Japanese band SMAP. Photo: CFP

This time, Japanese pop band SMAP won't let their Chinese fans down by singing at Beijing Workers' Stadium on September 16 for the very first time. At Tuesday afternoon's press, its member Kimura Takuya, also one of the most well-known actors in China said that they would definitely make their debut in Beijing by performing some Chinese songs and their popular ones.

The boy band has been popular in Japan and much of Asia for over 20 years. Their singles like "Can't Stop!! Loving", "Hey Hey Thanks For Your Business" and "Beyond the Night" have helped the band grab numerous awards in Japan as well as the favor of millions of Asian fans. They were scheduled to present a concert at last year's Shanghai Expo, but canceled due to concerns about the massive crowds of fans.

As part of the celebration of the two countries' friendship, the concert started when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met the band in May and invited them to sing live in China.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to start our overseas tour from Beijing gig. We will bring something special," said Kimura Takuya. They recorded several well-known songs into Chinese ones. One of them is "The Only Flower in the World", which was recorded during the Fukushima Earthquake this March.

"We are moved by the help from Chinese friends. And this song, which says that everyone has his day and his flower, is the best gift for you in return," he said, adding he's tried to learn Chinese. "It is really a headache to pronounce pinyin, especially hua [flower]. That word cost me days of hard work. But it is worth it."

But he didn't reveal the song list because it is "difficult to pick songs from about 100 on our 19 albums." 

When: September 16, 7:30 pm

Tickets: 280 to 1980 yuan

Contact: 400-610-3721