 |
| ME:I Turn Tokyo Into Their Own Runway as ‘Update ME’ Gets First Full Live Performance at GirlsAward 2026. (Credits: Rakuten TGA) |
ME:I arrived at Rakuten GirlsAward 2026 SPRING/SUMMER in Tokyo and did what polished idol groups tend to do when given a major stage: take over the room with suspicious ease.
Performing at the National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium on 18 April, the Japanese girl group unveiled the first full live performance of their new digital single ‘Update ME’, turning a fashion event into a full-scale fan celebration.
The timing mattered.
The appearance marked one of the group’s first big stages as they move into their third year since being formed through PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS.
Some groups slow down after the debut rush. ME:I, clearly, did not receive that memo.
Dressed in coordinated brown classic-uniform inspired outfits with gold detailing, the seven members looked sharp, expensive and fully aware of it.
They opened with ‘THIS IS ME:I’, a statement track built around identity and confidence.
The crowd responded instantly, while the signature choreography, including the well-known “9:30 dance”, landed exactly as intended.
Momentum barely paused when MOMONA fired up the audience with a call to make it the best time together.
It was the sort of line idols say often, but in this case the arena sounded willing to sign the contract immediately.
The group then rolled into ‘MUSE’, striding down the runway to get closer to fans.
It was a clever move: part performance, part fan service, part reminder that stages with catwalks were invented for moments like this.
Their vocals remained composed while the energy stayed high, which is not always guaranteed when performers are sprinting about trying to look effortless.
Next came ‘Best Match’, the digital track released in February. Fans loudly welcomed the song, especially when the now-discussed “Bibibibi dance” appeared.
Social media-friendly choreography has become modern pop currency, and ME:I seem to understand the exchange rate perfectly.
 |
| ME:I Showcase New Single Update ME at GirlsAward 2026 With Powerful Stage |
There was also time for side quests. Members RINON and SUZU appeared as runway models during the same event, showing another side of the group beyond performance stages.
RINON said she was pleased to present a different atmosphere from her usual idol image, while SUZU admitted she felt nervous but enjoyed the experience.
Fair enough. Looking calm while walking a runway in front of thousands is a talent in itself.
Then came the headline moment. TSUZUMI introduced the newest song, released on 13 April, before AYANE explained its collaboration tie-in with haircare brand Linon, noting listeners could hear phrases woven through the track. A bold strategy: make audiences sing along and decode branding at the same time.
When ‘Update ME’ began, the arena got what it came for.
The choreography featured hair-flipping movements and sharp transitions designed for maximum visual effect, while the performance carried a bright, fresh energy that made the song feel larger live than on first listen.
It was slick, dynamic and engineered to stay in people’s heads long after the lights went down.
Netizens had plenty to say afterwards. Many praised the group’s stage confidence and tighter presence, saying ME:I now look noticeably more seasoned than during their debut year.
Others highlighted the styling, calling it one of their strongest looks yet. Some fans singled out MOMONA’s command of the crowd, while others focused on AYANE, RINON, and SUZU for their standout moments. Naturally, a few argued over favourite members online for several hours, which is basically the internet doing its job.
There was also wider praise for the group’s smart balance between idol performance and commercial polish. Rather than feeling like a promotional tie-in awkwardly stapled onto a setlist, ‘Update ME’ came across as a genuine next-step single. That is harder to pull off than it looks.
Did ‘Update ME’ win you over live, or are you still replaying ‘THIS IS ME:I’ and ‘Best Match’ instead?