The iconic J-pop duo PUFFY graced the outdoor stage at Japan Day @ Central Park 2018 on Sunday (May 13) as the main act of the day-long event organized to promote cultural understanding between the people of Japan and the U.S.
Although this year’s Japan Day was cursed with rain for most of the day, bad weather didn’t stop New Yorkers from enjoying a wide range of Japanese traditional activities, culture, foods and art in Central Park. The outdoor stage featured performances including both modern and traditional dancing, karate and Japanese drumming throughout the day leading up to PUFFY’s set.
The rain miraculously stopped when Ami and Yumi got up onstage, and the crowd was treated to a string of hits performed by a special band brought together just for the occasion. Songs familiar to American audiences such as “Hi Hi,” the theme from their popular Cartoon Network series, and the “Teen Titans Theme” were received particularly well and a huge singalong rang out in Central Park. The always-charming and laid-back duo celebrating their 22nd year in music provided a fitting finale to the friendly event.
PUFFY also announced concerts in July at Billboard Live Tokyo and Osaka, where they will perform this special Japan Day set for their fans back home.