Char SOUND OF HISTORY -since 1923-

The closing performance of Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, which has been running for 100 years

"SOUND OF HISTORY -since 1923-" has been adapted into a film

Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, which has hosted countless performances since its opening in 1923, is now being filmed for Char's closing performance, "SOUND OF HISTORY -since 1923-," held before the hall's closure. The film captures the one-night-only live performance, featuring musicians from around the world, including the renowned modern guitar hero, Matheus Asato. Furthermore, the limited edition includes footage from "For another 100 years," held in 2024, which also featured Char's close friend, Nakaiido CHABO Reiichi, making it a work that allows viewers to enjoy two performances held at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall at different time periods

Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall is a sacred place for music in Japan. Since its opening in 1923 as Japan's first full-fledged open-air concert hall, countless artists have etched their legendary performances there, making it a place that can be called a "hall of fame for rock and roll."

In 2023, the year of its 100th anniversary, it was announced that the facility would be closed for renovation work, but it will now officially close its doors at the end of September 2025, bringing its long history to a close

This time, a video work capturing the entirety of the closing party, "SOUND OF HISTORY -since 1923-", produced by Char, who has a close connection to Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, will be released on June 9th, 2026 (Tuesday)

Char and Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall—their relationship has resonated with each other many times throughout their careers spanning more than half a century. Since Char, then a teenager, took to the stage with Smoky Medicine, a group he formed with Mari Kaneko, Yoshihiro Naruse, Shoji Fujii, and Jun Sato, it has also been a special place where he has performed numerous concerts, including the legendary rock trio Johnny, Louis & Char's free concert "Free Spirit" in July 1979, which drew a record-breaking 14,000 people, and the farewell concert of JL&C

　This "Sound of History -since 1923-" is a work that fully documents the genuine final stage held at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall before its renovation. One of the highlights of this work is the collaboration with a stellar lineup of musicians who came from all over the world

The lineup includes Matheus Asato (Brazil), a modern guitar hero who has garnered immense support from guitarists worldwide for his exceptional technique and expressive playing; Josh Smith (USA), who has gained popularity for his style that incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and country into his bluesy sound; Phum Viphurit (Thailand), a leading Thai singer-songwriter whose song "Lover Boy" was a global hit; and Potch Barrett (Philippines), also known as the guitarist for the Filipino national band Ben&Ben. In addition, Ichika Nito, who has over 5 million followers on social media and continues to captivate guitarists around the world, will be joining as the opening act, adding to the splendor of this memorable stage

　The live performance began with Char performing a string of Pink Cloud-era hits, including "Pink Cloud," "BY," and "Why Aren't You Ready." He then performed covers of Jeff Beck's "Blue Wind" and "Led Boots," before inviting Josh Smith as the first guest to play "Pusher." As twilight enveloped the streets of Hibiya, the exquisite guitar tones resonated throughout the venue. One of the highlights was Char's Hammond organ solo, performed in place of Mickey Yoshino, who apparently couldn't make it due to another job!

　Next, with Mickey Yoshino and Phum Viphurit joining the band, they performed "Superstition," a session where audiences could enjoy Phum's powerful and sexy vocals and a heated guitar battle. Furthermore, they performed "Lover Boy," Phum's signature song that has achieved a global hit with 100 million views on YouTube, and Char's cutting work, which enhances the refreshing city pop sound, is also a highlight. In the middle of the live performance, during "Future Child," they delivered a well-coordinated performance with Potch Barrett. The scene where the guitar "sings" with a thick and soaring tone can also be said to be one of the highlights

The songs performed with Matheus Asato were "Nameless Land" and "Smoky." In particular, "Smoky," which was realized at Matheus's strong request, featured a passionate performance lasting approximately 8 minutes, allowing the audience to fully enjoy a wonderful session where the two guitars communicated with each other, utilizing phrasing with masterful control of tempo and dynamics. The audience gave enthusiastic applause and cheers to this special collaboration between the two masters that took place at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall

For the encore, they performed "Tomorrow is Coming to Me," a song from the 1978 album "Thrill," which they produced with Godiego, the band that Mickey Yoshino was a member of. And finally, the timeless classic "Shinin' You, Shinin' Day" resonated across the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall stage, bringing the memorable closing event to a grand finale

Watch the Teaser

Furthermore, this release includes footage from "For another 100 years," a concert held at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in 2024. A notable feature is the guest appearances by Mickey Yoshino and Nakaiido "CHABO" Reiichi at the concert, which Char held to commemorate his 69th birthday on June 16th of that year, marking his "ROCK (69) year."

　Numbers like "GOJIMADE MATENAI," "Kagerou," "The Leading of The Leaving," "Future Child," "Wondering Again," and "Uncle Jack," enhanced by Mickey Yoshino's brilliant organ playing, offer a captivating ensemble performance with a different feel from his usual live shows. Furthermore, the rendition of RC Succession's famous ballad "Ii Koto Bakari wa Arya Shinai" with Nakaiido "CHABO" Reiichi is one of the most iconic moments of the show. The lighthearted banter between the two, who have known each other for over half a century, is also charming, and you should definitely check out the recording to see the full performance, including the MC that brought tears to the audience's eyes when Yoshino said, "Kiyoshiro Imawano appeared in my dream the night before the rehearsal. I'm sure he wanted to come (to Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall)."

　Furthermore, as this is an anniversary concert for Char, who is widely recognized as "the rock world's number one rainmaker," the setlist is notably filled with songs related to rain. In particular, the encore, in which he performs "Sora Moyou no Kagen ga Waruku Naru Mae ni" → "Ameagari no Yozora ni" (RC Succession) → "RAINBOW SHOES" in rapid succession, is a must-see

Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall and Char have etched countless live performance memories onto its stage throughout its 100-year history. This video production offers a rich experience of reliving the intense live space that could only be created at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, together with musicians from across generations and borders. We hope you will fully enjoy the many exquisite rock numbers that Char, who continues to be an ever-evolving artist, has played at his home ground, Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall

"Char SOUND OF HISTORY -since 1923-"

Blu-ray / 2 DVDs + 2 CDs, 2-disc set with slipcase

"For another 100 years" Blu-ray/DVD

*Only the limited first edition is eligible

Char SOUND OF HISTORY -since 1923-

[First-run limited edition]

¥16,000 (tax included)
Released on June 9, 2026 (Tuesday)
・Three-sided slipcase box packaging
・Blu-ray/2DVD digipak jacket
・2CD digipak jacket
・24p LIVE PHOTO
・24-page lyric booklet
<First-run/Pre-order Limited Edition>
・Sound Of History Special T-shirt
・Sound Of History Special Tote bag
Sound Of History Special Rubber Keychain
・For another 100 years [2024]: Blu-ray / DVD
*Reservation period: May 13th (Wed) - May 24th (Sun), 2026

Book now
[First-Press Limited Edition]

¥10,000 (tax included)
Released on June 9, 2026 (Tuesday)
・Three-sided slipcase box packaging
・Blu-ray/2DVD digipak jacket
・2CD digipak jacket
・24p LIVE PHOTO
・24-page lyric booklet
<First-Press Limited Edition>
・For another 100 years [2024]: Blu-ray / DVD
*Pre-orders for the limited edition will begin on May 25th (Monday) after pre-orders for the limited edition have closed

Reservations begin (May 25th)
[Standard version]

¥7,000 (tax included)
Released on June 9, 2026 (Tuesday)
・Three-sided slipcase box packaging
・Blu-ray/2DVD digipak jacket
・2CD digipak jacket
・24p LIVE PHOTO
・24-page lyric booklet

Book now