EXILE’s ATSUSHI Makes Full Comeback After 2.5 Years

EXILE’s ATSUSHI Roars Back After 2.5-Year Hiatus—Surprise Comeback at Tour Finale Leaves Fans in Tears

Talk about a comeback for the ages. EXILE’s iconic vocalist ATSUSHI (45) officially made his return to the stage on 6 June, marking his first full performance in two and a half years, and fans were not ready for the emotional rollercoaster that followed.

The moment unfolded during the encore of EXILE’s nationwide tour finale, WHAT IS EXILE, held at Kobe World Memorial Hall—the grand wrap-up of their eight-show, four-city run, which was also their first tour in over two years. The crowd of 9,000 fans had no clue what was coming until that voice hit the speakers.

And then boom—ATSUSHI appeared. Not just as a video clip, not just with his voice piped in. He stepped onto the stage for the first time since EXILE’s Tokyo Dome show back in December 2022, looking stronger, calmer, and completely in his element. Fans, already on a high, completely lost it when he launched into the “24karats Medley” during the encore. Roars. Screams. Tears. It was the real deal.

The Long Road Back

ATSUSHI’s hiatus wasn’t exactly a planned break. Since stepping back from full activities, he’s been quietly battling Lyme disease and dealing with personal and creative resets. Earlier this year, he gently re-entered the scene with a solo tour starting in April, but this—this surprise return with EXILE—marked his true full-circle moment. And the crowd felt it.

“I wanted to come back when the timing felt right… and now’s that time,” ATSUSHI reportedly shared backstage. His appearance wasn’t just a one-off, either. With this return, he’s rejoining the crew in a more active way—and fans are here for it.

Big Moves Ahead: Dome Tour Announced

As if that wasn’t enough excitement, EXILE dropped another bombshell during the encore—a massive dome tour across Fukuoka, Osaka, and Nagoya kicking off this November, their first dome run in three years. A teaser video revealed the schedule and showed not only the main members but also nine performers from EXILE TRIBE joining in.

The “WHAT IS EXILE?” tour wasn’t just a nostalgic rehash. It posed a genuine question about identity, evolution, and future. With 15 members from both EXILE and the wider TRIBE performing together on the final night, it signalled a new phase—cross-generational, collaborative, and filled with fresh ambition.

Fans' Reaction: “We Missed You, ATSUSHI!”

The minute ATSUSHI’s name was announced, the venue erupted. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a reunion. Social media exploded with fan videos, with some calling it the “real rebirth of EXILE.”

“I’ve been waiting for this for years,” tweeted one fan. “Hearing ATSUSHI live again… nothing compares.”
Another fan posted, “EXILE isn’t just back—they’re levelling up. This new era is gonna be wild.”

A New Chapter for EXILE

With the dome tour on the horizon and ATSUSHI back in action, EXILE’s clearly setting the stage for a bold new chapter. Whether it’s about revisiting their roots or launching into something fresh with younger TRIBE members, the message is clear: EXILE is evolving—but never forgetting what made them legends in the first place.

And with ATSUSHI leading the charge again, it’s safe to say… we’re all in.