[Live Report] BILLBOARD-JAPAN.COM: [GACKT Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY-] The Demon King's Ritual Begins
"GACKT Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY- organized by billboard classics"—a fusion of GACKT, the rock band YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz (YFCz), and the full orchestra Grand Philharmonic Tokyo—kicked off on July 14 at the Main Hall of Westa Kawagoe in Saitama.
True to GACKT’s declaration that he would "create a world no one else can imitate," the stage was meticulously polished down to the finest detail, with rehearsals continuing right up until the doors opened. A unique atmosphere of heat and excitement filled the venue before the show even began, as the audience was enveloped in the tension, exhilaration, and anticipation typical of an opening night.
As the opening bell rang out and gradually morphed into a sound effect resembling a rumbling earth, two figures clad in masks and capes—"Darkness" and "Shadow"—appeared on stage. Acting as guides standing at the boundary between the mortal realm and the Demon King's world, they addressed the audience, explaining that the "Maou Symphony" was a ritual designed to "confront forgotten memories once more." Then, as the curtain rose and the Demon King descended, the boundary between stage and audience dissolved; transcending time and space, a unified world emerged. The ritual had finally begun.
The opening number was "ARROW." As conductor Kakushi Yoneda led YFCz (also masked and caped) and the Grand Philharmonic Tokyo in the intro, the entire audience rose to their feet. It was a bold arrangement that launched straight into the chorus. The sheer power of the heavy drums and the sweeping, surging strings instantly engulfed the crowd. The song perfectly embodied the "Maou Symphony"—a dark fantasy world—deeply imbued with themes of life, death, and the yearning for reincarnation.
The stage layout was striking; the members of YFCz were positioned so that they were interspersed among the 59-piece orchestra. Here, too, the boundaries between the band and the orchestra dissolved, creating the impression of a single, unified musical ensemble. "NOESIS," with its weighty introduction, saw the orchestra organically intertwine with the driving momentum generated by the drums and bass; the result was an aggressive yet alluring sound—reminiscent of heavy gothic rock—while the string section’s outro created a beautiful, lingering resonance.
The sound production was particularly noteworthy. The band and orchestra never clashed; instead, each sound rang out with clarity. While individual notes maintained their distinct character, they ultimately converged into a single, powerful arrow that pierced the hearts of the audience. This meticulously crafted soundscape demonstrated a clear evolution from the previous two "Maou Symphony" performances.
"Tsumi no Keishou -ORIGINAL SIN-" began with a melancholic melody before suddenly erupting into a wall of beautiful, thunderous sound. This industrial metal track—fueled by explosive low-end beats and twin guitars—featured a chorus with a grand, classical-style melody; the new arrangement brought the song's contours into sharper relief. The combination of the sound and GACKT’s expressive vocals created a deeply immersive experience.
"UNTIL THE LAST DAY" was an anthem-like modern loud rock track that inspired the spirit of a warrior. The triple-guitar arrangement was intense yet pleasing to the ear, while the soaring vocals in the chorus evoked a sense of liberation, allowing lyrics that embodied GACKT’s philosophy of life to resonate directly with the listener. Amidst searchlight-like beams cutting through the darkness, "IN FLAMES" was unleashed. The deep bass tones reverberated in the chest, while the orchestral "build-up" before the chorus—and the tension created by the cello and brass sections before the finale—added a striking contrast to this modern hard rock track.
And then, the performance moved into "LAST SONG." The ferocious sound of YFCz, delicate piano, and dramatically swelling strings expressed a blend of coldness and passion. The vocals—enduring sorrow while singing a plea for the beloved to remain unchanged, even though they would never meet again—elevated the track into a rock ballad that combined delicacy with grandeur. "LAPIS" was performed, beginning with a simple intro of cello, harp, and violin layered over serene piano. As smoke filled the air, the layered sounds of woodwinds and brass created an increasingly ethereal atmosphere. Even staple live tracks were given clever, innovative arrangements, revealing new facets of the songs. Yet, in this number originally released in 1999, the hope and determination of a young GACKT—singing that "even if dreams leave scars, nothing changes"—continued to shine brightly.
GACKT took the conductor's podium, swapping places with the conductor. "FOUR SEASONS -I-" was a ballad medley evoking the changing seasons, comprising "HAKURO," "DAY BREAKERS," and "Sakura, Chiru..." The orchestration was superb, highlighting and enhancing the beautiful melodies of each song. Guided by GACKT’s fluid conducting, the instruments wove together a rich tapestry of sound. Like a single suite, the imagery of the four seasons vividly came to life.
As GACKT returned to the front of the stage, the lingering notes of the piano signaled that the story would continue. He performed "Setsugetsuka -THE END OF SILENCE-," the continuation of "FOUR SEASONS -I-." Clutching a handheld microphone, GACKT enveloped the audience with a poignant melody, beautiful Japanese lyrics, and powerful falsetto. Though the stage lights were focused on him, it seemed as if his singing itself was transforming into light, pouring out over the audience. "CLAY MORE" delivers a breathtaking performance where earth-shaking, heavy guitar riffs intersect with the driving momentum created by woodwinds, horns, and a harp, all blending with the band's sound. With a melody that feels instantly familiar and lyrics exploring the dramatic aesthetics of a farewell, this weighty dark-fantasy rock track commands an overwhelming presence within the setlist.
Then came a major highlight of the "Maou Symphony" that the audience had been eagerly awaiting: the premiere of the new song "STAND ALONE." While the chorus had already been revealed, the song was finally unveiled in its entirety. This track serves as the theme song for the drama *Black Trick: The Lawyer Who Manipulates Judgment* (premiering July 20, airing Mondays at 9 PM)—a show garnering attention as GACKT’s first starring role in a Fuji TV drama. Opening with a heroic intro, the song is an intense yet melodic number that builds a sense of rapid momentum through urgent beats, roaring guitars, and dazzling lighting effects. A striking bridge before the chorus heightens the tension to its peak before surging into a chorus of explosive release—a truly spectacular moment of power. It is a potent theme song that further heightens anticipation for the drama's story.
The finale was "LOST ANGELS," a magnificent medium-tempo rock ballad steeped in deep pathos. The poignant, crisp piano notes and sweeping strings created a powerful performance that dynamically shifted between stillness and motion; the ensemble grew increasingly intense toward the climax, as if emotions were bursting forth. Delivering lyrics rich with meaning through vocals that were both powerful and alluring, the show reached its grand conclusion. The "Maou" (Demon King) left the stage, and the guides "Yami" (Darkness) and "Kage" (Shadow) reappeared to announce the end of the ritual, sending the audience back to reality with a prayer: "May you live a life where you never need to open this door again." Each audience member likely headed home carrying the message that "a work of art lives on in people's memories" and the "Maou's" (Demon King's) question: "Am I living for my own happiness?"
The show featured new arrangements that surprised even long-time fans who had walked this path with GACKT; vivid sound and rich ensemble arrangements resonating from every direction; a profound vocal performance that felt rawer and more visceral than ever; and lighting design that wove a narrative. All these elements fused together to create a world unlike anything seen before. GACKT explained that the tour was titled "INFINITY" to signify "casting off constraints and stereotypes, setting no limits, and unleashing expression without bound." True to those words, the 90-minute performance was an experience that transcended the boundaries between rock and orchestra, and between music and storytelling.
The tour has only just begun. One can only anticipate how this "ritual" will deepen as it travels across the country, and what kind of "Maou's world" will be fully realized by the final show on August 29th. It was an overwhelming opening night that sparked such high expectations. Text: Hisakatsu Tanaka / Photo: Lestat C&M Project
◎Performance Information
[GACKT Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY- organized by billboard classics]
July 14, 2026 (Tue) Saitama: Westa Kawagoe, Main Hall | Doors 17:00 / Start 18:00
July 18, 2026 (Sat) Miyagi: Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi | Doors 17:00 / Start 18:00
July 26, 2026 (Sun) Hiroshima: JMS Aster Plaza, Main Hall | Doors 16:00 / Start 17:00
August 2, 2026 (Sun) Fukuoka: Kurume City Plaza, The Grand Hall | Doors 16:00 / Start 17:00
August 11, 2026 (Tue/Holiday) Tokyo: Bunkyo Civic Hall, Main Hall | Doors 13:00 / Start 14:00
August 11, 2026 (Tue/Holiday) Tokyo: Bunkyo Civic Hall, Main Hall | Doors 17:00 / Start 18:00
August 15, 2026 (Sat) Aichi: Kariya City Cultural Center Iris, Main Hall | Doors 16:00 / Start 17:00
August 18, 2026 (Tue) Hokkaido: Sapporo Education and Culture Hall, Main Hall | Doors 17:00 / Start 18:00
August 29, 2026 (Sat) Osaka: Tokyo Tatemono Brillia HALL (Minoh), Main Hall | Doors 13:00 / Start 14:00
August 29, 2026 (Sat) Osaka: Tokyo Tatemono Brillia HALL Minoh Main Hall – Doors Open 17:00 / Show Starts 18:00
[GACKT Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY- organized by billboard classics]
July 14, 2026 – Westa Kawagoe Main Hall (Saitama)
1. ARROW (Orchestration by Hinako YOKOUCHI)
2. NOESIS (Orchestration by Mikina KAINUMA)
3. Tsumi no Keishou -ORIGINAL SIN- (Orchestration by Hitomi KOTO)
4. UNTIL THE LAST DAY (Orchestration by Hitomi KOTO)
5. IN FLAMES (Orchestration by Kei SATO)
6. LAST SONG (Orchestration by Mikina KAINUMA)
7. LAPIS (Orchestration by Hiromasa MATSUI)
8. FOUR SEASONS -I- (Orchestration by Ryunosuke KASAI)
Hakuro -HAKURO-
Akatsukizukiyo -DAY BREAKERS-
Sakura, Chiru...
Setsugetsuka -THE END OF SILENCE-
9. CLAYMORE (Orchestration by Shuwa NAGAI)
10. STAND ALONE (Orchestration by Shoya KITAGAWA)
11. LOST ANGELS (Orchestration by Hitomi KOTO)
-Setlist-
[GACKT Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY- organized by billboard classics]
July 14, 2026 – Westa Kawagoe Main Hall (Saitama)
ARROW (Orchestration by Hinako YOKOUCHI)
NOESIS (Orchestration by Mikina KAINUMA)
Tsumi no Keishou -ORIGINAL SIN- (Orchestration by Hitomi KOTO)
UNTIL THE LAST DAY (Orchestration by Hitomi KOTO)
IN FLAMES (Orchestration by Kei SATO)
LAST SONG (Orchestration by Mikina KAINUMA)
LAPIS (Orchestration by Hiromasa MATSUI)
FOUR SEASONS -I- (Orchestration by Ryunosuke KASAI)
Hakuro -HAKURO-
Akatsukizukiyo -DAY BREAKERS-
Sakura, Chiru...
Setsugetsuka -THE END OF SILENCE-
CLAYMORE (Orchestration by Shuwa NAGAI)
STAND ALONE (Orchestration by Shoya KITAGAWA)
LOST ANGELS (Orchestration by Hitomi KOTO)
Cast: GACKT
Conductors: Satoshi Yoneda (Saitama, Miyagi, Tokyo, Aichi, Hokkaido), Fumiaki Murakami (Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Osaka)
Orchestra: Grand Philharmonic Tokyo (Saitama, Miyagi, Tokyo, Aichi, Hokkaido), Grand Philharmonic Kyoto (Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Osaka)
Band: YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz
-Tickets- All seats reserved; tax included
1F Black Diamond Seat: ¥100,000 (1F Standing; guaranteed seat within the front 3 rows; includes exclusive Black Diamond Seat merchandise)
1F Diamond Seat: ¥60,000 (1F Standing; guaranteed seat in the front block, 4th row or further back; includes exclusive Diamond Seat merchandise)
1F Platinum Seat: ¥35,000 (1F Standing; guaranteed seat in the middle block; includes exclusive Platinum Seat merchandise)
1F S Seat: ¥18,000 (1F Standing; seat in the rear block)
2F Diamond Seat: ¥60,000 (2F Seated viewing; guaranteed seat within the front 2 rows; includes exclusive Diamond Seat merchandise)
2F & Above S Seat: ¥18,000 (Seated viewing on 2F or 3F)
2F & Above A Seat: ¥13,000 (Seated viewing on 2F or above; seats located behind S Seats)
General ticket sales now open
-Official Performance Website-
https://billboard-cc.com/GACKT2026
-Important Notes-
*1F is "all-standing" (though seats are provided); 2F and above are designated seated areas.
*Preschool children are not permitted to enter.
*Ticket limit: Maximum of 4 tickets per person per performance (maximum of 2 tickets for Black Diamond Seats only).
*Customers requiring wheelchair access, please contact the inquiry office.
*One ticket is required per person. Admission will not be granted to those who have lost their tickets or forgotten to bring them on the day of the performance.
*Please be sure to check the important notices posted on the official website when purchasing tickets.
(Information for attendees: https://billboard-cc.com/notice)
-Inquiries regarding the performance-
[Saitama/Tokyo] Kyodo Tokyo: 0570-550-799 (Weekdays 11:00–18:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00–18:00)
[Miyagi] Edward Live: 022-266-7555 (11:00–15:00 / Closed weekends & holidays)
[Hiroshima] YUMEBANCHI (Hiroshima): 082-249-3571 (12:00–17:00 / Closed weekends & holidays)
[Fukuoka] BEA: 092-712-4221 (Weekdays 12:00–16:00)
[Aichi] Sunday Folk Promotion: 052-320-9100 (Daily 12:00–18:00)
[Hokkaido] Doshin Play Guide: 0570-00-3871 (10:00–19:00 / Closed Tuesdays)
[Osaka] Kyodo Information: 0570-200-888 (12:00–17:00 / Closed Sundays & holidays)
Source: Billboard-japan.com
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA
GACKT OFFICIAL BITFAN - JUL 16 2026: GACKT "Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY-" (Organized by billboard classics) – Live Report
GACKT Official Bitfan update. Translation below
On July 14, 2026, the curtain rose on "Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY-" at Westa Kawagoe.
The first thing that must be conveyed is that "Maou Symphony" is not merely a concert. It is a ritual—an opportunity to confront memories one had thought were long forgotten.
People forget in order to survive. Yet, there come moments in life when one must reunite with emotions and memories left behind. "Maou Symphony" exists for that very purpose. The audience gathers here for more than just the music; they are drawn to this place to face memories slumbering deep within their souls and to reconnect with the true selves they had nearly forgotten.
Countless red lights fill the venue. The "Maou" (Demon King) refers to the glow sticks held aloft by the audience as "Keys of Light."
The ritual begins with the appearance of grotesque, otherworldly figures—beings that seem like jesters yet are not, and resemble mummies yet are not. Dominating the stage with bizarre, unearthly movements, they mock and toy with those gathered for the ritual, beckoning them into their realm.
This caricatured staging effortlessly shatters the audience's conventional notions of reality. As the entire venue is overwhelmed by the spectacle, the scene unfolds as if GACKT’s inner world has been directly brought to life.
This introductory segment was crafted to visualize the philosophy of "Maou Symphony" and to convey its ideology to the audience with greater depth and vividness. It is a grand, opera-style dramatic sequence conceived and directed by GACKT himself.
Majestic melodies and imposing staging envelop the venue, instantly drawing the audience into an otherworldly realm. An atmosphere of mixed surprise and anticipation swept through the venue at the start of an opening no one had foreseen.
This was not merely the beginning of a concert.
It was the start of a magnificent ritual designed to unlock the doors to forgotten memories.
The ritual’s musical program unfolded with a blend of calm composure and triumphant spirit.
This was no simple performance of songs. Each track held significance; every single note was imbued with the power to awaken memories. Joy, loss, loneliness, anger, affection—emotions left behind in the journey of life—surfaced one after another, summoned by the majestic fusion of orchestral grandeur and rock intensity.
The "Maou’s" (Demon King’s) voice pierced the hearts of the audience—at times tender, at others cruelly sharp. Scenes long forgotten, feelings kept under lock and key, a past one had vowed never to revisit—all of these rose to the surface, guided by the melody, as people throughout the audience began to confront their own personal stories.
On the coliseum-like stage, the magnificent resonance of the orchestra clashed and merged with the overwhelming passion of the YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz members—who were positioned across the space—enveloping the audience like a raging torrent one moment and a prayer the next. Amidst this surging tide of sound, the audience came to a gradual realization.
They hadn't truly forgotten.
They had merely been pretending to forget.
As the ritual deepened, the countless "keys of light" filling the venue coalesced into a single, massive beam, bridging the Maou’s world with the realm of the living.
Only those who accept their past can move forward.
"Maou Symphony" is not merely a place to listen to music.
It is a pilgrimage—a ritual to liberate the memories etched into one’s soul and to connect the past, the present, and the future.
That is why the end of the night does not mark a true conclusion.
For those who have completed the ritual return to the world of the living as new versions of themselves, carrying the memories they have reclaimed close to their hearts. Throughout the performance, the Demon King GACKT employs his overwhelming expressive power to portray a blend of conflicting emotions: beauty, transience, and a sense of perilous fragility. Responding to his presence, the members of YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz and the orchestral musicians weave this world together, pouring their very souls into every single note.
That intensity soon transcends the boundaries of the stage, spreading out to the audience. The spectators are not mere observers; as the final participants needed to complete this ritual, they are drawn into the Demon King’s world.
For those who will join this ritual in future locations, I urge you to raise your "Key of Light" and become a part of that world. What is required is not the quiet demeanor of a classical concertgoer, but the resolve of a participant ready to co-create this ritual—unleashing emotions, shouting, praying, and letting your heart be deeply stirred.
"Maou Symphony" shatters the conventional concept of classical music appreciation, offering a unique musical experience completed only through the unity of audience and performer.
"Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY-" was crafted using an approach distinct from previous installments in the series. Yet, the underlying philosophy remains unchanged.
People forget.
But forgotten memories do not simply vanish.
Awakened by music and given form once more by emotion, they transform into the strength needed to face one's own life.
Like solving a complex puzzle.
Like navigating a labyrinth with no visible exit.
It is an experience where anguish and euphoria coexist—something that cannot be fully grasped in a single encounter.
That is precisely why people return to this place.
"Maou Symphony" is a unique form of entertainment where music and story, memory and emotion, and the mortal realm and the Demon World intersect.
And its potential is—as the title suggests—infinite.
The setlist is as follows. M1 ARROW
Orchestration by Hinako YOKOUCHI
M2 NOESIS
Orchestration by Mikina KAINUMA
M3 Inheritance of Sin -ORIGINAL SIN-
Orchestration by Hitomi KOTO
M4 UNTIL THE LAST DAY
Orchestration by Hitomi KOTO
M5 IN FLAMES
Orchestration by Kei SATO
M6 LAST SONG
Orchestration by Mikina KAINUMA
M7 LAPIS
Orchestration by Hiromasa MATSUI
M8 FOUR SEASONS -Ⅰ-
Orchestration by Ryunosuke KASAI
M9 CLAYMORE
Orchestration by Shuwa NAGAI
M10 STAND ALONE
Orchestration by Shoya KITAGAWA
M11 LOST ANGELS
Orchestration by Hitomi KOTO
Photo by Lestat C&M Project
Text by T.NAITO
Source: GACKT Official Bitfan
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA
GACKT OFFICIAL BITFAN - JUN 30 2026: Birthday Message for GACKT!!
GACKT Official Bitfan update. Translation below
GACKT's birthday in 2026 is just 4 days away!
So, this time, instead of "AGO," we'll go with "Now!" 😊✨
This year, we want to unite all of our LOVERS' "Happy Birthday!" wishes and deliver them to GACKT.
Therefore…
🎉Emergency Project!🎉
We're collecting birthday messages for GACKT!
Please send us a message of around 30 characters expressing your "Happy Birthday!" feelings!
All messages received will be compiled and delivered to GACKT.
[Submission Period]
June 30th (Tue) - July 2nd (Thu) 12:00 PM
▼Submit Here
https://gackt-online.bitfan.id/q/5431
A single word from each LOVERS will become a special birthday present for GACKT.
We look forward to seeing many of you there!
Source: GACKT Official Bitfan
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA
GACKT OFFICIAL BITFAN - JUN 30 2026: GACKT's new song "STAND ALONE" has been chosen as the theme song for the drama "Black Trick: The Lawyer Who Manipulates Judgment," starring GACKT!
GACKT Official Bitfan update. Translation below
The theme song for the Fuji TV Monday 9pm drama "Black Trick: The Lawyer Who Manipulates Judgment," starring GACKT, which starts on July 20th (Monday/Holiday), has been decided as GACKT's new song "STAND ALONE"!
The full version of "STAND ALONE" will be unveiled at "GACKT Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY-," which opens on July 14th (Tuesday)!
Please look forward to it!
For details on "Black Trick: The Lawyer Who Manipulates Judgment," please visit the Fuji TV official website:
https://www.fujitv.co.jp/blacktrick/
For details on "GACKT Maou Symphony 2026 -INFINITY-," please visit the GACKT official website:
https://gackt.com/contents/1086996
Source: GACKT Official Bitfan
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA
GACKT OFFICIAL BITFAN - JUN 10 2026: GACKT Demon King's Birthday Celebration 2026: FC Pre-sale & NicoNico Live Member Pre-sale Begins
GACKT Official Bitfan update. Translation below
GACKT Demon King's Birthday Celebration 2026
FC pre-sale & NicoNico Live member pre-sale starts today, June 10th (Wed) at 18:00!
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▼GACKT ONLINE G&L MEMBERS CLUB Member First-Come, First-Served Registration (Members Only Page)
https://gackt-online.bitfan.id/contents/396375
▼Niconico Live First-Come, First-Served Pre-sale
https://ticket.tickebo.jp/sn/gackt2026bd_nico
▼GACKT ONLINE G&L MEMBERS CLUB Member Pre-sale (Lottery) *English reservations accepted through overseas fan clubs
https://ticket.tickebo.jp/sn/gackt2026bd_glb
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*Date and Time:
July 4th, 2026 (Sat)
🕰️[Lunch Banquet] Doors open 12:00 / Food served 12:30 / Banquet begins 14:00 / Banquet ends 15:30
🌙[Dinner Banquet] Doors open 17:30 / Food served 18:00 / Banquet begins 19:30 / Banquet ends 21:00
*Venue:
Fairmont Tokyo Grand Ballroom
🎟️Ticket Price (tax included):
Black Diamond Seats: ¥140,000 (tax included)
Diamond Seats: ¥90,000 (tax included)
Gold Seats: ¥74,000 (tax included)
Each seat includes a meal / Special gift included for each seat type
Source: GACKT Official Bitfan
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA