Stray Kids Make History with Their First Japanese Stadium Concert
Global K-pop powerhouse Stray Kids recently cemented their superstar status by successfully completing their first-ever Japanese stadium concerts, drawing over 220,000 fans across four explosive nights at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa. The performances, held on May 10–11 and May 17–18, were part of their ongoing ‘Stray Kids World Tour <dominATE>’ and marked a significant milestone for the group, who continue to break records on the global stage.
Following monumental shows at Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome Osaka last year with a combined audience of over 315,000 attendees, these Shizuoka concerts marked Stray Kids’ debut at a Japanese stadium, meeting overwhelming fan enthusiasm. The event drew STAY—the group’s dedicated global fandom—from all across Japan, eager to witness the exhilarating stage presence and signature performances that have launched Stray Kids into international fame.
Three of the concerts on May 11, 17, and 18 were also live-streamed through cinemas and online platforms across Japan, allowing over 110,000 additional fans to experience the electrifying event live, regardless of their physical location.
Stray Kids delivered live renditions of some of their biggest hits including ‘Thunderous’, ‘Chk Chk Boom,’ ‘God’s Menu,’ ‘Special,’ and ‘Walkin On Water’. They also performed their Japanese original track ‘GIANT,’ which topped the US iTunes Album Chart when it was released in November 2024.
In a deeply moving moment, the group surprised fans with a pre-release of their upcoming Japanese mini-album’s title track ‘Hollow’, set to release on June 18. This poignant song brings together the dual meaning of the English word “hollow” and the Korean word “홀로” (alone), expressing emotional emptiness and isolation through heartfelt lyrics and evocative melodies. The performance resonated strongly with fans, symbolizing Stray Kids’ commitment to being a comforting presence to STAY during lonely times.
The show was elevated by breathtaking visuals including pyrotechnics, fireworks, massive balloons, and the group’s beloved animal character mascots SKZOO, delivering an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Stray Kids also traveled through the venue in special vehicles, getting up close with their fans while exchanging genuine eye contact and emotional moments of connection.
As the concerts came to a close, the members addressed their fans by saying, “These stadium shows were only possible because STAY was watching over us. We’ll always treasure your hearts. We love you.”
With the Japanese leg of their tour successfully concluded, Stray Kids now turn their focus to North America and Europe. Beginning May 24 in Seattle, they will stage 22 stadium shows across 10 North American and 6 European cities. This tour, boasting a record-breaking 55 shows across 34 cities, is expected to attract an astounding 2.2 million fans globally, potentially setting a new all-time record for the most attendees at a single K-pop tour.
