[Concert Review] ONE OR EIGHT Set Racket NYC Ablaze with First U.S. Fan Meet “SHŪKAI”

Dyani R.

On a buzzing night at Racket NYC, rising 8-member Japanese boy group ONE OR EIGHT lit up the stage for their first-ever U.S. fan meeting, SHŪKAI. From the moment fans began filling the venue, excitement was in the air—conversations swirled about setlists and favorite songs, and the anticipation was palpable.
As the lights dimmed and the group took the stage, the energy erupted. Opening with fan-favorite hits “Don’t Tell Nobody” and “KAWASAKI,” ONE OR EIGHT immediately set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Their synchronized choreography and commanding stage presence made it clear: these boys came ready to leave their mark.
After the explosive start, the members took a moment to personally introduce themselves--Souma, Mizuki, Tsubasa, Reia, Ryota, Takeru, Yuga, and Neo—each bringing their unique charm to the spotlight. Following introductions, they briefly exited the stage, setting the scene for the next act: solo and unit performances. These sets offered fans a deeper look into the members’ individual talents, from sharp rap verses to emotionally resonant vocals and dynamic dance breaks.

What made SHŪKAI particularly special was its emphasis on fan interaction. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration. The group split into two teams, “Team Brooklyn” and “Team Yankees,” engaging in playful competitions including charades and a soccer juggling challenge. Laughter and cheers echoed throughout the venue, and by the end of the games, Team Brooklyn claimed the win. These moments of levity added a personal, heartfelt touch, allowing fans to connect with the members beyond the music.
Midway through the evening, ONE OR EIGHT unveiled a sneak peek of their future sound with unreleased tracks like “My Lil Heart Attack” and “Day Ones.” The new songs were met with enthusiastic applause, a promising sign of what’s to come from this talented group.
As the show neared its end, the full group reunited onstage to deliver more high-energy performances, closing out the night with a burst of emotion and power. During their final moments on stage, they took the time to wave, form hearts with their hands, and pose for photos—grateful, present, and fully engaged with the fans who supported them.
With SHŪKAI, ONE OR EIGHT proved they are far more than just “the new kids on the block.” Their blend of musical range, authentic fan engagement, and magnetic stage presence paves the way for a bright future not only in Japan but on the global stage. And as anyone in attendance that night could tell you—this certainly won’t be the last time ONE OR EIGHT lights up a stage in the U.S.