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Jun 16, 20261
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Kobukuro Holds First Live Screening Preview Event in Hometown Sakai
Kobukuro held their first-ever live screening preview event in Sakai, Osaka, showcasing footage from their 2025 "THIS IS MY HOMETOWN" tour. Members Kentaro Obuchi and Shunsuke Kuroda attended the special event in their hometown where they first met as street performers, with nationwide cinema screenings planned for June 18, 2026. The event highlighted Kobukuro's continued dedication to their hometown through various community initiatives and upcoming 2026 tour dates.
Quick Facts
Who
Kobukuro
What
Held inaugural live screening preview event
When
June 18, 2026 (nationwide cinema screenings)
Where
Phoenice Sakai, Osaka
- Held inaugural live screening preview event
- Displayed footage from 2025 tour "THIS IS MY HOMETOWN"
- Members attended event and engaged with fans
- Screened at Phoenice Sakai
- Planned nationwide cinema screenings at 10 locations
Japanese duo Kobukuro held their inaugural live screening preview event in Sakai, Osaka, marking a significant milestone for the group. The special screening took place at Phoenice Sakai and featured footage from their 2025 tour "THIS IS MY HOMETOWN," which encompassed 13 cities and 22 performances across Japan. Members Kentaro Obuchi and Shunsuke Kuroda attended the event, engaging directly with fans and discussing the significance of holding the premiere in their hometown where they first met through street performances.
The event represents the fulfillment of Obuchi's long-held vision to allow fans to experience the concert in a theatrical setting with professional audio-visual equipment. The duo invited attendees to enjoy the screening as they would a live concert, encouraging fans to sing along, wave light sticks and towels, and express themselves freely. The special preview was held ahead of screenings scheduled at ten cinemas nationwide beginning June 18, 2026, with the official DVD and Blu-ray release scheduled for June 24, 2026.
The screening event was accompanied by Kobukuro's continued investment in their hometown. The group has maintained "September 8th" (Kugatsu Yoka), a yakiniku sandwich shop opened at the site where they originally performed street concerts in Sakai Higashi shopping district—the exact location where the pair first connected. Additionally, a new exhibition space titled "THIS IS KOBUKURO'S HOMETOWN SAKAIHIGASHI" opened at the Sakai City Hall observation lobby, showcasing the duo's journey from street performers to international artists, including merchandise, collaborative content, and personal messages from the members.
Obuchi reflected on the profound impact the Sakai community had on his career trajectory, noting that the encouragement he and Kuroda received as unknown street performers gave them the courage to pursue their dreams professionally. He emphasized that the city's support transformed them from nameless artists into musicians whose work resonated with audiences worldwide, culminating in their role as ambassadors for Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, where they performed the official theme song "This Earth's Continuation."
The duo's upcoming national tour "KOBUKURO LIVE TOUR 2026 Kasumi Biyori" will commence in July 2026, featuring 10 cities and 22 performances. The tour title references their 36th Double A-Side Single "Kasumi Biyori/Starry Smile Story," with the single releasing July 22, 2026. Performances in Sakai and Osaka are already sold out, reflecting the continued strong fan support for the group.
Topics
Why This Matters
This event demonstrates how established artists can deepen connections with their fanbase and hometowns through innovative concert experiences. The live screening model extends reach beyond traditional touring, allowing fans who cannot attend live shows to experience high-quality performances in theatrical settings. For Kobukuro specifically, returning to their origins in Sakai reinforces authenticity and community investment—key differentiators in a competitive entertainment market—while the nationwide cinema rollout positions them as pioneers in hybrid concert consumption.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2024
WireGroup celebrated 25-year major debut anniversary with Sakai hometown initiatives
Jan 1, 2025
WireKobukuro performed as ambassadors for Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai with official theme song
Jan 1, 2025
WireKOBUKURO LIVE TOUR 2025 THIS IS MY HOMETOWN conducted across 13 cities, 22 performances
Oct 26, 2025
WireLive footage recorded at Yokohama Pear Arena MM for DVD/Blu-ray release
Mar 22, 2026
WireKobukuro released 25th anniversary commemoration single Starry Smile Story
Jun 18, 2026
WireLive screening preview event held at Phoenice Sakai with members in attendance
Jun 18, 2026
WireNationwide cinema screenings of live footage begin at 10 locations
Jun 24, 2026
WireOfficial DVD and Blu-ray release of KOBUKURO LIVE TOUR 2025 THIS IS MY HOMETOWN
Jul 22, 2026
Wire36th Double A-Side Single Kasumi Biyori/Starry Smile Story released