Hyper Japan 2015 was all about the Jrock
I wasn't going to go this year...but I gave in when VANIRU & X JAPAN's Toshi and Yoshiki were announced as guests. Having missed out on the special pre-sale discount offer for tickets in April, I still went ahead and bought tickets for Saturday and Sunday. I was going to go with just Saturday though feared I might not be able to do what I needed to do. There was a ton of Jrock, Jpop and traditional performances to occupy the visitors but these two groups cemented my reason to go this summer.
Arriving at around 11AM the queue on Saturday felt long but it was an hour and it was smooth. Got my ticket scanned and a wristband. Sunday was quicker and I arrived after midday. I typically zoomed to the Kpop stall and ended up buying a BTS shirt with the Japanese/traditional Chinese name for the group. Also paid for a new Manga portrait from some Japanese Manga artists and from the X Japan booth I splashed out on a Tote bag and a t-shirt. I should've gone with the female baseball tshirt but the design didn't wow me much and the only sort of nice design was the X Japan logo on the black or white shirt for men. I got so desperate to buy an X Japan shirt I caved in orz. Should I have just stuck with the Tote bag?
I thought I'd try my luck in securing any photo of Yoshiki and Toshi from the side or perhaps take a risk and queue up for the hi touch, even though I didn't buy a ticket from the X Japan booth. I originally thought only those who bought tickets to their forthcoming Wembley Arena gig at the booth would get the high five however after checking with the Japanese organisers they said if you bought it online it's fine, just show your email confirmation. My heart leapt. If I was still in my early 20s and still a massive Jrock fangirl I'd be squealing. But I was just...shocked. I was going to see Toshi and Yoshiki up close. Could this be redemption from my blunder that was Japan Expo 2007 [dw link]?
The ticket sale started the week before and I was in a rush because I had to go out to Angel for Boys Republic concert (it was a last minute thing). I had a good seat on AXS but it crashed and so did my laptop. Tried again after my laptop fired up and ended up with a reasonably okay seat on Ticketmaster, although it's slightly more expensive because of postage added.
At the X Japan showcase I couldn't see well because the queues were massive and I was near the back when I managed to get inside. The organisation of the event proved a struggle and people lost patience to the point of walking away. O2 Arena is not suitable for Hyper Japan. The layout somehow clashes with the public, namely the restaurants inside the venue and onlookers who are all WTF with the weird costumes.
A Mexican fan threw an Alpaca to Yoshiki and Toshi put it next to him before Endless Rain kicked off. It proved to be distracting and Yoshiki made an error at the beginning so they started again. I like how unplugged/acoustic this showcase was. You could hear Toshi's voice clearly and Yoshiki's piano playing was good as always. Songs performed include Kurenai, I.V, Art Of Life, Endless Rain, Kiss The Sky (new) and Forever Love.
So after the showcase in Building Six (which was delayed by 20 mins but it was still a good show), fans ran to the X Japan booth, including me. I managed to get near to the front and we all waited for Yoshiki and Toshi to come over. This British female MC (I think she appeared on a NHK World show) came to warm up the crowd and interview the guys when they arrived. We weren't allowed autographs or selfies, yet some people managed to sneak them in. I'm sad I didn't try this, especially since the queue wasn't even that long on Saturday and Sunday. Toshi and Yoshiki didn't seem to mind the selfies or autographs as well :/ I hope there is a proper m+g opportunity in the future if I've still got the energy.
Toshi made brief eye contact when we high fived and Yoshiki seemed distracted with his sleeve or microphone...or was it his mobile? I can't remember. The hi touch happened so quick. We got ushered as soon as we were done. I also regret not going for it again on Sunday because I doubt they'd remember who I was if I dressed up differently. But I said, "Thank you Yoshiki. I love you" but I don't think he heard me. Although...he gave more attention to the non-Asian fans in cosplay gear or fellow Japanese ¬_¬
Anyway, that was my first ever hi-touch experience and I wasn't sure how to feel. It was fast. No time for talk. It was no meet and greet. But I high fived Toshi and Yoshiki. I wait for 11 years for a chance meeting and it happened in seconds. No opportunity to soak it in. Again if I was still in my Jrock bubble I'd be as emo AF but right now I am simply jaded. Do you know what's weird? I put Yoshiki and X Japan down as potential guest suggestions for the next Hyper Japan events in a survey...and then voila. The timing couldn't be any more appropriate with the preparation of "X DAY" i.e. the new album, the documentary and concert next March in London.
Don't let me down Yoshiki. I've just gotten all "yeah whatever" over the years. Still a fan...just simmered down.
Check out the flyer for the X Day next March though.
After the X Japan experience on Saturday I decided to wait till after 7pm for VANIRU. So happy Vaniru came back. Saw them at Hyper Japan 2013 [ LJ link] and really liked their music.
Truthfully the little stage in the main part of the event doesn't suit their music. They need bigger space and a venue to get them rocking. Enjoyed the set, despite the sound being weird and this elderly Otaku woman with pink hair standing up to dance. I am sure Leoneil and Yuto were amused.
Once the set finished, I got reckless and waited for the meet and greet. It was really late on Saturday and yes I got a massive earful from home when I arrived back. I originally thought about going to the meet and greet on Sunday at 5pm because then I'd be more refreshed but I was in a fangirl zone and wanted to do things. So I went to meet Vaniru, half-dead looking like shit. I got my little 6x4 photo and a flyer from the merchandise desk ready.
The guys were happy with the pic I got from their Tumblr. Yuto said he remembers that place where they took that photo and I said it was a nice photo. I should've said more but I was about to collapse from hunger and dehydration. I told Yuto how to spell my name and then asked the volunteer to take a photo...but it was awkward. The whole thing was awkward so then the photo turned out shit. Anyway Leoneil in his silent, androgynous hotness thought I was weird (why, because I'm not a pretty blond Gothic lolita?!) and was like yeah whatever with me. Yuto was ok though I guess it's because he speaks better English.
With Sunday I thought I'd make use of the ticket and just chill, maybe get better photos from the hi-touch. Toshi and Yoshiki said they were meant to show a trailer for the tour documentary but it wasn't shown the previous day for some reason. I couldn't see anything or hear very well from where I stood on Sunday anyway, hence just waited to see the hi touch go ahead.
Vaniru's Sunday performance at Building Six was worth it. I ran after the hi touch session with Yoshiki and Toshi had finished. Nearly bumped into Toshi but caught Yoshiki on the way out of the venue and still managed to get a good space for Vaniru. But then this guy let me go to the barrier when he saw my bridge camera. I honestly wasn't expecting that. He probably assumed I was press.
My first actual barrier gig experience. It proved interesting for sure, plus my photos and videos were so close for the first time in my life. Sound in the fancams turned out reasonably okay apart from my angles going sideways unexpectedly. Seemed Leoneil's effect of staring at people took its effect on me. Yuto was hyper, jumping around a lot. I think there was one moment where Leoneil looked at me and I gulped nervously. Yes I know hardcore, purist Buck Tick fans aren't fond of this group because they're apparent rip-offs even though they are on the same label but if this was Sakurai giving me the stare, I'd react the same.
Another reason Sunday was more enlightening was because it felt more...live. You had the macbook playing some extra back tracks but there were also live drums. I also felt Leoneil's electrifying presence.
Photos
If you want more, please check them out here
Videos
Love Again [from Saturday...yeah that pink haired elderly Otaku got in everyone's way]
The rest of the videos are from Sunday's performance which imo were a lot better, especially with the general atmosphere. It felt like a real concert.
Love Again
Zakuro
Cosmic Night
Some Yoshiki and Toshi photos can be seen here. Yoshiki's drums were on display at the X Japan booth alongside the merchandise available for purchase.
This entry was originally posted at http://vash-chan.dreamwidth.org/1021631.html. Please comment there using OpenID.
Arriving at around 11AM the queue on Saturday felt long but it was an hour and it was smooth. Got my ticket scanned and a wristband. Sunday was quicker and I arrived after midday. I typically zoomed to the Kpop stall and ended up buying a BTS shirt with the Japanese/traditional Chinese name for the group. Also paid for a new Manga portrait from some Japanese Manga artists and from the X Japan booth I splashed out on a Tote bag and a t-shirt. I should've gone with the female baseball tshirt but the design didn't wow me much and the only sort of nice design was the X Japan logo on the black or white shirt for men. I got so desperate to buy an X Japan shirt I caved in orz. Should I have just stuck with the Tote bag?
I thought I'd try my luck in securing any photo of Yoshiki and Toshi from the side or perhaps take a risk and queue up for the hi touch, even though I didn't buy a ticket from the X Japan booth. I originally thought only those who bought tickets to their forthcoming Wembley Arena gig at the booth would get the high five however after checking with the Japanese organisers they said if you bought it online it's fine, just show your email confirmation. My heart leapt. If I was still in my early 20s and still a massive Jrock fangirl I'd be squealing. But I was just...shocked. I was going to see Toshi and Yoshiki up close. Could this be redemption from my blunder that was Japan Expo 2007 [dw link]?
The ticket sale started the week before and I was in a rush because I had to go out to Angel for Boys Republic concert (it was a last minute thing). I had a good seat on AXS but it crashed and so did my laptop. Tried again after my laptop fired up and ended up with a reasonably okay seat on Ticketmaster, although it's slightly more expensive because of postage added.
At the X Japan showcase I couldn't see well because the queues were massive and I was near the back when I managed to get inside. The organisation of the event proved a struggle and people lost patience to the point of walking away. O2 Arena is not suitable for Hyper Japan. The layout somehow clashes with the public, namely the restaurants inside the venue and onlookers who are all WTF with the weird costumes.
A Mexican fan threw an Alpaca to Yoshiki and Toshi put it next to him before Endless Rain kicked off. It proved to be distracting and Yoshiki made an error at the beginning so they started again. I like how unplugged/acoustic this showcase was. You could hear Toshi's voice clearly and Yoshiki's piano playing was good as always. Songs performed include Kurenai, I.V, Art Of Life, Endless Rain, Kiss The Sky (new) and Forever Love.
So after the showcase in Building Six (which was delayed by 20 mins but it was still a good show), fans ran to the X Japan booth, including me. I managed to get near to the front and we all waited for Yoshiki and Toshi to come over. This British female MC (I think she appeared on a NHK World show) came to warm up the crowd and interview the guys when they arrived. We weren't allowed autographs or selfies, yet some people managed to sneak them in. I'm sad I didn't try this, especially since the queue wasn't even that long on Saturday and Sunday. Toshi and Yoshiki didn't seem to mind the selfies or autographs as well :/ I hope there is a proper m+g opportunity in the future if I've still got the energy.
Toshi made brief eye contact when we high fived and Yoshiki seemed distracted with his sleeve or microphone...or was it his mobile? I can't remember. The hi touch happened so quick. We got ushered as soon as we were done. I also regret not going for it again on Sunday because I doubt they'd remember who I was if I dressed up differently. But I said, "Thank you Yoshiki. I love you" but I don't think he heard me. Although...he gave more attention to the non-Asian fans in cosplay gear or fellow Japanese ¬_¬
Anyway, that was my first ever hi-touch experience and I wasn't sure how to feel. It was fast. No time for talk. It was no meet and greet. But I high fived Toshi and Yoshiki. I wait for 11 years for a chance meeting and it happened in seconds. No opportunity to soak it in. Again if I was still in my Jrock bubble I'd be as emo AF but right now I am simply jaded. Do you know what's weird? I put Yoshiki and X Japan down as potential guest suggestions for the next Hyper Japan events in a survey...and then voila. The timing couldn't be any more appropriate with the preparation of "X DAY" i.e. the new album, the documentary and concert next March in London.
Don't let me down Yoshiki. I've just gotten all "yeah whatever" over the years. Still a fan...just simmered down.
Check out the flyer for the X Day next March though.
After the X Japan experience on Saturday I decided to wait till after 7pm for VANIRU. So happy Vaniru came back. Saw them at Hyper Japan 2013 [ LJ link] and really liked their music.
Truthfully the little stage in the main part of the event doesn't suit their music. They need bigger space and a venue to get them rocking. Enjoyed the set, despite the sound being weird and this elderly Otaku woman with pink hair standing up to dance. I am sure Leoneil and Yuto were amused.
Once the set finished, I got reckless and waited for the meet and greet. It was really late on Saturday and yes I got a massive earful from home when I arrived back. I originally thought about going to the meet and greet on Sunday at 5pm because then I'd be more refreshed but I was in a fangirl zone and wanted to do things. So I went to meet Vaniru, half-dead looking like shit. I got my little 6x4 photo and a flyer from the merchandise desk ready.
The guys were happy with the pic I got from their Tumblr. Yuto said he remembers that place where they took that photo and I said it was a nice photo. I should've said more but I was about to collapse from hunger and dehydration. I told Yuto how to spell my name and then asked the volunteer to take a photo...but it was awkward. The whole thing was awkward so then the photo turned out shit. Anyway Leoneil in his silent, androgynous hotness thought I was weird (why, because I'm not a pretty blond Gothic lolita?!) and was like yeah whatever with me. Yuto was ok though I guess it's because he speaks better English.
With Sunday I thought I'd make use of the ticket and just chill, maybe get better photos from the hi-touch. Toshi and Yoshiki said they were meant to show a trailer for the tour documentary but it wasn't shown the previous day for some reason. I couldn't see anything or hear very well from where I stood on Sunday anyway, hence just waited to see the hi touch go ahead.
Vaniru's Sunday performance at Building Six was worth it. I ran after the hi touch session with Yoshiki and Toshi had finished. Nearly bumped into Toshi but caught Yoshiki on the way out of the venue and still managed to get a good space for Vaniru. But then this guy let me go to the barrier when he saw my bridge camera. I honestly wasn't expecting that. He probably assumed I was press.
My first actual barrier gig experience. It proved interesting for sure, plus my photos and videos were so close for the first time in my life. Sound in the fancams turned out reasonably okay apart from my angles going sideways unexpectedly. Seemed Leoneil's effect of staring at people took its effect on me. Yuto was hyper, jumping around a lot. I think there was one moment where Leoneil looked at me and I gulped nervously. Yes I know hardcore, purist Buck Tick fans aren't fond of this group because they're apparent rip-offs even though they are on the same label but if this was Sakurai giving me the stare, I'd react the same.
Another reason Sunday was more enlightening was because it felt more...live. You had the macbook playing some extra back tracks but there were also live drums. I also felt Leoneil's electrifying presence.
Photos
If you want more, please check them out here
Videos
Love Again [from Saturday...yeah that pink haired elderly Otaku got in everyone's way]
The rest of the videos are from Sunday's performance which imo were a lot better, especially with the general atmosphere. It felt like a real concert.
Love Again
Zakuro
Cosmic Night
Some Yoshiki and Toshi photos can be seen here. Yoshiki's drums were on display at the X Japan booth alongside the merchandise available for purchase.
This entry was originally posted at http://vash-chan.dreamwidth.org/1021631.html. Please comment there using OpenID.