On a brisk winter evening in San Jose, Phantom Siita took the stage at the Civic Theater for the first North American stop on their first world tour, Moth to a flame. Just six months after their debut as idols, the Ado-produced “retro horror” idol group has already cultivated a devoted fanbase. Their performance made it clear why they’re such a standout force in the idol scene.
Inside the venue, fans lined up to buy tour merch before eagerly taking their seats. As the overhead lights dimmed and the music faded, a deep red glow washed over the stage. Fans roared as the group’s silhouettes took their positions. As the beat dropped for their opening number, ‘Just Wanna xxxx With You’, stage lights illuminated the group’s faces as they broke out into formation. The concert became an immersive experience from that moment on, blending music, choreography, and eerie theatrical elements. Their horror-infused aesthetic came to life through dance and song, with twisted body movements, piercing screams, and intense expressions adding an eerie yet unmistakable edge to their performance.
Throughout the night, Phantom Siita showcased a curated setlist that kept the crowd on its feet, playing songs from their album ‘Girlhood Memories’ alongside nostalgic city pop covers. Their synchronized choreography was sharp and expressive, with their vocals equally as haunting. Their live renditions captured the same power and emotion as on record, highlighting the meticulous training they received under Ado.
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After a few songs, the group took a moment to introduce themselves. They each shared a few words with the crowd, thanking them for coming out and expressing their excitement at meeting them. Rinka got some laughs when she told the crowd in English, “Yesterday, I ate seafood.”
Following their speeches, the group performed a cover of Jun Togawa’s ‘Suki Suki Daisuki’, rotating in a circle formation as each member took turns singing the chorus. Next, the solo covers began. Each girl chose a song that showcased her unique vocal style and paired it with a choreographed routine to complement the performance. The solo covers ranged from classics like Seiko Matsuda’s ‘Aoi Sangosho’ to contemporary hits like Utada’s ‘One Last Kiss’. Miu’s high-octane rendition of Kenshi Yonezu’s ‘KICK BACK’ was particularly memorable—fans cheered for her expressive dance choreography, breaking out into “Aye! Aye!” chants towards the end.
All five members returned to the stage to perform ‘4 AM’. They raised their hands in a collective prayer as they sang the line, “Lord, give me one more chance”. Fans erupted when the opening notes of Miki Matsubara’s ‘Stay With Me’ played, waving their light sticks and singing along to every word.
After performing ‘Otomodachi’, Phantom Siita quickly thanked the crowd and exited the stage. But the fans weren’t ready to let them go just yet. Increasingly louder chants of “Encore! Encore!” filled the theater. It took some time, but the fans were relentless, chanting until the group finally returned for a three-song encore.
First, they delivered a thrilling live performance of ‘Tot Musica’ by Ado from One Piece Film Red—the same song used in their audition process. The energy peaked when they followed up with the iconic Sailor Moon theme, ‘Moonlight Densetsu’, before closing with their latest track, ‘Zoku Zoku’. With a bow, Phantom Siita exited the stage for the final time, waving to the crowd as they walked off.
Phantom Siita’s performance leaned into their signature blend of retro horror and idol pop aesthetics, crafting a unique and exciting experience. Their stage presence was undeniable—they not only delivered powerful vocals and intricate choreography but also drew the audience into their hauntingly beautiful world. For a group with such commanding synergy, it’s almost hard to believe they debuted only half a year ago. If this tour was any indication, Phantom Siita is just beginning their ascent. Their future releases and performances will continue to improve as they push their artistry in the bold direction they’ve pioneered within the idol genre.
Photos by Ammar Chishty
Phantom Siita ‘Moth to a flame’ World Tour 2025: San Jose Setlist
- Kimi to XXXX Shitai Dake
- Devilish Girl
- Hanabami
- Conflicting
- Suki Suki Daisuki (cover)
- Aoi Sangoshou (Mona solo cover)
- FANTASY (Rinka solo cover)
- KICK BACK (Miu solo cover)
- One Last Kiss (Hisui solo cover)
- Flyday Chinatown (Moka solo cover)
- 4:00 AM (cover)
- HANAGATAMI
- Stay with Me (cover)
- Otomodachi
Encore
- Tot Musica (cover)
- Moonlight Densetsu (Sailor Moon OP) (cover)
- Zoku Zoku
