On November 8th, 2025, Tommy february6 had a concert screening titled “Tommy february6: The Screening” which took place at Japan Society, in New York City. Japan Society is a century-old non profit organization focused on bringing the US and Japan together. It hosts the largest Japanese film festival in North America and major Japanese film premieres year-round. Tommy february6: The Screening was held on this same stage.
Tommy february6 is a solo project of Tomoko Kawase. She’s also the lead vocalist of the Japanese band the brilliant green. This triality of her projects parallels the contrast of light and shadow which can also be seen in the likes of Gen Z singer Billie Eilish. Tommy february6 is also known for her cheerleader and high school-inspired outfits that featured her signature cat-eye glasses. This style of hers captivated audiences as a “pop-cute” fashion icon – a clear nod to the 1990s pop star Britney Spears. Now, 24 years after her solo debut, her work has been rediscovered globally through viral social media posts and through praise from current musical headliners. A key moment for Tommy’s revival was in 2024 when American rapper Doja Cat shared the music video “Wait till I can dream” on X. Additionally the British singer-songwriter Charli xcx credited Tommy as one of her favorite artists. On TikTok, “Lonely in Gorgeous” went viral for makeup and fashion videos, amassing over 1.6 billion views and generating attention from a new generation of listeners globally.
Tommy’s alter ego, Tommy heavenly6, presents a darker side with rock-driven influences, gothic-punk fashion, and Halloween-themed tracks that portray a sense of cool adding to her personas. Both egos are inspired by fairy tales which creates a whimsical yet edgy world that allow listeners to escape their current realities.
In response to this resurgence, the first albums from Tommy february6, Tommy heavenly6, and the brilliant green have now been released on vinyl in May 2025 for the first time. Tickets for the screening – including VIP packages with vinyl records, T-shirts, and posters – immediately sold out. The audience featured young women in their teens and twenties wearing contrasting fashion styles: pastel-colored, Harajuku-inspired “kawaii” looks and with bold straight-haired rock styles. The energy of this new generation enjoyed the 2000s culture with a fresh sensibility.
Prior to the screening, Peter Tatara, Director of the film department at Japan Society, asked the audience, “Who was listening to Tommy february6 in 2001?” A few hands went up. Peter then asked, “Who wasn’t yet born in 2001?” prompting over 80% of the audience to raise their hands – showcasing the renewed relevance of Tommy to Gen Z.
The program featured curated footage from Tommy february6 “J-WAVE LIVE 2000+1”, Tommy heavenly6 “SPACE SHOWER TV LIVE #5”, and the brilliant green “PREMIUM ACOUSTIC LIVE”. Shortly after Tommy february6 appeared on screen, as the audience then erupted in applause. The U.S. premiere included iconic dreamy pop tracks such as “★CANDY POP IN LOVE★” and “EVERYDAY AT THE BUS STOP,” with audience members swaying to the music. Vintage footage showing her on-stage outfits, commentary, and period-specific fashion which offered Gen Z fans a glimpse into the “unknown 2000s” era.
During the Tommy heavenly6 segment, the audience enjoyed songs from the tribute album to “NANA,” a landmark Japanese manga/anime series, and “Hey my friend,” the theme song for “Kamikaze Girls,” highlighting Japanese Lolita and the delinquent youth culture Onna bōsōzoku. While Tommy’s work embodies diverse “girl power” her appeal extends well beyond female fans. Notably, the screening featured “Pray,” the theme song from the popular anime “Gintama,” which also drew enthusiastic cheers. The screening concluded with an acoustic set by the brilliant green, where Kawase performed as herself, showcasing her natural charisma and leaving a memorable impression on the audience.
