Sakuma Daisuke, a member of the popular Japanese idol group Snow Man, recently shared emotional reflections on the group’s unconventional debut during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appearing on the March 5 broadcast of TV Asahi’s talk show, Sakuma opened up about the challenges Snow Man faced as they transitioned from hopeful newcomers to performers navigating unprecedented obstacles.

His story resonates not only with Snow Man fans but with anyone who debuted, launched, or pursued a dream in the midst of global upheaval. What was meant to be the beginning of an exciting career path became instead a test of resilience, adaptation, and connection without the power of shared, in-person experience.

Who Is Sakuma Daisuke and Snow Man?

Before diving into Sakuma’s interview, it is important to understand the key figures and context:

• Snow Man is a Japanese idol group formed under Johnny and Associates, one of Japan’s most influential talent agencies.
• The group was officially formed in 2012 but did not make its major debut until January 2020, eight years after their formation.
• Sakuma Daisuke, born on July 5, 1992, is one of the nine members of the group. Known for his energetic personality and strong performance skills, he is also a fan of animation and pop culture, often sharing that enthusiasm with fans.

A Debut Interrupted: Snow Man’s 2020 Launch

The Long Wait for a Debut

Debuts in the Japanese idol industry are often portrayed as climactic moments, filled with press coverage, fanfare, live audiences, and celebratory events. For Snow Man, the journey was long and winding.

After eight years of training, performing as backups, and building a dedicated fanbase, Snow Man finally achieved their major label debut in January 2020. Sakuma described the moment as full of both joy and a looming sense of responsibility.

He said, “Of course we were happy, but we also felt like this was just the beginning. This was when things really started.”

The COVID-19 Outbreak Hits Japan

Almost immediately after the excitement of debut, the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread worldwide, and Japan was no exception. Restrictions on large gatherings, concert events, and fan meetups were quickly implemented. Like many artists worldwide, Snow Man found its plans dramatically altered.

Sakuma described that once they were told that audiences could not be admitted to events, the group felt a gut punch.

He said, “Just when we thought we had finally grasped our moment, we were told we could not have audiences.”

This sudden change forced Snow Man and their team to reconsider how they could connect with fans and promote their debut in an era where live audiences were off-limits.

Reinventing Concert Culture: From Empty Seats to Screens

The Shift to No-Audience Performances

Rather than cancel their live performances altogether, Snow Man made a bold decision. They would go ahead with concerts without any live audience present.

Overwhelmed by the complexity of planning and performing in this new format, they organized a series of nine no-audience concerts. Each day had up to three shows, creating a performance marathon unlike anything they had done before.

Sakuma recalled one of the most difficult parts of performing without a live audience. He said, “Honestly, it was really tough. Trying to hype people up when there is no response, no voice coming back, it made you nervous.”

Without cheers, applause, or audience energy, performers often rely on their own internal timing and energy to power through. For an idol group like Snow Man, whose performances are designed to interact with fans, this loss of feedback was significant.

Yet, they persevered.

Why the No-Audience Concerts Mattered

The decision was about more than just staying active; it was about connection.

Sakuma and the group wanted fans to see them perform, even if only through livestreams. They reasoned that fans could still watch from home, everyone could feel the experience together even at a distance, and it offered a sense of continuity and professionalism during chaotic times.

The sense of purpose and obligation toward their fans helped drive Snow Man through this difficult period of adaptation.

The First Concert with Audience Voices: A Tidal Wave of Emotion

The Return of Live Audience Interaction

Looking back, Sakuma shared one of the most powerful moments of his career. The first time Snow Man held a concert with a live audience after years of silence was overwhelming.

During the group’s first live voice concert, where fans could finally cheer aloud again, Sakuma described an overwhelming wave of emotion. He remembered how the sound of cheering filled the venue from the moment the opening began, the emotion was so powerful that tears nearly came before the first song was even over, and he had to look upward and focus on something else just to hold back tears.

He said, “From the moment the opening started and we heard the voices, I was thinking, this is intense, I am going to cry. I had to look up and look away just so I did not cry.”

This moment was not only deeply meaningful for him personally but clearly resonated with the entire group and their fans, who had spent years growing alongside Snow Man, waiting for this moment.

Why This Story Matters

The Power of Perseverance

Sakuma Daisuke’s reflections are more than a celebrity interview anecdote. They are a testament to artistic resilience in the face of global challenges, the emotional weight that artists carry when performing for others, and a clear reminder that success is not just about getting your chance, but holding on to it when the world shifts.

The Importance of Fan Connection

For Snow Man and many artists of the COVID era, the audience is a co-creator of the live experience. When that component disappears, performers must improvise and adapt.

Snow Man’s pivot to no-audience concerts, livestreams, and eventually back to full-voice concerts shows how artists can maintain connection even when the traditional path is blocked.

Looking Ahead: Snow Man’s Continued Growth

Despite the challenges of their debut era, Snow Man has grown into one of Japan’s most successful idol groups. Their ability to adapt music, performance style, and fan engagement during the pandemic helped build unique fan loyalty.

With the return of full concerts, major tour performances, and ongoing entertainment projects, Snow Man continues to evolve beyond the uncertain beginning that once defined them.

Sakuma’s emotional recollection is not just a look back. It is a milestone that defines where Snow Man comes from and where they are heading.

Conclusion

Sakuma Daisuke’s candid conversation on TV Asahi sheds light on the emotional and professional journey of Snow Man’s debut during COVID-19. Instead of the traditional idol launch filled with cheering crowds and celebratory energy, they faced empty venues, livestream marathons, and a world suddenly unsure of what normal even meant.

Yet, through adaptation, persistence, and genuine connection with fans, Snow Man did not just survive. They found ways to thrive. When the voices finally returned, it reminded them and the world just how powerful live performance truly is.

Sakuma’s reflections stand as both a personal testimony and a universal story of resilience for performers everywhere.