year’s Kōhaku.

The live show opened with ‘I CAN DRINK’ and included the first performance of ‘Bun Bun Bun’ from the album. Daichi Shiozaki also named ‘Bun Bun Bun’ when asked which album track he liked best. During ‘Ii jan,’ Yoshida’s dance break appeared again; the release-day performance brought the song’s talking points from the press interviews onto the stage. Looking up at the broad glass roof, you can imagine an ordinary corner of the office district becoming a 45-minute concert venue.

Location

Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, 2-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Connection to the group

Venue for the M!X album-release mini-live and press interviews on March 5, 2025

Nearest stations

Directly connected to Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line; about an 8-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station

About the plaza

A glass-roofed event space completed in June 2020

Sources:Real Sound | Report on the M!X release event and press interviews
Impress Watch | Renovation of Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Plaza

5NHK Hall | Performing ‘Ii jan’ at their first appearance on the 2025 Kōhaku

NHK Hall is a concert venue beside the broadcaster’s center in Jinnan, Shibuya. It was closed for an extended period beginning in March 2021 for seismic reinforcement and other renovations; that year’s Kōhaku was held at Tokyo International Forum. At the 76th Kōhaku on December 31, 2025, after the renovations were complete, M!LK made its first appearance and performed ‘Ii jan.’

Their Kōhaku debut was announced in November 2025. ‘Ii jan,’ from the album M!X released in March, spread on social media, and the lyric ‘Bijū ii jan’ (‘Your look is so good’) was among the nominees for the 2025 New Word and Buzzword Awards. That same year, the song received an Award for Excellence at the 67th Japan Record Awards.

The group was also seen rehearsing the same song at NHK Hall on the second rehearsal day, December 29. Eleven years after the group formed in November 2014, and following its 10th-anniversary year, it had reached its first Kōhaku stage.

On days without a performance, you can see the hall’s exterior and the view from the Park Avenue side, lined with zelkova trees. Only concertgoers can enter the hall.

Location

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

Connection to the group

M!LK made its first appearance on the 76th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen on December 31, 2025, performing ‘Ii jan.’

Nearest stations

About a 10-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station or a 15-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station

Visiting

Only concert attendees may enter the hall

Sources:Oricon News | The 76th Kōhaku Uta Gassen live broadcast
Daily Sports | Announcement of four acts making their first appearance on the Kōhaku

6Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1 | Wrapping up the SMILE POP! tour with three shows

Designed by Kenzo Tange and built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the gymnasium’s sweeping suspended roof comes into view just after leaving Harajuku Station. Its cable-supported roof and seating structure were recognized when it and Gymnasium No. 2 were designated National Important Cultural Properties in August 2021—the first gymnasiums to receive the designation.

On February 10 and 11, 2026, M!LK held the final shows of M!LK ARENA TOUR 2025–2026 ‘SMILE POP!’ here. The tour, which began in December 2025, was the largest in the group’s history at that time; all tickets for its three shows over two days sold out.

The February 11 matinee opened with a stage trunk releasing musical notes and stars. The show continued with a set featuring an enormous balloon slide and swing, dancing surrounded by the audience on all sides, and a collaboration with 30 members of Komazawa University High School’s brass band. At the encore, the group performed ‘Ii jan’ and ‘Sukisugite Metsu!’ again.

The February 11 matinee opened with ‘Love Drive’ and closed its main set with ‘Goin’ Down.’ At the evening show, M!LK premiered the new song ‘Bakuretsu Aishiteru.’ A trailer for the official-channel documentary following the tour backstage was also released. That day, the group announced its next arena tour, ‘Shakariki Revolution,’ expected to draw approximately 160,000 attendees.

Location

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

Connection to the group

Final three sold-out shows of the SMILE POP! arena tour on February 10–11, 2026

Nearest station

About a 5-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station

What to see

The exterior with its suspended roof, designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2021, can be viewed from the surrounding area on non-event days.

Sources:Real Sound | Report from the SMILE POP! tour finale
Natalie | Announcement of the tour finale

7Yokohama Arena | Two days on M!X, the group’s biggest tour by attendance

A short walk from Shin-Yokohama Station, Yokohama Arena opened in 1989. It holds up to 17,000 people, including 11,000 seats that can be rearranged. Its blue glass walls and white exterior face the main road near the station.

On M!LK CONCERT TOUR 2025 ‘M!X,’ named after the album, the group performed here on June 14 and 15, 2025. The tour began at Aichi Prefectural Art Theater on April 26 and continued to Sendai, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto. Including the two days at Yokohama Arena, it had the largest attendance of any M!LK tour at that time.

The group also performed ‘Aono Oto’ ahead of its single release in July. Looking back on its first performance at Yokohama Arena, Daichi Shiozaki said he was surprised that the audience shouted ‘Oi!’ even though it was a new song.

The Yokohama Arena concert was released in full on DVD and Blu-ray on December 3, 2025. The main set begins with ‘give you,’ followed by ‘Everybody Good Job!’ and ‘Hello!’

Location

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

Connection to the group

Two Yokohama Arena dates on the M!X tour in 2025

Nearest station

5-minute walk from JR Shin-Yokohama Station; 4-minute walk from Exits 7 and 8 of Shin-Yokohama Station on the subway

Video release

DVD and Blu-ray containing the complete Yokohama Arena concert, released December 3, 2025

Sources:Oricon News | M!X tour finale in Kobe
Real Sound | Interview about ‘Aono Oto’
VICTOR ONLINE STORE | M!LK CONCERT TOUR 2025 ‘M!X’

8Hattasan Soneiji Temple | Praying for a major hit for the major-label debut single ‘Ribbon’

Hattasan Soneiji Temple in Fukuroi, Shizuoka, is known for its Kannon statue believed to ward off misfortune. Visitors also enjoy the temple’s specialty yakuyoke dango, sold at a teahouse along the approach.

In November 2021, around the release of their major-label debut single ‘Ribbon,’ M!LK visited Futaba Shrine at Hattasan to pray for the song to become a hit. A report on their visit to Akagi Shrine the following August also mentions this as an earlier prayer visit.

According to local tradition, the temple’s famous misfortune-warding dumplings were devised around 1854, during the time of the 13th shogun, Iesada, by Hachizaemon, a low-ranking samurai living near the temple gate. They were included as a gift when people went to the shogun’s castle, and the shogun’s family named them ‘skewered dumplings.’ The Dango Chaya sells takeout from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; dine-in hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Walking from Aino Station takes about 30–40 minutes, with some stretches lacking a sidewalk. Taxis are not stationed at the station, so arrange one with a taxi company in advance if needed. Hattasan has no temple-managed parking lot; standard cars must use private lots nearby. Rates vary by season and lot. Allow time to walk the approach to the main hall and visit Futaba Shrine as well.

Location

2777 Toyosawa, Fukuroi, Shizuoka

Connection to the group

In November 2021, the group prayed for a hit for its major-label debut single ‘Ribbon.’

Getting there

Walk 30–40 minutes from JR Aino Station, or use a taxi arranged in advance. Regular bus service from Fukuroi Station ended March 31, 2019.

Office hours

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Sources:THE FIRST TIMES | Prayer visit for ‘Ribbon’ and the Akagi Shrine visit
Hattasan Soneiji Temple | Access and parking
Hattasan Soneiji Temple | End of regular bus service and current transportation information
Hattasan Soneiji Temple | Yakuyoke dango

9Hanshin Koshien Stadium | ‘Ii jan’ selected as the spring Senbatsu tournament’s entrance march

Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, opened on August 1, 1924, and hosts the spring and summer high school baseball tournaments. The ivy that has become a familiar feature was planted in December of its opening year, then replanted on the exterior walls during major renovations that began in 2007. Visitors can walk around the ivy-covered walls and the series of arched gates.

‘Ii jan’ was used for the entrance procession of the 32 participating schools at the 98th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, which opened on March 19, 2026. The tournament’s organizing committee approved the selection, citing the song’s bright, positive lyrics and refreshing melody as an encouragement to the players.

As in other years, composer Itaru Sakai arranged the song for the procession. At the opening ceremony, the participating schools marched to this arrangement.

During the tournament, ‘Ii jan’ was also used for the approaching-train melody at Hanshin Koshien Station, on the way to the stadium. Music producer Minoru Mukaiya arranged this separate version for the station; it was not the same arrangement as the opening-ceremony march. The station melody was played only during the tournament. Visitors should not expect to hear it there now, but it is a memorable example of the music reaching spectators on their journeys to and from the stadium, as well as inside it.

Sources:Hanshin Electric Railway | Koshien Station’s approaching-train melody during the 2026 Senbatsu tournament

Location

1-82 Koshien-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo

Connection to the group

‘Ii jan’ was the entrance march for the 98th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in March 2026.

Nearest station

About a 2-minute walk from Koshien Station on the Hanshin Main Line

What to see

The ivy-covered exterior walls and the stadium perimeter

Sources:High School Baseball.com | Entrance march for the 98th invitational tournament

M!LK’s five members and a decade since their debut song

Formed from EBiDAN, with today’s lineup coming together in 2018

M!LK formed in November 2014 from members of EBiDAN (Ebisu Gakuen Boys’ Club), a group of young actors managed by Stardust Promotion. The group made its CD debut the following year, on March 25, 2015, with ‘Kōhī ga Nomemasen’ on the company’s label STARDUST RECORDS.

At EBiDAN THE LIVE 2018 on August 28, the group announced the addition of Jutaro Yamanaka, Shunta Sono, and Ryuya (now known as Ryuya Miyase), becoming a seven-member group. Mizuki Itagaki and Miyase graduated after the January 31, 2020 concert at Toyosu PIT, leaving the current five-member lineup. When watching older music videos or concerts, distinguishing the members at the time from the current lineup makes changes in costumes and vocal parts easier to follow.

Sources:Natalie | Coverage of the 2018 member additions

Sources:Music Natalie | Report from the January 31, 2020 graduation concert

Fans are known as ‘M!LKies’ (M!Rukiizu)

M!LK fans are called M!Rukiizu. On November 23, 2021, the day before the group’s major-label debut, it held the fan-club event ‘Just Before Our Major-Label Debut: M!Rukiizu, Let’s All Get Together 2021’ at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall. The five members bowed deeply together at the end, then closed with a greeting led by Shunta Sono.

From ‘Kōhī ga Nomemasen’ to ‘I CAN DRINK’

The 10th-anniversary song ‘I CAN DRINK’ was released digitally on November 24, 2024. Created as an answer to the debut song ‘Kōhī ga Nomemasen,’ it expresses gratitude to the fans.

The 10 years it took the group that ‘couldn’t drink coffee’ to say ‘I CAN DRINK’ became the title of both a tour and a video release. The March 2025 M!X album-release mini-live also began with this song.

‘Ii jan’ and ‘Sukisugite Metsu!’ changed the group’s trajectory

Kanata Okajima and Hayato Yamamoto wrote and composed ‘Ii jan.’ Smith directed the music video. Shunta Sono has said that the lyrics consistently affirm the other person wholeheartedly.

‘Sukisugite Metsu!,’ released digitally in October 2025, also spread widely. In February 2026, it became the group’s first song to surpass 100 million cumulative streams on Oricon’s weekly streaming chart. At a February 18 release event, Sano said they had aimed to make a song that surpassed ‘Ii jan’ and were surprised by the response to ‘Sukisugite Metsu!’

At the same February 2026 event, Yamanaka said the group hoped to appear on Kōhaku again, while Yoshida said he wanted them to be in a position to announce a dome concert. For listeners who first discovered the group through a hit song, visiting NHK Hall and Yokohama Arena can help put the members’ hopes for their next stages into context alongside the music.

Sources:Oricon | Streaming record as of February 16, 2026

Sources:Real Sound | Press interview on February 18

‘Aono Oto’ showed another central part of the group’s sound

The July 2025 single ‘Aono Oto’ is a commercial song for the body-care brand Sea Breeze. Jinto Yoshida said it is filled with what makes M!LK distinctive and that he hopes the group will continue to perform it as one of its core songs.

For the music video, Hayato Sano developed the concept during a planning meeting, depicting two worlds: idols and a baseball team. Jutaro Yamanaka also introduced the school-uniform costumes inspired by the Heisei era. Daichi Shiozaki said the group had decided before ‘Ii jan’ became widely popular to end the main set with ‘Ii jan’ and place ‘Aono Oto’ in the encore.

In 2026, a single brought together the five-member group and unit songs

Released digitally on April 27, 2026, ‘Idol Power’ is the first installment of the ‘Mōretsu Mōshin! Release Project 2026.’ The official channel has also released music videos for songs with different member pairings: ‘Tsumi to Batsu to Ame to Kiss’ by Hayato Sano and Jinto Yoshida, ‘Shin Unmei’ by Shunta Sono and Jutaro Yamanaka, and ‘Shiozaki Wonderland,’ Daichi Shiozaki’s solo song.

The mini-album LOVE ENG!NE, released September 16, includes ‘Idol Power,’ ‘You! Joy! Parade!,’ and three new songs. Each member’s solo edition adds a unit song they took part in as track six: ‘Shin Unmei’ on Yamanaka and Sono’s editions, ‘Shiozaki Wonderland’ on Shiozaki’s, and ‘Tsumi to Batsu to Ame to Kiss’ on Sano and Yoshida’s. Alongside songs by all five, the release lets listeners enjoy different combinations of voices.

BIG LOVE SONGS in 2024 presented one solo song for each member; in 2026, the group expanded to pairings that sing together. If you discovered Yamanaka through his music video at Ashikaga Flower Park, comparing his solo song with his duet with Sono offers one way in. You can first get to know one member through a place, then follow that connection back to the group’s songs.

Sources:M!LK official | Track listings for each edition of LOVE ENG!NE

The ‘STARS’ music video was filmed at a wedding venue in Omiya

The music video for ‘STARS,’ released in 2022, was filmed at the wedding venue Anniversary Omiya in Omiya, Saitama. The operator’s filming credits list the release date, song title, and venue.

Anniversary Omiya is a venue for weddings. Its filming credit is not an invitation to visit the music-video location as a tourist. Since public visiting conditions could not be confirmed, this guide introduces the place as one to enjoy through the video.

‘Bakuretsu Aishiteru,’ released as a double A-side single in February 2026, has a music video set in a galaxy. Filming took place at Nikkatsu Chofu Studio in Chofu, Tokyo, with LED screens used for the background. LED TOKYO, which installed the screens, says the 9-meter-wide display conveyed the atmosphere without relying heavily on computer-generated imagery. When looking for filming locations, remember that scenery seen on screen is not necessarily a real-world tourist site.

Sources:Anniversary | Filming credits for STARS

Sources:LED TOKYO | LED screen installation for ‘Bakuretsu Aishiteru’ filming

Key milestones for the group

1. November 2014M!LK formed from members of EBiDANFormation
2. March 25, 2015CD debut with ‘Kōhī ga Nomemasen’Music
3. December 2017Third-anniversary concert ‘Shirokuro Gyūnyū World’ at Pacifico YokohamaConcert
4. August 28, 2018Announced the addition of Jutaro Yamanaka, Shunta Sono, and othersLineup
5. August 20, 2021Announced major-label debut at Zepp TokyoConcert
6. November 24, 2021Released major-label debut single ‘Ribbon’; prayed for its success at HattasanMusic
7. February 13, 2022First solo concert at Pacifico Yokohama National Convention HallConcert
8. August 10, 2022Released ‘Kiseki ga Sora ni Koi wo Hibikaseta’; prayed at Akagi ShrineMusic
9. November 3, 2024First arena tour for the 10th anniversary at Saitama Super ArenaConcert
10. November 24, 2024Released the 10th-anniversary song ‘I CAN DRINK’ digitallyMusic
11. December 22, 2024Tour finale at Osaka-jō HallConcert
12. March 5, 2025Released M!X; held a mini-live at Shinjuku’s Triangle PlazaMusic
13. July 20, 2025M!X tour finale at Kobe World Memorial HallConcert
14. October 2025Released ‘Sukisugite Metsu!’ digitallyMusic
15. December 31, 2025Made their first appearance on the 76th Kōhaku Uta Gassen at NHK HallBroadcast
16. February 11, 2026SMILE POP! tour finale at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1Concert
17. March 19, 2026Spring invitational tournament opened; ‘Ii jan’ was its entrance marchLocal connection

Research note | A business perspective: connecting a member’s own story with the appeal of a place

In a comment on the official video for his solo song ‘Himitsu no Parade ~Daremo Inai Yume no Machi de~,’ Jutaro Yamanaka says that he wrote the lyrics and filmed at Ashikaga Flower Park in his hometown. It is an example of the landscape of a luminous garden coming together with the member’s hometown and creative process. Seibu-en Amusement Park, by contrast, is connected to a milestone for the entire group: M!LK’s 10th-anniversary event. A personal journey and a group’s history call for different stories, even when the connection is to a tourist attraction.

When a facility partners with an artist, it is worth learning not only whether the setting will look good, but also why that person has a reason to speak about the place. Continuing to share the person’s own words alongside the work after filming can show why it was made there. Ashikaga Flower Park also offers experiences it provides every day, such as flowers and seasonal light displays. Making it possible for people drawn by a work to encounter the appeal of the place itself offers a starting point for thinking about an ongoing relationship beyond a single shoot.

Sources:M!LK official music video and Jutaro Yamanaka’s pinned comment ／ M!LK official | Solo music video announcement ／ Ashikaga Flower Park | Visitor information

Sources

• M!LK official music video and Jutaro Yamanaka’s pinned comment
• M!LK official | Solo music video announcement
• Ashikaga Flower Park | Visitor information
• Sports Nippon | On-site report from the 10th-anniversary show at Seibu-en
• M!LK official | 10th-anniversary event sold out and livestream announcement
• M!LK official | Event-day venue access conditions
• Seibu-en Amusement Park | Current transportation information
• Seibu-en Amusement Park | Operating information
• THE FIRST TIMES | Prayer visit and release-day live at Akagi Shrine
• Akagi Shrine | Official site
• Akagi Shrine | Photography guidance for the grounds
• Real Sound | Report on the M!X release event and press interviews
• Impress Watch | Renovation of Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Plaza
• Oricon News | The 76th Kōhaku Uta Gassen live broadcast
• Daily Sports | Announcement of four acts making their first appearance on the Kōhaku
• Real Sound | Report from the SMILE POP! tour finale
• Natalie | Announcement of the tour finale
• VICTOR ONLINE STORE
• Oricon News | M!X tour finale in Kobe
• Real Sound | Interview about ‘Aono Oto’
• Victor Entertainment | ‘Ribbon’ special site
• Hattasan Soneiji Temple | Access and parking
• Hattasan Soneiji Temple | End of regular bus service and current transportation information
• Hattasan Soneiji Temple | Yakuyoke dango
• Hanshin Electric Railway | Koshien Station’s approaching-train melody during the 2026 Senbatsu tournament
• High School Baseball.com | Entrance march for the 98th invitational tournament
• Natalie | Coverage of the 2018 member additions
• Music Natalie | Report from the January 31, 2020 graduation concert
• Oricon | Streaming record as of February 16, 2026
• Real Sound | Press interview on February 18
• M!LK official | Track listings for each edition of LOVE ENG!NE
• Anniversary | Filming credits for STARS
• LED TOKYO | LED screen installation for ‘Bakuretsu Aishiteru’ filming