News Summary
Japanese artist nOrikO commenced her North America tour in Santa Ana with a spectacular performance that delighted fans. Combining elements of house, trance, and pop, the concert highlighted her unique ‘tragi-pop’ style alongside rising and veteran musicians. The engaging atmosphere showcased memorable songs, while nOrikO continued to inspire a community of music lovers. Her journey, marked by resilience and creativity, reinforces her dedication to live performances and artistic expression within the music world.
Santa Ana, California – Noriko Sekiguchi, a multi-talented Japanese singer, songwriter, and producer known as nOrikO, kicked off her North America tour on October 17, 2025, with a captivating performance at The Observatory in Santa Ana. The venue, which has a capacity of 1,200, was filled with enthusiastic fans showcasing an array of styles, from jirai-kei to merchandise bearing the POiSON GiRL FRiEND name.
nOrikO, who draws musical inspiration from the vibrant British club scene, delivered a concert that combined elements of house, trance, and pop, a style she describes as “tragi-pop.” The evening featured a series of interactive moments between performers and the audience, contributing to a warm and engaging atmosphere. Opening acts included Mother Soki and guitarist/deck operator Jack Feiffer, setting the stage for nOrikO’s dynamic performance.
The concert commenced with “Communication Breakdown,” immersing the audience in a vibrant soundscape that showcased nOrikO’s unique style. Throughout the event, the mix of instrumental and vocal performances included memorable songs such as “HARDLY EVER SMILE (without you),” “Those Were the Days,” and “DOOMED LOVE.” The show highlighted the contributions of veteran musicians Makoto Otsu and Michiaki Kato, enriching the overall experience.
Originally emerging on the Japanese music scene in 1991, nOrikO’s musical journey began with a six-song mini-album titled POiSON GiRL FRiENDS. The project’s name was inspired by the 1987 album “The Poison Boyfriend” by artist Momus. Although she took a long hiatus from the project, reviving it in 2014, her earlier music continued to resonate with audiences, particularly after older albums became available on streaming platforms in 2021, leading to a resurgence in her popularity. Notably, her track “HARDLY EVER SMILE (without you)” has amassed over 10 million streams on Spotify.
nOrikO’s tours have spanned multiple regions, including China, Europe, the U.K., and the U.S., garnering accolades and recognition as “dream pop’s future seer.” This latest tour aims to cultivate a community among young music lovers, encouraging an appreciation for live music within smaller, more intimate venues, which she sees as vital for artistic expression. Despite the challenges posed by an evolving music scene and the closure of several clubs that inspired her, nOrikO remains dedicated to authentic live performances that emphasize creativity and the delivery of joy through music.
During her years away from POiSON GiRL FRiEND, nOrikO explored different musical paths under the name “Dark Eyed Kid” and as part of the dance music group Kiss-O-Matic, enriching her musical repertoire. Her exploration of retro-futuristic electropop in 2014 gained critical acclaim, though it did not bring widespread fame at the time.
The concert not only showcased her artistic journey but also illustrated her commitment to fostering connections within the music community. Fans have expressed a deep appreciation for her work, noting her humility and dedication to her craft despite being regarded as a rising figure in the music industry. As she continues her tour, fans eagerly anticipate the evolution of her music and performances, which blend nostalgia with contemporary sounds.
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Additional Resources
- USC Annenberg Media
- Wikipedia: Noriko Sekiguchi
- USA Today
- Google Search: nOrikO tour
- Chicago Reader
- Encyclopedia Britannica: nOrikO
- Miami Herald
- Google News: nOrikO
- E! Online
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
