Leo Ieiri & Miliyah Kato Perform Orchestral Interpretations of Iconic Hits on Billboard Japan Women in Music Vol. 2 Concert

Singer-songwriters Leo Ieiri and Miliyah Kato graced the stage for a double show at Tokyo City Hall for Billboard Japan's Women In Music Vol. 2 concerts on February 8. The two J-pop stars teamed up with the Tokyo Philharmonic Billboard Classics Orchestra, led by maestro Yukari Saito, for a one-night-only performance featuring special renditions of hits and uplifting messages with a core theme of inspiring and empowering women.

First up was Ieiri, who appeared on stage dressed in a chic beige top with puffy sheer sleeves and matching trousers, following the orchestra members at the start of the show. As the 29-year-old singer took a deep bow and greeted the audience, the piano played and the concert began with “Zutto, Futari De” (Always, together). The combination of Ieiri's clear vocals and the orchestra's robust performance immediately filled all corners of the venue with a luscious soundscape. The next song, 'Kimi Ga Kureta Natsu' (The Summer You Gave Me), also sounded more dramatic than usual thanks to the orchestral arrangement. It was clear from the start of the show that everyone in attendance was in for a special night not to be missed.

The singer addressed the crowd midway through her set and shared some thoughts on gender, inclusion, and diversity, noting, “For the past few years, I've been writing and singing songs while being aware of how to carve a path as a woman.” She also thought, “Since we're living in times of diversity, I think we need to expand our sexuality more.” She also made an impression when she observed how “women's empowerment can't be achieved without the cooperation of men, so I think it's a matter for all people', reminding that while the recent movement towards gender equality encourages men and women to live under the same conditions, the important thing to remember is to respect each other's differences and help each other.

Ieiri also performed Bank Band's “to U” with Salyu in the second half of the set, starting the song a cappella and gradually adding minimal piano and harp sounds in the first half, then building the second half with a big string . agreement. Ieiri's voice and the orchestra's performance flooded the venue with a rich sound, creating an immersive environment that drew the crowd into the world of the song. During “Taiyo No Megami” (Goddess of the Sun), she turned her body left and right as she sang, visually emphasizing the fact that she was singing for each person in the audience. Ieiri closed her set with the rousing 'Sora To Ao' (Sky And Blue), spinning around during the interlude as the crowd clapped along to the beat, leaving fans feeling euphoric until the end of her hit-filled set.

After a short break, Miliyah Kato appeared on stage dressed in a flowing black tulle dress for the second half of the concert. After opening her set with “Respect Me,” the 35-year-old singer addressed the crowd, saying, “I'm sure there will be many moments when (the music) will go through your skin and cells and make your heart flutter . . It's going to be a night where something will reach you through this air. Please enjoy it until the end,” then went on to perform “Goodbye Darling,” “With U” and other familiar hits in quick succession. Kato's sultry vocals and the orchestral performance combined resulted in a more dynamic sound than the original versions of her recordings.As the singer said, it felt like we were taking the wonderful sound through our skin and settling deep into the cells of our body.

Midway through her set, she spoke about her attitude as a woman in the music industry. “I was always very aware that I lived my life as a woman. I love it, I enjoy it and sometimes I get sad about it,” he said. “I struggle with it every day, but music is what gets me through those times. Female artists were the reason I started music in the first place.” She then covered Hikaru Utada's 'First Love' as a tribute to one of the female artists who inspired her. She captivated the audience with her majestic performance, beautifully singing the luscious ballad with both hands grasping the microphone against the backdrop of an orchestra. Each verse seemed to linger in the air, flooding the audience in a luxurious blend of voice and sound.

Kato then launched into her iconic hit from 2009, “Aitai” (I Miss You). The evergreen, soulful love song is definitely heartbreaking but sonically comforting, making you wish it would never end. Kato closed out the night with “JOYRIDE,” a half-English, half-Japanese song she wrote with her hometown in mind. Kato's vocals, the orchestra's performance and the audience clapping along with the uplifting single ended the show on a happy note.

The goal of Billboard Japan's Women In Music concerts is to play a role in encouraging women's empowerment, and Vol. The 2nd performance was energizing in various forms, including the mesmerizing vocals from the two singers, the performances from the orchestra, the words spoken by the artists, and the sense of unity in the venue. People in the audience enjoyed the concert in different ways, with some swaying back and forth to the music while others listened intently, and many were probably inspired by what the artists had to say.

The synergistic effect of J-pop and instrumental music was more than expected and was a good reminder that there are no barriers between musical genres. The people who gathered in the venue that day were probably diverse in terms of gender, age and music they like. But the fact that they came together listening to the same music in the same place on this day will surely be an unforgettable memory for everyone.

—This article by Misaki Ito first appeared on Billboard Japan