3 weeks ago
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J-pop group Phantom Siita's first world tour, "Moth to a flame," made a stop in Manila's Samsung Hall, SM Aura.
The group — comprising members Mona, Miu, Rinka, Hisui and Moka — stands out with its retro-horror concept, fusing various genres such as electropop and rock, including traditional Japanese instruments.
Since debuting in 2024 under the guidance of renowned musician Ado and Cloud Nine's agency, Phantom Siita has released popular tracks like "Kimi to xxxx Shitai Dake (Just Wanna xxxx With You)," "Otomodachi," and "Masho Shojo (Devilish Girl)," featured in their recent album Girlhood Memories.
Ahead of their world tour, the quintet shared their experience headlining the iconic Budokan arena in Tokyo, reflecting on the growth they experienced, especially in expressing emotion through their performances. "We learned so much through that show, including expression and how to bring out emotion," they said. "We will take that to the next level for the world tour and put on great shows."
Producer Ado has been a significant influence on the group's journey, offering vocal techniques and performance advice that bolstered their confidence. "Since she believes in us that much, we want to make sure we meet her expectations and make this world tour a success," they shared.
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The group's excitement was palpable as they looked forward to performing around the world. "I love learning about other cultures," one member said. "We not only get to perform abroad, but the fact that we get to tour Asia, North America, and Europe is a rare opportunity. I want to enjoy learning about different cultures and meeting people."
J-pop group Phantom Siita PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/PHANTOM_SIITA_OFFICIAL
They also expressed their gratitude to fans, promising to deliver their best performances and specially prepared setlists.
On concert day, the attendees creatively dressed up and queued to secure Phantom Siita merchandise such as light sticks, key rings, and shirts. As the lights dimmed, the atmosphere in Samsung Hall intensified, with fans cheering as the artists took the stage. The group's energy soared when they opened with "Kimi to xxxx Shitai Dake (Just Wanna xxxx With You)," sending a spine-tingling sensation through the crowd.
The setlist continued to captivate as they performed original songs like "Masho Shojo (Devilish Girl)," which got the audience moving with its rhythmic beats. They ramped up the energy with "Hanabami," a dynamic track that showcased their charisma, followed by the complex "Otome Shinchu (Conflicting)," which highlighted the artists' expressive delivery. The mood shifted with a quirky rendition of Jun Togawa's "Suki Suki Daisuki."
Halfway through the night, each member delivered stunning solo performances. Mona opened the segment with Seiko Matsuda's "Aoi Sangoshou," followed by Rinka's rendition of Meiko Nakahara's "Fantasy." Miu brought her passion to Kenshi Yonezu's "Kick Back," while Hisui performed Hikaru Utada's "One Last Kiss." Moka closed the solo segment with Yasuha's "Flyday Chinatown," each performance highlighting the individual strengths of the members.
The group returned as a unit with Taeko Onuki's "4:00 A.M.," a laid-back city pop track that mesmerized the audience. They then showcased their ballad "Hanagatami," demonstrating their vocal range and emotional depth. The tempo lifted with a lively performance of Miki Matsubara's "Stay With Me," prompting fans to join in and sing along.
The performers proceeded with their debut single, "Otomodachi," showcasing their distinct and evocative sound.
"Even if you don't speak our language and can't come to our venue, we can hear your voices. Thanks to your support, we were able to have fun on stage in Manila today," the artists gratefully stated. "I'm so delighted to have met and connected with you all. We, Phantom Siita, will continue to grow and evolve, so please continue to support us! Thank you so much for today," another member added.
The crowd cheered for an encore, and Phantom Siita returned to the stage with a surprise performance of their producer's song, "Tot Musica." Fans of Sailor Moon were thrilled when the group performed "Moonlight Densetsu," before closing the show with their original track, "Zoku Zoku." The night ended with powerful performances that solidified Phantom Siita's place in the hearts of their fans.
