Hi fiction lover! So, I’ve been keeping a secret: I managed to secure tickets to both days of the Fukuoka TXT concert, ACT: PROMISE. Seeing TOMORROW X TOGETHER in a dome has always been a dream of mine. When I was a teenager, I thought seeing my favorite artists was impossible. After all, I grew up in Hawaii, where artists would rarely visit on their world tours. Quick question: where did you grow up? And did you get a chance to see many concerts? Later in life (lol), I got a chance to see TXT multiple times—one of the most memorable times being their first-ever in-person concert in Seoul (you can read about that here!).
I can’t stop questioning my reality when I am about to enter the concert venue. This time, applying for tickets was an easier process—Japan does a raffle system, so I didn’t have to scramble to make the online queue (a disaster with my Hawaii Internet, by the way). After getting to the nearest station, the PayPay dome was about a fifteen minute walk in the sweltering heat, but I gladly braved it to see my favorite artist. After a stressful moment where I’d find out whether my ticket would actually be issued (even though I followed all the instructions about what documents to bring), I was let into the venue, and I again questioned whether I was dreaming.
TXT Concert — ACT: PROMISE in Fukuoka
I purposely avoided watching clips of ACT: PROMISE for the moment when the lights dim and everyone either holds their breath or screams. MOA and I were catapulted into a 3 hour long show. All I can say is WOW when I think about how much energy the five members brought to the stage. The cinematography, the quality of the vocals and dance, and the budget (!!!) really made it such a memorable and captivating performance. Stages like the “PUMA” one looked like they could belong at a fancy award show, and the cameras that captured TXT were so clear that it was like I was looking into binoculars. The members transitioned from song into song, speaking a bit less than they did in the last tours I attended. I would say that they didn’t break a sweat, but the members were definitely sweating after the first two songs, yet they danced through the sweat like it was nothing. Simply put, they brought joy to the stage.
The storytelling remains top notch as always, such as when Beomgyu is grabbed by monstrous hands, giving a callback to their TEMPTATION era. Breaking free of their temptation, the boys remember who they are and what planet they are from—most importantly, they remember the promise that they made to each other. (“Nap of a star” fans, you know what I mean.) If this kind of sounds like gibberish to you, I highly recommend Laina Sunflower’s videos on YouTube to explain the lore, including their tie to The Little Prince. I kind of need a refresher too, so I’ll be watching along with you!
Compared to ACT: SWEET MIRAGE, the tour had a more hopeful feel to the intermission videos, and I absolutely loved that. We have lots of dreamy (may I say spectral?) kind of shots, and lots of closeups and an overall hazy slash mystical feel to the color and scenes. Okay, that’s enough with the adjectives! When Yeonjun looks back with a grin and says “it’s a promise” in regards to their never changing and being there for each other (even tomorrow), and when their silhouettes are captured in a field of flowers… that moment was to die for.
Now, I can’t forget to mention that because this was a Japan concert, MOA and I were blessed by their Japanese singles such as “Force” and “Kitto Zutto.” Hearing their Japanese songs live is something I’d never experience in the US, so it was such a special thing to soak in. The members all slayed with the Japanese lyrics in the alternate versions to their songs. And yes, their mics were most definitely on!
More Favorite Moments
I loved soaking in the moments when the members seemed comfortable on stage. They definitely had a good time going to various corners of the stage, interacting with as many MOA as possible. I loved how they rushed to their positions to make sure they gave equal attention to the audience. I feel as though they learned how to be relaxed on stage, channeling their energy in a natural and charismatic way. After a few world tours under their belt, they have fully gotten into their element!
And… whose idea was it to introduce the vehicle to transport the TXT members across the entire dome? I loved this part, as MOA could see the members up close. Admittedly, I tried to wave and get an interaction. I came pretty close with Soobin especially, but who am I kidding? I think I was lost in the sea of thousands of people.
The “The Killa” challenge was a huge thing, especially when the members begged not to do the challenge. They definitely practiced the moves for this one! Another question: are you a “The Killa” fan or more of a “Quarter Life” enthusiast? I have to admit, I love “Quarter Life,” and it was a euphoric moment to see it live.
“Magic” was an absolute blast, and I sang along to every word, especially the “clap your hands” part.
I met a friend who helped me pair my lightstick. Thank you so much, you were too kind to me!
Anyway, I tried to dance and enjoy myself without restraint, and overall I was present, happy, and thankful to God. Please tell me about your dream venue for a TXT concert! I would love to hear all about it. Are you a fan of any other artist who focuses on storytelling? Check out my blog for more about fiction, fandom, and joy through story.