Tomoki Suzuki’s Challenge to 1,000 People Ukulele Concert [U-topia] Report

For the first time ever, I stepped off at Akishima Station.

Today, here at the Akishima Civic Hall “FOSTER Hall” in Akishima City, Tokyo, was featuring a memorable concert by ukulele player Tomoki Suzuki.

This performance, titled “U-topia,” is also a challenging stage in which a Japanese ukulele player takes on the yet-unreached goal of “drawing an audience of 1,000.”

The lobby is very lively, filled with the excitement of many flower stands supporting this challenge and fans who have gathered from all over the country.

As I stepped into the hall, the blue-lit stage and 1,139 red seats were quietly waiting for the challenger. That solemn atmosphere sent a ripple of tension even through me as I sat in the audience.

Suddenly, the house lights went down, and a huge round of applause naturally welled up. Green lights illuminated the stage, and as the sound effects played, Suzuki appeared to thunderous cheers.

“Ploron”

The very first note played by a single ukulele was extremely quiet, yet filled with a strong sense of determination.

The piece he performed was “Miteyuku Mori.” It felt as though Suzuki’s many thoughts and feelings on the journey to this moment were coming through.

In time with the eye-opening rhythm of the percussion, spontaneous handclaps rose from the audience.

“Are you ready to have fun?! Today, leave all the bad things and sad things right here in this hall!”

＼Hyu!／

The rapport with the audience was perfect. With percussion and bass joining in, the lively number “Nara” began. The three sounds meshed well, creating a comfortable groove.

Just as I was thinking, “He’s especially passionate today,” the rhythm suddenly shifted—and into the familiar song “Jōnetsu Tairiku”! The interplay between the ukulele and the bass line was irresistibly sultry…

It seemed that many fans had come all the way from Osaka, where Suzuki is based. There were also plenty of people wearing red T-shirts with “Tomoki’s ranking’ is the ‘Taka’ of nobility” written on the back (unofficial merchandise)!

“I’ve been looking forward to this day so much…! I’m incredibly happy!”

After the excitement peaked, an opening MC overflowing with emotion followed.
And then, on to the introduction of this concert’s much-anticipated support members.

On bass was Tomo-sun, who brought along a variety of instruments, from electric bass to upright bass. Amazingly, he’s also incredibly good at the ukulele! He apparently offers online lessons as well, so definitely check that out ♪

And on percussion, Reo-san joined the lineup—apparently his appearance was decided just three days ago due to various circumstances! It was hard to believe such a last-minute offer, but his professional skills would go on to be showcased again and again throughout the rest of the performance…!

“Isn’t that punchline just reused from last year??”

His trademark lighthearted banter with the audience exploded as usual, and the sense of unity in the hall kept growing stronger.

“This is a song that expresses the feeling of forgotten emotions knocking once again on the door of your heart.”

He went straight into the heart-throbbing track “Deep Down,” filled with a mix of confusion and excitement, followed by the fiery call-and-response with the audience in “Gravity.”

“With a band setup, I’m really happy that I can express the shape of the music I want to create.”

Seeing Suzuki a little more hyped than during his solo performances made my own excitement rise as well.

In fact, that night marked the peak of the Geminid meteor shower. Thinking that today was the only day it could be played, it was added to the setlist with the very aptly titled “The Night of the Geminid Meteor Shower.”

Amazingly, Tomo-sun had brought a contrabass just to perform this song!

“It’s a night when you grow timid, wondering what would happen if you revealed your hidden feelings. Please listen while imagining a scene where you entrust your feelings to the stars of Gemini.”

With a meteor-like arrangement that made effective use of the slide technique, my heart was instantly drawn into the world of the song.
The deep tones of the wood bass gently wrapped around the anxiety of the protagonist, “Ukulele-kun” (in charge of the melody), while the percussion rhythm felt like a reassuring push from behind. The song was colored with a sound that only a band could create.

“Now, I’m going to ask the band members to go home for a bit!” (laughs)

While untangling the cables at his feet, Suzuki continued his MC, showing just how much he moves around the stage during his performances.

“This time, we’ve made a special booklet!”

He encouraged us to check every corner of the booklet, and inside, it was packed with interviews talking about his thoughts on this concert and his future plans. The back pages were filled with sponsor advertisements, all of which overflowed with expectations and love for Suzuki, which left a strong impression on me.

Suzuki had been saying for the past six months that his goal was to “draw 1,000 people.” Fans who have followed him closely were well aware of the hard work he’d put into this goal.

“I wasn’t able to bring 1,000 people…!”

A collective sigh of frustration filled the room, but then a warm round of applause gently wrapped around the hall.

“However, this time, I’m able to perform in front of the largest capacity I’ve ever had in my career!”

Although he wasn’t completely satisfied, Suzuki shared how truly happy he was that so many people had come from all across the country to support him.

“Even though I haven’t achieved my goal yet, I’m overwhelmed with emotion!”

“This year, something happened that became a very significant turning point for me.”
Suzuki was fully in charge of composing the soundtrack for the NHK drama “Boku to Nisemono to Kōhī Zerī” (Me, the Impostor, and Coffee Jelly). The next song he played, “Precious,” was one he created as the main theme for that drama.

Even though we chase after our ideal selves, it’s because we’re imperfect that we are loved. This piece, linking with the theme of the drama, was performed with just one ukulele, full of kindness. Despite having no lyrics or singing, the melody sent a strong message, resonating deeply in my heart.

At this point, Tomo-sun, the bassist, reappeared.

“We’re going to play this next one with just the two of us—two ukuleles!”

If you play the ukulele, you’ve probably seen Suzuki-san or Tomo-sun’s lesson videos, since both of them are extremely active in teaching. True to their YouTuber roots, once they start talking, they can’t stop! (laughs)
Apparently, during last year’s live show, they talked so much that a 2-hour set ended up lasting 3 hours, and they got in trouble for it! (laughs)

“Maybe it’s time to put the mic down now?!”

They held back their talk and moved on to the next song. The ukulele duo performed their new song, “Emerald Breeze,” making its debut today. The two ukuleles blended together comfortably, creating a soothing harmony. The final note was a perfect finish, with them back-to-back, almost like guitarists playing in unison!

“There’s one more person who is absolutely essential to today’s live performance. Reo!”

Reo-san, who received a request to perform at 10 a.m. three days ago, and joined rehearsal at 2 p.m. that same day, was given an experience that doesn’t come by often. It was truly amazing.

“Let’s all come together with this song!”

When it comes to unity, this song is the one! Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now!” In the band version, Suzuki-san stirred up the crowd even more than during his solo performances!
Despite being an instrumental track, this song had a call-and-response with the audience. Everyone shouted their hearts out, and it was clear that all the bad things were forgotten!

The energy in the hall reached its peak. The rock rhythm kicked off without pause.

“Toward your dreams and goals for next year, if you keep moving even just 5 cm closer every day, your dreams will come true! I’m sending you all my support with that thought!”

With Suzuki-san’s passionate shout, the song “Te o Nobase” (Reach Out Your Hand) began. In the chorus, the familiar hand-raising and clapping routine kicked in—＼Te-wo-nobase!／ (Clap, clap!) The perfectly synchronized movement, without hesitation, was so beautiful to watch! The joy of feeling it all through your entire body—it was quintessential Tomoki Suzuki ukulele live.

Next, the newly created song for this concert, “U-topia.” This one also had choreography and was a lively, energetic track! From start to finish, the constant handclaps and arms raised high made me really feel the strong bond between Suzuki-san and the fans. It was palpable.

“Thank you so much! I hope we can meet again soon!”

Wait, is it over already!? No way!

The call for an encore came almost immediately… no, it was more like a chant of “To-mo-ki! To-mo-ki!” full of nothing but love, and Suzuki-san returned to the stage.

“I had so much fun. Thank you all!”

After expressing his gratitude to the audience, Suzuki-san paused for a moment, then said,

“I’ll play a song.”

The encore started with just Suzuki and his ukulele. He gently strummed the arpeggios, and in his signature MC style, he spoke thoughtfully between the notes.

“I couldn’t make my dream of 1000 people show up. But over these past six months of pushing forward, there have been so many... I don’t want to cry! I feel the tears welling up!”

A round of applause surrounded Suzuki-san.

“I’ve really received a lot of help. All I said was, ‘I want to gather 1,000 people,’ and that’s it… Really, thank you so much.”

He then made a new declaration of determination: “I’ll continue to do everything I believe is right, both for the ukulele and for my own activities.” With that, he began to play “Magical Words”—a quiet but powerful performance. The song was filled with the sentiment that dreams don’t need to be given up on; it’s okay to hold onto them forever.

“Now, I’d like to bring out the amazing members who have supported today’s live performance!”

Tomo-sun and Reo-san returned to the stage.

“This is such a bittersweet moment, but this next song will be our last one! I’m so sad… I want to keep performing more!”

The audience responded with a chorus of “Yeah!!”

“Can I try to challenge 1,000 people again sometime!?!”

Warm applause echoed in response.

“Until the day we meet again, please stay healthy… With that feeling in mind, please listen to our final song!”

The song “Bloom” was filled with the hope that all the hard work and effort eventually blooms into something beautiful. As the song began, colorful flowers began to sway in the audience…!!

“Everyone, have you memorized this melody by now? Let’s all make beautiful flowers bloom together!”

A huge chorus of “La la la” echoed throughout the hall, and the curtain on U-topia slowly began to fall.

I couldn’t hold back the tears…! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Suzuki-san’s activities as he continues to reach for the next U-topia in 2026!

On my way out of the venue and heading to the station, I overheard some audience members excitedly talking about the ukulele techniques they saw that day. As expected of Suzuki-san's fans!

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