Singer and actor Rain performs during the first leg of his Asian tour "Legend of Rainism" in Japan, Saturday. The singer will perform in Seoul this October.
Korean singer and actor Rain kicked off his Asian tour, "Legend of Rainism," at the Saitama Super Arena, Japan, Saturday and Sunday.
Unlike other performances for which the stage is symmetrical, 27-year-old Rain took a different approach, using an asymmetrical design with additional stage blocks and props on one side. Rain's agency, J.Tune Entertainment, explained that they came up with the distinctive look because the singer wanted to offer a bit of an edge.
After opening the concert with "My Way" and "Touch Ya," Rain paid tribute to the late "King of Pop" Michael Jackson by singing "Billie Jean" and donning the signature fedora and dance moves. In an interview with local press regarding the death of Jackson, Rain mentioned that the American singer was the reason he started dancing as a young student.
Rain has been known as the "king of performance" due to his flashy dance moves, expressions and charismatic stage presence, but this time he showed his softer side by presenting romantic ballads such as "The Thing About Love" and "My Girl." This was the first time the singer has squeezed a romantic sequence into his show, and it was the perfect way to show that he has grown as an artist.
One of the most distinctive features of the concert was that Rain was backed by a live band, unlike his previous concerts in which he sang over recorded tunes.
The singer sang 25 numbers, including encores, for two and a half hours ― quite a vigorous set ― and according to his agency, he had been working out and rehearsing for the concert for the past six months to offer fans a perfect and energetic performance.
J.Tune Entertainment added that the dates for further concerts have been confirmed. Rain will perform in Seoul at the Olympic Stadium, Oct. 9 and 10 and in Hong Kong on Dec. 12 and 13.
The agency explained that further dates and venues in different countries will be announced as soon as plans for the promotion tour for Rain's upcoming Hollywood movie "Ninja Assassin" is confirmed. The October concert will be the singer's first concert in Seoul in three years.
"Ninja Assassin," in which Rain appears as the ruthless ninja, will be released Nov. 25.
cr:Anna @ omonatheydidnt
