YOASOBI released two standout performance videos from their appearance on TBS's music show CDTV Live! Live! over two consecutive days in mid-August 2026, and both are streaming on YouTube for a limited time only. The duo shared footage of "Gekijou" (劇上, often translated as "Play") on August 15, 2026, followed by "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" (あの夢をなぞって, "Tracing That Dream") on August 16, 2026, at 8:00 PM JST. If you've been wondering what makes these performances special, what's actually in them, and how long you have to watch before they disappear, we've gathered everything you need to know.
The Quick Version
- Two videos released: "Gekijou" went live on August 15, 2026; "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" followed on August 16, 2026, at 8:00 PM JST, both on YOASOBI's official YouTube channel.
- Limited-time only: Both performances are explicitly marked as temporary releases, so they won't be available permanently — the exact end date hasn't been announced.
- From CDTV's Platinum Live: The footage comes from YOASOBI's two-week "Platinum Live" feature on CDTV Live! Live!, broadcast on June 29 and July 6, 2026, and recorded at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO.
- What's special: "Gekijou" marks the first time Ayase performed vocals alongside ikura as part of YOASOBI; "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" is a beloved track that the duo rarely performs live.
- Connected to new EP: Both songs tie into YOASOBI's fourth EP "THE BOOK for," which was released on June 26, 2026.
What's in the "Gekijou" Performance Video
The "Gekijou" video, released on August 15, 2026, captures a genuinely rare moment in YOASOBI's evolution. For the first time in the duo's history, Ayase — who typically handles composition, arrangement, and production — stepped up to the microphone to perform vocals alongside ikura. According to official statements, this departure from the usual format generated significant buzz when it first aired on CDTV in late June, and the YouTube release gives fans who missed the broadcast a chance to experience it.
The performance was recorded at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO as part of CDTV Live! Live!'s special "Platinum Live" segment. "Gekijou" itself is a track from YOASOBI's fourth EP "THE BOOK for," which dropped on June 26, 2026, just days before the CDTV broadcast. The song's title translates to "on stage" or "theatrical," and the dual-vocal arrangement underscores that theatrical quality — Ayase's voice adds a new dimension to the duo's signature sound, which has always centered on ikura's expressive, soaring delivery.
The video description on YouTube confirms that this is the full performance as it aired on TBS, complete with the production values and staging CDTV Live! Live! is known for. Fans have noted the chemistry between Ayase and ikura on stage, and the performance showcases how the duo has continued to experiment with their live presentations even as their global reach expands.
What's in the "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" Performance Video
Released on August 16, 2026, at 8:00 PM JST, the second video features "Ano Yume wo Nazotte," a track that holds a special place in YOASOBI's catalog. According to official descriptions and widespread coverage, this song is rarely performed live — it's one of those beloved album cuts that fans treasure but seldom get to hear in concert. The CDTV performance, and now this YouTube release, offers a welcome opportunity to see the duo bring it to the stage.
"Ano Yume wo Nazotte" has been described as a masterpiece (名曲) in its own right, with a delicate, introspective quality that contrasts with some of YOASOBI's more high-energy singles. The song has enjoyed enduring popularity and has been featured in commercial campaigns, keeping it in the public consciousness even though it doesn't appear in setlists as often as hits like "Yoru ni Kakeru" or "Idol."
Like the "Gekijou" video, this performance was recorded at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO and features ikura on vocals, with the full band and production backing that CDTV's Platinum Live segment provides. The video description credits the performance to the June 29 and July 6, 2026, broadcasts, and the staging reflects the care YOASOBI puts into their visual presentation — thoughtful lighting, camera work that captures ikura's emotive performance, and a sense of intimacy despite the arena setting.
Why These Performances Stand Out
What makes these two videos more than just routine promotional clips is the context and rarity they represent. YOASOBI's appearance on CDTV Live! Live! in late June and early July 2026 was part of a coordinated push around the release of "THE BOOK for," their fourth EP. The show's "Platinum Live" format gave the duo extended airtime over two consecutive weeks, allowing them to showcase not just their latest singles but also deeper cuts and experimental performances.
The decision to release these specific two performances on YouTube — rather than, say, their bigger hits — signals that YOASOBI and their team understand what the fanbase values. "Gekijou" offers something genuinely new: Ayase singing. That's not a gimmick or a one-off stunt; it's an evolution in how the duo presents itself, and it hints at creative directions they might explore in the future. Meanwhile, "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" serves longtime fans who have been hoping to see the song performed live and who might not have caught the CDTV broadcast.
The limited-time nature of the release adds urgency, but it also fits a pattern we've seen with YOASOBI's digital strategy. The duo has a history of making certain performances and content available for brief windows, rewarding attentive fans and creating moments that feel special rather than permanent fixtures. It's a approach that keeps the fanbase engaged and active, rather than taking availability for granted.
Where to Watch and How Long You Have
Both performance videos are streaming on YOASOBI's official YouTube channel. The "Gekijou" video went live on August 15, 2026, and "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" followed on August 16, 2026, at 8:00 PM Japan Standard Time. As of this writing on August 17, 2026, both videos are still available.
However, YOASOBI has made it clear that these are limited-time releases. The official announcement and video descriptions emphasize the temporary nature of the uploads, using the Japanese term 期間限定公開 (kikan gentei koukai), which explicitly means "limited-period release." What the exact end date is hasn't been specified — neither the official site nor the YouTube descriptions give a firm deadline — so the safest bet is to watch as soon as you can.
We've seen similar limited releases from YOASOBI in the past, and the window can be anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Since the videos were released over two consecutive days, it's possible the duo will keep them up for a symmetrical period, but that's speculation. The best approach is to bookmark the videos now and watch them while you know they're still accessible.
The Context: YOASOBI's 2026 and "THE BOOK for,"
These performances are part of a broader promotional arc around "THE BOOK for," YOASOBI's fourth EP, which was released on June 26, 2026. The EP continues the duo's tradition of adapting stories into music — each YOASOBI release is rooted in a narrative, often sourced from novels or short fiction, and "THE BOOK for," is no exception. The timing of the CDTV broadcasts (June 29 and July 6, 2026) placed them just days after the EP's release, giving the duo prime-time exposure during a critical promotional window.
YOASOBI has spent 2026 expanding their reach internationally while also deepening their connection with Japanese audiences. The decision to participate in CDTV Live! Live!'s Platinum Live segment reflects that dual focus: CDTV is a staple of Japanese music television, and a two-week feature on the show signals the duo's status as major players in the domestic market. At the same time, releasing the performances on YouTube with clear English-language labeling in the video titles (e.g., "from TBS CDTV Live! Live! @ TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO") ensures that international fans can find and enjoy the content.
The choice to highlight "Gekijou" and "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" — rather than, say, a more globally recognizable hit like "Idol" (the theme from the anime "Oshi no Ko") — suggests that YOASOBI is confident enough in their brand to showcase artistry over pure commercial appeal. Both songs reward close listening and reflect the duo's roots in storytelling and musical experimentation.
What People Are Saying
Fans have been vocal about their excitement and appreciation for the limited-time release, especially given the rarity of seeing "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" performed live and the novelty of hearing Ayase sing on "Gekijou." Social media reactions have highlighted the emotional impact of both performances and the urgency of watching before the videos are taken down.
"I've been waiting to hear 'Ano Yume wo Nazotte' live for years, and this performance is everything I hoped for. ikura's voice on this song always hits differently, and the staging was beautiful. Please watch it before it's gone!"
"Ayase singing on 'Gekijou' was such a surprise when it first aired on CDTV, and I'm so glad they released the full performance on YouTube. His voice complements ikura's perfectly, and it opens up so many possibilities for what YOASOBI can do in the future. This is a must-watch moment."
"Limited-time releases are always bittersweet because you know you have to drop everything and watch, but at the same time it makes the experience feel special. Both of these performances are incredible, and I'm grateful YOASOBI shared them even if it's just for a little while."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the YOASOBI CDTV performance videos?
Both videos are streaming on YOASOBI's official YouTube channel. Search for "YOASOBI Gekijou CDTV" or "YOASOBI Ano Yume wo Nazotte CDTV" to find them, or visit the channel directly and look for the uploads from August 15 and August 16, 2026.
How long will the videos be available?
YOASOBI has announced these as limited-time releases, but the exact end date hasn't been specified. The videos could be taken down at any time, so we recommend watching as soon as possible if you're interested.
Why did YOASOBI release these specific performances?
"Gekijou" is notable because it's the first time Ayase performed vocals alongside ikura as YOASOBI, marking a creative evolution for the duo. "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" is a beloved song that the duo rarely performs live, making this a special opportunity for fans to see it.
Were these performances part of a special CDTV episode?
Yes, both performances were part of CDTV Live! Live!'s "Platinum Live" special segment, which aired over two consecutive weeks on June 29 and July 6, 2026. The segment gave YOASOBI extended airtime and featured performances recorded at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO.
Is there other YOASOBI content from "THE BOOK for," available online?
Yes, YOASOBI has released music videos, streaming audio, and promotional content for their fourth EP "THE BOOK for," which came out on June 26, 2026. Check their official YouTube channel and streaming platforms for the full EP and related videos.
Don't Miss These Limited-Time Performances
YOASOBI's release of the "Gekijou" and "Ano Yume wo Nazotte" performance videos offers fans a rare glimpse into two sides of the duo's artistry: one showcasing a bold new direction with Ayase on vocals, the other honoring a beloved deep cut that rarely sees the stage. Both performances were recorded at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO as part of CDTV Live! Live!'s Platinum Live segment and represent the high production quality and thoughtful presentation that YOASOBI is known for. With the videos available only for a limited time on YouTube, this is a moment to act quickly if you want to experience these performances before they're taken down. Whether you're a longtime fan or newer to YOASOBI's work, these videos offer something genuinely special — a window into where the duo has been and where they might be headed next.
