Kamepi

[izzyosa75]

So I hit for the tickets that I wanted for the Kame + Yamapi concert and I'm not sure what to do about it. I really want to go but I'm not convinced things will be much improved by then. As things stand at the moment I wouldn't even get into the Japan, let along get into the concert. Do I pay for the tickets and risk not be able to go? Do I

Comments

[spacecadet1017]

They will refund your money if the concert is cancelled. Be careful - if you hit for a ticket and don't pay for it, your odds of hitting in the future get lowered as a penalty. Another option is to sell your ticket if the concert does happen but you can't/don't want to get here.

At the moment Japan is either banning international travel or asking people to quarantine for 2 weeks once they get here. With the KamePi thing being in May/June, it's impossible to know if those restrictions will get tougher in the future or not, but at the moment the number of cases in Tokyo is skyrocketing, and Osaka's not much better off so I'm going to assume that this is going to continue for a while. You could always plan a 2 week+ trip here to be safe if you had the time/money and REALLY wanted to go. I'm sure plane tickets would be really cheap right now; just remember to book ones that have cancellation insurance.

JE also seems pretty good about cancelling events for the safety of their fans lately, so I'd guess that if the virus were still rampant, they'd cancel the concert. They've already canceled several artists' shows, stage plays, and exhibitions. They've even stopped inviting audience members to watch show filming because it's dangerous. (Must be heartbreaking for Arashians since this is their last year.)

[izzyosa75]

Thank you for your advice. I think I'm going to just pay for the tickets and hope for the best. Ultimately I'd be more upset if I didn't take the tickets and could of gone then if I lose the money. Timing wise the concert isn't great as I'm meant to be working and shouldn't be taking time off at that time. I was hoping they'd postpone it but it seems like they are just cancelling the concerts. I'm going to hold of booking my flight though as that does feel very risky!

[izzyosa75]

Did you keep watching Kanjani Chronicle? I kind of gave up on it after they stopped doing my favourite segments but I've been rewatching old episodes and had forgotten how funny they are. Am I missing any newer segments that are worth catching up on? What's the premise of the new show?

[spacecadet1017]

I suppose it would be extremely frustrating to give up tickets to something only to find out everything was fine. More frustrating than getting tickets only have it canceled anyway. Holding off on the flight is definitely a good idea, but remember to fly into the airport closest to where the Dome is. I know many people fly into Narita and transfer to Osaka, (or many people from Asian countries fly into Osaka and transfer to Narita) but they won't let you do that at the moment because you have to quarantine in the city you land in. Something to think about if the restrictions are still in place then. Getting 15-16 days off work would be the hardest part of everything, though, I bet.

I watch it randomly. I'll check their website and see what segment they're doing that week and if it's one I like, I'll watch. They had a lot of crap ones for a long time, but they've gotten better recently. I like the games they play at KanJani Base, Yasuda World Friendly, and Maruyama's Curlet (Curlette?) Club. I'm not the biggest fan of Kura's morning interviews or the Starbucks Lookalike thingy. From what I can tell, Chronicle F is going to be just like KanJani Base only...? But I'm not sure. I really wish they would've given it an entirely new name, though. That show now isn't Chronicle and hasn't been for a long time.

[izzyosa75]

Thank you, I will have a look for a some episodes with those segments. It's a shame really as I used to enjoy kanijani variety more than any other group but I've not watching them do anything in ages. I miss them!
I've been told now that Japan is not letting anyone from Europe into Japan at the moment. I won't be able to take more than a week off work either so if the the restrictions are still in place but the concert goes ahead, I'll have to sell my ticket. It would be nice if I manage to get a cheaper plane ticket but I think by the time I know if it's safe to travel, prices will probably have gone up again. I really need to more to Japan :D

[spacecadet1017]

I've stopped watching JaniBen since it switched over to entirely guest-centered. I really miss the Eito to Issho ni and Eito bun no ni things they used to do... Now it's all about guests and pushing the Kansai Juniors. I think the new Chronicle is going to focus on them as a group of 5 more now rather than everybody doing individual/small group segments, which is nice. For Kanjani Base, I recommend the Fairy Tale story panels. It kinda reminds me a bit of the old Kissha Kaiken segment they used to do, only less active.

I guess it's really hard for international fans at the moment because they can't get in for anything. Although, have you seen the free JE concerts on YouTube this week? Eito were being super nerds on there, especially the mask-making bit. It's also cute how the groups acknowledge the entire world is watching them now and try to greet us with messages in foreign languages. I think under Tackey we may see a far more internationally-minded JE. Several groups already have Asian concerts lined up, so I'm just hoping for the day when they realize Westerners like their music, too.

[izzyosa75]

I did watch the concerts on Youtube (although I've not watched today's Arashi one yet). They were a lot of fun. It's helped rekindle my Johnnys love! I'm quite surprised that they aren't rescheduling any of the concerts for later in the year

[spacecadet1017]

I think they're probably not rescheduling anything at this point because they're not sure how long this is going to go on. Even though fans get their money back on tickets, I wouldn't be surprised if JE still had to pay for the actual domes/arenas they rented out. So if they're canceling like 10 different artists' shows... that's a huge loss to take. It's better to wait and battle it out on schedules with other companies later.

I kind of hate that hand-washing song, mostly because I can't get it out of my head. The mask-making bits were cute, though it was slightly painful to watch their merch towels/handkerchiefs being all doodled on and whatnot. I felt really sad for Yamapi, though, having to be all alone. Well, he did have JR backup dancers, but for the other parts. At least let Kame come out for some stuff... do you know why NEWS couldn't come? I assume scheduling conflicts... but basically all the other groups in their age range did. Kinki, TOKIO, & V6 skipped, but I didn't really expect them to come... I wish Toma & Kazapon had come, but they're busy acting, I guess. I was a tiny bit sad at this idea, though, because it's bringing a large group of people in contact with each other... which is what we're supposed to be avoiding. Hopefully everyone stays healthy!

[izzyosa75]

I know what you mean about the handwashing song, it's been stuck in my head for the last few days. I did find the videos funny though. Their individual personalities shined through!
I expect that JE won't be announcing any new tours now until things have settled. To be honest I was really hoping that they would have delayed the Kamepi concert too as the dates are really bad for me (but as they are my no 1 ship there was no way I wasn't go to try and see them!). Kame should definitely have joined in with Yamapi, he seemed a bit lonely on his own. I don't usually pay much attention to the junior groups (or the most recently debuted groups) so it was interesting to see what they were like. I was also surprised that NEWS didn't appear. I can't imagine that any of their schedules are that full at the moment and they really were the group missing (aside from the pre arashi groups).
It's true that from a health/social distancing perspective they shouldn't really have been in that close contact with each other but it was a nice idea for us fans.

[spacecadet1017]

Arashi's was definitely the best, I think, but that's because they got the most screen time. I liked how they were each able to get individual parts. Too bad the others couldn't get that. I hope we can get the full video recordings of the mask-making without the fast-forwarding. It's their weird chatter with each other that is the most fun to listen to with each group.

I'm actually really disappointed that the W Trouble Tour is being canceled. I mean, it's not 100% yet, but scientists are saying it'll be a long while before this passes so I'm not optimistic. The concept was so cool this time, too! I wonder if they'll just keep this concept for next year's tour or make something new... it'd kinda suck for them to have another new CD out next year and have to mash 2 concepts together. I mean, not only WEST, but all the groups. Eito will be fine because their tour is just an anniversary concert. I imagine if the KamePi thing were to get cancelled, it'd be extra devastating since they do things together so rarely. But did you hear the song they released, "Amor"? It's really pretty. I love Kame's voice and how it mixes with Pi's. Though I do wish Kame's hair were shorter and he had bangs. lol.

I was a bit overwhelmed by the new groups a bit. Most of my favorites are now in their 30s and have chilled out a lot, so when the super energy of like HiHi Jets, Naniwa Danshi, and Travis hit me I was just like, "Ahhh, too much genki!!! (X_X);;;" Then WEST came out and Shige and Non-chan were being their usual crazypants selves and I remembered that they're my limit for insanity. lol. Yamapi was just so insanely chill, though. I wish Toma had been on with him if Kame had to be with KAT-TUN. Ueda's face, though... Haha, I loved it. He's just staring at the camera the whole time like, "WTF are you making me do?!" and in the making of vid Tackey even commented on him being in a bad mood. LOL. Classic Ueda. Tacchon kinda looked bored, too. I hope he's not getting stalked and stressed again. Or maybe he's just worn out filming his Mouse/Cheese movie with Narita Ryo.

Isn't Massu filming a drama or something right now? And KatoShige promoting a book? I have no idea about the other two, but is Tegoshi in trouble for something again? His name keeps popping up on SNS, but I'm not sure if it's his usual antics. I kinda wonder if the Pre-Arashi groups didn't/couldn't come because most of them have at least one member with kids at home and they don't wanna bring it home to their families. Hmm, now that I think about it, I wonder if Nino's wife was against him going. I keep forgetting he's married. lol.

It was pretty funny how Eito was all "Look at us, being good and social distancing onstage! :D" then in the next clip they're all right next to each other making masks and dancing. Yeesh. Plus Yasu and Maru messing around with their "magic trick." Still, I'm sure they wouldn't be near each other if they felt even a tiny bit sick, so I'm hoping they're all OK. I'm kinda scared to open the news pages every day, though, because I don't want to see any more celebs getting sick. It's hard enough seeing the rising numbers of poor souls I *don't* know.

[izzyosa75]

It's so nice to read a message which gives me so much to comment on! I enjoyed Arashi too but definitely would like to have longer videos of the others. I wonder if there will end up being a dvd release of the concerts with all the full length footage. I already spend too much on JE stuff so I almost hope not!
It's the first time that Yampi and Kame have had a concert and it's only four dates so I really hope they reschedule rather than cancel. To be honest I would quite like them just to reschedule anyway! I've watched the new song preview and really like it. I think they work really well together. Yamapi always looks great but seems to keep pretty much the same look. Kame has definitely had better hair. I don't mind it long but it's a weird length at the moment and I don't like the silly curls at the ends! I've reordered my copy of the album so that gives me something to look forward to.
Hopefully some of the other groups will also reschedule their concerts. I wonder if they will tour the current albums before releasing anything new.
The energy is definitely very different from the older groups to the new ones. Ueda expression during the handwashing song was the best! Kismai is really the newest group that I actually follow (although I've seen quite a few members of West in dramas and I do like them). For me it's not just the high genki levels of the younger groups but also they seem so young! I'm sure once I start seeing them in dramas I'll get more interested though (It always works like that for me). Speaking of drama or more like films, I can't wait to see Tacchon's film. I've lost count of how many times I've watch the trailer. It's due out around the same time as the kamepi concert so I really am hoping I'm going to get to see it at the cinema in Japan. I did think he was looking a bit down in the JE happy live concert though. Do you think the group dynamic has changed much since they became 5?
You are probably right about NEWS Massu does have a drama and I'm sure I saw something about a new book from Shige. I'm not a big NEWS fan but it would have been fun for them to have been there.
I do hope they are being carefully with keeping a distance from each other (It didn't really look like they were from the video). It is a worry.

[spacecadet1017]

I wonder how many people would pay for something they could see for free on Youtube. It would have to include unaired footage, but I dunno. There seem to be many international fans in multiple fandoms, but I think most Japanese Wotas seem dedicated exclusively to one group. I’m not sure how much they’d want something with so many groups. Then again, loads of people buy the concert photobook, so… maybe? If JE could make money off these videos, they’d do it. They must be really hurting now. Some Japanese commenters asked JE to give the song to NHK to play; they think kids would respond well to it and it’d teach them to wash their hands.

I can’t imagine they’d full-out cancel it since they put so much money into promoting it, but it might not happen for quite a while. I’m confused about Yamapi, though. He looks fine on the CD cover, but he looked so PLASTIC on AniShi last night. It was freaky. I wonder if he got Botox. His smile has always been kinda awkward, but that was Matt-level freaky. I don’t really mind Kame’s hair texture/length, but it’s the lack of bangs that weird me out. He’s almost always had bangs, so it just seems unnatural without them. Plus it reminds me how extremely distinctive KAT-TUN’s eyebrows are. I wonder if they all go to the same salon to get them waxed :P RE: your album delivery, is your country still OK with international post? Japan isn’t allowing inbound mail from most countries, but I haven’t heard anything about banning outgoing international mail yet, though, so I think you’re still safe.

I’m not sure what to feel about new releases. On the one hand, I don’t want to wait a whole year for new CDs from the groups I like (minus Eito, who needs to release something NOW), but I also don’t want to see the current albums skipped for tours. I’m of two minds at the moment.

I’ve liked a few Kismai songs; they have a more rock-like feel than many JE groups, but I’ve never gotten into them because I’m maxed out with the fandoms I already have, money-wise. I’ve decided I’d have to drop some fandoms if I wanted to join new ones… but I’m not ready to drop any yet. I love Ueda, really. He’s not shy about showing his hatred of ridiculous things. I loved how he refused to wear the boar headband for the Countdown. I don’t think Tacchon is having problems with the others; they seem really friendly in the KanJani TV clips and their TV shows. I wonder if Tacchon is feeling like, “I’m in my 30s, this is ridiculous for me to be doing…” Maybe he’s getting tired like Ohno or something. Then again, Tacchon is younger than Ohno, and Eito debuted 5 years later. I’m worried about his new movie, though; are they going to be releasing new movies with people quarantined? I know in the US, some are being released straight to streaming, but Japan doesn’t have many, so I dunno.

It’s true; even 20 year-old juniors look 12. Plus, some are already causing trouble. I learned a few more faces watching Hama-chan’s drama, but they were so baby-faced. There was one kid who freaked me out, though; he looked like a mix of Keito from JUMP and Mackenyu. Since I super miss Keito, that was really sad. But at least Keito’s updating his blog more now that he’s stuck inside in NYC.

I watch some of Massu’s dramas because he seems nice, and I watch Koyama & Kato’s “NEWS na Futari,” but I can’t get into NEWS because I hate Tegoshi.

It’s extra scary since so many people in the entertainment industry keep ending up with the virus. Speaking of Tegoshi, one of his costars on ITTE-Q is sick. Maybe it’s good that NEWS couldn’t join the other groups… and maybe that’s why Arashi had their own SP; because Aiba worked with Shimura Ken. Who knows, but I hope if they’re gonna do more uploads, they do it group by group and not have everyone gather in one building. Plus, they need to have minimal staff… and separate staff for each group. If the same staff meet every group for filming and whatnot, then that’s also useless.

[izzyosa75]

We are still ok to receive international post so hopefully I'll be fine to get my stuff.　Its not looking promising in terms of getting to Japan though. The advice about travelling overseas has changed from a month to indefinitely. I really hope things get better soon.
Massu has a lovely smile but I've never really gotten into any of his dramas.　The same goes for most of NEWS (maybe with the exception of Shige as I've watched a couple of his). I fell like I should like NEWS much more than I do because I like all the other groups of that era but I just can't get into them. It's a bit the same with ABC-Z, I don't know quite why but I just don't care about them.
I do try and limit how many groups I follow seriously. KAT-TUN have always been my ichiban but when they were on their recharging break I started following Kismai and I'm now really keen on them. I'll definitely be joining their fan club when I move to Japan as I want to see them live. They are the only two that I tend to spend money on but I'll watch variety and dramas with loads of other groups (and grab pvs). I do like the rockier groups!
I hope that Tacchon isn't getting tired of the idol life as I wouldn't want Kanjani to lose anymore members. I do kind of understand why they might have had enough though. I think the lack of privacy and control over what they do must get frustrating. Hopefully with more of them getting married (particularly Nino) the rules and expectations around relationships will be less. It's only natural for guys of their age to want to settle down.
I watched the anshi with Kame and Yamapi. Kame was looking lovely (I love his smile). I know what you mean about Yamapi but I always think he looks like that. I'm not really sure why I like him as much as I do. I like him in dramas when he is playing a slightly stupid or arrogant character but I don't like him in romances at all as he just doesn't have the right expressions for it. I also don't think he is a great talker or singer really but yet I find myself liking him a lot.
I'm curious who you thought looked like a cross between Keito and Mackenyu? Which Junior group? Is Keito still planning on returning to Jump eventually?