After years away, BTS and its fans reunite at full volume

BTS kicked off the international leg of its Arirang World Tour at Tokyo Dome on Friday. | ℗ & © BIGHIT MUSIC Apr 19, 2026 Nearly eight years of pent-up energy was unleashed when BTS took the stage at Tokyo Dome on Friday evening. As all seven members appeared, the screams were so loud they nearly drowned out opening number “Hooligan.” It was a fitting start to a show in which the connection between artist and audience became part of the spectacle — where a wink from Jung Kook could spark the kind of delirium usually reserved for a World Cup-winning penalty kick. BTS’ first of two Tokyo Dome performances marked the opening international stop on the K-pop group’s Arirang World Tour , its first after members — RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — completed mandatory military service in South Korea. It was also BTS’ first concert in Japan since 2018, returning to a country that embraced the group well before it became a worldwide phenomenon. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW