SUPER EIGHT Fans' Beloved "U-Shaped Water Tank" Leads to Mass Sing-Along at Budokan, Trending on X

The phrase "U-shaped water tank," a long-cherished inside joke among "Eighter," the fans of SUPER EIGHT (formerly Kanjani Eight), was chorused en masse at the "Cho Hachi in Nippon Budokan" event held at the Nippon Budokan, causing it to trend on X (formerly Twitter).

Eighter gathered at the venue united through what seemed like an impromptu mass sing-along of the "U-shaped water tank," with their voices described as the "loudest ever." Many fans expressed their emotion and excitement, with comments like "It's love," "This is the best," and "I'm so proud."

The phrase "U-shaped water tank" is a joke often referred to as a "secret company anthem," born from a private exchange between the members at a New Year's party at Yu Yokoyama's house in 2014. It became intertwined with Ryuhei Maruyama's love for salmon, and along with the keyword "My friend Salmon," it has been loved by fans for a long time. Alongside "I want to get a passport," it has become widely known "content" among internet users, not just fans.

On X, numerous comments expressed surprise and joy, such as "Why is 'U-shaped water tank' trending? Oh, it was a mass sing-along at the concert, lol," "The U-shaped water tank trending shows its deep roots," and "I never thought the day would come when we'd all sing about a round U-shaped water tank." One user even noted it was "trending again since September 23, 2024," further cementing its enduring popularity.

At "Cho Hachi in Nippon Budokan," a series of irresistible fan moments unfolded, including the hashtag "#ShakeFan," MCs by Yu Yokoyama and Tadayoshi Okura, Okura's "toilet story," a mention of Yu Takahashi, and Shota Yasuda's performance of his song "Elephant."

This mass sing-along of the "U-shaped water tank" was a moment where the deep bond between SUPER EIGHT and Eighter, and their unique culture of shared humor, transcended time and was elevated on the grand stage of the Budokan. Fans' calls for "another New Year's party???" suggest the anticipation of yet another "legend" in the making.

The context

SUPER EIGHT is a popular Japanese male idol group managed by START ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny & Associates). They recently rebranded from Kanjani Eight, a name they had used for many years since their debut. Their fans are affectionately known as "Eighter." Japanese idol culture is characterized by a deep and often intimate connection between the idols and their fanbase. This includes a shared history, private jokes, and inside stories that become part of the group's unique lore. The "U-shaped water tank" is a prime example of such an inside joke that has evolved into a beloved symbol of the group's long-standing humor and the strong bond with their fans. Nippon Budokan is a prestigious indoor arena in Tokyo, often serving as a significant venue for major concerts and events, representing a milestone for many artists.