Akina Nakamori Makes First Outdoor Festival Appearance at Oita Jigoro Rock and Hints at Return to Kohaku Uta Gassen Stage

She gave passionate performances of hit songs such as DESIRE – Passion and TATTOO.
Her comedic MC, saying “I’m still alive!” was a big hit with the audience.

“Still Alive!”

After performing her hit song “DESIRE,” Nakomori Akina (59) made a self-deprecating joke that sent the crowd at the Oita Sports Park outdoor stage into the biggest excitement of the day.

Behind Akina, music producer Tetsuya Komuro (66) smiled and watched over her performance.

“The scheduled end of the stage was approaching, and Akina hadn’t appeared yet Just when I thought she wasn’t coming, the intro of ‘DESIRE’ played. After that, I was so moved I can’t even remember what happened” (a man in his 50s who came from Osaka).

The announcement that Akina would perform at the outdoor music festival “Jigoroque” in Oita was a huge shock. She would be performing on the stage produced by Komuro, titled “-TK LEGENDARY WORKS-.” This announcement was made in December of the previous year.

For Akina, performing at an outdoor festival was a first in her 43-year career. It was also her first live performance outside of fan club events in 16 years. But why did she choose her first big performance to be at an outdoor festival?

A representative from her agency, HZ VILLAGE, revealed the reason behind her decision to participate:

“Komuro-san had provided her with several songs, including ‘Aibu’ (1994), and it was through that connection that we received an invitation from Komuro’s office. For Akina, the deciding factor was that if Komuro-san is going to be on stage with me, which is why she decided to participate.”

“Turning 60 in July!” Hilarious MC and Stunning Singing Talent

On April 19, the first day of her two-day performance, the sun was strong, and the temperature neared summer-like levels. The approximately 45-minute performance was filled with intense heat.

After performing “DESIRE,” her MC featured the phrase “I’m still alive!” followed by “I’ll be turning 60 in July!” which once again brought laughs with her humorous side.

After performing “MOONLIGHT SHADOW – Howl at the Moon” and “Aibu,” both provided by Komuro, she joked, “I’m not singing anymore, I’m too tired (laughs),” continuing to entertain with her comedic remarks.

As a huge encore erupted, Akina’s voice shouted, “This is the last song, let’s get wild, get wild, get wild!” and with that, Komuro played the intro to the hit song “TATTOO.” Her powerful vocals blew away any trace of self-deprecating humor, and the applause continued long after the song ended.

After performing four songs, Akina sang TM NETWORK’s “Get Wild” with fellow performers Kiyoshi Hikawa (47) and Ami Suzuki (43). Before leaving the stage, she shared a heartfelt hug with Komuro, which hinted at their strong bond, marking the end of the performance.

Akina’s critic, Akina Nakamori (a pen name based on the singer’s name), couldn’t hide his emotional reaction.

“For those of us who lived through the golden seven years before her brief hiatus, she is a symbol of youth itself. There were fans who thought she might never sing on stage again. Her appearance at the outdoor festival is a powerful message of complete revival to her fans.”

 

On the second day of her performance, in contrast to the previous day, it rained heavily when she appeared on stage. “I’m a hare onna (good luck with sunny weather),” she joked, and her talk was just as sharp as the day before.

After reporting that she had dined with Komuro and the staff the previous night, a fan from the audience asked, “What did you eat?” Akina responded in her husky voice, “Meat,” which got the fans excited. She performed the same four songs as the previous day, and her first appearance at an outdoor festival ended in great success.

The staff member from her agency revealed Akina’s thoughts after the two-day performance:

“Everyone was smiling, enjoying the music, and cheering loudly. As Akina Nakamori, I was able to have a very happy time.”

Rising Momentum for Kohaku Appearance

Akina, who showcased her remarkable singing in front of a large audience, is already drawing intense attention from TV professionals. According to an executive from a production company:

“At Jigoro Rock, she proved her singing voice is still as strong as ever. Her MC was flawless as well. There is no doubt that offers from major summer music programs will flood in.”

Once her singing performances start being seen on TV, momentum for her potential return to the Kouhaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Singing Contest) will undoubtedly rise, potentially marking her first appearance since 2014. The previously mentioned Akina expert passionately comments:

“Last year, there were rumors about her appearance on Kouhaku. The desire for her return remains strong. As a fan, I’d be happy just hearing her sing again, but at the same time, I can’t help but want to witness the moment when history is made once again with her appearance on Kouhaku. She’s a symbol of the golden age of television, and the ongoing Showa Revival trend will undoubtedly support her inclusion.”

On the first day of Jigoro Rock, Komuro sent a powerful message to Akina: “Please continue to shine and start from here.” The resurrected diva is taking her first steps toward a new chapter.

The New Legend of the Diva Begins in Oita

From the May 9, 16, and 23, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”