It was pure electricity as Morning Musume ’14 took New York City by storm with a concert emanating from the very heart of Times Square.

Japanese pop idol group Morning Musume ’14 [モーニング娘。’14] touched down in New York City this weekend marking their first appearance in the Big Apple and only their second continental United States appearance since 2009′s Anime Expo in Los Angeles, California.

Morning Musume ’14 are considered one of the most successful Japanese all-girl groups in history and hold their place as the premier act of the Hello! Project idol group label. The group, produced by the famous rock singer/song writer Tsunku♂ [つんく♂], is defined by their upbeat bubblegum pop and energetic choreography. The groups storied beginnings started in 1997 when, during a televised audition, the group was tasked with selling 50,000 copies of their demo single “Ai no Tane” over the course of a week. The girls quickly became the sweethearts of the nation, easily meeting the goal in a matter of four days, to win the major label record contract to make a company-backed debut in 1998.

On September 1999 their 7th single “LOVE Machine” hit it big by moving over one million copies with the girls breaking records and hearts ever since. The group, which had undergone rebranding at the top of the year, will see the significant digits of the year appended to the post-fix of their naming structure as Morning Musume。 officially became Morning Musume。’14 as of January 1st, 2014.

The group, heading into 2015, will undergo one of their most radical changes in the coming months with the addition of four new members and the impending graduation of 11-year veteran and captain Sayumi Michishige. The group currently consists of Sayumi Michishige, Riho Sayashi, Mizuki Fukumura, Erina Ikuta, Sakura Oda, Haruna Iikubo, Haruka Kudo, Kanon Suzuki, Ayumi Ishida, Masaki Sato, Haruna Ogata, Miki Nonaka, Maria Makino, and Akane Haga. By utilizing an ever-changing lineup the group has evolved by cycling through 24 members since inception, releasing 57 singles and 14 albums to date, and playing in venues around Japan and worldwide. With performances in China, Taiwan, South Korea, France, and Los Angeles under their belt the girls take on New York City and the bright lights of Times Square for the very first time.

The setlist brought together favorites both old and new as recent hits Wakuteka Take a Chance, Help me!!!, and Tiki Bun meet remixed classics including I Wish, Shabondama, and Love Machine. Nihongogo brings you stage side with an exclusive look at some of our favorite highlights of the set.