You can watch the ASOBIEXPO TOKYO 2026 official livestream on ABEMA, which is broadcasting the entire event for free.
The platform is carrying all performances, fashion segments, special talks, and the full after‑party.
Official broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/video/title/792-20
Cutie Street took a moment to teach Su-Metal, Moametal and Momometal the best part of their debut single, "Kawaii Dake ja Dame Desu ka?" at LuckyFes 2026 which was held at the Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture recently.
With just five days remaining, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch for ASOBISYSTEM's 19th Anniversary event, ASOBIEXPO TOKYO 2026 which is regarded as one of Japan's most anticipated music and culture festivals of the year.
On Tuesday, 18 August 2026 TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO will become the center of Japanese pop culture as thousands of fans gather for a one-day celebration of music, fashion, art, and creativity.
ASOBIEXPO has become much more than just a concert. It represents ASOBISYSTEM's vision of bringing together every part of modern Japanese pop culture under one roof. This year's event is its biggest and most diverse lineup yet, featuring 86 artists, talents, and creators spanning multiple genres and creative fields.
Attendees can look forward to performances from some of Japan's biggest names, including Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, ATARASHII GAKKO!, FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, SWEET STEADY, CUTIE STREET and MORE STAR, Kizuna AI, and many more.
Throughout the day, visitors will also be able to enjoy DJ performances, creator showcases, talk sessions, interactive exhibits, and a free-admission area filled with food vendors and activity booths.
The excitement has been building as theannouncements revealed an event designed to celebrate not only ASOBISYSTEM's 19th anniversary but also the growing global influenceq of Japanese pop culture. From music and fashion to digital creators and artists, ASOBIEXPO continues to expand beyond the traditional music festival experience.
The countdown has entered its final stretch. In just
five days, the lights will come up inside TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, the music will begin, and ASOBIEXPO TOKYO 2026 will officially celebrate another milestone in the evolution of Japanese pop culture.
James Spann sure did hit the nail on the head with his commentary at the start of the [Day One: A Storm Chasing Documentary](https://youtu.be/DFWt\_zcs2pk?is=LE7sKRa2LWTDyqWG)
> In the last five years, I've seen increasing tension, which I don't like. I think we all have to be together. And I understand we'll all have differences of opinion. We're all going to communicate weather in different ways. But I think we need to find a way to get along. > > I see way too many people in the weather enterprise, whether it's the chasing community, whether it's professional meteorologists, They'rel , the chief meteorologist for fighting. Publicly. On social platforms. That's not a good look for any of us. And for people to see us as credible sources, we have to kind of be somewhat unified. And l think that's the biggest thing I've seen here in the last five years. > > And the other change is the amount of hyperbole. It's out of hand. It's like we have a warning addiction crisis in the country. Everybody, they just want to hype everything that happens. And this goes from broadcast television to chasers. Everybody, everybody. There's nobody innocent here. > > You've got broadcast meteorology groups. They're going to call a "Code Red Weather Emergency Day" when it's foggy. Are you kidding me? So, you know, if everything's a code red weather emergency day, what are you going to do when there's a real tornado threat? > > And it's the same thing with the chasing community that "This will be worse than April 27th, 2011!" or "This will be the worst day ever!" And that's nonsense. > > And what broadcast TV is trying to do is to bring people back to old school Ron Burgundy newscast. And that's the worst way to do that. And the chasers, they're trying to bring in social media engagement, which, in turn, drives monetization and they make money. And so we got to cut back on the hyperbole too. It's out of hand.
Source: [Day One: A Storm Chasing Documentary](: Tria(https://youtu.be/DFWt\_zcs2pk?is=e3hsf0AuJYX-Uarc)
Timestamp: 3:03 to 4:39
On 18 August 2026, ASOBISYSTEM will celebrate its 19th anniversary with ASOBIEXPO Tokyo 2026, an event that promises to transform TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO into one of Japan's biggest celebrations of pop culture, music, fashion, and creativity. Fans from across Japan—and increasingly from around the world—will gather to see performances from some of the company's biggest artists, while also experiencing the colorful culture that has made Harajuku synonymous with "Kawaii."
Among the biggest attractions will be the artists of KAWAII LAB., ASOBISYSTEM's rapidly growing idol project. Since its launch, KAWAII LAB. has become one of the driving forces behind the new generation of Japanese idol entertainment, with groups such as Fruits Zipper, Candy Tune, Sweet Steady, Cutie Street, PiKi and the newest addition, More Star representing different styles while sharing the project's signature theme of celebrating individuality through kawaii culture.
For someone who works with KAWAII LAB., ASOBIEXPO is much more than a concert—it's the culmination of months of planning, rehearsals, and coordination.
As members of the idol groups enter the venue, the backstage area quickly comes alive. Despite the excitement, professionalism takes center stage. Every minute has been carefully planned, with teams ensuring performers are where they need to be at exactly the right time.
Working with KAWAII LAB. has always meant constantly adapting to a fast-moving environment. One moment, staff members may be escorting performers to a rehearsal. Minutes later, they could be coordinating interviews with the media, helping prepare for livestream appearances, or assisting with costume changes between performances. Communication is continuous, and teamwork is essential to keep the event running smoothly.
One of the most rewarding moments will00 come when the arena fills with thousands of cheering fans. Months of preparation suddenly become real as the lights dim and the opening performances begin. Seeing fans enthusiastically waving light sticks, singing along, and celebrating their favorite groups reminds everyone backstage why the long hours were worth it.
The atmosphere behind the curtain is very different from what audiences see. While the stage is filled with bright lights and polished performances, backstage is a carefully coordinated operation where production staff, stage managers, photographers, security personnel, audio engineers, and artist managers work together with remarkable precision. Their goal is simple: make every performance appear effortless.
ASOBIEXPO is also an opportunity for collaboration across ASOBISYSTEM. Musicians, fashion designers, digital creators, DJs, influencers, and creative professionals all contribute to the event, reflecting the company's vision of blending entertainment with Harajuku's unique creative culture. The result is more than a music festival—it's a showcase of Japan's evolving pop culture.
As the evening draws to a close, the work continues. Equipment is packed, costumes are returned, schedules are reviewed, and teams begin preparing for the next performance, tour, or promotional event. For many staff members, there is little time to celebrate before another project begins.
For those who work with KAWAII LAB., however, ASOBIEXPO remains one of the most meaningful days of the year. It is a chance to witness the impact of countless hours of dedication while supporting artists who continue to inspire fans through music, fashion, and positivity.
The Ezhou – Huanggang tornado that occurred on 6 July 2026 has officially been upgraded from an EF2 to an EF3 rating. The previous EF2 classification was based on a damage survey that was completed shortly after the tornado struck Ezhou and then Huanggang, with officials noting that the assessment could change as more evidence was examined.
The upgrade came after investigators reviewed additional damage indicators, including structural damage that was more extensive than initially thought, better analysis of industrial buildings and warehouses along the path.
Based on the newest reports, the revised assessment estimates peak winds of approximately 150 MPH (240 km/h), placing it in the mid-range of the EF3 category. The revised rating also reflects stronger estimated winds than the previous EF2 rating.
These key factors include damage surveys, better engineering analysis of buildings, additional photos and videos:
Footage from residents, news media, and drones helped investigators and vehicle and debris analysis, Identification of higher-end damage indicators:
The survey teams also found damage to better constructed buildings that met the criteria for an EF3 rating.
It's also worth noting that some online discussions speculated about isolated EF4-level damage indicators, but there hasn't been an official survey confirming an EF4 rating.
The current official assessment remains EF3, with an estimated peak wind speed of about 150 MPH (240 km/h).
Community-made surveys and social media analyses should be treated as unofficial unless they've been confirmed by the responsible meteorological authorities.
Based on the newest upgrade to an EF3 tornado, the Huanggang tornado is now considered one of China's strongest tornadoes of the 2020s even though it doesn't surpass the handful of violent (EF4/IF4-equivalent) tornadoes that have been documented in recent decades.
Cutie Street recently teamed up with actor Eita Nagayama for a commercial about the Daihatsu Taft.
The situation has become clearer over the past 24 hours as rescue crews continue damage assessments.
🔸At least 11 people have died across the severe weather outbreak in eastern Hubei, with one person still reported missing.
🔸Injuries: More than 330 people have been injured.
🔸The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has classified the Huanggang tornado as an EF2 based on the damage survey completed so far.
Damage
🔸Over 4,800 homes were damaged, with dozens destroyed or collapsed. Warehouses, a logistics park, vehicles, trees, and power infrastructure suffered extensive damage. Several trucks were reportedly lifted and thrown.
🔸One of the most extraordinary survival stories involved a 30-year-old man in Huanggang who was reportedly pulled from his 12th-floor apartment along with furniture during the tornado. He survived and remains hospitalized in intensive care.
🔸Meteorologists say the tornado developed in an unusually favorable environment created by the remnants of Tropical Storm Maysak, combined with strong summer instability and wind shear.
🔸Authorities are also monitoring the region for additional heavy rain as weather associated with the approaching Typhoon Bavi approaches eastern China later this week.
## Overview
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Severe thunderstorms are likely across portions of the central Plains vicinity from Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening. Large to very large hail, severe/damaging winds (some 75+ mph), and a few tornadoes all appear possible.
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##l Primary Risks
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Tornadoes: The threat for a few tornadoes should exist along/south of a boundary across the central Plains on Saturday.
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Hail: A threat for large to very large hail will exist with initial supercellsThe threat for a few tornadoes should exist aalong and south of a boundary across the central Plains on Saturday.
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Wind: Some wind gusts to 75+ MPH will be possible, especially with any bowing clusters that can form and spread east-southeastward through Saturday evening.
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Large to very large hail (isolated 2+ inches) will be possible with initial supercells. that develop Saturday afternoon across the central High Plains. An increasing severe/damaging wind risk to develop with eastward extent into Nebraska/Kansas.
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## Safety Actions
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Continue to monitor forecasts for the latest information and updates to the risk areas. Be prepared to take action if watches and warnings are issued for your area.
## The SPC is saying that this is considered one of the more significant severe weather setups of the 2026 season so far.
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## The residents across the moderate risk should have multiple ways to receive warnings and be prepared to act quickly if watches or warnings are issued.