Masato Hayashi, runner-up of the next-generation rapper discovery audition series "RAPSTAR 2025" — streaming exclusively on ABEMA — hosted a release party for 200 fans at Shibuya's NEVERLAND on Sunday, July 5, 2026, celebrating the advance release of his single "BOSO TOKYO."
The party marked the advance release of "BOSO TOKYO," the lead track from Masato Hayashi's upcoming album due out at the end of August 2026, which arrived on streaming platforms on July 1. On the day of the event, the "BOSO TOKYO" music video played on major street-vision screens across Shibuya, and Masato Hayashi himself made a guerrilla appearance in the streets, handing out limited-edition "BOSO TOKYO" T-shirts as part of a promotion that spread across the whole neighborhood.
Live Performance
The live set opened with "HIROYUKI," drawing loud cheers from the very first note. Masato Hayashi then moved through a run of fan favorites — "Vibes," "Love my self," "Ain't no love," "Young boy," and "地元どこ" — with "Young boy" sparking a full-venue sing-along that united performer and audience.
The set reached its peak with the advance single "BOSO TOKYO," whose message of liberation and high-energy performance captivated the crowd.
After the main set, Masato Hayashi returned for an encore of "Loewe," and — answering the crowd's continued cheers — performed a special encore of "HIROYUKI" once more before closing the night with "BOSO TOKYO." The venue stayed charged through to the end, and the release party closed on a high note.
Fan Flag Project
The venue also hosted a participatory project built around "BOSO TOKYO"'s theme of liberation: attendees wrote feelings they don't usually say out loud, dreams they haven't given up on, and personal struggles onto "BOSO TOKYO" flags. The finished flags will be on display at Shibuya's NEVERLAND for about one month.
Upcoming Performances
Masato Hayashi is also confirmed to appear on the PAVILION stage at the Osaka leg of "SUMMER SONIC 2026" on Friday, August 14, 2026. On September 23 (Wed, holiday), he will hold his largest solo show yet, "Masato Hayashi ONE MAN LIVE in Shinjuku 'BOSO TOKYO,'" at Zepp Shinjuku (TOKYO).
Setlist
- HIROYUKI
- Vibes
- Love my self
- Ain't no love
- Young boy
- 地元どこ
- BOSO TOKYO
- 0000
- Good die young
Encore
- Loewe
Special Encore
- HIROYUKI
- BOSO TOKYO
About Masato Hayashi
- Streaming: https://linkco.re/76FYtG7P
- Official website: https://www.masatohayashi.jp/
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/masatohayashi_
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masatohayashi_/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@masatohayashi_
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@masatohayashi_
About RAPSTAR 2025
"RAPSTAR 2025" is a rapper discovery audition series streaming exclusively on ABEMA. Episodes 1 through 3 are available to watch for free.
- Program page: https://abema.tv/video/title/243-213
