Rexi and pianist Hiromi Uehara wrapped up their 10-show tour "Rexi vs Osharekishi TOUR 2026 ～RETURN OF OSHAREKISHI～" on June 15 at SGC Hall Ariake in Tokyo, marking their first collaboration since 2014. The final performance drew a packed house across all four levels of the venue, with fans eager to experience the musical chemistry that made their last tour a talking point over a decade ago.

Rexi, the solo project of keyboardist Toshifumi Ikeda, has built a devoted following around witty, history-obsessed songs that blend his deep knowledge of Japanese culture with infectious melodies. Uehara, a Grammy Award-winning pianist known for her virtuosic jazz interpretations, earned the nickname "Osharekishi" (stylish Rexi) for her ability to transform any song into something elegant and sophisticated.

The concert opened with "Kari kara Inasaku e" (From Hunting to Rice Cultivation), a typically late-set crowd-pleaser that set an energetic tone from the start. As Rexi raised a bundle of rice stalks, audience members lit up glow sticks shaped like rice sheaves, creating a shimmering visual effect.

The dynamic between the two performers formed the heart of the show. Uehara repeatedly appeared from different parts of the stage—sometimes racing to the piano with intense energy, other times sneaking on like a classic comedy sketch—triggering playful audience reactions as Rexi pretended to block her from the stage. Her arrangements ranged from big band jazz interpretations of "Himegimi Shake!" to progressive odd-meter versions of "GOEMON" in 5/4 time.

Supporting the main act was an accomplished backing band including keyboardist Kazuhisa Watanabe, guitarist Kensuke Okuda, bassist Masato Suzuki, and saxophonist Satoru Takeshima, among others. The ensemble handled everything from traditional swing to contemporary jazz-fusion with impressive technical skill.

Highlights included call-and-response passages between Uehara and the band, and a particularly ambitious moment where she tackled a quick-fingered duet with Watanabe during "SAKOKU." The interplay between Rexi's commanding vocals and Uehara's expressive playing proved why fans waited 12 years for this reunion.