Logbook Bunka HANABIE’s live show at TLA in Philadelphia on March 21st, as part of her international debut tour across the United States earning applauses, intense mosh pits, and brought the fresh energy of Japanese rock to their English-speaking fans.
By: Pedro Suarez.
Photos: Alex Morales.
Spring has arrived in the United States bringing the all-female Japanese rock HANABIE, embarked on their very first international tour—far from home—to promote their new EP, HOT TOPIC. This tour marks their 10th anniversary of their musical career, which the journey began when Yukina’s powerful vocals joined forces with Matsuri on guitar, Hattsu on bass, and later with Chika on drums (2023).
Thus, HANABIE have already exceeded their loyal fan expectations across several U.S. cities; beginning with their first show in Boston on March 13th, the band has played to sold-out tickets with crowds in all the 22 selected cities, delivering an unforgettable, energetic, and vibrant musical spectacle that was truly unmissable. Their successful tour is going to end soon on April 11th in Los Angeles. The girls have gained several terrific memories and anecdotes but also have fulfilled their mission demonstrating their musical power to their fans ensuring wide open doors for a future return to North America.
The concert held in the City of Brotherly Love was preceded by chilly weather, as if winter were still stubbornly refusing to depart. Nevertheless, this proved no impediment attending their concert: two exceptionally long lines soon formed, filling one of the musical sanctuaries in South Philly, TLA (Theatre of the Living Arts), located on South Street in the vibrant heart of the city’s artistic nightlife district.
Upon the punctual opening of doors at 6:00 p.m (EST), two Californian bands entertained the long waiting HANABIE fans: Enterprise Earth, a Death Thrash Metal group, and Nekrogoblikon, featuring a choreographed stage performance with their vocalist emulating an elf amidst sounds of Rock, Noise, and Nu Metal.
At 9:20 p.m, following a slight delay intended to ensure the stage setup was flawless, the quartet launched their sound assault with NEET GAME. From that moment on, HANABIE commanded both the stage and the undivided attention of their audience, who transformed the venue floor into a massive, tireless mosh pit, unleashing adrenaline and euphoria with every melody, every riff, every beat, and every battle cry from this majestic group. The setlist continued with a further and unstoppable music onslaught: SUNRISE Miso-Soup, TOUSOU, ICONIC…
“This is our first time in Philadelphia; thank you for being here… We loved Philadelphia and especially the cheesesteaks (…) but we like things a little spicier!” With these words, Yukina electrified the already ecstatic crowd with the band’s most popular track and one of the most anticipated songs of the night: Spicy Queen. A sudden, massive wave of large inflatable red chili peppers flooded the stage -tossed in by fans- as the mosh pit expanded even further and the collective joy showed no signs of ever fading.
HANABIE closed their triumphant Philadelphia concert with Ware Amatsu, capping off a live show that spanned over 100 minutes and ended around 10:40 PM, a night in this Pennsylvania city that seemed to whisper to us: «This is not the end, but merely the beginning.» As we exited the venue, the city’s nightlife district (or Zona Rosa, as it is known that kind of city night districts in Colombia) offered us even more entertainment, cheesesteaks, street food, and plenty of Anglo-style partying.
We extend our thanks to HANABIE for delivering a spicy, rebellious, and raucous night—a reminder that their debut saw them not only burst triumphantly into the hearts of their fans, but also achieve resounding live success that will almost certainly keep us eagerly awaiting a second visit to North America, and, of course, to other continents around the world in the future. Arigato gozaimasu, HANABIE!
Bunka Wave 