NCT WISH Tokyo Concert: Komazawa Arena Success | Starnews Korea

NCT WISH Solidifies Japanese Fanbase with Sold-Out Arena Tour

NCT WISH, the rising Korean boy band, has demonstrably proven its popularity in Japan, concluding its first tour, “NCT WISH 1st CONCERT TOUR ‘INTO THE WISH: Our WISH’,” with a resounding success at the Komazawa National Gymnasium in Tokyo on January 17th and 18th. The tour, encompassing 17 performances across nine cities, saw all tickets – from limited-view to premium seating – completely sold out, attracting approximately 24,000 fans and cementing the group’s growing presence in the Japanese music market. Why did NCT WISH embark on this tour? The tour was launched to promote their debut Japanese mini-album, “WISHLIST,” and to directly engage with their burgeoning Japanese fanbase. Who is NCT WISH? NCT WISH is a seven-member boy group formed through the reality competition show “NCT Universe: LASTART.” What was the outcome? The tour was a complete sell-out, demonstrating strong demand for the group in Japan. How did it end? The tour concluded with two sold-out shows in Tokyo on January 17th and 18th, marking a successful first foray into the Japanese concert market.

Did you know? – NCT WISH is SM Entertainment’s first Japanese-focused NCT unit. The group aims to bridge the gap between Korean and Japanese music cultures,appealing to a wider audience.

A Nationwide Triumph

The tour’s success extends beyond the capital, with sold-out performances previously held in Ishikawa (November 8-9), Hiroshima (November 15), Kagawa (November 16), osaka (November 21-23), Hokkaido (November 29), Fukuoka (december 18-19), Aichi (December 21-23), and Hyogo (january 3-4).This extensive run across Japan underscores NCT WISH’s ability to connect with audiences throughout the country, establishing a solid local presence that positions them for continued growth.

Pro tip – K-pop groups frequently enough tailor performances and release Japanese-language versions of songs to better connect with local fans, a strategy NCT WISH successfully employed.

Energetic Performances Captivate Tokyo Audience

The Tokyo concerts featured dynamic performances of tracks from NCT WISH’s first Japanese mini-album, “WISHLIST,” released on January 14th. The group energized the audience with the title song, “Hello mellow,” and the track “Dreamcatcher,” delivering a performance lauded for its energy and refreshing charm.

Beyond the new album, NCT WISH showcased their versatility with Japanese-language versions of popular songs including “poppop (japanese Ver.),” “Songbird (Japanese Ver.),” “WISH (Japanese Ver.),” “Hands Up,” and “We Go!.” The setlist also included fan favorites like “COLOR,” “Surf,” “Melt Inside My Pocket,” and “NASA,” demonstrating the group’s diverse musical range and captivating the audience.

Future Performances on the Horizon

NCT WISH’s momentum continues,with a scheduled appearance at “SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in FUKUOKA” on January 31st and February 1st at the Mizuhō PayPay Dome in Fukuoka,Japan. This performance alongside other prominent SM Entertainment artists further solidifies NCT WISH’s position within the broader K-pop landscape and promises to attract an even wider audience.

Reader question – What are your thoughts on NCT WISH’s strategy of releasing Japanese-language versions of their hits? Do you think this is a good way to build a fanbase?