Fujii Kaze Never Felt a “Love Like This” Before Toronto
- Saba Choudhary
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Riding the wave from his debut performance at Lollapalooza this past July, Fujii Kaze captivated Toronto at The Danforth Music Hall with fan favorites and newly released singles from his upcoming album Prema. What started as a journey of uploading covers and original songs on social media to topping the charts in his home country Japan, Fujii’s performance was a masterclass in charisma.
One by one, Fujii’s band members took the stage. Drummer Sajinori, Duran on bass, and guitarist Koby Shy were greeted with cheers from the crowd. The venue’s volume reached new heights once Fujii gracefully approached the front of the stage to perform “Matsuri” on a synthesizer. Fujii and his band flowed seamlessly into “Nan-Nan” and “Hana,” moving with infectious energy.
Fujii took a moment to share his thoughts. “This tour was originally for my third album, [...but] it's ok because I’m here with you guys performing some of my oldies!” Fans immediately erupted in cheers, some shouting back “it’s ok!” with raised hands for emphasis. The room buzzed with warmth, as if Toronto wrapped him into one big embrace. Fujii laughed softly, touched by the support, before diving into the upcoming songs with renewed energy.
Fujii’s smooth, soulful vocals continued to fill fans' hearts with “masshiro (pure white),” a single released earlier this year, followed by another beloved gem, “Kirari.” The atmosphere softened with his band’s instrumental rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “Mary Jane (All Night Long).” The night continued to be a treat for Toronto fans when Fujii picked up his saxophone for a solo during “Workin’ Hard.”
Photo Cr.: Saba Choudhary
As the cheers settled, Fujii took a moment admiring the full venue. “I’m happy, I hope you guys are happy,” he said warmly, drawing in awes and applause from the venue. “Whatever happens, everything is our own grace.” he says as His words seamlessly give way to the gentle, hymn-like opening of “Grace.”
“I’m gonna miss you guys because this is the last song,” Fujii expressed before playing a series of notes on his keyboard—notes that quickly became recognizable as the opening of “Shinunoga E-Wa,” the breakout hit that went viral across social media and catapulted him onto the international stage.
As the song came to a close, Fujii waved goodbye and began to walk offstage but quickly turned back, rushing to the keyboard for the true finale of the night, “Haciko.” It was the perfect closing song for Fujii’s first time in Toronto, with his heartfelt and upbeat delivery of the chorus lyric “Don’t let me go” resonating throughout the venue.
Photo Cr.: Saba Choudhary
A fan tossed a Canadian flag covered in handwritten heartfelt messages onto the stage, Fujii immediately took it and paraded the flag around the stage. He told the venue proudly, “You know I love you Canada!” It was a sweet moment to see the love Fujii Kaze has for his fans, even those that live across oceans from where his journey first began. Savoring the last few moments, Fujii spent extra time waving and smiling, absorbing the love Toronto has for him. Finally, with the flag in his hand flowing behind him, Fujii dashed off the stage, closing his first night of tour on a powerful note of love.
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Edited by: Martina Yee
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