Singer-songwriter Kayoko Yoshizawa took the stage at Tokyo’s Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall on Sunday, April 20, for her solo show “Yume de Aetatte Shouganai de Show,” where she announced the release of her latest track “Memory,” set to drop on Wednesday, May 14—exactly 11 years since her debut.
The concert marked Yoshizawa’s second headlining appearance at the historic Hibiya Yaon venue and unfolded within a whimsical, fictional setting titled “Yume de Aetatte Shouganai de Shoutengai” (roughly, “The Shopping Street Where It’s No Use Even If We Met in a Dream”). The show featured a unique two-part structure: the first act themed “Sushi Yoshizawa” and the second, “Snack Kayoko.”
The night welcomed a lineup of special guests with close ties to Yoshizawa, including Mao Abe, Hama Okamoto (OKAMOTO’S), Rika Mayama and Kaho Kobayashi of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, and First Summer Uika. Backed by a seasoned band—Tomohiko Gondo, Ichiyo Izawa, Erino Yumiki, Wataru Iga, and Daichi Ito—Yoshizawa delivered an emotional setlist of 19 songs, blending storytelling and song in her signature style.
During the encore, Kayoko Yoshizawa performed her new song “Memory,” which was specially written as the theme song for the 75th National Tree Planting Festival to be held in her hometown of Saitama Prefecture. The lyrics and composition were written by Yoshizawa herself, with the arrangement handled by Ryo Konishi (Zouminsha / CRCK/LCKS). Before performing the song, Yoshizawa shared a brief comment: “This song is about my hometown, a place I couldn’t quite face. But after walking for a long time, I realized it was always connected to that hometown.” The jacket for the single features a childhood photo of Yoshizawa.
Additionally, during the concert, it was announced that Yoshizawa would be embarking on a nationwide live house tour starting in late October. Each show will feature a band performance, with further details to be announced at a later date.
Kayoko Yoshizawa “Memory”
Release Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Lyrics & Composition: Kayoko Yoshizawa / Arrangement: Ryo Konishi (Zouminsha, CRCK/LCKS)
Theme song for the 75th National Tree Planting Festival
