ZICO held his first solo concert in Japan in 8 years at Keio Arena, featuring special guest Ikuta Lilas and a sold-out crowd.

Rapper, solo artist, and recently known as the producer of the popular boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, ZICO (Zico from Block B) held his first solo concert in Japan in 8 years, '2026 ZICO LIVE: TOKYO DRIVE,' at Keio Arena TOKYO on February 7. The tickets for this one-night-only precious performance, which also featured guest Ikuta Lilas, sold out immediately after release. ZICO, moved by the long-awaited Japanese concert, said, 'I kept you waiting for a long time.' True to the title 'TOKYO DRIVE,' an open car set was placed on stage. Surrounded by many dancers, ZICO made a pop-up appearance in front of the car with the opening track 'Artist,' raising the heat of the venue with the funky sounds of a live band. He also showcased the dance from the globally popular SNS dance challenge 'Any song.' With four fun songs leading up to 'SPOT!', the audience was prepared for the upcoming drive. As the open car turned to face the front, ZICO got into the car for 'SEOUL DRIFT,' turning on the headlights and starting the drive. In the latter half of 'I am you, You are me,' he sang the chorus in Japanese, 'You are me, and I am you,' exciting the crowd. 'It's been 8 years since I last met you at my solo concert, 'King Of the Zungle Tour in Tokyo' in 2018. I kept you waiting for a long time, but many songs have been born during that time. I hope you can listen to many songs you expect today. Today is 'TOKYO DRIVE.' I want to enjoy the drive with everyone. You are all my co-drivers today. Please enjoy yourselves to the fullest. I saw snow today, and it felt like you all were welcoming me like petals, which made me very happy. I was able to witness such precious moments that don't happen often.' He raised the audience's expectations by asking, 'Everyone, what have you been doing for the past 8 years?' He opened the trunk of the car to show records like 'DUET' with Ikuta Lilas, 'SPOT!' with JENNIE (BLACKPINK), and tracks from his 4th EP 'Grown Ass Kid,' sharing stories about the songs. He also mentioned his 1st full album 'THINKING Part.1' as 'a personally important album,' taking out the record and placing it on the record player in the trunk, singing the light-hearted track 'Actually.' A large monitor displayed images of Tokyo at night, and as the hard rock-arranged HIP HOP track 'New Thing' played, the night drive in Tokyo began. From here, ZICO's unique style, blending band and HIP HOP, ignited excitement with 'Freak' and 'Eureka.' Sweaty from the performance, ZICO reminisced, 'As I was running passionately, I found myself in the middle of Tokyo, around Shibuya. I spent my middle and high school years in Tokyo, so I still remember the roads in Shibuya. It's my favorite place.' He shared memories and stirred the audience with the anthem 'Okey Dokey' from the audition program 'SHOW ME THE MONEY,' creating an exhilarating atmosphere. As he got back into the car and started the engine, a woman joined him to sing the hit song 'DUET.' The guest was Ikuta Lilas. After getting out of the car, they showcased a lively dance and harmonious interaction on the center stage. Ikuta Lilas expressed her excitement, saying, 'I had been waiting to perform together since I heard there would be a live show. It was so much fun that I want to perform 'DUET' again!' She also performed her songs 'Hyakka Ryouran' and 'Koi Kaze' accompanied by piano, thrilling the audience. Confirming his identity, ZICO stated, 'I am a person who does music, ZICO.' TOKYO DRIVE took the audience into the late-night city. He showcased a quiet ballad with 'One-man show,' sharing, 'There were moments when I felt like I was the only one left in this world while making this album. But the empty feelings and the hurtful self are filled brightly by people.' He sang 'Human' refreshingly, gradually filling the space with hope. Although ZICO has a strong image as a rapper, his ability to master ballads adds persuasive power to his songs. The final sprint of the main show was packed with ZICO's unique hardcore HIP HOP! He appeared from below the center stage, enveloped in red light and flames, and unleashed a powerful flow with 'Tough Cookie,' prompting fans to sing along. The intensity of the rap escalated with 'No you can't,' engulfing the audience, and the stage and floor united in excitement with 'FANXY CHILD.' 'There’s one more drive spot. While preparing for this live, I wondered, 'Will many people be waiting for me? Will they come?' I approached it with the feeling of 'Don't expect too much, just work harder,' but so many people came. I think both old and new fans felt like they could create a new chapter with me. I hope to show you more wonderful things while doing more activities in Japan from now on,' he said, receiving a big round of applause. He continued, 'As someone who does various jobs, I sometimes wonder, 'Am I really an artist?' But today, I feel like I was able to confirm my identity. I am a singer. I am a person who does music. I am ZICO. I will show you who ZICO is... I will close with ZICO. Thank you for coming to see ZICO!' he declared loudly, and amidst the cheers, he performed a medley of the standout rap 'Predator' and the dramatically transformed 'RED SUN,' bringing a passionate closing. From ballads to hardcore HIP HOP! In the encore, ZICO said, 'It seems like the drive is still a bit lacking. Actually, I feel the same way (laughs). So, I prepared something special.' As ZICO stepped on the car's accelerator, a tachometer displaying the song title appeared on the main monitor. The song chosen by the fans for the encore was 'Okey Dokey.' Starting with a call-and-response with the audience, ZICO rushed to the center stage, stirring the crowd with all his might, and finally collapsed on stage as if out of fuel. He then layered flows and rhymes with 'Turtle Ship,' returned to the main stage, and sang 'Tell me yes or no' while being surrounded by dancers, and finally smashed a guitar against the car, shattering it. The dancers destroyed the car with bats, concluding ZICO's journey of TOKYO DRIVE. ZICO debuted in 2011 as the leader of the idol group Block B. He had been producing since his debut, but started solo activities in 2015. He participated as a producer in the rap audition program 'SHOW ME THE MONEY 4,' enhancing his popularity as a rapper. Currently, he is not only active in the HIP HOP field but also has achieved great success with the boy group 'BOYNEXTDOOR,' which he produced. Additionally, his collaboration with JENNIE from BLACKPINK, 'SPOT!', and the collaboration with Ikuta Lilas, 'DUET,' have become big hits, showcasing his success in the mainstream. At the end of last year, he also appeared with Ikuta Lilas on the Japanese music program 'Music Station SUPER LIVE 2025.' His label 'KOZ' carries the meaning of 'King of the Zungle = ZICO reaching the top of the ecosystem of the music jungle he created.' True to its name, ZICO, who has reached the top in many fields from underground to mainstream, was able to drive through 'TOKYO DRIVE' with his music. This one concert in Tokyo was an incredibly valuable live performance. Those who witnessed this day became witnesses to ZICO's precious footsteps.