"High-Quality Music," Diverse Arrangements, and Guest Singers Unveil the Deep World of "AniSta!!" ES Band — September 6th & 7th Performance Report & Cast Comments
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/440/G044054/20250910051/
Writer: Naito Hasami | 2025/10/04 03:00 (UTC)
On September 6 and 7, 2025, the special live concert “ENSEMBLE STARS!! BAND LIVE,” featuring music from Ensemble Stars!! by Happy Elements’ Kakaria Studio, took place at BLUE NOTE PLACE in Ebisu Garden Place, Tokyo. The event allowed fans to enjoy authentic band performances accompanied by delicious meals.
At the first concert held on August 23 (related article), the ES Band captivated audiences with their powerful live band sound. This time, spanning two days, they delivered even more passionate and mature performances.
■ Performers (Courtesy titles omitted)
[ES Band]
yas nakajima / Utu Keiki / Ishii Yuta / Igo / Yuuki Leon[Guests]
August 23: Asagoe Youhei / Toyoshima Osamu
September 6: Kobayashi Daiki / Kano Taiichi
September 7: Nojima Kentaro / Kajiwara Gaku
Special Site for “ENSEMBLE STARS!! BAND LIVE”
※ Images during the live show are screenshots from streaming video.
【September 6: Evening Show】 ES Band × Daiki Kobayashi & Taiichi Kano
The venue, BLUE NOTE PLACE, features a close proximity between audience and stage—creating an intimate space where performers’ energy can be felt directly. The concert began after guests had enjoyed dinner at their seats.
The evening opened with “Little Romance.” While maintaining the original’s warmth and tenderness, this version featured a strikingly different arrangement that instantly captivated listeners.
Starting with a rich drum solo, the performance transitioned into the second song, “Daydream×Reality,” where the saxophone carried a powerful, resonant melody.
Image Gallery No.001 thumbnail / “High-quality music” and diverse arrangements, enhanced with guest vocals—exploring the deep world of ES Band from “Ensemble Stars!!"—September 6 & 7 performance report & cast comments
The talk segment hosted by yas nakajima felt smooth and natural, likely due to his prior experience with live shows. With playful self-introductions, he helped relax the atmosphere.
Following the pleasant duet of flute and guitar in “Hakukouiro no Yakusoku,” the mood shifted dramatically into the dramatic “Le temps des fleurs.” The seamless transition from “W” to “Yō,” as if by magic, was stunningly vivid.
The cozy sweetness of “Hanīmiruku wa o-koshini de” enveloped the hall, followed by upbeat and energetic performance of “A little bit UP!!,” lifting everyone’s spirits.
During a special talk segment featuring Utou Keiki, Ishii Yuta, Igo, and Yuuki Leon, the band members shared nostalgic memories from their time together in Ensemble Stars!!, including behind-the-scenes stories about catering on-site and audience reactions—offering fans fresh perspectives.
The lively, refreshing vibe of “Bokura no Sutera,” followed by a uniquely arranged “Kiss of Life,” continued the rhythm. The set list had been carefully structured with two songs between each MC segment, showcasing the band’s playful spirit through contrasting pairings.
As the concert moved into its second half, special guest Daiki Kobayashi made his entrance. Despite joking about how “hard it is to step out” onto such a polished stage, he warmly greeted the audience and instantly energized the atmosphere.
Introducing himself as “Daiki Kobayashi, now Jazz Daiki,” he performed his own chosen song, “Dream Collection.” The classic acoustic guitar and flute arrangement perfectly complemented his innocent and joyful vocals.
In their talk segment together, yas nakajima reflected on the difference between being an actor versus a musician—acknowledging challenges but also noting how much closer they felt to each other through this experience.
Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail / “High-quality music” and diverse arrangements, enhanced with guest vocals—exploring the deep world of ES Band from “Ensemble Stars!!"—September 6 & 7 performance report & cast comments
Next came special guest Taiichi Kano, who began with heartfelt words: “I’m so happy to sing in such a wonderful place.” His chosen song was “Be My Princess.” The sweet vocals intertwined beautifully with the saxophone, creating an elegant and mature atmosphere. Midway through, audience members joined in clapping, uniting the hall into one harmonious whole.
Image Gallery No.003 thumbnail / “High-quality music” and diverse arrangements, enhanced with guest vocals—exploring the deep world of ES Band from “Ensemble Stars!!"—September 6 & 7 performance report & cast comments
Daiki Kobayashi returned to the stage for a playful “date” talk with Kano, leading into the final song of the set: “Date Plan A to Z.” Beginning in slow tempo and gradually gaining momentum from the first verse, the band’s lively sound, combined with clever melodic arrangements, perfectly captured the joy of a carefree date. The band members fully supported this energy, keeping the crowd exhilarated.
Image Gallery No.010 thumbnail / “High-quality music” and diverse arrangements, enhanced with guest vocals—exploring the deep world of ES Band from “Ensemble Stars!!"—September 6 & 7 performance report & cast comments
After briefly leaving the stage, all performers returned promptly in response to a standing ovation. Kobayashi appeared wearing a large croissant necklace, and together with the audience, he celebrated Tomonaga Hikaru’s birthday on September 7.
The encore performance was “BRAND NEW STARS!!.” The gentle strum of acoustic guitar wrapped around the venue, evoking warm emotions—met with thunderous applause.
【September 7: Evening Show】 ES Band × Gaku Kajiwara & Kentaro Nojima
On the final night, the concert opened with “HELLO, NEW YEAR!” The catchy melody of “Hello, new year! Happy, new year!” was skillfully repeated throughout, leaving a lasting impression.
The second song, “Parallel Maze,” offered a relaxed and richly textured atmosphere. This live series featured distinct setlists each day—ensuring fresh excitement and anticipation for every performance.
Image Gallery No.004 thumbnail / “High-quality music” and diverse arrangements, enhanced with guest vocals—exploring the deep world of ES Band from “Ensemble Stars!!"—September 6 & 7 performance report & cast comments
The first MC segment was consistent across all shows, beginning with the ES Band’s self-introduction. This marked their sixth performance in three days—yet they delivered powerful and energetic music without any signs of fatigue.
From the melancholic emotion of “Mémoire Antique,” to the fresh sensuality of “Tenkou KAGETSU,” this set again highlighted the contrast between “Yō” (Western) and “W” (Japanese), just like on September 6.
As yas nakajima mentioned, “I’ve made arrangements so subtle that even listening to the intro won’t reveal what song it is.” Throughout the live show, he frequently joked about ES Band’s music being “high-quality,” but for those gathered in person and watching online, this wasn’t exaggeration—it was accurate.
The bold reimagining of “Twinkle Air Battle,” infused with spy-jazz flair, preserved the original track’s quirky charm while revealing a completely new dimension.
Following up with “Heart Heat Beat,” which began with a lyrical piano intro, the soft flute melody was perfectly supported by piano, guitar, bass, and drums. This deep arrangement revealed not only the song’s emotional layers but also the intricate relationships between units.
During the MC segment, each band member shared their personal favorite tracks. Previously untold stories about behind-the-scenes work and heartfelt feelings toward Ensemble Stars!! were unveiled—offering fans a rare and precious glimpse into their world.
Image Gallery No.005 thumbnail / “High-quality music” and diverse arrangements, enhanced with guest vocals—exploring the deep world of ES Band from “Ensemble Stars!!"—September 6 & 7 performance report & cast comments
Before long, the concert reached its second half. The soothing sounds of “Deep Eclipse” wrapped around the audience, while “Brilliant Smile,” with its cool arrangements and layered clapping, created a unique sense of unity—something only possible in that moment.
Each instrument shone brightly, offering fans an unforgettable experience to fully appreciate ES Band’s expressive power and skill.
Then came the first special guest: Gaku Kajiwara, who enthusiastically declared, “Great view! Amazing place!” He performed his chosen song, “Yubisaki no Ariadne,” bringing a sensual elegance that blended perfectly with the band’s signature style—resulting in an adult yet captivating performance.
Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / “High-quality music” and diverse arrangements, enhanced with guest vocals—exploring the deep world of ES Band from “Ensemble Stars!!"—September 6 & 7 performance report & cast comments
Next, Kentaro Nojima arrived with a cheerful greeting: “Everyone’s drinking, huh!?”, and delivered his performance of “The Tempest Night.” The enjoyable groove between him and the ES Band, combined with an unexpectedly unique track choice only possible in this setting, sent audience energy soaring.
Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / “High-quality music” and diverse arrangements, enhanced with guest vocals—exploring the deep world of ES Band from “Ensemble Stars!!"—September 6 & 7 performance report & cast comments
Gaku Kajiwara returned to the stage once more, bringing the show’s final piece: “Twilight Pentagram.” Slightly slowing down the tempo compared to the original, this deep and heavy sound perfectly concluded the final day.
Image Gallery No.008 thumbnail / “High-quality music” and diverse arrangements, enhanced with guest vocals—exploring the deep world of ES Band from “Ensemble Stars!!"—September 6 & 7 performance report & cast comments
For the encore, the ES Band and guests Nojima and Kajiwara returned. With heartfelt gratitude for three days of performances, they opened a bottle of champagne—marking a celebratory atmosphere as they performed their final song: “BRIGHTEST STARS!!.” The bright, joyful performance featuring improvised elements brought the three-day event to a close on a deeply satisfying note.
Thanks to the ES Band’s undeniable skill and dedication, fans were able to fully immerse themselves in the music. This was an exceptional experience that allowed attendees to deeply appreciate the charm of the band behind Ensemble Stars!!’s songs.
Additionally, the locally served meals were thoughtfully designed around each song—creating a one-of-a-kind space only possible through the collaboration of ES Band × BLUE NOTE PLACE × Ensemble Stars!!
Comments from the Performers!
(1) Was there anything in particular about the venue atmosphere or audience reactions that stood out to you?
(2) Please share a message for fans.
yas nakajima
(1) Since this was our first live band performance, I was excited to see how audiences would react—and their response far exceeded my expectations. Performing in the unique space of BLUE NOTE PLACE allowed each guest to enjoy themselves in different ways. Seeing every individual’s expressions made it feel completely different from typical Star Live or Star Festival events!
(2) Moving forward, I want ES Band to work hard and create wonderful shared spaces with everyone. Looking forward to more great moments together! yas
Utou Keiki
(1) Since every song was rearranged differently than the original, it was especially fun when audience members realized what track was being played. Everyone warmly welcomed us—making me feel incredibly happy.
(2) My involvement with Ensemble Stars!! began back 10 years ago with piano recording for “Joyful×Box*” in summer. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of contributing in various ways—I’m truly grateful. Going forward, I’ll do my best to keep supporting and promoting Ensemble Stars!!. Please continue to cheer us on!
Ishii Yuta
(1) Everyone looked so happy, and their warm encouragement made me feel wonderful. Also, the plush toys placed on tables were adorable—I couldn’t help glancing at them between songs.
(2) Thank you all for coming! I’m thrilled we can keep enjoying Ensemble Stars!! together moving forward!
Igo
(1) The immediacy of live performance—something only possible in a space as close to the audience as BLUE NOTE PLACE—left a strong impression. Especially how the atmosphere warmed up naturally as the show progressed was refreshing, something rarely experienced in regular concerts.
(2) Please continue supporting #ESBand!
Yuuki Leon
(1) Hearing cheers even before stepping on stage made me truly feel that people had come to see us.
Also, applause right after each instrumental solo clearly showed how much they enjoyed the performance.
(2) I personally find the music and world of Ensemble Stars!! incredibly enjoyable. Going forward, I’ll keep doing my best so you can continue enjoying it too—please support me!
Daiki Kobayashi
(1) I never thought I’d be singing at BLUE NOTE PLACE—the legendary venue where countless famous musicians from around the world have performed… At first, I was nervous and stiff. But as ES Band played with such passion, the audience’s energy grew in response—making it a truly comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The momentum was absolutely incredible—the entire hall became one unified entity.
(2) Watching “Ra*bits” perform lately gives me endless excitement! This live event made me feel their power—and that of the producers—all over again. I’m now even more excited about what’s next for Ensemble Stars!!. Let’s go explore this new world together!
Taiichi Kano
(1) The closeness between audience and performers was unforgettable. Seeing everyone’s expressions directly made me feel connected, which in turn raised our energy—creating a unique synergy only possible at such close range.
Also, since the shows ran from afternoon to evening, each performance had its own distinct character: the first featured natural light, the second highlighted the transition from day to night, and by the third, it was dark with soft lighting in BLUE NOTE PLACE—all contributing to different moods.
(2) Thank you all for attending “ENSEMBLE STARS!! BAND LIVE,” and thank you to everyone watching online. This event wouldn’t have been possible without Ensemble Stars!!’s 10-year journey. It’s the result of each fan’s support, whether long-time followers or new fans who recently discovered it—being part of this wonderful moment is truly an honor.
Thank you all for supporting Ensemble Stars!! until now!
Next up: Star Festival. I can’t wait to spend amazing moments with everyone.
Looking forward to seeing you in person and online—we’ll meet with smiles on September 7!
Kentaro Nojima
(1) The venue was so sophisticated, the audience dressed elegantly—so I tried my best to act mature… Sorry! But as soon as music began, that refined atmosphere instantly transformed into something uniquely BLUE NOTE: where sound, food, and space come together perfectly.
(2) Ensemble Stars!! is always about fearless new challenges and never losing sight of fun. This spirit has given me so much joy—it’s been an amazing experience! Please keep cheering for it without missing a beat!
Gaku Kajiwara
(1) At the final evening show, audience energy was incredibly high—so powerful that I felt like we were in an arena (laughs)! It was overwhelming.
(2) The performance was truly enjoyable!! If possible, I hope it returns again—and more people get to experience the magic of live sound right there in the venue!
Special Site for “ENSEMBLE STARS!! BAND LIVE”
Official Website for “Ensemble Stars!!”
(C) 2014-2019 Happy Elements K.K
(C) 2014-2019 Happy Elements K.K
(C) 2014-2019 Happy Elements K.K
(C) 2014-2019 Happy Elements K.K
(C) 2014 Happy Elements K.K