A STARTO concert isn’t just a show—it’s a fully immersive experience. In the heart of the storm, it’s easy to get swept away, the sheer energy of the moment blurring details into a fever dream of music and magic. That’s what makes these Blu-ray releases so special—they allow me to relive those unforgettable nights from a whole new perspective, capturing angles and moments I might have missed and adding to the growing tapestry of memories these concerts create.

Ae! group’s Debut Tour, ～世界で1番AぇLIVE～ [初回盤], (English: The World’s Most AeLIVE [First Press Edition]) is no exception.

Nearly a year has passed since they became the flagship act to debut under the reinvigorated STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, and in that time, they’ve been unstoppable—carving out a place of their own  and introducing fans around the world to a bold,new kind of STARTO sound.

Seiya Suezawa, Yoshinori Masakado, Keita Richard Kusama, Ken Kojima, and Masaya Sano—five breathtakingly talented and impossibly magnetic young men—weren’t a group I was initially drawn to. But as I got to know them, they didn’t just catch my attention—they captured it and claimed it for themselves. These guys are incredible and even though the odds stacked against them, they didn’t just rise—they soared, packing the Ariake Arena in Tokyo with 15,000 fans— who, including me—were eager to watch them fly.

The Blu-ray captures every detail: the shimmering lights, the intricate choreography, and the raw emotion etched into every member’s face. Tracks like “Aぇ! LAND,” “+You,” and “WANT!!” keep you moving along with the fans in the arena, while their rendition of Naniwa Danshi’s “The Answer” offered a nostalgic nod to the group that first introduced me to STARTO. When they teased their second single, “Gotta Be,” I couldn’t help but jam along. Since its release, the song has become one of my favorite tracks across all STARTO groups, and my excitement hasn’t waned.

Rewatching “PRIDE” was especially emotional. Sitting here, seeing them on screen, I was transported back to the first time I interviewed the group about this song. That’s when the full weight of their journey hit me. These guys have gone through so much, facing countless obstacles, but they’ve channeled that pain and frustration into some of the most incredible pieces of art I’ve ever experienced—both musically and visually.

《A》BEGINNING” was a declaration of victory, “Gotta Be” a bold promise of what’s to come, and “Hello,” the first track previewed from their debut album D.N.A., the culmination of everything they’ve ever dreamed of.

Ae! group is just getting started. Between their concerts and the BORDERLESS docu-series airing on Netflix, they’ve welcomed every single one of us along for the ride.

The best is yet to come, so…. 

Stay Tuned!