The coverage of visual kei festival “MASKED 2026” continues with a live report for DAY2!

Marking the festival's first-ever two-day run, this historic event is a truly singular moment for visual kei, bringing together a miraculous showcase of both new and established talents.

“MASKED,” a project aimed at spreading visual kei across the globe, held its 2nd festival on May 22nd and 23rd across three iconic stages: Spotify O-EAST, Spotify O-WEST, and duo MUSIC EXCHANGE. On the first day alone, a massive lineup of 29 bands spanning a wide breadth of musical styles and generations took the stage. Each group fiercely showcased their unique perspective on visual kei, giving the festival the raw, competitive energy of a traditional taiban (joint concert). Reflecting on the long history of the visual kei genre, the excitement of a new movement currently taking shape was palpable at every venue.Now onto the second day with 29 bands once again gathering and building hype, a packed audience eagerly awaited the start of the show, their hearts filled with anticipation.

The opening act of day two was none other than KIZU (キズ) who headlined the previous day. Having the band back to back on the schedule is an unprecedented move. It shows not only the faith the “MASKED” organizers have in KIZU, but the band's unwavering determination to outdo themselves.

Amidst a palpable tension of the eager audience, the teaser video played just as it had on the first day, and the show finally began. The four members took the stage in the same costumes and makeup as the opening night, choosing “R/E/D/” as their opener which they performed as the previous night's finale. For a moment, it felt like déjà vu, but the intensity and sound they projected were completely different. Under pressure to outdo their last performance, the band seemed physically pushed to their limits as vocalist Lime (来夢) shouted, “I'm at my limit! Give me your power!” during “Heisei” (平成). The audience of course banded together and responded in turn. For their last song, they played “Little Girl wa Yandeiru” (リトルガールは病んでいる), a song that paints a prayer for peace within a brilliant soundscape as Lime declared, “This is the visual rock we believe in!” It was a performance that showed those words were not about the past, but directed toward the future.

Azavana , who headlined last year's duo MUSIC EXCHANGE, took the stage as the second act at O-EAST. They kicked off the show with songs that are darkly intense and alluring such as “Hysteria” and “Byoushin ni Shizumete”(秒針に沈めて) whose high-pitched melodies echoed with melancholy.Though AZAVANA is in their second year of activities, they demonstrated clear growth at “MASKED.”

The lineup proceeded with D=OUT (ダウト)、 MATENROU OPERA (摩天楼オペラ) and vistlip who are all approaching or celebrating their 19th anniversaries. D=OUT in their festive red-and-white outfits had the crowd dancing with their catchy rock vibe while MATENROU OPERA kicked off their set with the pure metal fury of “BURNING SOUL” instantly hooking the audience with their incredible skill. vistlip, who released their new album “DAWN” in April, showcased their latest sound with a lineup of new tracks from the album, including “Mimei” (未明) where vocalist Tomo's (智) gentle voice weaves a fantastical tale, and “Figure,” which daringly incorporates piano and horn arrangements. It's reassuring to see the longevity of these bands, who have supported the scene throughout the 2010s and continue to refine their unique style. Pulsing through each note was a quiet resolve to move forward step by step, with their 20th anniversary in sight.

Over at the O-WEST venue, NICOLAS opened to a full house that forced staff to halt entry at the doors. Similar to the first day, solo acts such as Wagatame (我が為) stood out bringing about smiles with their infectious pop sound while mitsu serenaded the crowd with their rich, emotional melodies.

Rising newcomers sugar proved their mettle by performing two sets including the afterparty. With their drummer Yukichi currently on hiatus, they took the stage with support from Kyonosuke (きょうのすけ), the drummer of their senior "big brother" band, Kizu. sugar lit it up with performances of “Itadakimasu!” (いただきます!) and “Jam,” continuing with the upbeat tracks “Manuke” (マヌケ) and “Ice.” “We're not letting ‘MASKED' end like this!” shouted vocalist Nea with an intense gaze. By the final stretch, he had completely ripped off his ruffled top, screaming full-throttle bare-chested. With not only their shouts but also their powerful melodies striking the audience, they were a band that left quite an impression.

The act that closed out the packed O-WEST lineup filled with talented performers was NEÜRØMASK, led by frontman Ryoga (猟牙) of RAZOR . Although they were originally an exclusive session band formed for last year's “MASKED HALLOWEEN -DAY3-,” the band returned this time with ex BORN members, guitarists K and Ray, as well as vistlip guitarist Umi (海) and drummer Hirotaka (宏崇) of GA TO CHOU (蛾と蝶) / R-Shitei (R指定). The band played a special setlist of BORN songs and they were even joined by Ryoga's fellow RAZOR bandmates, guitarists Tsurugi (剣) and Kouryuu (衍龍). A chaotic yet fitting frenzy to finish off the set.

At the third venue, duo MUSIC EXCHANGE, up-and-coming rookies battled it out even more fiercely than on the first day. Opening the show, KUROMITSU (黒蜜) showed their determination by choosing “MASKED 2026” as the venue for their very first live performance since the band's formation. They captivated the audience with energetic songs like “To-yoko OD” (トー横 OD) and “Kimi no HALF TWIN o TaBEtai,” (君のハーフツインを食べたい) bringing a stage presence that proved their immense potential in spite of their status as a debut act.

Nakiri (ナキリ), who changed their name from Ayakashi (妖-Ayakashi-), also made their live debut at “MASKED 2026.” With all members dressed in matching hakama outfits, they had a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, and their songs, centered around traditional Japanese melodies, were both mysterious and beautiful.

Next up was RURUNONE (ルルノネ), a band who earned this gig by winning the “MASKED Audition” which they took on following their appearance at “MASKED mini” last year. Yamon (やもん), with his striking white makeup and braided hairstyle, delivered a powerful vocal performance and a candid MC routine that hyped the crowd, drawing even those who had initially watched from a distance closer and closer to the front. They carved their intense songs, musical prowess, and unique visuals into the long-awaited “MASKED” stage.

Following the last act was the band who won last year's opening act audition, Tokyo Hanayome (東京花嫁). Since auditions have become an integral part of “MASKED”, perhaps a band or artist in attendance at “MASKED 2026” will come to audition too. It's an exciting prospect.

The second half of the O-EAST series unfolds with a series of miraculous collaborations that could only have materialized in 2026.

Kicking things off was D'ESPAIRSRAY , who made their comeback last year after a 14-year hiatus and just wrapped up their first solo concert since their return on May 4th. From the very first song, “BORN,” their powerful sound roared through the venue. Vocalist HIZUMI who has made a comeback after overcoming vocal cord issues, dominated with all the the presence of a resurrected demon lord. “We're here to tear this place apart!” he taunted defiantly, filling the space with shouts that tore through the air and his energetic vocals. From the epic and loud new track “RAPTURE” to the thrilling grooves of “DESERT” and the gothic “DEVIL'S PARADE,” their strength lies in their deeply rooted Western rock influences. With the same appeal that has garnered them followers worldwide on full display, they left their mark on “MASKED” as a band that is not only showing no signs of slowing down but is very much in the present.

Next on the lineup is ARLEQUIN (アルルカン) who have released their new album “imagine” and are in the middle of a long tour. From “DAWN,” which opens with Aki (暁)singing with heart-wrenching emotion, to the danceable four-on-the-floor beat of “Heaven or Hell ~Tsuya hade~,” the band showcased their latest iteration through the tracks on their new album. Aki, wearing the same makeup as in the “MASKED” original artist photos, spoke passionately, “Watching D'ESPAIRSRAY's live performance from the sidelines, I was excited at first, but it gradually started to sting. Since we're standing on the same stage, we're equals, so I can't afford to lose to them,” Gripping the mic, he channeled the daunting weight of performing alongside their legendary predecessors into raw power. The band's performance of “Sekai no Owari to Yoake Mae” (世界の終わりと夜明け前), a ballad that carries a ferocious determination to forge ahead by swallowing both despair and hope whole, was breathtakingly beautiful.

As ARLEQUIN finished, Aki adoringly called out, “Sadie's coming up!” introducing another visual kei titan. Sadie undoubtedly are one of the most anticipated bands to appear at “MASKED” having resumed activities in 2024.The five members made a grand entrance in front of their eager audience and performed classic hits reworked through their revival, such as “Meisai” (迷彩) and “Shingan” (迷彩). They swept the venue off its feet with their evolved heaviness and heartfelt vocals. Vocalist Mao (真緒) showed his playful side when he said, “People tend to think we're a scary band, but we're just a bit like big brothers so please call us ‘oniichan'.” All five members had a level of charisma that was uniquely charming and exceptional. From the high-energy track “CRY MORE” (クライモア) to the finale “Kagerou” (陽炎), which showcased Tsurugi (剣) and Mizuki's (美月) dazzling guitar work, they created a spectacular, frenetic atmosphere.

The energy for the grand finale of “MASKED 2026” was at its maximum peak with headliner Royz who opened last year's O-EAST, showcasing the hard work they've put in over the past year leading up to their highly anticipated Budoukan performance in September. The band took to the stage radiating an intense, almost demonic aura. Vocalist Subaru (昴) shouted, “Let's finish this MASKED!” and launched into their latest single “START LINE.” Impressing the audience with their dazzling melodies and overall message, they switched into a more aggressive set with “VENOM” and “TRANSFORM” which had everyone in the crowd headbanging. The band further drew in the audience by infusing variety into their performance, ranging from the retro pop song “Maru no Uchi MISERABLE” (丸の内ミゼラブル) as a sea of green glowsticks swayed in unison to an older throwback with a darker vibe in “JOKER.”

Subaru mentioned the Budokan concert again, saying, “We'll keep doing our best from here on out, so please support us!” As he looked straight ahead, declaring, “Let's go,” the crowd erupted into a massive sing-along of “GIANT KILLER.” It was a finale filled with dazzling light, as everyone gathered in that space united in taking one collective step into the world of tomorrow.

After the show, it was announced that “MASKED HALLOWEEN” would take place over eight days from October 25th to November 1st, and that “MASKED 2027” would be held for three days from May 27th to 29th, 2027. Having surpassed the two days that produced countless memorable moments, what will we see next? Fueled by the passion of the bands and the audience, “MASKED” continues to grow and we simply can't take our eyes off it.