Imagine walking peacefully in the park, seeing a girl with an acoustic guitar, and realizing it’s one of Japan’s biggest music stars of the moment. That’s exactly what lucky people in Sapporo experienced when Lilas Ikuta, known worldwide as ikura for being the voice of YOASOBI, decided to put on an impromptu street show without prior notice.

It all started on Saturday morning, when the singer posted a photo of Sosei River Park under clear skies, commenting that the weather was beautiful and she felt like singing. Hours later, the artist appeared with her guitar to perform acoustic versions of hits like Yoru ni Kakeru and her single Sakihokore, a song released just days ago that serves as the morning drama Blossom’s theme, based on writer Chiyo Uno’s life.

After the performance, Ikuta shared on social media the excitement of singing in public again after eight years. She said she felt a very warm atmosphere from the people who stopped to listen and that the experience reconnected her with her beginnings. The moment comes just in time, as the duo is about to start their massive Asia stadium and dome tour titled Cho Wakusei, which includes dates at the Sapporo Dome in mid-November.

Lilas Ikuta (born September 25, 2000 in Tokyo) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and key member of the musical phenomenon YOASOBI under the stage name ikura. Her music journey began at a young age, composing songs since elementary school and performing with her guitar on the streets and small venues in Tokyo at 14 while uploading covers online.

It was one of those homemade videos uploaded to social media that caught producer Ayase’s attention in 2019, proposing they form the YOASOBI project. Since then, the duo has become a machine for global hits and record-breaking playlists, positioning themselves as one of the most influential acts in modern Japanese pop.

What would you do if you encountered your favorite singer giving a free concert in the park?