Original Love Celebrates 35 Years With New Single, Budokan Show Announced
Original Love marked their 35th major debut anniversary by releasing the new single "愛はアカリ" (Love is Light) today, featuring horn arrangements from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra members. The band will headline their first-ever Budokan concert in November.

Original Love released "愛はアカリ" (Love is Light) today, marking the third installment of their 35th major debut anniversary celebrations. The uplifting single showcases a vibrant sound centered around a celebration of life, with production that brings together an unexpected but fitting collaboration.
For the track, the band brought in NARGO, GAMO, and Atsu Tanaka—the horn section of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra—to add brightness and polish to the arrangement. It's a smart pairing that adds texture to Original Love's signature blend of pop and rock sensibilities.
The release comes ahead of a major milestone: Original Love's first-ever Budokan solo concert. Scheduled for November 23, the show, titled "SOUL POWER BUDOKAN ~あれから、そしてこれから~ Dancin'- The 35th Anniversary Live," will reunite the band with several musical collaborators.
Beyond the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra horn section, the concert will feature appearances from Ryosuke Nagaoka of Petrols, producer and artist PUNPEE, and others. It's an all-star lineup that reflects Original Love's influence across Japan's indie and alternative music scenes.
The band has come a long way since their 1991 major label debut. Early hits like "月の裏で会いましょう" (Meet You on the Back of the Moon) and "接吻 kiss" established them as chart-viable acts, while their 1994 album "風の歌を聴け" topped the Oricon charts. In recent years, they've balanced full-band performances with intimate solo tours led by frontman Takao Tajima, including his recurring "Soul Tour" and acoustic performances.
Original Love also hosts "Love Jam," their own annual concert series that has brought together diverse acts like cero, never young beach, and Sunny Day Service. It's become a showcase for the broader Japanese music community they've helped nurture.
Tickets for the Budokan show are now on sale through major Japanese ticketing platforms.
