Perfume Goes Around
I attended "Perfume ZO/Z5 Anniversary 'Nebula Romance' Episode TOKYO DOME," held at the Tokyo Dome on September 23, 2025.
This was the final live concert before they enter cold sleep starting in 2026, which was announced a few days ago.
I was deeply moved by this concert, which could be called the culmination of Perfume's 25 years since formation and 20 years since their major debut, so I want to record my thoughts before I forget them.
※The following contains spoilers
What is Nebula Romance?
Nebula Romance is a story based on a version of Perfume born in another world, which serves as the foundation for Perfume's first concept albums, "Nebula Romance Part I" and "Nebula Romance Part II."
It's a sci-fi story about three girls who descended to Earth from the moon, working as the techno-pop unit Perfume while also fighting robots as part of the Earth Defense Force.
I'll omit the details as it would be too long to write out.
If you watch the music videos for "Cosmic Treat" from the first part or "Meguru Loop" from the second part, I think you'll get a sense of the world, so please watch them 100 times.
About the concert content
Without a doubt, it was the most amazing concert they've ever done.
The production and setlist fully expressed the world of Nebula Romance while also summarizing Perfume's activities to date.
While there weren't flashy effects like projection mapping or full-floor LEDs, the satisfaction level was extremely high thanks to the video production that made the dome feel intimate, the center stage visible from all directions, and the shadow effects utilizing the ceiling, all packed with the technology and experience of Team Perfume.
In addition to the album tracks, it was incredibly exciting to see "Perfume no Okite," a reconstruction of the performance Perfume first held at the Tokyo Dome 15 years ago, and "Polyrhythm," which was intentionally remixed for this occasion.
As A-chan mentioned during the MC, I think it was a setlist that fans of any era of Perfume could enjoy.
I was also incredibly happy that they performed my personal favorite songs, "Saisei" and "NIGHT FLIGHT"...
A message from Perfume
Usually, the MC is filled with lighthearted banter, but this time, they shared passionate messages about the circumstances behind their decision to enter cold sleep, their future outlook, and their thoughts on Perfume looking back at their activities so far.
As fans, it was good to hear such positive words despite the sadness, such as the fact that the three of them need some time to continue being Perfume for the rest of their lives, that they view this hiatus as a challenge for Perfume, and that Perfume will continue to stay close to their fans through their music.
The audience's energy was also a little different than usual.
During the performance, there was a desperation to 'truly enjoy this day,' and during the MC, there was more seriousness than ever as everyone tried to take in every expression and word from the three of them; despite there being more people than usual, the sense of unity in the venue was incredible.
While I was going wild for the incredibly cool Perfume, it was a space filled with love and gratitude. Truly.
What I felt
After the show, I wanted to soak in the lingering emotions, so I walked for about two stations.
Before the concert started, I imagined I would be heading home in sorrow, but thanks to Perfume's incredibly clean and beautiful conclusion, I still feel an indescribable sense of refreshment.
Perhaps I could say that because the performance and production were so cool, and because the three of them said they would 'definitely come back,' I was given hope that 'Perfume will continue to show us a new future.'
At the same time, I also felt a resolve to wait for Perfume, who declared their comeback in front of 50,000 spectators, with the same feelings I have now.
I also imagined that the title 'Nebula Romance' might contain an image like 'a story of Perfume, who once reached the end of their lifespan as a star and became a nebula, until they are reborn as a new star.'
Summary
In a word, it was a time that made me think, 'I'm glad I fell in love with Perfume...'
Even though Perfume is now synonymous with android-like dancing and live performances that utilize cutting-edge technology, I reaffirmed that what really attracts fans is the 'heart' of the three of them.
I remembered them saying in an MC or interview article somewhere, 'We have already fulfilled our dreams as Perfume, and now we are returning the favor to our fans.'
I think the accumulation of treating their fans with such care was evident in today's concert.
The song performed at the end of the concert was 'Loop'.
It gives me goosebumps that it links to the lyrics of 'Polyrhythm,' which made Perfume famous overnight; I want to believe that today's concert was created as a result of 'feelings' looping around, and wait for the day when the feelings born here loop back and I can attend a Perfume concert again.
WE ARE Perfume!
