I can’t believe it’s been just over six months since I stood inside Yokohama Arena, surrounded by twelve thousand glowing lightsticks and just as many screaming voices, all ready to watch Travis Japan kick off their VIIsual concert tour. It had been 828 days since the group’s debut—and while I’d seen them twice before in Los Angeles, this was my first time seeing them on such a massive stage. 

The lights. The sound. The synchronized perfection. It was everything I had imagined…

Almost.

Because one piece of the puzzle was missing…

Noel. 

He had stepped away to focus on his mental health, and while the show was absolutely spectacular, his absence was deeply felt.

Fast forward 154 days, and I watched the group close out their sold-out tour with a special livestream—from the comfort of my own home. And this time? The final piece had clicked back into place.

Noel was back – and the old TJ magic was stronger than ever.

Much of the setlist mirrored what I experienced in Yokohama, kicking off with the group bursting onto the stage through trap doors for an explosive performance of ｢99 PERCENT｣—and even through the screen, I could feel the adrenaline.

Noel’s return was softer. He entered slowly, revealed in a stream of light halfway through the song—and the second he flashed that smile of his, I could almost feel the fans’ screams echoing like thunder through LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY.

I’d be lying if I said there weren’t any tears. But they weren’t just the kind you cry when your favorite group is finally reunited on stage.


They were the kind you cry when you’ve spent 982 days not just cheering from the sidelines, but getting to know them—attending concerts, conducting interviews, and even crossing paths at events like the red carpet premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King (where Genta “G” Masuda voiced Taka, or Scar, in the Japanese dub).

The new performances were also a real treat. ｢Say I do｣ was charming, while ｢Would You Like One｣—the theme song for Masuda’s film Tabekko Doubutsu THE MOVIE (English title: Dream Animals THE MOVIE)—was every bit as adorable as expected, full of playful charm. ｢Tokyo Crazy Night｣, on the other hand, was just as sexy as I imagined it would be—slick, stylish, and oozing confidence.

And speaking of sexy…

｢RUSH｣ turned up the heat even more—with ALL SEVEN tigers baring their torsos, it was clear Noel definitely hadn’t spent his hiatus on the sofa eating bonbons and binge-watching Gilmore Girls (like some of us do when focusing on mental health).
He looks fantastic.

The MC portion was a blast—light, playful, and full of personality. Umi even managed to sneak in a little plug for Lilo & Stitch (he voices David, the hunky surfer, in the Japanese dub) by proudly declaring, “TJ is Ohana!” Naturally, the others teased him for it… even though they all agreed.

It was very cute—and VERY them.

｢Lonely Stars｣—Noel and Shizu’s unit song from the VIIsual album—was an incredibly emotional highlight. As the rest of the group joined in to officially welcome Noel back, they reminded him that he was home—and that no matter what, he’ll always have a place with them.

As a whole, the concert was everything I hoped it would be. But now that the Brain Tiger is officially back… I guess that means I’ll just have to return to Tokyo for their next tour.

Twist my arm, Noel.

I’ve already got my ticket for the Anaheim show next month—where, if I’m lucky enough to score another interview, I’ll be sure to tell Noel just how much we missed him… and maybe ask him for gym tips I’ll probably never use.

Umi was right TJ is Ohana! Forever.

And there’s more to come—so…

Stay tuned.