Amuse Announces 20th Anniversary 'ULTRA HANDSOME LIVE 2025 “ZERO”' with 'Closing the Curtain' Phrase Sparking Fan Reactions

Amuse Inc. has announced that its annual fan appreciation event featuring actors from the agency, 'HANDSOME LIVE,' will be held this year-end as 'Amuse Presents 20th Anniversary ULTRA HANDSOME LIVE 2025 “ZERO”.' While this marks a major milestone for its 20th anniversary, a shocking phrase – 'once closing the curtain on 20 years of history' – has sparked a huge reaction on social media.

The live event is scheduled for two days, December 27th and 28th. Prior to this, an exhibition event, 'HANDSOME LIVE Museum,' has also been announced. Fans are visibly building anticipation for the year-end, with Shoma Kai expressing his enthusiasm on his social media, stating, 'This year-end is packed with HANDSOME LIVE and the Museum, so please look forward to it!'

Among the announced performers, Yuta Koseki, who graces the center of the main visual, has received enthusiastic comments such as, 'I want to usher in the new year bathed in Koseki-kun's unique radiance and singing voice from HANDSOME LIVE!' and 'I truly love Yuta Koseki at HANDSOME LIVE.' Furthermore, the participation of Keisuke Watanabe, Ruito Aoyagi, Kyo Higashijima, and Junsuke Motojima has also been revealed, eliciting joyful reactions from their respective fans.

However, the phrase 'once closing the curtain' has left many fans perplexed and shocked. Comments like 'I can't believe it,' 'This is shocking,' and 'I don't understand what it means' have flooded social media. Long-time fans, while feeling a sense of nostalgia, have also voiced concerns about the future direction of the content.

On the other hand, some interpret it positively, saying, 'So, does this mean next year will be the opening of HANDSOME LIVE's 21st year?!' and 'Since they mentioned, 'Who wants to see 'Ojisan-Handsome Live?' Please look forward to it!', I believe they will definitely hold an 'Ojisan-Handsome Live' in the future.' These optimistic interpretations express hope for a future resumption. Furthermore, regarding the 'and more...' for additional performers, anticipation is high, with comments like, 'Surely a big name will come?' and 'It has to be Takeru Satoh, Kishitani-boss, or Terawaki-san, right?!'

A fierce battle for concert tickets is anticipated, with numerous comments such as 'I'll go all out to get tickets,' 'Hope I can make it safely,' and 'Worried if I'll get tickets.' Some fans are even lamenting the clash with other year-end events, crying out, 'It clashes with Chushingura, no way!!!' However, many fans are also gearing up, declaring, 'From today until the end of the year, I vow to dedicate my life entirely to HANDSOME LIVE,' and 'This is no time to be tired.' It seems HANDSOME LIVE will be the main focus for many this year-end.

The context

'HANDSOME LIVE' (ハンサムライブ) is an annual fan appreciation event organized by Amuse Inc., a prominent Japanese talent agency. It features male actors signed with the agency, showcasing their singing, dancing, acting, and comedic talents in a live concert format. The event has a long history, typically involving a mix of established and up-and-coming actors, fostering a unique bond with their fans. It's known for its energetic performances and special collaborations among the actors.

The phrase '一度幕を下ろす' (ichido maku wo orosu), literally meaning 'to once close the curtain,' in a Japanese context, often implies a temporary pause or a significant turning point, rather than a definitive end. This ambiguity is what has caused varied reactions among fans – some interpreting it as a hiatus before a revival (perhaps with a new concept like 'Ojisan-Handsome Live' featuring older actors), while others worry it might be a permanent cessation after the 20th anniversary. This nuance is crucial for non-Japanese readers to understand the fan reactions.

'Chushingura' (忠臣蔵) mentioned by a fan refers to the famous Japanese historical tale of the Forty-seven Ronin, often adapted into year-end TV dramas or stage plays, a common winter tradition in Japan. The fan's comment highlights a clash in their personal schedule for popular year-end events.