100th Anniversary Music Festival for Anime Legend Chumei Watanabe

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of a Legendary Composer of Anime & Tokusatsu Music! “100th Anniversary: Chumei Watanabe Music Festival” to Be Held – A Miraculous Gathering of Legends!

We are pleased to announce that the “100th Anniversary: Chumei Watanabe Music Festival” will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA.

Chumei Watanabe, the legendary composer behind timeless hits such as Mazinger Z, Android Kikaider, Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, Space Sheriff Gavan, and Fight!! Iczer-1, would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. His music continues to transcend generations and inspire fans around the world.

His unforgettable theme songs and stylish background scores—fondly known as “Chumei-bushi” or the “Chumei Sound”—are famed for their innovative rhythms blending jazz and rock with exhilarating melodies. With the belief that even children’s shows deserved the best music, Watanabe poured his heart into every composition. His influence endures globally, capturing the hearts of fans of all ages.

To honor his legacy, a memorial concert was held in December 2022 at NHK Hall following his passing at the age of 96 on June 23, 2022. This was followed by the “Chumei Watanabe Memorial Concert” in 2023.

Now, we celebrate his centennial with the 100th Anniversary: Chumei Watanabe Music Festival! Legendary singers and next-generation musicians will come together to perform his iconic songs with a luxurious full orchestra!

Featured Artists:

• Akira Kushida – known for theme songs of Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan, Space Sheriff Gavan, and more.
• MoJo – famed for Battle Fever J, Dai Sentai Goggle-V, and others.
• Takayuki Miyauchi – known for themes such as Video Warrior Laserion.
• Mayumi Gojo – singer of the insert song “Cure Action” from Futari wa Pretty Cure, scored by Watanabe.
• Jiro Takano – praised for his powerful recreations of Masato Shimon’s classic vocals.
• Miki Kakizawa – making a miraculous comeback to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Iczer-1, for which she sang the theme song.
• Daisuke Ban – star of Android Kikaider, a key figure in bringing the 70s Chumei Sound to life.

The concert will be led by music director Toshiyuki Watanabe, son of Chumei Watanabe and a composer in his own right. It will be conducted by Sho Takahashi, renowned for leading numerous successful cinema concerts, and concertmaster Shungo Mise, who studied music in France. The music will be performed by Orchestra Triptyque along with top-class musicians.

This spectacular program will include both beloved classics and rare tracks, all performed by singers closely associated with Watanabe.

Special features include a 40th anniversary tribute to Fight!! Iczer-1 with visuals, and a medley of historic “Laser Blade” themes—a once-in-a-century musical showcase.

The concert will conclude with a grand sing-along session, a cherished tradition that honors Watanabe’s deep love for hearing fans sing his music. Let’s raise our voices and celebrate in his memory!

Additionally, there will be an exhibit area featuring rare items such as original sheet music and documents related to Watanabe’s work, only available at the venue. A paid autograph session with Daisuke Ban is also planned.

Tickets will go on early priority sale from Friday, April 25, 2025.

Scheduled Program (subject to change):

• Mazinger Z
• Android Kikaider
• Kikaider 01
• Fight! Inazuman
• Space Sheriff Gavan
• Laser Blade Medley (featuring historical tracks)
• Fight!! Iczer-1 40th Anniversary Special (with visuals)
• Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan
• Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos
• Fight! Baikanfu
• Densetsu
• Battle Fever J
• Dai Sentai Goggle-V
• Video Warrior Laserion
• Futari wa Pretty Cure

Event Details:

Title: 100th Anniversary: Chumei Watanabe Music Festival
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 – Concert starts at 15:00 (doors open at 14:15)
Venue: LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (1-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042)

Performers:
Akira Kushida, MoJo, Takayuki Miyauchi, Mayumi Gojo, Jiro Takano, Miki Kakizawa, Daisuke Ban (in no particular order)
Conductor: Sho Takahashi
Concertmaster: Shungo Mise
Performance: Orchestra Triptyque
Chorus: Hero Chorus
Music Director: Toshiyuki Watanabe

Ticket Information (All seats reserved, tax included):

• S Seats: ¥9,900
• A Seats: ¥7,700
• Student Ticket: ¥3,300 (limited availability)
   *Eligibility: Junior high, high school, university, or vocational school students (excluding working students).
   *Student seats are located in the balcony and may have limited visibility.
   *Cannot be reserved in conjunction with other seat types.
   *Please present a valid student ID at the venue if requested.

Early Priority Sale (first-come-first-served):
April 25 (Fri) 11:00 – April 30 (Wed), 2025

Phone Reservation: Kyodo Tokyo – 0570-550-799 (Operator support)
Online Reservation: https://tickets.kyodotokyo.com/wc25

General Ticket Sale:
May 24 (Sat), 2025 – 10:00 AM

Ticketing Platforms:

• Kyodo Tokyo: https://tickets.kyodotokyo.com/wc25
• e+ (E-Plus): https://eplus.jp/wc25/
• Pia: https://w.pia.jp/t/wc25/
• Lawson Ticket: https://l-tike.com/wc25/

Organized by: TOKYO MX
Supported by: Nippon Cultural Broadcasting / TBS Radio
Planned and Produced by: Three Shells / Kyodo Tokyo
Publicity: Kyodo Medias