Chanson Singer Kumiko Announces Tokyo Opera City Concert on Oct 30, 2026, to Commemorate New Album "Chansontique na Utatachi Vol. 2"

©2026 Keita Haginiwa

Kumiko, a leading figure in the Japanese chanson world, has continually breathed soul into every word she sings.

Following the May 27th release of her second concept album, 'Chansontique na Utatachi Vol. 2: Weaving the Times, Singing the Stories,' where she redefines songs from all genres with a "chanson-tique" interpretation, it has been announced that she will hold a commemorative concert on Friday, October 30th, at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall in Hatsudai, Tokyo. This performance will be the highlight of a national tour celebrating the album's release, featuring songs from the new album and showcasing Kumiko's signature dramatic stage presence.

The Emotion of Last Year, Revisited—An Overwhelming Voice Unleashed in the Sacred Hall of Hatsudai

In July of last year, 2025, Kumiko captivated a full house at the same venue for her "Kumiko Special Concert 2025 ~A Night of Chansontique Songs for You~," a stage that concluded her 70th-anniversary year. With close friend Yoshio Inoue as a guest, Kumiko's performance, which infused soul into every word from her signature pieces to duets, was a night that truly displayed the "essence of chanson."

One year later, she returns to the Opera City stage. This time, she will be joined by the chorus group Baby Boo, who also participated in the album, to construct an even more profound and dramatic musical world.

Elevating Timeless Masterpieces into "Chanson"

The core of the chanson album to be released in May is a collection of covers of songs by the legendary chanson singer Yukari Kaneko, whom Kumiko deeply admires. She takes on 'Saikai' (Reunion), a massive chanson hit from the end of the Showa era, and 'Ai no Ballad' (Love Ballad), the main theme from the landmark Kadokawa film 'The Inugami Clan.' Kumiko's mature expressiveness will paint the decadent and beautiful world established by Yukari Kaneko.

Furthermore, the album includes new recordings of Miyuki Nakajima's masterpiece 'Toki wa Nagarete' (Time Flows On), the prayer for peace 'Imujingawa' (Imjin River), and songs from her own roots like 'Ai no Tsuioku' (Memories of Love) and 'Yuurei' (Ghost). Timeless masterpieces that have shone across eras and genres are given new life through Kumiko's voice.

A noteworthy inclusion is 'Pierrot no Shinju' (The Pierrot's Pearl), a new song left by the late composer Toshi. Symbolizing the album's spirit, this track features the chorus group Baby Boo.

**A Comment from Kumiko**

Following last year, I am happy to announce that I will be holding another album release commemorative concert at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall on October 30th. A concert in a classic hall with classical instruments, devoid of any frills, should allow for an even greater experience of musical bliss. Last year, we invited Mr. Yoshio Inoue, and this year, I will be performing with the a cappella vocal group, Baby Boo. I believe you will be able to enjoy the pleasure woven by our voices even more. And thankfully, I will also be able to hold concerts in Kobe, Nagoya, and Sapporo. I am already looking forward to delivering songs that are simple yet full of flavor. By the way, the album will be released on May 27th. This time again, it features 'chansontique' songs. From chanson to Miyuki Nakajima's masterpieces, they are all works filled with heart. I would be overjoyed if you could come to the concert to hear them.

### Tokyo Performance Overview

**Concert Title:** Kumiko Special Concert ~Chansontique na Utatachi with Baby Boo~

**Date & Time:** Friday, October 30, 2026, starts at 16:00 **Venue:** Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall (3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) Access: https://www.operacity.jp/access/

**Price:** 9,500 JPY (tax included / all seats reserved)

**Presented by:** Mixzone / Sunrise Promotion **Planned & Produced by:** Puerta del Sol

**Inquiries:** Sunrise Promotion 0570-00-3337 (Weekdays 12:00-15:00)

**Official HP:** https://sunrisetokyo.com/detail/34338/

### Ticket Information General Sale Date: Friday, April 24, 2026, from 12:00~ *Details will be announced on the official HP at a later date.

### Other Performance Dates | Date | City | Venue | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Oct 1 (Thu) | Nagoya | Niterra NGK Spark Plug Civic Center, Village Hall | | Oct 8 (Thu) | Sapporo | Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, Small Hall | | Oct 10 (Sat) | Kobe | Kobe Asahi Hall | *Performance content will differ from the Tokyo performance.

### Latest Album Information Release Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 **'Chansontique na Utatachi Vol. 2 ~Weaving the Times, Singing the Stories~'**

COCP-42696 / 3,182 JPY + tax / 3,500 JPY (tax included) https://columbia.jp/artist-info/kumiko/

### Tracklist (Order TBD) 1. Ai no Ballad (New Recording) (Original: Yukari Kaneko) 2. Pierrot no Shinju (New Recording) 3. Toki wa Nagarete (New Recording) (Original: Miyuki Nakajima) 4. Imujingawa (New Recording) (Original: The Folk Crusaders) 5. Saikai (New Recording) (Original: Nicoletta) 6. Ai no Tsuioku (New Recording) (Original: Dalida) 7. Yuurei (New Recording) (Original: Charles Trenet) 8. Hymne à l'amour (2024 Recording) (Original: Édith Piaf) 9. Woman ~From W's Tragedy~ (2025 Recording) (Original: Hiroko Yakushimaru) 10. Yoitomake no Uta (2023 Recording) (Original: Akihiro Miwa) 11.-17. Instrumentals of tracks 1-7