Stefani Launches Solo Album In Japan

Gwen Stefani launched a new solo album – her first in 10 years – with a concert in Tokyo on March 16 at the Zepp DiverCity venue on the waterfront. 

This Is What The Truth Feels Like was released March 18 via Interscope, marking her third full-length solo effort.  

Photo: Greg Allen / Invision / AP
Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City

In recent weeks, Stefani has been appearing in numerous print and broadcast ads for Mastercard, which sponsored the concert. Stefani has always had a soft spot for Japanese pop culture as epitomized by her backup dancers, the Harajuku Girls, who sport street fashions straight from the youth shopping mecca of their namesake.

In addition to the dancers, Stefani enjoyed the support of a full band, including the horn section from No Doubt.

“It was a really hard year for me and an incredibly difficult time,” she said from the stage, obviously referencing her divorce from Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale. “But with God’s help I’m here right now and I have a record to share with you guys and I’m so excited to share it with you.”  

Stefani reportedly also performed at some private shows while in Japan and appeared at Tokyo Fashion Week March 14.