Japan's Tokyo Dome was awash in the melody of the Korean folk song "Arirang." A memorable scene in concert history was born as 110,000 audience members attending BTS's world tour sang "Arirang" in unison.
BTS wrapped up their world tour "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN TOKYO" at Tokyo Dome on April 17 and 18. The Tokyo Dome concerts marked their return to the venue for the first time in seven years and five months, since "BTS WORLD TOUR LOVE YOURSELF ~JAPAN EDITION~" in November 2018. Both performances sold out early, with 110,000 fans filling every seat across the two days.
Audience members created a spectacular scene waving their "Army Bombs" lightsticks. During "Not Today" and "MIC Drop," thunderous cheers rang out as if ready to blow the roof off Tokyo Dome. The climax came with "Body to Body," a track from their fifth album "ARIRANG." When the melody of the Korean folk song "Arirang" woven into the track began playing, the entire audience sang "Arirang" together in unison. HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk had previously predicted that an "Arirang singalong" echoing through overseas concert venues would be the most "iconic moment" of this tour. The members were reportedly unable to hide their overwhelmed expressions, as if engraving the voices of the audience into their hearts.
Fans sang along to every single lyric of global hits "Butter" and "Dynamite." As the singalong layered over BTS's vocals, the heat of the concert only intensified. During the "Random Song" segment, where the group performs older songs on the spot, they delivered "Crystal Snow" from their eighth Japanese single released in 2017 and "FOR YOU" from their fourth Japanese single released in 2015. As these were Japanese-original songs made for local fans, they were more than enough to deliver deep emotion. The members moved across the stage making eye contact with fans, repeatedly saying, "It's been such a long time since we sang this. It feels so good," unable to hide their joy.
BTS handled most of their remarks in fluent Japanese and read aloud handwritten letters they had carefully prepared, conveying their sincerity. "Even though we're meeting after such a long time, you've responded with the same cheers and smiles, and we're actually the ones gaining strength. We missed you," they said. "I sometimes come to Tokyo to travel, and as I walk the streets, I think, 'So this is the scenery you live with.' I'm truly so happy and honored to be able to come back. And I'm happy. Thank you for waiting until now, and I sincerely love you."
Having successfully wrapped up their Tokyo concerts, BTS will continue their tour in the United States. The group is scheduled to meet local fans at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on April 25, 26, and 28.
