For ONE OK ROCK, scale has never been the end goal — it’s been the byproduct of continuous evolution. For over a decade, the band have grown from a domestic rock group into a global force, selling out arenas across the world and creating music that bridges language, genre, and culture.
DETOX, the name of their recent album, represents a purge of sorts — a way for the band to make sense and let go of their own personal struggles and toxic experiences as they attempt to protect their sense of self, balancing who they are at home with how they’re perceived globally.
Read more: ONE OK ROCK’s Takahiro Moriuchi reveals his favorite song from DETOX
That duality is at the heart of their new concert film, captured during a landmark hometown performance at Nissan Stadium last year. On paper, it’s a victory lap: tens of thousands of fans, a career-defining stage, and a band operating at their peak. In reality, it’s something far more complicated. Frontman Taka Moriuchi performed the entire show with a broken foot after injuring it on the day of filming, turning what should have been a homecoming into a test of resilience — the same recurring thread throughout the album.
A year on from the concert tour, the film represents a time capsule and a statement of intent for ONE OK ROCK. The songs, shaped by global touring, have taken on new meaning, while the footage itself underscores the band’s core philosophy: to push forward, even when the cost is high. In conversation with AP, Moriuchi reflects on the physical and emotional toll of that night, how the band’s message has evolved since the album’s release, and why setbacks are just something to push through.
Your concert film ONE OK ROCK: DETOX captures such a massive career milestone for you, being a hometown show at Nissan Stadium. What emotions come back when you watch that performance now?
Looking back at that performance, what sticks out most is that I broke my left foot on the day we were filming. It was my first time getting injured onstage, and knowing I had to keep the tour going was mentally exhausting. To be honest, I have mixed feelings about it and haven’t been able to bring myself to watch the whole film yet, but I’m proud that I made it through to the end.
It’s been a year since DETOX, your latest album. How has your relationship with the songs evolved after performing them live around the world?
DETOX is an album that incorporates political elements, so choosing the right collaborators was a crucial part of the process. A year after its release, I feel that our fans have gained a much deeper understanding of who ONE OK ROCK is through this body of work.
What’s the mission statement of the film, overall? What do you want people to take away?
This film shows the importance of holding on to your beliefs, kindness, and love, even in the toughest situations. I believe it carries a powerful message about having the strength to stay true to yourself, even in a chaotic world.
What’s your relationship with Nissan Stadium? What are some memories of other shows you’ve seen there?
Rather than having a personal emotional connection to Nissan Stadium, I remember it more as one of the largest venues in Japan. Since it’s also the place where I got injured, I definitely want to go back and settle the score one day.
You’ve been on the road tirelessly for the past couple of years. How do you prevent burnout?
I believe that burning out is actually a necessary part of the process. It’s only after you’ve given everything that you can reflect, start taking things in again, and move forward through that cycle of input and output.
What albums, movies, etc. have you been consuming to pass the time between shows?
Lately, I’ve been listening to Fujii Kaze a lot. I usually watch movies on Netflix, but there are so many options that I get overwhelmed and end up not knowing what to pick!
