Events, Arts & Entertainment Susan McCormac Events, Arts & Entertainment Susan McCormac

Japanese Artist KAZUMA at Arlene’s Grocery in LES

Japanese artist KAZUMA will present a free live concert, Invisible Full Moon, this Thursday, February 12 at the iconic New York venue Arlene’s Grocery.

KAZUMA New York Free Live Concert―Invisible Full Moon

Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. (Doors open 6:30 p.m.)

Arlene’s Grocery – 95 Stanton Street

Admission: Free

Japanese artist KAZUMA will present a free live concert, Invisible Full Moon, this Thursday, February 12 at the iconic New York venue Arlene’s Grocery. The event will feature collaborations with local artists and a special program centered on Japan–U.S. cultural exchange. KAZUMA is hosting this free concert as his way of giving back to the city for helping him after he suddenly developed a severe voice disorder that forced him to step away from the stage.

At his lowest point in New York, he encountered an artist community that encouraged him even on days when his voice was not in good condition. Thanks to their support, he was able to rediscover his passion for music.

KAZUMA

When I lost my voice, I was overwhelmed with fear and lost sight of my future. At that time, New York reached out its hand to me. Even when my voice was not perfect, people valued my music itself. I want to give something back to this city that saved me. I hope this concert can become a trigger for someone else’s ‘rebirth.’
— KAZUMA

Performers

The concert is free, but RSVP is recommended. To reserve your spot, please visit KAZUMA’s Eventbrite page.

About KAZUMA

Raised by a musician father, KAZUMA began singing at an early age. At 18, he joined an artist development agency where he trained extensively in vocal performance and live shows. He launched his professional music career in his mid-20s, but he faced uncertainty due to his serious voice disorder. Through rehabilitation, training, and transformative experiences in New York, he overcame the condition and developed a deeper, more expressive vocal style.

Returning to the stage, he successfully performed a microphone-free concert in a chapel in 2021. Two years later, he appeared at a Japan–U.S. cultural exchange event at Carnegie Hall, followed by performances at New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, expanding his international presence.

In 2024, he released his debut album, KOKUU. Known for his clear high notes and delicate falsetto, KAZUMA’s music—centered on themes of rebirth and hope—has received acclaim both in Japan and abroad.

Watch the video for the title song on his YouTube channel.

Toward Becoming a New Cultural Bridge

KAZUMA has also begun cultural exchange activities connecting his hometown, Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture, with New York. He will continue to share messages of rebirth through music.


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