My Favorite Artist
Today, I’d like to share about my favorite Japanese artist. I think the music and artists we like can often reveal a bit about our personality and character. I wanted to introduce my favorite artist to help you get to know me better!
Hirai Dai
My favorite artist is Hirai Dai.
I discovered his music when I was 18 and in vocational school; we used his song “Promise” in one of our classes. I was studying hospitality in a wedding department, and that song was played in a mock wedding class.
Hirai Dai was born on May 3, 1991, in Tokyo. He started playing the ukulele under his grandmother’s influence, and thanks to his surfing-loving father, he grew up close to the ocean, which shows in his music. His songs often focus on themes of peace, love, and family, which is heartwarming.
My live history
Beach Trip 2025
This Year’s Beach Trip with Kids
Since my kids are 0 and 3 years old this year, I knew I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the full concert experience. So we just had fun in the free area!
Game Area
Lasso
Just like a cowboy—try to throw the rope and hook it onto the target!
I gave it a try, but didn’t get any in.
You get one practice round, then five real tries.
If you land three, you win a stuffed animal; one gets you a keychain.
I didn’t get any, so I just got a sticker!
Corn Hole
A game where you toss beanbags into a hole on a board!
I think we got about five throws.
If you land about three, you get a stuffed keychain.
I didn’t get any in, so once again—just a sticker!
Lots of Food Trucks!
Apparel Booths Too!
There were also some great photo spots, but since I had my kids with me, I couldn’t really wait in the long lines…
One day, I’d love to take a nice photo there!
Beach Trip 2024
For the past three years, Hirai Dai has held the “Beach Trip” event in Makuhari, Chiba!
May 2024: Inage Beach
It seems to get hotter and start earlier each year. Even though this year’s Beach Trip was in May, it was already quite warm.
Let me introduce you to this year’s BEACH TRIP!
Merchandise Sales
The merch section gets very crowded! If you don’t come early, items sell out fast. However, items are sold on the online site about a month in advance, so it’s best to buy them there!
Finding Your Spot
The concert takes place on the beach. While general areas are marked, there aren’t specific seats, so people bring picnic sheets and chairs to claim their spot.
Shops
There are food stalls, shooting games, apparel booths, and photo spots. I’m a big fan of “Have a Grateful Day,” the brand behind Hirai Dai’s merchandise. When I went, the designer, Komori Yusuke, was there!
I was thrilled to take a photo with him. I was even wearing a full “Have a Grateful Day” outfit that day. Although there were many items I wanted, I ended up buying two cups in different colors.
Live Performance
As the sun begins to set, the concert starts.
Hirai Dai’s voice, the background music, and the chorus blend perfectly with the sunset. Every time I attend, I end up in tears. The volume isn’t too loud like in some concert halls, so even with young kids, we could freely go in and out and enjoy the music without worry.
Please give “Hirai Dai” a listen if you have the chance. He also sings in English, so there might be some songs you understand. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you listen. Thank you for reading!
Beach Trip 2023
June 2023: ZOZO Marine Stadium
A Happy Miracle！
I got to take a photo with Yui, the percussionist!
And with a Locals Only ticket, we got front-row seats!!!
…But it was so hot, and my kid started getting fussy, so we had to leave early.
It was heartbreaking—but that’s life as a mom.
A New Character Debuts!
And Dai sang so many of my favorite songs from his albums.
It was amazing as always.
He said, “Isn’t this the best kind of support you could ask for?”
And I was like, “Yes, it really is!” ❤️
Tour 2022 October Ichikawa
I asked my husband to take care of the kids and went to the concert with my mom!
We scored second-row seats with Locals Only tickets!
It had been years since I went to a live show with just my mom, so I was really happy.
Dai performed “little rose” for the first time.
I saw myself in that song and wondered if my mom felt the same way.
It made me miss my kids and husband waiting at home.
One of the kids in the audience was invited on stage—so sweet! I remember thinking, “That’s so special…”
Beach Trip 2022
This was my very first concert after giving birth to my first child in 2021.
I brought my daughter, who wasn’t even one year old yet!
July 2022: Inage Beach
August 24, 2019 – The Gift
Shizuoka City Cultural Hall
February 7, 2019 – The Gift Event
AEON LakeTown
August 27, 2018 – Wave on Waves
Makuhari
September 25, 2018 – wave on waves
Nakano sun plaza
September 16, 2017 – on the road
osaka
April 9, 2017 – Locals Only
Tokyo Dome City Hall
December 4, 2016 – 4:30 PM – Love is Beautiful
Motion Blue Yokohama
The first live concert I went to of Dai Hirai was “Love is Beautiful.”
It had such a mature and chill vibe — we enjoyed it while having a nice meal♪
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