Dance and vocal group MADKID is composed of five members who performed for the first time in the United States at Crunchyroll Expo on September 1st. The quintet features both singers and rappers and all of the members execute their dancing with a crispness second to none.  They appeared twice during the expo and we were there for both.

Photography and writing: Ally McWilliams

MADKID might be better known to anime fans as the group behind the opening songs for the anime Rising of the Shield Hero and were featured as the opening act for The Rising of the Shield Hero's Special Stage Event at Crunchyroll Expo. They performed both of the songs "Rise" and "Faith" which were the first and the second opening themes for the anime.  The group consists of three vocalists (YOU-TA, SHIN, and KAZUKI) and two rappers (LIN and YUKI).  Both LIN and YUKI are bilingual which enhances the group's flexibility.  The group incorporates trap and glitch hop giving them a new type of sound and visual experience.

They also performed a special program at Crunchyroll City's Nightclub. They first sang "Rise" on stage with the crowd going crazy, some singing together. This was followed by a short Q&A session inquiring how they are enjoying their first time in San Jose and their favorite foods. YOU-TA answered with Natto (fermented soy bean), and YUKI answered with cheese. There was a slight laugh when KAZUKI answered with inari sushi which is a bean curd sushi made out of fried tofu packets. After their Q&A they finished off with "Faith" and high-fived fans before leaving the stage.

MADKID's appearances might have been short and sweet but their impact on Crunchyroll Expo is way bigger than the time on stage might suggest.  Expect more anime work from them in the future.  In April they released their first album CIRCUS which includes English versions of "Rise" and "Faith."  The group made their major record debut with Nippon Columbia Records in 2018.

Please check out their YouTube channel and website for more information about the group and to listen to some of their music!