A Miraculous All-Hyogo Collaboration: STARTO Stars Captivate Fans at 'Ongaku no Hi 2026'

During the major TBS music special "Ongaku no Hi 2026," which aired on July 18, 2026, a one-night-only "DREAM Chorus" project featuring artists from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT's Kansai-based groups sparked immense excitement and emotion across social media.

All from Hyogo! The Miraculous "Team Hyogo" Performs "Waraereba"

For the DREAM Chorus segment, Shota Yasuda (SUPER EIGHT), Daiki Shigeoka, Tomohiro Kamiyama, Takahiro Hamada (WEST.), and Seiya Suenaga (Aぇ! group) joined forces to deliver a powerful rendition of Ulfuls' classic anthem, "Waraereba."

As the five showcased their impeccable vocal harmony, fans quickly pointed out that every single member hails from Hyogo Prefecture, leading to a frenzy of discussion about this accidental "Team Hyogo." Viewers were moved by the palpable chemistry and passion they shared on stage, with comments like "I couldn't stop crying" and "the sense of euphoria was incredible" flooding social media platforms.

Praise for Yasuda and Kamiyama's Harmonious Vocals and Kamiyama's Versatility

The performance was particularly noted for the heavy, synchronized harmonies that perfectly captured the song's groove. Fans took to social media to express their awe, saying, "The harmony between Yasuda and Kamiyama was so beautiful it gave me goosebumps."

Furthermore, following his standout appearance in last year's dance project, Tomohiro Kamiyama received high praise for his musical prowess. Fans celebrated his "all-around talent," calling him a "natural-born idol" who excels in both dance and song. His stylish outfit, paired with a charming double-peace gesture, also became a hot topic among viewers.

Momentum Continues with Drama Leads and Chart-Topping Hits

Kamiyama's success extends far beyond music specials. The third episode of his lead drama series, "Midnight Stall 2: Le Monde," aired later that same night. The story, centered on the unique bond between a former assistant priest and a French chef in an urban wasteland, has been highly acclaimed for its depth. Coupled with consistent success on music charts, the momentum of these artists remains unstoppable.

This performance served as a testament to the strong bonds between Kansai-based artists and their shared passion for music, leaving a lasting impression on viewers across the nation.

The context

"Ongaku no Hi" (Day of Music) is a prominent annual long-form music television special broadcast by the TBS network in Japan, known for bringing together various artists for collaborative performances and themed tributes. STARTO ENTERTAINMENT is the talent management agency formerly known as Johnny & Associates, representing many of Japan's most popular male idol groups. The artists mentioned—Shota Yasuda, Daiki Shigeoka, Tomohiro Kamiyama, Takahiro Hamada, and Seiya Suenaga—are all prominent figures in the Japanese entertainment industry who grew up in the Kansai region, which gives them a distinct cultural identity and close-knit rapport among fans.