Tears and Cheers: Kansai Johnny's Jr. Celebrate an Era at Osaka Shochikuza's "Honma Ookini Graduation Ceremony"

On March 24, 2026, the “Honma Ookini Osaka Shochikuza Graduation Ceremony” was held at the Osaka Shochikuza, captivating a large audience of fans with emotion and enthusiasm. The event brought together both new and veteran artists from the Kansai region who have graced the stage of Shochikuza, a venue integral to the history of Kansai Johnny's Jr. An online stream was also provided, allowing fans who couldn't attend in person to collectively witness this special “graduation ceremony.”

Social media was flooded with comments such as “It was truly amazing!” and “Thank you for so many tears, laughs, and感動 (emotions)!” reflecting how deeply the event resonated with fans. The live performance kicked off with “Firebird,” instantly raising the energy in the venue to its peak. Following this, “SUPER ROCKET” evoked nostalgia and many tears from fans who remembered the song from its heyday. The performance of “Osaka Romanesque,” symbolizing the strong bonds within Kansai, drew numerous comments like “Nothing but tears,” as fans shared in the profound emotion.

The stage saw a star-studded lineup, from debut groups to active Kansai Johnny's Jr., including Kanjani Eight’s Yokoyama-kun and Maruyama-kun, Snow Man’s Koji Mukai-kun, Naniwa Danshi, and Aぇ! group. One fan commented, “Having everyone from the Eight seniors to the tiny Juniors all together felt like a big family,” highlighting the magnificent lineup and warm atmosphere. In particular, Koji Mukai-kun's gesture of acknowledging staff during the MC segment and the heartwarming greetings from Rutakoji (Ryuta Muro and Koji Mukai) garnered comments such as “So like Koji-kun” and “Ryuta looked so happy,” offering a glimpse into their unchanging love for Kansai.

For many years, the Shochikuza served as the home base for Kansai Johnny's Jr., weaving countless stories. Fans expressed sentiments like, “Even though I don't know much about Kansai's history at Shochikuza, I still got teary-eyed,” and “The words that Shochikuza lives on in everyone's hearts even if it closes deeply moved me,” reaffirming its status as a special place beyond just a venue. The free-spirited atmosphere of the MCs, characteristic of Kansai, with remarks like “The long talk-segments running over schedule felt so authentically Kansai and were great,” also added significantly to the event's charm.

The two-hour performance felt incredibly short, with many fans voicing their desire for a reunion: “Please gather again~” and “I love Kansai so much!!!!” There were also appreciative comments about the streaming quality, such as “I could watch the stream without any interruptions, zero stress!!” making the entire event an unforgettable and moving experience for fans. It was a memorable “Honma Ookini Graduation Ceremony” celebrating the history and future of Osaka Shochikuza and the artists who grew up there.

The Context

For non-Japanese readers, understanding the significance of the

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