July 31, 2011. pwns everything.
It is sooooo worth it. ^_____^
How I got THE ticket
So my manager has been proposing since June that I should go on a business trip. The first proposal that was considered was first week of August. Aug. 1-10 to be exact. I have always wished for another trip to Japan. I even said that even if it's in the middle of summer, or that even if I know for a fact that Arashi won't be there (e.g. it falls on a date that they were out of Tokyo, or that they won't be really active, etc.), I'd be happy just to be in Japan again. So there, when the proposal was set, I thought I got what I wished for. It's summer, and there are no major Arashi events. So I was happy with that. Then there was one friday that we set a deadline to finalize our trip dates. On that day I had to accomplish all the trip processing forms, etc. Then we got the final information that it should be moved earlier. July 28-Aug.4 to be exact.
Then I remembered this ad from ate leiyah that I saw the night before in my friends page. And thought, why not? So I tried to e-mail Ate Nhette, and after a day she replied with the price. Right then and there, I decided I'd go!
THE DAY
So it was a day trip, with me going back to Tokyo on the same day because of work. I planned it beforehand, I would leave after the first encore, so that I won't be stuck in the dome with the heavy foot traffic that would surely come after the concert. This proved to be a very good decision. ;-)
I got to the venue early, because I took a morning flight. Fangirls are everywhere. What they said is true, there are people holding up signs (in Japanese, so I can only assume the translation), asking for a ticket to the tour. I was a little surprised because I only read about those in an old guide. So I thought that they don't do that anymore because it is reaaaally hard to get those precious tickets.
In the venue, I bought concert goods. There was no line so it was very easy to buy. But since I splurged on a pair of binoculars, I was not able to buy all the things I wanted, considering that I still have 4 days left in the country x.x But since I was going to the concert, I let myself buy a penlight ;-) I went around the venue, mentally preparing my way out later. Then went to buy sandwiches for my lunch and went on to line up to get inside. So at 2 o'clock I was on my way in the venue. My seat has this view:
I was in the last row of my section x.x So it was a good decision to buy the binos. :-)
While waiting, every now and then there were announcements, which were in 4 languages: Japanese, Chinese, Korean and English. Then they showed trailers of Kami-sama no Karute and Kaibutsu-kun movie. ^_^
THE CONCERT
(just highlights. I'm not good at narrating or describing the stuff here. So I'll just list the things I remember the most)
- When it was time, the fans started to chant softly "Arashi! Arashi" until the screen changed into words. I wished I understood, but it must have been touching judging from the reaction from the crowd. And then an acapella of Boku ga Boku no Subete was sung, with Arashi slowly starting to appear.
- I was soooo happy to experience all the staple Arashi concert songs. Oh Yeah! Lucky Man, Hadashi no Mirai, Sakura Sake, A day in our life, Kansha Kangeki Ame Arashi. (maybe all the staple ones except for Carnival night part 2?)
- Jun was in the mood for some love. During A day in Our Life, there was Juntoshi love, as usual! they were holding hands, and then after there was tension and Jun bit Ohno's hand. x.x In other parts too, when they would sing next to each other. :P There were lots of Matsumiya, arms on each other's shoulders while going towards the other side of the stage, them hugging in other parts, etc.
- There was the usual playing around with Sakuraibamiya, them marching with matching salute gestures towards the end of the stage during one song.
- Aimiya! I think they did this on the first day too, because I saw a picture in aimiya-a-day comm. I forgot which song, but Nino was singing and gesturing and Aiba posing at every line (similar to Sho-kun's musical-style gestures? hahaha). It was very cute.
- Furusato was nice and touching.
- Yes?No? !!! I think it's been years since they last sung this in concert (during the AAA maybe?). I was soooo happy to see the twirling thingy and the many-handed-God - like gesture. <3
- the Video presentation in the background during one time was sort-of a cartoon of 5 dwarves(or elves?) They were in Arashi colors and they were walking side by side. One in yellow was holding a DS, the next in green had a monkey on his shoulder, I could not tell what was on the middle one in violet, the fourth one was in red and was holding a paper-like thing (maybe a newspaper?) and then lastly, the one in blue was holding a fishing pole. <333
- Solos. Jun's left a big impression on me. I don't really know if it was all just concert high, but I was screaming while Jun was really shaking it. Honestly it pwned all the other solos. (and my ichiban is Nino!) hahaha. Nino's solo was impressive, how he can manage to reach those high notes. I didn't really hear his guitar playing, but as always, his solo is love. <3 Sho's solo made me all giggly as usual, but I think some of the choreo/props was a little corny. :P Ohno was amazing as always with his dancing. Aiba was very cute dancing with the chair. ^^
- Lotus choreo was amazing. Although I think they purposely did not let Aiba sing the next song (To be free) so that he can rest and get ready for his solo. ^^
- A.ra.shi! I got to do the "A-ra-shi, A-ra-shi, for dream" choreo with the penlight!!! kyaaaaa!!!!
- all the songs in the album were awesome. I don't think they missed any of the original songs.
- There was this special dance/exhibition part + video presentation that was really amazing, I don't really know how to describe it. They blended the live dancing with the audio visual, and they were really in sync that there were parts where I can't pinpoint which is the real person dancing. :P It was really really amazing. *___*
- MC. I did not understand most of the parts, but as usual, they were teasing Aiba-chan about something. And then he was trying to remember what it is with hokkaido/sapporo? And then he can't remember. And then he says one thing and he says "Janakute. Janakute." And then he sings "Janakute~" which was really really cute. Another point he was really trying to remember, and with his finger trying to pick it from his brain, with the dut dut dut sounds until... "Masaki.com!" ^___^ Really cute Aiba-chan <3
- There was a part of the stage that was slanting (a bit high slope) so they got into this skit (I think they did this in AniShi) where they were calling each other by first names and were just lying on the slope, talking. I'm not sure if they were talking about other stuff besides Sho's movie and Oh-chan's Kaibutsu-kun movie and how it will coincide with Oh-chan's birthday. Lastly, they asked Jun about his butai, and all started to stand except for Jun. He was just sprawled across and even moved to further lie across the slope. They laughed at him and then I think Jun said something about his butai and then stood up. And then what I understood was that they asked each other "so, let's go on with the concert." and they snapped out of their "characters" hahaha.
- During Troublemaker they were in separate places, but for the part of Sho and Ohno (both were projected on the screen) they tried to make a heart still on the screen. <3
- Since it was summer, they sang Summer splash!!! It was really fun doing those gestures of "kimi wa Oh yeah!"
AFTER THE CONCERT
So I did what I had planned and left after the first encore. I got into the subway in time for the one I set for myself. From the subway, transfer to JR line to go to the airport. I also got to follow the time in my schedule. So I arrived the New Chitose Airport safely.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY TRIP
When I got to the security check of the airport, I noticed there was a long line. I assumed they were all going home to Tokyo like me, so I lined up with them. They were obviously fangirls, also from the concert, as they were carrying concert goods like me. Then I noticed other people trying to line up too and asked the other people if they are lined up, they said no. So I transferred to the correct line, all the while thinking, OMG, why are the fangirls here? Will Arashi be passing this very same security check like normal people? The greater wishful thinking I had was, will they be taking the same flight as mine???!!?!? So I decided its good to just wait inside, where the gates were, since I can monitor the people coming in from the security check and see them if they did pass by.
When I got in, the gate where I was supposed to board was almost empty. It was still early so it was okay. Then I noticed a crowd gathering on the next gate. I saw that some colored-haired guys coming in the gate. OMG are they Johnny's Juniors??? So I went into the crowd. Maybe because unlike in the Philippines, in Japan there are only few people to fuzz over things that I was lucky enough to go to the front part, as near as I can get to the gate. (there were a few girls in front of me, plus a few security barring us from leaning over the sort-of fence.) So my thoughts were, OMG will they really board this particular flight? Maybe they will board another plane? The airport people started to let all passengers board the plane, so for a while I thought maybe Arashi won't board the plane. But then the security people did not yet leave, so they must be getting on that particular flight! After a few minutes the security personnel seemed to be on attention again, and reminded people about keitai stuff (maybe that there should be no taking of pictures, etc). And then there's a general hush. AND THERE THEY WERE. Just around 10 meters away. OMG OMG OMG. I SAW ARASHI. Aiba-chan, then Nino, then Sho, then Jun and then Ohno. Of course they did not acknowledge anyone. Of course they walked with their heads looking downwards. So I only got to see their side profiles. BUT STILL. I COuLD NOT GET MY EYES OFF NINO. His side profile was just so lovely to look at. Because of this I only got to glance at the others. I saw their faces, yes (well except for Sho, who was wearing a mask), but my eyes still went back to Nino. <333 OMG OMG OMG. This was my view.
I saw them go out of that passage on the right and go through the door on the left (this door was the boarding gate for their flight). After they went through the gate there was general sighing among the fangirls. I on the other hand don't know how to contain myself and instead texted my sisters and my best friend. I was going Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod althroughout!!! And then my sisters called me (yes called me from the Philippines!!!) because of the excitement. I talked to them for a while, trying to recount the precious past few minutes.x.x When the excitement was temporarily pacified, I patiently waited for my plane, boarded without problem, and took the monorail to the train station and took the train to my station, and then walked to the dorm.
Until now all I can say is ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod. I saw them. I SAW THEM!!!!!!!!!!
KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!!!!!!!!!
<33333333333333
How I got THE ticket
So my manager has been proposing since June that I should go on a business trip. The first proposal that was considered was first week of August. Aug. 1-10 to be exact. I have always wished for another trip to Japan. I even said that even if it's in the middle of summer, or that even if I know for a fact that Arashi won't be there (e.g. it falls on a date that they were out of Tokyo, or that they won't be really active, etc.), I'd be happy just to be in Japan again. So there, when the proposal was set, I thought I got what I wished for. It's summer, and there are no major Arashi events. So I was happy with that. Then there was one friday that we set a deadline to finalize our trip dates. On that day I had to accomplish all the trip processing forms, etc. Then we got the final information that it should be moved earlier. July 28-Aug.4 to be exact.
Then I remembered this ad from ate leiyah that I saw the night before in my friends page. And thought, why not? So I tried to e-mail Ate Nhette, and after a day she replied with the price. Right then and there, I decided I'd go!
THE DAY
So it was a day trip, with me going back to Tokyo on the same day because of work. I planned it beforehand, I would leave after the first encore, so that I won't be stuck in the dome with the heavy foot traffic that would surely come after the concert. This proved to be a very good decision. ;-)
I got to the venue early, because I took a morning flight. Fangirls are everywhere. What they said is true, there are people holding up signs (in Japanese, so I can only assume the translation), asking for a ticket to the tour. I was a little surprised because I only read about those in an old guide. So I thought that they don't do that anymore because it is reaaaally hard to get those precious tickets.
In the venue, I bought concert goods. There was no line so it was very easy to buy. But since I splurged on a pair of binoculars, I was not able to buy all the things I wanted, considering that I still have 4 days left in the country x.x But since I was going to the concert, I let myself buy a penlight ;-) I went around the venue, mentally preparing my way out later. Then went to buy sandwiches for my lunch and went on to line up to get inside. So at 2 o'clock I was on my way in the venue. My seat has this view:
I was in the last row of my section x.x So it was a good decision to buy the binos. :-)
While waiting, every now and then there were announcements, which were in 4 languages: Japanese, Chinese, Korean and English. Then they showed trailers of Kami-sama no Karute and Kaibutsu-kun movie. ^_^
THE CONCERT
(just highlights. I'm not good at narrating or describing the stuff here. So I'll just list the things I remember the most)
- When it was time, the fans started to chant softly "Arashi! Arashi" until the screen changed into words. I wished I understood, but it must have been touching judging from the reaction from the crowd. And then an acapella of Boku ga Boku no Subete was sung, with Arashi slowly starting to appear.
- I was soooo happy to experience all the staple Arashi concert songs. Oh Yeah! Lucky Man, Hadashi no Mirai, Sakura Sake, A day in our life, Kansha Kangeki Ame Arashi. (maybe all the staple ones except for Carnival night part 2?)
- Jun was in the mood for some love. During A day in Our Life, there was Juntoshi love, as usual! they were holding hands, and then after there was tension and Jun bit Ohno's hand. x.x In other parts too, when they would sing next to each other. :P There were lots of Matsumiya, arms on each other's shoulders while going towards the other side of the stage, them hugging in other parts, etc.
- There was the usual playing around with Sakuraibamiya, them marching with matching salute gestures towards the end of the stage during one song.
- Aimiya! I think they did this on the first day too, because I saw a picture in aimiya-a-day comm. I forgot which song, but Nino was singing and gesturing and Aiba posing at every line (similar to Sho-kun's musical-style gestures? hahaha). It was very cute.
- Furusato was nice and touching.
- Yes?No? !!! I think it's been years since they last sung this in concert (during the AAA maybe?). I was soooo happy to see the twirling thingy and the many-handed-God - like gesture. <3
- the Video presentation in the background during one time was sort-of a cartoon of 5 dwarves(or elves?) They were in Arashi colors and they were walking side by side. One in yellow was holding a DS, the next in green had a monkey on his shoulder, I could not tell what was on the middle one in violet, the fourth one was in red and was holding a paper-like thing (maybe a newspaper?) and then lastly, the one in blue was holding a fishing pole. <333
- Solos. Jun's left a big impression on me. I don't really know if it was all just concert high, but I was screaming while Jun was really shaking it. Honestly it pwned all the other solos. (and my ichiban is Nino!) hahaha. Nino's solo was impressive, how he can manage to reach those high notes. I didn't really hear his guitar playing, but as always, his solo is love. <3 Sho's solo made me all giggly as usual, but I think some of the choreo/props was a little corny. :P Ohno was amazing as always with his dancing. Aiba was very cute dancing with the chair. ^^
- Lotus choreo was amazing. Although I think they purposely did not let Aiba sing the next song (To be free) so that he can rest and get ready for his solo. ^^
- A.ra.shi! I got to do the "A-ra-shi, A-ra-shi, for dream" choreo with the penlight!!! kyaaaaa!!!!
- all the songs in the album were awesome. I don't think they missed any of the original songs.
- There was this special dance/exhibition part + video presentation that was really amazing, I don't really know how to describe it. They blended the live dancing with the audio visual, and they were really in sync that there were parts where I can't pinpoint which is the real person dancing. :P It was really really amazing. *___*
- MC. I did not understand most of the parts, but as usual, they were teasing Aiba-chan about something. And then he was trying to remember what it is with hokkaido/sapporo? And then he can't remember. And then he says one thing and he says "Janakute. Janakute." And then he sings "Janakute~" which was really really cute. Another point he was really trying to remember, and with his finger trying to pick it from his brain, with the dut dut dut sounds until... "Masaki.com!" ^___^ Really cute Aiba-chan <3
- There was a part of the stage that was slanting (a bit high slope) so they got into this skit (I think they did this in AniShi) where they were calling each other by first names and were just lying on the slope, talking. I'm not sure if they were talking about other stuff besides Sho's movie and Oh-chan's Kaibutsu-kun movie and how it will coincide with Oh-chan's birthday. Lastly, they asked Jun about his butai, and all started to stand except for Jun. He was just sprawled across and even moved to further lie across the slope. They laughed at him and then I think Jun said something about his butai and then stood up. And then what I understood was that they asked each other "so, let's go on with the concert." and they snapped out of their "characters" hahaha.
- During Troublemaker they were in separate places, but for the part of Sho and Ohno (both were projected on the screen) they tried to make a heart still on the screen. <3
- Since it was summer, they sang Summer splash!!! It was really fun doing those gestures of "kimi wa Oh yeah!"
AFTER THE CONCERT
So I did what I had planned and left after the first encore. I got into the subway in time for the one I set for myself. From the subway, transfer to JR line to go to the airport. I also got to follow the time in my schedule. So I arrived the New Chitose Airport safely.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY TRIP
When I got to the security check of the airport, I noticed there was a long line. I assumed they were all going home to Tokyo like me, so I lined up with them. They were obviously fangirls, also from the concert, as they were carrying concert goods like me. Then I noticed other people trying to line up too and asked the other people if they are lined up, they said no. So I transferred to the correct line, all the while thinking, OMG, why are the fangirls here? Will Arashi be passing this very same security check like normal people? The greater wishful thinking I had was, will they be taking the same flight as mine???!!?!? So I decided its good to just wait inside, where the gates were, since I can monitor the people coming in from the security check and see them if they did pass by.
When I got in, the gate where I was supposed to board was almost empty. It was still early so it was okay. Then I noticed a crowd gathering on the next gate. I saw that some colored-haired guys coming in the gate. OMG are they Johnny's Juniors??? So I went into the crowd. Maybe because unlike in the Philippines, in Japan there are only few people to fuzz over things that I was lucky enough to go to the front part, as near as I can get to the gate. (there were a few girls in front of me, plus a few security barring us from leaning over the sort-of fence.) So my thoughts were, OMG will they really board this particular flight? Maybe they will board another plane? The airport people started to let all passengers board the plane, so for a while I thought maybe Arashi won't board the plane. But then the security people did not yet leave, so they must be getting on that particular flight! After a few minutes the security personnel seemed to be on attention again, and reminded people about keitai stuff (maybe that there should be no taking of pictures, etc). And then there's a general hush. AND THERE THEY WERE. Just around 10 meters away. OMG OMG OMG. I SAW ARASHI. Aiba-chan, then Nino, then Sho, then Jun and then Ohno. Of course they did not acknowledge anyone. Of course they walked with their heads looking downwards. So I only got to see their side profiles. BUT STILL. I COuLD NOT GET MY EYES OFF NINO. His side profile was just so lovely to look at. Because of this I only got to glance at the others. I saw their faces, yes (well except for Sho, who was wearing a mask), but my eyes still went back to Nino. <333 OMG OMG OMG. This was my view.
I saw them go out of that passage on the right and go through the door on the left (this door was the boarding gate for their flight). After they went through the gate there was general sighing among the fangirls. I on the other hand don't know how to contain myself and instead texted my sisters and my best friend. I was going Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod althroughout!!! And then my sisters called me (yes called me from the Philippines!!!) because of the excitement. I talked to them for a while, trying to recount the precious past few minutes.x.x When the excitement was temporarily pacified, I patiently waited for my plane, boarded without problem, and took the monorail to the train station and took the train to my station, and then walked to the dorm.
Until now all I can say is ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod. I saw them. I SAW THEM!!!!!!!!!!
KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!!!!!!!!!
<33333333333333