UA Delivers a Breathtaking Performance Fused with Japanese Traditional Instruments at 'KAIMoN Music Festival' in MoN Takanawa

The music festival 'KAIMoN Music Festival – Open the MoN –', planned and produced in cooperation with radio station J-WAVE (81.3FM), is currently being held for four days from Tuesday, May 19 to Friday, May 22, 2026. This event celebrates the 'opening' of 'MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives', a newly opened experimental cultural museum in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, and simultaneously presents a new live experience where modern music intersects with traditional Japanese performing arts.

The festival features daily appearances by artists closely associated with J-WAVE: Hitsujibungaku, UA, STUTS, and ROTH BART BARON × Taro Ishida. They collaborate with traditional Japanese instruments based on their respective musical styles, going beyond mere reproductions of existing songs to unfold a one-night-only stage specifically created for this time and place over four consecutive nights.

On Wednesday, May 20, the second day of the festival, UA took the stage. She celebrated her 30th debut anniversary last year and released her highly anticipated full album 'NEWME' in February after about 10 years. As the performance began and the gates of the festival opened, the beautiful sound of the sho (traditional wind instrument) echoed through the venue. This was gradually joined by the sounds of the shakuhachi, 25-string koto, Tsugaru shamisen, and Japanese drums, weaving a tapestry of traditional Japanese sounds.

Emerging onto the stage, UA kicked off the live performance with 'WAKEUP'. The setlist for the day covered a wide range of songs, centering on her latest album 'NEWME' as well as classic hits from her early career. She continuously delivered powerful band ensembles with tracks like 'Ocha', 'GORILLAS are still very shy', 'Tonic', and 'Mood', supported by a skillful band sound, heavy beats, glittering synthesizers, and two chorus members breathing in perfect unison with her.

During the performance of 'ZOMBIE', a collaboration song originally with her eldest son, actor Nijiro Murakami, a special guest appeared—her younger son, filling the venue with surprise, joy, and a heartwarming atmosphere. UA then seamlessly transitioned to perform masterpieces such as 'Senkou', 'Binetsu', 'Mawaru Mirai', 'Henshin', 'Amai Unmei', 'Milk Tea', and 'HAPPY', showcasing her diverse expressions and captivating vocal prowess.

Towards the end of the show, she performed 'AUWA', intersecting electronic elements with ambient echoes and the heavy beats of Japanese drums. She then beautifully wrapped up the night with 'Mizuiro', 'ALK', and 'Twilight Before Sunrise', delivering a delicate and profound ensemble with the traditional instruments that could only be experienced at this specific event. The 'KAIMoN Music Festival' continues until Friday, May 22, featuring STUTS on May 21 and ROTH BART BARON × Taro Ishida on the final day. Tickets are currently available for purchase online.