Idol Phenomenon =LOVE to Conquer National Stadium in Historic Two-Day Live Event

=LOVE Announces Largest-Ever Stadium Live at MUFG Stadium

=LOVE Announces Largest-Ever Stadium Live at MUFG Stadium

Japanese idol group =LOVE, produced by the visionary Rino Sashihara, is set to make history with their largest-scale live performances to date. The group has announced a special two-day event, “=LOVE STADIUM LIVE,” to be held at Tokyo’s iconic MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) on Saturday, June 20th, and Sunday, June 21st, 2026. This momentous news arrived as a thrilling surprise during their performance at the “LAWSON 50th Anniversary presents =LOVE・≠ME・≒JOY Special LIVE” at K Arena Yokohama.

A String of Chart-Topping Successes Paves the Way

=LOVE has been on an unstoppable ascent, consistently capturing the hearts of fans with their vibrant performances and catchy tunes. Their track “Tokubetsu, shite,” released in February of last year, has achieved an impressive milestone with over 120 million streaming plays and a staggering 2.1 billion total views on TikTok. This viral success was followed by their 19th single, “Love Song ni Osowareru,” which debuted in October last year, securing the #1 spot on both the Oricon Weekly Singles Ranking and Billboard JAPAN Top Singles Sales, achieving a personal best in first-week sales. The single has since surpassed 460,000 cumulative CD sales, further cementing their status as a major force in the idol industry.

A Night of Electrifying Performances and Future Promises

The surprise announcement at K Arena Yokohama was part of a grand celebration featuring =LOVE alongside sister groups ≠ME and ≒JOY. =LOVE delivered an exhilarating 13-song set, showcasing their popular hits including the latest single “Love Song ni Osowareru,” the viral sensation “Tokubetsu, shite,” and fan favorites like “Zettai Idol Yamenaide,” “Oh! Darling,” and “Seishun ‘Subliminal’.” The evening culminated in a joint performance of “Triple Date” by all three groups, electrifying the audience.

The Philosophy Behind the Name: =LOVE

Since their major debut on September 6, 2017, with their 1st single “=LOVE,” the group has seen all 19 of their singles land in the Oricon Weekly Singles Ranking Top 10. Six of these singles, along with their first album “Zenbu, Naisho.,” reached the coveted #1 position. As producer Rino Sashihara once articulated, the group’s name, =LOVE, embodies a profound philosophy: “Idols must be loved by fans. And I must love the job of an idol.” This sentiment clearly resonates in their unwavering dedication and the deep connection they share with their audience.

What’s Next for =LOVE

Looking ahead, =LOVE is set to release their 20th single on April 1st, 2026. Furthermore, they are preparing for the grand finale of their 8th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM TOUR at Yokohama Stadium on April 18th and 19th, 2026. With the upcoming stadium live marking a new peak, 2026 is expected to see the group’s momentum accelerate even further.

This monumental stadium concert not only signifies a remarkable achievement for =LOVE but also stands as a testament to the growing ambition and global appeal of Japanese idol culture. It will likely inspire other kawaii idol groups and further expand the reach of J-Pop and idol performance worldwide, becoming a beacon of the genre’s continued evolution.

For more information and updates on =LOVE, please visit their official channels: