Ado has released the music video for her latest single ‘Vivarium’, her first live-action project featuring non-silhouetted footage of the famously anonymous J-pop artist, who has maintained strict visual anonymity since first emerging online in 2017.
Directed by Kyotaro Hayashi and produced by Mizuki Ohno, the video sits at the heart of the wider ‘Vivarium’ project, which also includes her newly published autobiographical non-fiction book, Vivarium: Ado and Me, written by Narumi Komatsu.
Built from roughly 300 cuts, the MV rapidly jumps between performance footage and fragmented scenes centred on Ado. Hayashi frames her through profile shots, extreme close-ups, and controlled lighting, revealing more than ever before while still stopping short of a fully unobscured face reveal.
Animation by bees inc. integrates ORIHARA’s illustrated Ado alongside her physical on-camera presence. Rather than replacing her long-standing illustrated identity, the video deliberately juxtaposes the two, allowing the stylised “ORIHARA Ado” to coexist with the real performer.
The single’s photographic cover, also shot by Hayashi, extends into the MV through its recurring closet set, a purpose-built wardrobe referencing both past visuals and her early recording space.
RELATED: Ado reveals first photographic cover artwork for new single ‘Vivarium’
Written and composed by Ado, with arrangement by Takafumi “CO-K” Kokei, ‘Vivarium’ moves into post-hardcore and math-rock territory for one of her most structurally ambitious tracks to date. The refrain, “Inside this dim vivarium”, paints the song as an enclosed internal monologue.
Pre- and post-premiere livestreams
Ado supported the video’s release with YouTube livestreams before and after the premiere, openly acknowledging how nervous she felt about stepping into live action for the first time.
In the post-release stream, she affirmed that she performs in almost every scene herself, with extras only used for the crosswalk and snow sequences. She walked viewers through the production process, from the scale of the custom-built closet set to the challenge of reviewing such a densely edited cut. Revisiting the water and running scenes, she told viewers, “It wasn’t just a one-time fall… I did this 13 times”, laughing at repeated plunges into a pool while fully clothed.
She also addressed the ORIHARA animation, describing the illustrated figure as something she has “always wanted to be”. She spoke candidly about the gap between that ideal and herself, admitting she sometimes wonders why she feels “so far away from the ideal”, while also saying she is now “very satisfied” and “really accepting” of who she is.
Ado ended her stream with a mention of Cloud Nine’s upcoming Zipangu showcase in Los Angeles this May, her next international appearance. Headlining a line-up that includes ATARASHII GAKKO!, CHANMINA, HANA, MAN WITH A MISSION, Yuki Chiba, and 10-FEET, she joked that she wasn’t sure she was even “allowed to be a part of” an event featuring “other amazing Japanese artists”.
Ado, director Kyotaro Hayashi, and producer Mizuki Ohno also shared official statements alongside the release.
Ado
“Since this is my first live-action music video and I am appearing in it myself, I think it turned into something truly worth watching. There are quite a few bold scenes throughout, so some listeners might feel a little surprised or even bewildered at times (laughs). I also performed the water scene, so I really hope you will pay close attention to that part. I got very wet filming it.
As for the running scene, I look pretty desperate there, which I actually find kind of amusing. But in reality, running in heels was really tough (laughs).
Still, I believe this has become a truly important work for both the song “Vivarium” and the novel “Vivarium: Ado and Me.” No matter the form, I am still myself. I hope you will watch it many times!”
Director Kyotaro Hayashi
“I felt a strong sense of “resolve” in this song. It felt natural that this resolve would lead to the decision to film it in live action at this moment, so we took on the challenge together.
As both a singer and an individual, she continues to confront the music she has created and nurtured. I wanted to powerfully express that unwavering stance, along with a sense of hope for the future, through the words and reverberations of the song. With that intention in mind, I carefully wove each frame together. I hope you will watch it.”
Producer Mizuki Ohno
“‘Ado is me.’
Holding onto those words of resolve that she shared with me, we encapsulated every cry of the heart and every emotion within this visual work. Even as she struggles and wrestles with herself, she never stops challenging herself. I hope you will witness who she is at this moment.”
‘Vivarium’ is out now across streaming platforms, with the official music video available on Ado’s YouTube channel.
Ado
Vivarium
Release Date: 18/02/2026
Label: UNIVERSAL MUSIC
Stream: Links
Narumi Komatsu
Vivarium: Ado and Me
Release Date: 26/02/2026
Publisher: KADOKAWA Co.
Available at: CDJapan
