[April 2026] ABEMA’s music works: Auditions and must-see artist features
ABEMA streams video content across every genre—from news to variety shows and sports—so chances are many of you have watched at least one of their programs.
In this article, we’ll spotlight their music-related offerings.
In addition to live performances and documentaries, the abundance of exclusive content is a major draw.
Another hallmark is their strong lineup of audition shows and hip-hop programs.
We’ll prioritize titles that aren’t available on other platforms or that you can watch for free, so enjoy!
[April 2026] ABEMA’s music works. Auditions and must-see artist features (1–10)
2025 LE SSERAFIM TOUR ‘EASY CRAZY HOT’ ENCORE IN TOKYO DOME
This is a live broadcast of the Tokyo Dome show from LE SSERAFIM’s 2025 world tour.
As an encore performance, it showcases the experience they’ve gained throughout the tour.
The production is designed to satisfy audiences even in a large venue, with staging that enhances the spread of their vocals and layered visuals to elevate the live experience.
It’s also striking how strongly the excitement comes through—being their first time at Tokyo Dome, you can clearly hear the crowd’s fervor, which adds to the sense of exhilaration.
RAPSTAR 2025
This is a documentary that closely follows RAPSTAR 2025, an audition project to discover the next generation of rappers.
Now in its eighth edition, the audition drew a record 6,780 participants, and the film captures their struggles as they fight to seize their chance.
It starts with self-introductory raps, with contestants expressing themselves in various ways and showing their fierce determination for the future.
Beyond the battles between participants, it also highlights their activities in their hometowns, showcasing the appeal of those who don’t end up winning as well.
Rising Sun ~No Turning Back, One Way Road~
This video is a documentary about artists from LDH, including EXILE, portrayed with the theme of light and shadow.
It candidly shares the emotions they experienced in their activities—what hardships they faced and what outcomes awaited them beyond those challenges.
Learning in detail about the struggles they endured before reaching their dazzling success deepens your affection for the members and the groups.
With appearances from various groups, it’s also a perfect opportunity to discover new groups and members.
STEAL HEART CLUB
This footage closely follows the fierce competition at an audition where musicians clash to win a spot in the band by showcasing their sound.
It’s packed with highlights, from scenes where everyone gathers to talk about music face to face, to the human relationships that emerge along the way.
Key points include the differences in skill levels among the gathered members and how their relationships change through head‑to‑head confrontations.
The trailer also builds anticipation with the sight of all 50 participants coming together for an on-the-spot session.
BOYS ll PLANET
BOYS PLANET, also known as BOIPLA, captivated countless fans and produced ZEROBASEONE.
Its sequel, Season 2, began in 2025.
This K-pop audition program brings together boys from two planets—K and C—who engage in fierce battles as they aim to debut.
The new season features a unique dual structure: Korea’s “BOYS II PLANET K” and the Greater China region’s “BOYS II PLANET C” proceed simultaneously with the same format.
The finalists from each planet ultimately merge and compete against one another.
You’ll find yourself rooting for the trainees as you watch their determined expressions and their growth along the way!
HIPHOP MAGAZINE THE HOPE
A comprehensive hip-hop information program hosted by Tetsuya Morita of Saraba Seishun no Hikari and model Yuuchami.
Each episode runs around 40 minutes, offering plenty of substance.
The show began in 2024, and as of writing in 2025, it’s available to watch without a premium subscription.
Every episode features a hip-hop artist as a guest and spotlights trending topics in hip-hop.
With lively banter between Morita and Yuuchami, plus song spotlights pulled from Spotify playlists, it’s a fun and approachable way to dive into hip-hop.
Sakanaction
Sakanaction, a band that has continuously pursued being a minority within the majority.
Their documentary footage—also drawing attention thanks to the hit of their comeback song “Kaijū”—is partially available on Abema.
As of writing in 2025, two short documentaries of just under 10 minutes are available: one covering Ichiro Yamaguchi’s nationwide tour “Natsukashii Tsuki wa Atarashii Tsuki ‘Shinkirō’,” and another on Sakanaction’s full-fledged return with their 2024 arena tour “turn.” You’ll surely be moved by Yamaguchi’s fighting spirit and the passion he pours into Sakanaction.


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