Cancellations, Confirmations, And A Brave New Chapter

The week came at us sideways: calendars out of sync, tours on the brink, and one of the bravest artist statements we’ve seen in years. We start with that universal fog after Thanksgiving, the kind that makes you write November in December, and use it as a lens for how timing shapes fandom—planning travel, stacking budgets, and riding the emotional wave of yes… or maybe not.

Then we get real about touring. MIYAVI’s North America cancellation stings, but the message lands: logistics, economics, sustainability. No vague “unforeseen circumstances,” just the hard truth that keeps a door open for future shows. On the other side, KARD’s promoter does what every fan hopes for—confirms passports and US work visas are fully approved. That kind of proactive clarity flips anxiety into excitement, especially when ticket fees and refund gaps have already drained trust. We dig into why fees balloon, how scaling venues too fast backfires, and what fairer practices could look like for fans who bet big on travel.

The conversation shifts with MONSTA X’s I.M preparing for enlistment while managing back pain, meaning he’ll sit out overseas activities and the 2026 tour. It’s a reminder that health and duty set the frame for global schedules—and that honest timelines help fans show up with patience instead of surprise. We also unpack the STARTO year-end lineup that leaves out a few major names and raises questions about strategy, conflicts, and expectations around legacy shows.

Our most powerful moment arrives with XG’s Cocona coming out as transmasculine, non-binary and sharing they had top surgery. The post is thoughtful, proud, and supported by family and members. We talk about what this means for J-pop and idol culture, why representation matters, and how fans can adjust language with care. When artists tell the truth—about identity, about logistics—the relationship gets stronger. That’s the throughline: clarity, respect, and the courage to say what’s real.

If you felt the highs and lows of live music this year—worrying about another cancellation, cheering a green light, or celebrating someone living boldly—this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs the update, and drop a review to help more listeners find the show. What builds your trust most: honesty, speed, or detail?

Transcript

Holiday Time Warp And Gift Prep

SPEAKER_00 0:20

Welcome everybody to another episode of Music Elixir with me, Sarashi and Mr.

SPEAKER_02 0:26

Japanic. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 0:29

No musical fanfare today.

SPEAKER_02 0:31

No. Today's a ransom rambling.

SPEAKER_00 0:36

Yes, indeed.

SPEAKER_02 0:38

This weekend on November December. December 6th. You know what? Because okay. This week has been mentally war time warping for myself. Because the past employer and Earth before the one that I'm in right now, you we have Thanksgiving and the Friday off.

SPEAKER_00 1:03

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 1:04

In the company that I am, we need to have by rules or so we can get paid by certain by the government, we need to stay open the day after Thanksgiving. So it's like you work or you don't. Or and if you work that day, you can take the following Friday Monday off.

SPEAKER_00 1:25

So I did that. Oh, okay, yeah. A little bonus. Threw me off. Yeah, it does.

SPEAKER_02 1:30

Threw me off completely because I'm so used to having the Thursday and the Friday, you know, the whole weekend. Not just like off Thanksgiving, then go to work, and then I have this long weekend, and then I'm like, what day is it? And am I still in December? Am I still in November? So I was throwing me off. So when I was having even conversations with people at work, I was repeating myself. And it's like, we already talked about that. And I'm like, we did? It's like, yeah, on Friday. And I'm like, oh yeah. And I'm like, geez, this is not good. Even my weekend, I thought it was a Saturday when it was a Sunday. And when and then Monday came along, I thought it was a Sunday, but it was Monday. Yeah, no, it was so even when I was typing, I was like typing November, and I'm like, no, it's not November, it's December. Completely threw me off. So I'm like, I don't know if I'm able to do that for 2026. I just gonna keep taking it off. I went on a time warp. Crazy.

SPEAKER_00 2:35

Yeah, no, I can imagine. I had the Friday off, but that also messes you up in a way too. Cause then you're like, on the weekend, what day is it? And then and then you're like, oh wait, the weekend's over. What where did it go? But all of November sort of was a blur for me. So well this month I I've I forgot to. I was like, oh no, it's already December.

SPEAKER_02 2:59

What happened? I do want to say I'm proud of myself that I'm actually caught up on the gift giving. I have everybody that I wanted, well, except for one, but I was like, that's a quick one. But I want to say I have everything I need. So I'm good. Cool. I'm good. So that's awesome. Because I was um what I was doing this year, if I was going to a store, if I see something, I'm like, oh, that's great for Christmas. And something. So I will stash it to the side. So I would have like knick-knacks and little thingies on the side. And I'm like, oh, this is great for Christmas. Oh, this is great for Christmas. So when I did lo and behold, I'm like, oh, I got everybody, so I'm done. I am done. All I have to do is just wrap things up. And I think that's what I did on that Monday that I had off. I was wrapping things up, you know, making everything ready for gift giving. Now I can't wait to just give stuff away.

SPEAKER_00 3:56

Here, I need my room back. I was gonna say, uh be glad to give gifts because now I'll have space again.

Tour Cancellations And Clearer Explanations

SPEAKER_02 4:04

Exactly. Exactly. So that's that's why it's what's going on in my head. But anyways. So in this week, things have happened, and one just news just burst happen happened this morning or Saturday morning, but afternoon in Japan, where it happened. I'm not gonna talk about that. Well, I want to leave that one towards the end because this is like majorly big.

SPEAKER_00 4:29

Okay, okay, now I know I know which one you're talking about. All right.

SPEAKER_02 4:34

But Sarah and I, so Sarah and I said shared the same news on Instagram for one of my favorites, which is Miyavi. Yes. We were like, eh, none, because he is one to travel the US. He always tours the US. And he actually always comes to Boston. He yes, that's why we're like, yeah, he's kind of the boss. We have seen him all the time. So for one time, I think we couldn't that we saw him.

SPEAKER_00 5:07

Yeah, I think I think we only missed one show, yeah. Yeah. I mean, we went to the anime convention to see him play.

SPEAKER_02 5:13

Oh my god, that that alone is a talk, and we have made that talk. And please, if you yeah, we're not gonna resay it, but you need to find that episode.

SPEAKER_00 5:25

Yeah, but we've seen him at the Paradise, and we saw him at the Brighton Music Hall and Science Convention Center. Yeah, you know, so yeah, wow.

SPEAKER_02 5:35

Yeah, we have seen him in different clubs. We haven't even gone to New York for him. Yeah, we did. That's right. Yeah, Fillmore. We did.

SPEAKER_00 5:42

Was it the Fillmore? Yeah, okay, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 5:45

I think it was one year we saw him twice because we went to Boston and we went to New York.

SPEAKER_00 5:49

And we took one of our friends to New York.

SPEAKER_02 5:51

She was like, it was different, yeah. She was just like, Wow, but he's good, but wow, she's not, you know, she's one of those people who need the English lyrics to like enjoy the music.

SPEAKER_00 6:05

Plus, she's also more of a like 70s classic rock. But he's rock. I mean, no, I know, but it's it's still different than what she's you know, generally listening to. So yeah, but I guess it was really cool that she gave it a shot.

SPEAKER_02 6:21

You know, I do give her kudos that she went out of her comfort box to you know experience a com a Japanese artist because she's only been listening to American. No, she does sound like some Latinos. Yes, she does, yeah. You know? So I um yeah, I'm no, I'm proud of her. It's cool, it's cool. But she's like been there, done that, not gonna do it again. But I'm glad she tried it. So, um, so Miyavi have posted, we saw this on Instagram, on his Instagram uh account. I'm gonna read this from Verbatum, and we were just like, eh? Yeah. So it reads, Dear Miyavi fans, it is with deep regret that we must announce the cancellation of our February 2026 Miyavi US Tour 2025-2026 Broken Fantasy Part 2 uh in North America. After careful review of the tour logistics, see this is what's going okay, including the process of executing the tour uh internationally and overall economics, we have come to the unfortun uh unfortunately conclusion that proceeding with the current schedule will not be feasible. This decision reflects our commitment to sustainability touring that will allow Miyavi to continue performing in North America for years to come. Miyami remains dedicated to performing in the United States and we are actively working on future touring plans. Ticket refunds will be processed automatically through your point of purchase. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and continued support, Miyavi management team. So this is what really has been happening with all these tours. What I don't understand is just some of those. I understand the little under um entertainment company saying uh because of unforeseen, blah blah blah, they keep saying the same clause.

SPEAKER_00 8:41

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 8:41

And everybody's like, you didn't pay for visas, you didn't, you didn't, you know, like I understand all the fans are like so I mean they pay the money, they're eager, they're getting hyped up. Whoever's coming from whatever town or country pay for hotel and this and that, and they're just like attacking these entertainment companies, the production companies, because it's just I mean, yeah, we put it out there. The logistics and everything, and I'm like, I like this explanation of why it's cancelled, not the oh, because of law enforcement stances, you know, which is vague and like to we we what we could be anything. Exactly. It could be like it could be someone, it's money.

SPEAKER_00 9:26

Well, or just they're trying to hide someone's sick or injured and they don't want to talk about it. You know, I mean it could be anything, but it could be anything, but it's I think most times they're pretty honest about like when it's visa issue things. Most times I think it's yeah, just about lack of communication and understanding between the management and whatever companies doing the work. Yep. You know, because like what he's talking about logistics and stuff just means somebody couldn't get it together. Logistics is we couldn't put all these pieces together to make this show work here, here, here, here, and here. It's just crazy. It was very well-worded and informative. Exactly. Like instead of you just being like, So what happened? Exactly. Did they just not feel like coming? I don't know.

SPEAKER_02 10:17

Exactly. Because when they have when companies put that vague explanation of like, because of unforeseen, blah, blah, blah, blah. And I'm like, What, what, what unforeseen? What? Yeah. What really happened? We want to know.

SPEAKER_00 10:31

Well, like I said, it's usually someone dropped the ball.

Ticket Fees, Refunds, And Fan Frustrations

SPEAKER_02 10:34

And really, you're not gonna get your money completely because those fees ain't gonna be with it. It's gonna be like your ticket was a hundred, you know, your ticket was seventy-five dollars, so that's all you're getting, even though you paid like 200 bucks. Yeah, after all. I'm not exaggerating, but after all the stupid ass fees, if you know, they pay almost that much.

SPEAKER_00 10:55

You've probably paid like a hundred at least for the ticket, and you only get 75. Yeah, that's always a a poo-poo point. So that's which is probably why fans are pissed off though. Yeah. Because, you know, I paid these fees for you to get the shit. I mean, excuse me. Sorry, to get this stuff done, to get this and it's not happening, you should reimburse me for that too.

SPEAKER_02 11:16

Exactly. Yeah. Because reimbursed me for the fees, the$90 fee for the$75 ticket.

SPEAKER_00 11:24

Well, remember I told you once there was um, I think it was for Epic High. The reason we didn't go is because I was like, I was gonna buy the tickets, but the fees were as much as the tickets. Because they were they were cheap seats. It was um, it wasn't a um like hall theater. Yeah, it was just one of those like the paradise and stuff where there's not really seating. Oh, it's just like just a general admission place. But so the tickets were, I think, like 40 bucks. I was like, awesome, this is doable. And then the fees were actually 45. So I was like, suddenly this is a$95 ticket for a standing room alone. I was like, what the I I don't understand. Yeah, the fees were actually yeah, more than the tickets. And I I remember being like, it's gonna cost$95 to go to a dinky little, you know.

SPEAKER_02 12:18

That's why I'm like, I'm trying to get you know the nosebleeds because we're gonna be paying up the wazoo for stupid fees.

SPEAKER_00 12:25

Exactly. Oh man.

SPEAKER_02 12:28

No, it's it's so you know, um, it's regrettable because we love seeing Miyavi. Um, but you know, it we we have been seeing this and it's scary, I wanna say. Like, why is this happening? It just does not make sense.

SPEAKER_00 12:46

So now, with that being said, I was gonna say, on the flip side, exactly.

SPEAKER_02 12:50

Sarah and I we're going to see Card coming up in New York City December 14th that they're coming over. I have been helping promote that show. Now, the company that they are under, which is N204, have actually posted. I wonder if they're just I know they're they they they probably listen to our podcast and be like, we need to send this out there. They didn't say anything to me, but you know, I'm sure there's a lot of fans, not just us, all the fans with the same questions.

SPEAKER_00 13:21

Right.

Relief: KARD Visa Status Confirmed

SPEAKER_02 13:21

Because you get announcements from other companies and like Miyavi or artists saying, uh, we need to cancel because well, and a lot of times it happens like so close to when you're actually supposed to be going to the show, so you're like, what? Hello, Wano. Yeah. Which everybody was just we're like, oh crap. And you were like, you were saying, I was just gonna about to just get tickets, yeah. But now this happening.

SPEAKER_00 13:47

The day I was gonna buy tickets, which was a week before the show, yeah, they canceled. I was like, whoa, okay, and I'm like, it was like a thing there, my friend.

SPEAKER_01 13:57

But that was crazy.

SPEAKER_00 13:58

Yeah, no, but it's funny because the the card one, the minute I read it, I was like, wow, they addressed every concern we had in our last talk because we were like, we're going to show and we're getting nervous.

SPEAKER_02 14:09

So I just want to say, you know, I I tell her, and I'm like, my friend, I'm telling you, the industry are listening to us. They do because all of a sudden something happens.

SPEAKER_00 14:18

Yeah, and this happens. So I'm reading. Usually they don't say, Don't worry about it, it's still happening. Exactly. This is like very much focused on don't worry. Uh-huh. So go, sorry, go ahead and read.

SPEAKER_02 14:32

So I'm reading exactly verbatim from their Twitter post, which is the actually a picture of a Twitter of a post. Anyways, so they're saying, hi everyone, and this is N204 Entertainment. It has come to our attention some concerns and unease feelings regarding the US visas for cards 2025 US tour. And we completely understand the anticipation. Uh to give everyone peace and of mind, we want to reassure you and share that everything has been in good standing from the very beginning. All artists, passports, and working visas are fully approved and clear with no exceptions. The tour has been moving forward exactly as planned, and nothing has been at risk. We want you to feel confident, excited, and fully at ease as we get closer to the shows. If you if you have been waiting for a sign, this is it. See you all at the show. So thank you very much for addressing this. I like this company so far because they are listening and putting out the concerns that happen you know that we the fans had having. I mean, yes, we are all like, do I really want to buy this ticket? What about if they cancel? Yeah, exactly. Because that's what it's been happening way too quickly. It's been happening frequently, out of nowhere. It yeah.

SPEAKER_00 16:12

Well, in short notice, you know, you're been weak. Yeah, I've been sitting on your tickets for months, getting pumped up for the show, and then boom. Yeah, dang.

SPEAKER_02 16:23

And then also fans who have to travel.

SPEAKER_00 16:26

So that's yeah, this is awesome. This was great of them to do this to just because the minute when I first saw it, I was like, oh no, no, girl, me too. Girl. Girl, me too. I was like, oh no, what is this? This is weird. But yeah, but then you start reading it, you're like, oh, oh wow. So they're like, please, no, don't worry, we're coming.

SPEAKER_02 16:54

I felt the same way the minute I saw that. I was like, the first reaction was like, ah, yeah, like when you start reading, you're like, oh no, okay, no, this is good. This is good. This is good. My okay, lowered than my cortisol levels.

SPEAKER_01 17:12

Relax, girl, relax. It's all good.

SPEAKER_00 17:14

Oh my god, all is good.

SPEAKER_01 17:16

Okay, so we can't wait.

SPEAKER_00 17:19

So yeah.

SPEAKER_02 17:20

Oh my god. Within girls, it's gonna be in a week. I know. We're gonna see them in a week, I know in New York City.

SPEAKER_01 17:27

I know.

SPEAKER_02 17:31

All right, awesome. I can't wait to see them. Okay, so yeah, so um, I'm happy this is happening. This is good news. This is just you know, so we're lining to what like worries that we're having. And uh, but yeah, uh Miyabis. I mean, we didn't buy any tickets for this one because we were not I I don't think I have seen any tour dates.

SPEAKER_00 17:54

Yeah, I hadn't actually seen anything about it.

SPEAKER_02 17:57

Right. But apparently there were tickets somewhere because they were talking about refunds.

SPEAKER_00 18:03

Only I mean that could be anywhere though, because it is a world tour. Uh true. Maybe it was not just although, yeah, I don't know. It did say just the north and well, that would include Canada and Mexico, so you know?

SPEAKER_02 18:18

Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 18:20

Yeah. And maybe we just weren't although I saw that announcement, so why I would have missed the tour announcement. Right?

SPEAKER_02 18:27

We're usually on top of that.

SPEAKER_00 18:29

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 18:30

Very odd to me. But you know, uh, yeah, that's so like Shirley Manson said to all her fans, hey, it's not sustainable for us to like tour.

SPEAKER_00 18:42

Yeah, it's just like live shows are a liability.

SPEAKER_02 18:45

Yeah, we can't afford them. You guys can't afford them. Nobody's nobody wins.

SPEAKER_00 18:52

Yeah, exactly.

SPEAKER_02 18:53

It's it's yeah, it sucks. Well, you know, like remember that big hoopla with like it was up during the summer, there were some K-pop shows that they were on big arenas and they were not selling because of the tickets being so mad expensive. And then they started dropping the dropping the same, the yeah, the the cost, and then some fans started buying, but they didn't fill that up. One of them being P1 Harmony. Yeah, exactly. Remember when it was like jam-packed in Boston? Mm-hmm. And then they went on their little tour, and it's like, oh, we're not selling.

SPEAKER_00 19:29

Well, because they went they went from the little, you know, 3,500 person place that we saw them in, which would definitely, you know, it was sold out for sure. To trying to do big arenas to go to, you know, from 3,500, and I'm sure people didn't get tickets who wanted, but does that automatically qualify you to fill a 20,000 capacity? You know what I mean? Like, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 19:52

Plus I'm also thinking the ones in Boston, the tickets were quite affordable. I don't know how much were the for the other arenas.

Monsta X I.M Enlistment And Health

SPEAKER_00 20:00

Yeah, I don't know. Those are usually I feel like the bigger arenas always try to hit hundreds. Yeah. Yeah. Mm-mm. Mm-mm. Okay. Now Well, so I was gonna say actually, should we talk about the this one's sort of an in-between announcement because it doesn't affect the whole group. Right. But it is a shocking announcement because it's gonna affect us. It's gonna tour.

SPEAKER_02 20:26

Exactly. We were like, what? Okay.

SPEAKER_00 20:30

So what we're talking about is Monster X's IM is not gonna be participating in the world tour or future activities, and there's a reason why. I can read the the official hello, this is Starship Entertainment. We would like to share an update on Monster X member I am's upcoming schedule. I am is currently preparing for his mandatory military service as a citizen of the Republic of Korea and is awaiting confirmation of his official enlistment date, which was like, we were both like, what? Enlistment? Yep. But as previously mentioned, I'm continuing with their their letter, he has also been receiving treatment for back pain, which we did know about, uh, under medical guidance and will continue to participate only in activities that do not exceed his physical limits. As a result, we would like to inform you that I am will not be joining Monster X's upcoming overseas activities or the 2026 Monster X World Tour, the X-Nexis. However, until his enlistment begins, he plans to take part in schedules that do not place excessive strain on his condition. We kindly ask for your understanding. Our company will continue to support I am so he can remain healthy and complete his military service safely. That was that tongue twister. Um, we sincerely thank the fans who always support him with unwavering love. So, yeah, the first shock was like, I was like, Well, I know he had back pain, so but the military enlistment. I was like, wait, what?

SPEAKER_02 22:19

Yeah, like that threw me off. I'm like, what that's no because like I know Shonu went really early.

SPEAKER_00 22:28

Yeah. But like Ju Honey, Kiyoon, Min Yuck, and Young Wan sort of all went around the same time.

SPEAKER_02 22:35

Yeah, staggered, but yeah, but they were within you know six months of one going in, and then you know, so it was like And then I am was doing his solo tour, did a couple of solo, you know, BPs.

SPEAKER_00 22:48

So I don't know why for some reason I thought like he was exempt. I was like, oh, I guess he doesn't have to go. All right.

SPEAKER_02 22:54

Well, you know, we knew that he lived in Boston for quite some time when he was a kid. So we presumed that he was born in the US and he didn't have to, right? You make an ass of you and me. Exactly. So the whole enlistment thing, I'm like, well, I guess he was born in Korea. Or yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 23:15

Well, it was just I thought there was something because I thought like his family was some sort of um dignitaries, and I thought for some reason that allowed certain, but I don't know the South Korean military rules and regulations and enlistment stuff, so there you go. But I'm thinking that the back problem might keep him from actually having to like he'll have to go through the basic training stuff, right? But then I'm wondering if he might just get the civil service, which means he's gonna have to serve longer. Right. I don't know. Because they didn't mention any of that, they just he's gonna get assessed and he'll have to you know he has to do it either way.

SPEAKER_02 23:59

So I was so like happy, my god, I'm on sex, but we're gonna go on tour in 2026. And then it's like, ah. I mean, they will hopefully knock on wood and nothing one member shy. Exactly. I'm like, geez, monster X curse. The monster X curse.

SPEAKER_01 24:19

It just won't stop. When is it gonna end? Why don't you gonna come back? It's because Wano has to come back.

SPEAKER_02 24:29

Wano has to go back to the freaking group. The group has to leave Starship, make their own company, and then Wano will be in there, and then everything is gonna be fine.

SPEAKER_01 24:39

The curse will be lifted and everybody will live happily ever after.

SPEAKER_00 24:43

Well, your curse though started before Wano left because it was every time you went, you missed the first three songs.

SPEAKER_01 24:50

Three songs. Like, what the heck is that? What was that? Why? That does not make sense.

SPEAKER_00 24:59

Oh, too much. But I guess so the rest of the guys will be coming over, they're doing the whatever the jingle balls balls from blah blah.

SPEAKER_02 25:08

Yeah, whatever.

SPEAKER_00 25:09

So he will not based on what they're saying, sounds like he's not gonna come over for that either. So yeah. But anyway, hopefully everything goes well for him. And yes, we will await his return. Yes. I'm alright, talking like he's in the military.

SPEAKER_02 25:29

Everybody's good, that's what's up. Yes, all the fans are feeling that way now.

SPEAKER_00 25:34

Like when they saw that it's just a done deal, he's going.

SPEAKER_02 25:38

They saw that news and they're like, why? Why?

SPEAKER_01 25:42

I thought you were gonna do that. Why? When you didn't go with the rest of the boys.

SPEAKER_00 25:48

All right, what else have we got?

Year-End Lineup Surprises At Starto

SPEAKER_02 25:50

Hey, start an announcement of the end of year concert with not many groups. At least on this announcement that came out. I'm reading from Oricong. It was announced today that for the New Year's Eve, uh, it's gonna the performance are including 12 groups. Now there's more groups in the uh company. So it's gonna be News, Hey Sa Jump, Kiss My Foot, Timeless, Kenti, uh ABZ, King and Prince, Stones, Snowman, Nani Wadanshi, Travis Japan, and A Group. Now Sarah and I were looking at this and we're like, uh we're missing like West, Super 8, Wells, R Shi Maybe Um They Steal on their hiatus because they're not doing any activities until like next year.

SPEAKER_00 26:53

Yeah. Well, West is a big one. Yeah. 20th century, but they haven't been super, super active. Oh. Right? They weren't on the list, were they? No. Okay. I mean, that's sort of most of the groups. But the West not being on the list is kind of big. Yeah. Because they're, at least with our, you know, friends who come join the conversation, they're huge. Yeah. They're always uh always on our list of top listen to exactly. So they're they're big. So maybe they just have a something else they're doing, another commitment. I don't know.

SPEAKER_02 27:32

That's why I'm like, wow, this is like not many groups. Like, what happened?

SPEAKER_00 27:38

I mean, is that their finalized list? Did they say this is it, or is it, you know, m possibly more to come?

SPEAKER_02 27:46

I know, but they just made that announcement, so but nothing else saying and more. You know, sometimes they will throw away and more, but there's no more more. Uh it's just that. Interesting. I know. So uh yeah, interesting. Like, like uh what happened to West? We know that Tokyo is no longer around. Yeah, I know. Tokyo's about that was that was interesting.

SPEAKER_00 28:13

Like, surprise.

SPEAKER_02 28:14

I mean well, Domoto, what's like what happened? Yeah, I don't know. Maybe there were other activities and they didn't make it to for that final. Sarah's looking something up. Is Kenty going? Yeah. Oh, okay. Okay, I mentioned Is that Kenty?

SPEAKER_00 28:32

I actually once you start saying I was like, I'm looking at the list of artists that they have. Okay. Well, I mean, I guess kind of most of the artists under Starto are in fact performing. There's a couple of solo people, but I think they're also mostly actors. You know, like Takuya Kamura. He used he used to be in Snap, but now he's just a solo, and most of what he does is acting. So Yuto Nakajima. I mean so I think as far as the musical artists, hey say jump. Yeah, it seems like it's 20th century Super 8 and West are the only ones not performing. Okay.

SPEAKER_02 29:20

I haven't tried I can see Super 8, maybe not well, no, but they were there in the last time. West is the that's what I'm saying. West is not there, yeah. And they're one of the biggest draws. Okay. Alright. I mean Yay. I mean, it's just like one of the no, it's one of the biggest, you know, uh concerts that this company, yeah. Um, you know, they reclaim it, you know, they've been doing this since 1996, where it comes from the article. So it's you know, it's hey, we're doing this. Hey, hey, hey, it's a big deal. But uh, yeah. So let's see what fans will say, because I haven't heard or seen anything from fans like, hey, what happened? You know, yeah, no. We'll keep an eye out.

SPEAKER_00 30:04

Maybe they'll surprise everybody at the last minute.

Kokona’s Transmasculine Coming Out

SPEAKER_02 30:07

Maybe something will come up. We'll see about that. Definitely. Last but not least, huge announcement. I mean, biggest announcement. I'm very proud of this announcement. Um I'm sure a lot of people are like OMG about this announcement because it's I think it's the first for what it was, a female artist, but not anymore. I'm reading this from Soompi because this is everywhere. XG's Kokona comes out as trans masculine, non-binary, after undergoing top surgery. So on her Instagram, there's actually a picture of her with she's wearing, you know, like a tux look. Tuxedo, yeah, jacket with no shirt under, and you can see the scars on her chest, which is like wow, very brave. That is huge, huge, huge, huge. So I'm gonna read this from uh Sunpi took it out of from Kokona's Instagram. So she goes, hi, this is Kokona. Today I turned 20. She actually did that reveal on her birthday. As I reach this new chapter in my life, I want to share something that I have been that's been in my heart for a long time. I am AFAB, transmasculine, non-binary. Earlier this year, I had top surgery. No wonder it has been kind of quiet for the girls. Because I was like, wow, they just had like a huge tour, and they only had that one single. So I'm like, okay, something big is happening. And yes, definitely. Uh keep reading. Uh she says I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am. I live in a way that feels more masculine and true to who I am. The hardest thing I have ever faced was accepting and embracing myself. But as I slowly began to do that, I was able to open a new door. That moment changed the way I see and understand the world. And it gave me the courage and strength to grow. Now I can finally say there's nothing wrong with who I am inside. I was only able to come this far because of the people who listened and stood by me. My members, Simon Sand, and my parents. That's very important, especially your parents. I know, right? I'm truly grateful for this path and for every miracle brought us together. This message turned out a bit long, but I just want to say thank you for walking beside me and for supporting me all this way. I'm so excited to the future. We will continue to create together with XG and X Gal X. May these words gently light a spark in someone's heart and to everyone who needs it. May my love reach all of them with love always. I'm so proud of her. New chapter in her life. Most definitely. Today's a great day for you. Today is definitely a great day for her. New chapter in her life. I wish her the best. It's very brave. She sorry, wish them the best. Yeah. Them. Sorry. That's long gone. That chapter of she is gone. It's them. Oh my god.

unknown 33:57

Woo.

SPEAKER_00 33:59

Well, it's just good they can finally be comfortable in their own skin. And that's important. And like you were saying, the the fact that family supported her. Yes. Is huge because you a lot of people don't have that support. And that's probably what really helped her helped them take this step and really put it out there for everyone to know as well. Because they've got a good support group in family and group members. The group members. Friends. Yeah. I would call them friends. If they're that supportive, they're definitely your friend. They're not just members.

SPEAKER_02 34:38

Right. So since the beginning, I have always seen XG like completely different than the old girl groups out there. Or just idle groups.

SPEAKER_00 34:48

Well, when we talked about them, yeah, we were like, there's you know, the aesthetics were different, you know, the they were not the kitsilittle, you know, they have their feminine side, but the wild side, they were so they were experimental with concepts and where they were going musically and visually, anyways. And I believe Coconaut was like the first one shaved shaved head completely.

SPEAKER_02 35:12

Like that video came out. She is like buzz cutting her head off. I'm like, what? Yes, girl, yes. And it was like, you know, yes, she was girl there. But then now she just like transformed. Yay! I was like, what?

SPEAKER_00 35:27

What's but the the photos are are really cool, very well done. Yes. Little photo album of the the change and the the new coconut. The new coconut.

SPEAKER_02 35:41

Coconut rebirth. There you go. Wow. Yeah, stunning pictures. Just stunning photos. I like that. Wow. Yeah, you gotta be behind that. It's definitely, you know? Oh yeah, absolutely. There's many people like Cocona that don't have the support, but I was gonna say this is some sort of unexpected from the idol group, yes. Most definitely. It's like people are just stuck on that. Like, if you're in a boy group, you're a boy group. You should be liking girls, you know. You should not be liking girls boys. What do you mean you liking boys? No, no, it's a boy group. Girls will be idolizing you, and you should be supposedly idolizing, you know, idolizing women. But no, it's you know how many we know that are in boy groups that they're singing for girls, and it's like, no, I really don't feel girls, don't feel the women at all, but just one men, you know, you know, um I like uh masculine. Hello in sync lands.

SPEAKER_00 36:46

Oh yeah, that's one of them. I love the signs were always there, you know. He posted an old picture of them and he's like, if you look closely, the signs were always there.

SPEAKER_02 37:01

But no, we just like you know, oh my god, his name would love what, you know, it's like he's just like, yo, get away. No, I don't like you. I just sing and dance. I'm just an entertainer, I'm not here for fans. But so yeah, biggest boy group in you know, US, and one of their members is gay. Wow, and yeah, and he had to look my god, he he talked about it. He's like, I had to hold, you know, so secretly not everybody know that I am because it's just what a devastate the group.

SPEAKER_00 37:40

It's hard to say, it's hard to say. Yeah, but you know, but it would when when you're in the group and you're there, you know, you are thinking about there will be people, obviously. Of course. But for the most part, you know, I think fans are fans and they will support support you no matter what. Yeah. Because again, the whole idea, you know, like when am I really ever gonna meet him? So, you know, exactly what are my odds anyway?

SPEAKER_02 38:10

People do need some people do need to realize these are entertainers. These are not people for you to like think that you're gonna one day marry. It's not gonna happen.

SPEAKER_00 38:23

No, although, you know, some non-celebrity I know, yes. Someone just announced that a woman though, a female, I think. Um, oh shoot, who's she from? Oh, yeah, one on the But they just she married a non-celebrity man. I was like, finally, we're gonna non-celebrity man here. Whatchamacallit from perfume, yes, yes, that's it. She's like, I'm getting married, and he's not a celebrity. I'm like, I was like, because it was from a couple of weeks ago.

SPEAKER_02 38:56

I think I'm oh god, real quick blur. I think she said, I always wanted to marry one of my fans. I'm like, what girl?

SPEAKER_01 39:02

Don't say that out loud, but you're crazy. Nobody wants, and then you got lucky with this person, yeah, exactly. I mean, they're not like not all of them like that.

SPEAKER_00 39:15

Yeah, that's true. I mean, not all fans are obsessive, but yeah, there are you gotta be careful.

SPEAKER_02 39:26

I know it it could it was a translated thing. If it that was yeah, you know, if it's like that, I was always wanting to marry the fan.

SPEAKER_00 39:33

I was like, girl, no, no, no, yeah, actually, we'll probably find out that was a bad translation.

SPEAKER_01 39:43

Bad translation, she did not say that.

SPEAKER_02 39:48

Oh my god. Anyways, uh that's what we have for today, my friend. Yep, but we're very proud of coconut, you go. I mean, that was just awesome on her. Birthday on their birthday, you gave us please everybody believe. I need a little time to get used to that. Exactly. Because this just happened. This is just brand new news. Anyways, thank you everybody for listening to this Ranson Rambling. Which some good news, bad news, and okay. Yeah. The okay was like I am.

SPEAKER_00 40:24

Yeah, I was gonna say the the I am is the like, well, all right, that's I guess how it goes.

unknown 40:29

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 40:29

But awesome news from Kocona. Yeah, not so good news from Miyavi. Yeah, excellent news from Card. Yay! Thank you very much.

SPEAKER_02 40:40

We are going to a show. Because girl, I have been thinking and I'm like looking, and I'm like, okay, we still have a show.

SPEAKER_00 40:48

We still have a couple. Okay, everything's good. They did like the jump scare there with the hello. This is a shirl. Okay. All right. Anyways, please rate, review, and share, share, share.

SPEAKER_02 41:09

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