The last time the 23-year-old star played in Japan was two years ago at the Tokyo International Forum, so she returned to a much bigger audience this time around and delighted about 60,000 fans who flocked to see her impressive live performance.
The crowd broke out into cheers when the countdown clock appeared on the screen on the third night, and as it hit zero, Grande burst onstage to open her show with “Be Alright.” Throughout the night, she showed off competent dance moves while displaying her incredible vocal talent, backed by a solid band and crew of dancers. When she performed “One Last Time,” the song that has come to symbolize the One Love Manchester benefit concert, her voice filled the venue like a secular hymn.
“Tokyo! How are you? Are you having a good time? I love you!” Grande called out in Japanese, which she said she is trying to learn. She went on to perform other chart hits such as “Side to Side” and “Break Free,” then treated fans to a big surprise: Her boyfriend, Mac Miller, joined her onstage to perform her breakthrough single “The Way” together just for that night, much to the excitement of the gushing audience. When she returned for her encore, she performed the title song of her latest album, “Dangerous Woman,” finishing off her 24-song set.
See video of Ariana Grande speaking Japanese: