D - Dark Fairy Tale tour final

It's been 3 months and I just now realised I never mentioned it, my last live gig this time around in Tokyo; D's Dark Fairy Tale tour final at Akazaka Blitz,August 29th.

Of course I got a bit lost on my way. I went straight from school to the venue and I was stressed since I only had 1h and it's a bit far away. I was also sad I didn't get to dress up as I planned (I decided not to since it was too hot and I also don't like going dressed up to school).

When I arrived in Tokyo this year I had seen D once before, and I enjoyed it so much I decided I'd go as many times I could this time around. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm not a huge D fan, but I think they're one of the best live bands in visual kei and I like that they always change. This year I saw them 4 times and went to 1 instore, and I had lots of fun all of those times. This last live was fun too, but probably the least out of these 4. For once I felt like the forever changing D did a re-run!

They opened this Dark Fairy Tale theme at the free live earlier this year, where they also announced the single. That live was really good, I got to hear a lot of songs I've been wanting so experience live, like 7th Rose, but unfortunately this live felt more or less like the same setlist.

When I've seen Buck-Tick live several times in a short period of time, I've felt a bit disapointed that they keep repeating the songs from their latest album, but this time with D, I wish they would've included more songs from Wonderland Savior! The setlist was very similar to their free live, so I was happy that I got to hear 7th Rose again, and of course Dark Fairy Tale. The band was energetic as always, but unfortunately I was kind of far away from the stage, and the worst part about that is that usually in the back are the people who just want to stand and observe with their own personal space. The girl next to me headbanged like crazy to Meteo though, to the point where I couldn't help but to wonder if that's really healthy...
I did manage to get to HIDE-ZOU's side of the stage which made me happy though. I was hoping badly for them to do Toki no koe, but unfortunately they didn't... What did surprise me was the fact that they didn't do an encore, but played the whole gig in one go! I think that might be the first time I've seen a oneman live in Japan without an encore. Despite the slightly boring setlist I was happy to see them live, I Always feel very positive when I see D. You can tell they have fun on stage. It's been over half a year since the concert so truthfully I don't remember any details (nor did I see them share the setlist unfortunately), I have to update right after gigs next time (new years resolution).

This was my last concert in Japan, and it made me feel kind of sad and a bit disapointed since I was hoping for a better setlist (sorry). But I'm truly happy that I got to see D so many times, and also attend an instore! (I might make an entry about that and the other instores I went to later)

D Always update their ameblo with news about goods and this time around I guess I was lucky! For everyone who purchased goods for 5000 yen or more, you'd receive the Ruiza bonus track (I have no idea what it is as I still have not listened to it) as well as a signed poster (as long as they had any in stock). I was pretty sure I'd miss out on both as my ticket number was really bad and I ended up being one of the last to enter, but I was lucky! Usually I don't really want to buy that much stuff, but they had a new cheki case and a perfume, so I passed the 5000yen limit alright... I'm very much into perfumes, I'd love to see more bands make them (so far I only have BUCK-TICK's, The Mortal and this). The fragrance is pretty nice, not too strong, I haven't tried it one yet, just smelled the top though. I was also super happy to receive this signed Hide-Zou poster! I felt a bit bad, in the line some people before me was another foreign girl and there seems to have been some misunderstanding between her and the staff (or maybe I misunderstood the situation), but it seemed like she didn't understand that she'd receive the poster for free and ended up telling the staff no when asked which member she wanted. I feel bad to this day I didn't butt in...

Tokyo big Buddha (Daibutsu) Jorenji Temple

This was my second time living in Japan for a longer period of time (not that long, but almost a year) and I rented an apartment in a suburb area on the subway Mita line in Tokyo. When you go to the city office to register (I mentioned that procedure in another entry) you'll get like a welcoming package with information, map etc. I thought I should have a good look around the area, because I'm a bit sad I didn't in the place I lived last time. On the map I found some interesting temples and I marked them for me to go at a later time. Time flew by and I had still not gone anywhere in the area. I had made plans to go see the big Buddha in Kamakura with a friend since I missed the opening hours last time I was in Kamakura. I felt fairly excited and decided to see if there's any hidden gems left for me to see. The big Buddha in Kamakura is really famous and mentioned in every guidebook there is. But I had the feeling Japan should have more of these big statues, so I began googling for the biggest statues in the world. On second place I found that Japan, close to Tokyo, was listed and I'll make an entry about that very fieldtrip later!

Anyway, I also found that in Tokyo area a Buddha of almost the same size as the Kamakura one was located, no less than two stations away from my apartment! I checked my map and saw the temple and now I really had to go.

So on a free saturday, in a burning August day I took the train the two stations needed and went for it. My sense of directions is worthless, it took me one hour to get there, eventhough it was like a 15 minute walk. In case there are any other people like me, I'll have a walkthrough with pictures below how to get there!

First thing to do is take the Mita line subway to Shintakashimadaira station. Takes about 25 minutes from JR Yamanote line Sugamo station.
Once you've arrived at the station you want to take the south exit and cross the street on the left!

To the left is a picture of the station, and on the right is the street which should be visible when you've exited the station and walked a bit up on the street.
Now all you have to do is keep walking straight forward!

You'll pass a 7/11 on your right, as can be seen in the picture below.

 After a while you'll reach a high way, with a bridge, cross the street and go up the small road.

 Just follow the road straight ahead and you'll see a small shrine on your right and this sign to your left.

While I was passing by I thought I might aswell have a loof. It's very small though.

Now, this is where I got lost. Because when you've passed the shrine it looks as if there's just apartment buildings and greens. But keep goign straight forward until you reach the 7/11 in the photo above and then turn left and keep walking until you reach the building in the picture to the left. As you can see there's a sign and an arrow pointing to the right, that's for some garden, but you have to turn right here too. 

After a while you'll reach the sign in the photo to the right, saying 東京大仏, Tokyo big Buddha. Congratulations, you've made it!

Go up the stairs and you're there. This temple is very pretty, and since a lot of people don't know about it, it's not crowded at all! I arrived one hour before closing, and it was very peacefull and nice to walk around. The Buddha is pretty big, BUT, it's only almost as big as the Kamakura one because of the elevation it sits on. So the Buddha itself is smaller, still worth seeing though! Besides the Buddha they have a statue of a 我慢鬼, gaman oni, oni of patience, a pond, and of course a shop from which you can get a mamori. I found a really cute one for my phone, in plastic, shaped as a bag.

 Especially if you're staying in Tokyo, and might not have the time, money or just don't feel like doing the 1h train ride to Kamakura, this is a very good option! Also this area, around the Buddha and also Itabashi, rarely has any tourists, so it's a very calm and quiet place, highly recomended to visit.
In the area around the temple is a small bakey (if you keep going straight and don't turn right with the sign to the garden), and right by the parking lot by that sign is a soba restaurant. I didn't visit the garden or the art museum, but I think it might be fun things to do while in the area. If going right, instead of left by the second 7/11 you'll reach the museum.

I hope this guide will have helped you reach the Jorenji temple and the Tokyo daibutsu!

JILUKA - PHASE:synchronicity

After I got back from Japan in 2015 I was introduced to this band (because I had been brainwashed with these "new" kind of VK where they just growl and scream and have cheezy choruses while attending too many random VK gigs in Tokyo, ....and embarrassingly enough I enjoyed it), and thought Screamer was one of the catchiest new vk songs I've heard in a long while. Long story short, I began following them and thought I should go see them next time I'm in Japan, so I decided to go to one of their oneman gigs. Their 3rd oneman gig no less, "PHASE:synchronicity" at WWWShibuya.

I really like that venue, but I find it rather difficult to find, this time around I think I've learned though! Thanks Jiluka, hehe. I got there pretty early so I took the chance to buy their new t-shirt before the gig. I was kind of suprised to see the variety of people there; young, old and a lot of foreigners (for being a smaller band). Of course, as expected most guests were young japanese girls. Anyway, I wasn't sure to begin with if I had the money to go since I wanted to do a lot of other things before leaving Japan, so my ticketnumber wasn't the best. I assumed I'd end up in the back, but despite this there was quite alot of room infront of the stage so I was lucky enough to end up on the first floor so to speak, but in the very back. Anyway, the gig starts and the setlist started of pretty week with songs from their latest releases. I'm sorry, but I'm kind of disapointed in their last two releases. I feel like the songs are very similar now, a lot of growl and then some guitarsolo which sounds basically just like in any of the other songs. However, their first releases was also included and I got to hear some of my favorite songs, such as Raison d'etre, Screamer, D.O.J and Lluvia. I have to give it to them, they were pretty good live, and Ricko especially seemed very happy and enjoying himself on stage. There was a lot of parapara and some girls just take it a bit too far (IMO). I mentioned how I was standing in the back on the floor infront of stage, so above me was a girl standing on "second floor". She, and the rest of the girls standing at the front seemed to be JILUKA's groupies, they had all the items and they were...the most "energetic" so to say. This girl above me, was so into it, that when she headbanged she had to throw all of her head and hair straight down so it hit my face, pretty hard. It might sound weird, but when they start headbanging, getting hit by hair is like being whipped. It hit my eye at one point and that hurt pretty bad. On top of this, she had to stretch out her arms at guitar solos so bad she hit my head with her hand (this also happened several times -.-). For those who don't know, during guitar solos in particular (at vk gigs) fans tend to stretch out their arms, sometimes facing the guitarist. Some of these very, eccentric fans tend to want to stretch as much as they possibly can and that results in them putting one hand down and the other up. Which she did, hitting my head, acctually more like digging into my head, because she got stuck in my hair. I feel like an old hag, but I'm sorry, it's just annoying. You don't have to exaggerate in order to show the band that you love them or get their attention. There are others there, and it will most likely annoy them (me included). I've seen some pretty bad fan behaviour at gigs in Japan and it makes me so tired and pissed off. You're not alone, please respect the other people attending the gig.

Back on topic.

I had a pretty bad day, but I had so much fun (except for the girl who almost made me blind on my right eye) I forgot what a shitty day I had, until I got home. Ricko was really good live, not only because he was entertaining, but his vocals held up pretty good. Zyean was pretty shy, not wanting to talk that much. Anyway, the gig itself was pretty good, and I'd recommend anyone who likes the present vk scene to at least try them out.

【SET LIST】

SE. -Blasphemy-　

1. Necropolis　

2. Divine Error　

3. Faizh　

4. Raison d'etre　

5. Screamer　

6. ZONE　

7. Primal Urge　

8. Azure　

9. -drums solo-　

10. Bloodshot 　

11. Prisoners　

12. Crossing Fate　

13. (SE. -Bipolar- 〜) Omelas　

14. Sacrifice　

15. Lluvia　

16. Lethal Affliction　

17. Twisted Pain　

＜EN-1＞

18. -guitar solo-　

19. Faceless　

20. Monophobia　

21. D.O.J　

＜EN-2＞

22. Ultra BALUS

Vampire Café

Previously I wrote about my visit to the Alice in wonderland restaurant in Shibuya (I also visited the ones in Ginza and  Ikebukuro later, I highly recommend the one in Ikebukuro, very beautiful!).
Anyway, the same chain which has the Alice in Wonderland restaurants also have a Vampire restaurant in Ginza. I saw a flyer for it when I attended the above so I figuered I had to go!

I was meeting up with a friend and we didn't have any specific plans so I mentioned I wanted to go there and off we went!
She had been there before so she even knew one of the guys in the staff. In the entrance was a moving skeleton and drapes covering the entrance. A waiter from the staff showed us to our table and we were handed their menu, which was shaped as a coffin! Also, when our waiter came I felt like I had seen him before, and the more I tried to sneak a peak at him while he explained the menu I felt more and more certain I did remember him and from what... I'm not gonna say who it is I think, or believe it was, but I can say that people who are into small VK bands should pay a visit...

It's very dark in this restaurant, so unfortunately I didn't get any good pictures because my camera is kind of bad. (The images which looks creepy light, it's just my flash XD)

Just like at the Alice restaurants they gave us an appetizer, some sort of japanese potatosalad with a cracker shaped as a lizard. Now to the interesting part, their menu...
I always get so excited at places like these because the menus are amazing! They had a special, time limited menu (I guess they update that every month or so), in which I found this amazing cocktail.

 I don't really remember what was included because it's been such a long time since I went (I need to update more frequently...) BUT, it was topped with rosepetals and to get the red color, an injection was put on the side, so you got to squeeze it in yourself. I do remember it was very tasty and fun though, so it was worth the 700yen it cost.

For my maincourse I had black pasta! Again, my camera suck, but on top of the pasta was a cracker shaped as a skull, and in some kind of powder (might it have been powdered cheese?) "DEATH" was written and a scythe was drawn. Another waiter came with the food, in a long, black hooded cape (I couldn't see his face, but I bet it was another bandman, huhuhu), and he poored the black ink on my food as he served. The pasta was just regular pasta with creamy sauce and octopus rings (I'm not sure what it's called acctually, but hopefully you get what I mean). It was tasty, not the most amazing food, but like always, at theme restaurants I don't expect Michelin class food.

Since the cocktails were so awesome and not that expensive I decided to ahve another one of the timelimited ones for my dessert and got the above. The flavour was of berries and it was topped with a tiny rose and an edible eyeball (made of jelly). It was also glowing adding a fun touch to it. Both me and my friend are Malice Mizer fans, and since I love Közi we thought I should take a picture with the eyeball in my mouth XD (Easier said that done, I almost unintentionally bit it off since it was all soft, hohoho).

So, the desserts, my friend had the above chocolate cake. Amazingly enough after served, they put it on fire! I regret not having this, because it looked great!

Being kind of full, I decided to have the smaller tiramisu. It seems Japan loves tiramisu, but having had European, and above all Italian tiramisu, it can't be compared. (Until this day I still haven't had a satisfying tiramisu in Japan...).

 The atmosphere was great, just look at the amazing pictures above from the restroom! On the side of the sink, was a head, and the walls was covered in blood. When google:ing for this restaurant I found some reviews on various rating websites, and their rating was kind of low. This is unfortunate I think. I also think that many of the bad reviews was more about language barrier than the acctual restaurant. I want to straighten something out. First of all, I want to mention that I am not a globetrotter, I've traveled a lot but within Europe, outside of Europe I've only been to 3 different countries (severeal times though), so I'm for most part used to being able to use English. However, many places outside of Europe, or the US, don't have the same level of English as you might be used to. That being said, you can't expect everyone to be able to speak English everywhere you go. This restaurant, and many others in Tokyo, aren't necessarily made for tourists, alot of japanese people come here and therefor they might not have staff which understand that much English. So instead of giving them bad reveiws I think people should try and think about the language and cultural barrier.

That being said, I highly recommend this place, like always, it's worth it's price just being there. About the prices, the original cocktails cost around 700-1000yen, maincourses 1000-2000yen and desserts 700-1500yen (of course there are even cheaper and more expensive but this is a rough estimation). The vampire restaurant is located in Ginza, please have a look at their website below for directions. Also, they recomend you to reserve a table, however it is not possible for people who do not have a japanese phonenumber. Although, I would say these places usually don't get packed, so the chance is high to get in, especially if you get there early.

http://www.diamond-dining.jp/shop_info/vampire/top_flash.html

Pompompurin Café

Yet another cutesy café in Tokyo! This one is located in Harajuku, and yet I had no idea! My friend told me about it and I really like Pompompurin so I had to go!
The café is located in the very busy Takeshita dori (the narrow street full of shops, located to the left of the JR station after you cross the street), more accurate, it's located in the "Cute Cube Harajuku" which is located at Takeshita dori. It's on the third floor and Cute Cube Harajuku has an elevator.

Just like any other theme cafés and bars EVERYTHING was pompompurin. The café itself isn't very big, on the left of the entrance is the reception desk, and on the right they had a small shopping area with different pompompurin goods.

The menu was, of course, very cute. As for me, I had a caramel drink (sort of like a frappuccino), topped with a Pompompurin cookie while my friend had the same but macha flavoured.

For main dish, I had pasta. The food itself was ok, bothing special, but look at it! It's so cute I don't even care I paid around 1000yen for ok-pasta!

Pompompurin's face was like a very thin omelette, the ears was pieces of bread wth cheese. On the side it was served with a cup of soup and salad.

The portion didn't look that big, but I felt pretty full afterwards. Having had an okey lunch, and just looking at the cute desserts my friend successfully convinced me to get one. As a big fan of pudding I had to try that, and it was a hit!

It wasn't just delicious, but the way it was served was so adorable I felt like I almost couldn't eat it. The cup is topped witha  biscuit shaped as Pompompurin's hat and the caramel was served on the side in a tiny pot.
They did have different kinds of food, but from the look of it I feel like the desserts are a better choice. So it's totally worth just coming for a drink and dessert! I don't remember the exact prices, but a drink was around 700yen, the main dishes between 1000-1500yen, and desserts from 500-1200yen.

(I miss Little Twin Stars! Aren't there any café in their honour T_T)

Karaoke and bread

If you're in Tokyo (maybe other cities too, I haven't really noticed) you probably have seen the square sized bread cafés and other places offer?
I had, and it amazed me! Why would anyone want a square of bread? I'm sorry but it doesn't look very appetizing, especially if you have tasted regular Japanese toast bread (spoiler: It's pretty dry!).

But the fact that you can order a loaf of bread was way too funny to resist. So I finally found one friend who also was kind of interested in trying it. On our last playdate, before she left Japan, we decided to go to karaoke and in Shinjuku, in Kabukicho close to Don Quijote there's a Pasela. Outside of Pasela they have huge ads for the toast, so when we reserved a room we also ordered a bread to share.

Pasela is supposedly expensive, but over all it didn't cost much more than any other karaoke place, so the extra money was worth it.

So, how was the bread? (also called honey toast) It was pretty good! It's huge though, so even when splitting it between two it was pretty much. The things with the bread is that it is dripping in some honey glazing, saving it from being dry. The topping is made of cream and ice cream, and on the side some syrup (to make it even sweeter, diabetes here I come!).
At Pasela they also had some interesting drinks, mine was the green one (highly not recomended, it tasted like tooth paste). The karaoke room itself was also really nice, it was pretty big and felt very clean and cozy. They had a rather big menu too!

Pasela doesn't only have karaoke, but also theme restaurants in Tokyo. I will cover that later, but I highly recommend this karaoke place if you're passing by Shinjuku!

They seemed to be selling these cute toasts in the entrance!

Check out Pasela's webpage:
https://www.pasela.co.jp/shop/shinjuku_yasukuni/#pasela

Kamijo - Epic Rock Orchestra

When I'm in Japan I tend to go to a lot of gigs, sometimes even those I probably shouldn't attend concidering I'm not rich nor a huge fan. But I really like Kamijo live. I probably prefer listening to his music live over listening to his cd's (also to be honest Kamijo is one of those which has become a collecting substitute since I'm basically done with all the bands I really love). I've heard about the Epic rock orchestra and thought it sounded pretty cool so I thought, why not?

This gig took place at Akasaka Blitz, a place I haven't been at since Deep Sanctuary in 2014. This livehouse looked pretty big then, but Kamijo had made this a seated live, so with chairs it didn't really have a high capacity. When I found my seat I was pleased to see that the stage didn't seem that far away, even though I was on Q-row.That was until the two people infront of me came to their seats... it was two western guys....meaning they were pretty tall (and one of them I guess had not been at a live in Japan before because he had problems realising where his own seat was :P). Next to me was two Japanese women, a bit shorter than me, and all of us was stunned by the fact that we couldn't see shit! Especially since that one guy kept coming closer to the other one despite the fact that the seat inbetween was free, and that seat sort of worked as an opening so we could see glimps of the scene! One of the Japanese women asked him to move a bit to the left side so we could see, and he did....until he kept coming closer again. She didn't show it but I'm guessing it pissed her off (me too, big time) so she acctually called for the staff, and a guy came asking the guy to stand infront of his own seat. Again, he moved....and then moved back -.- I don't get how some people work.

So basically, I barely saw anything the whole evening (not kidding). The sound however was really good just as I expected. Normally Kamijo only has his band playing, but for the Epic Rock Orchestra he also have a violinist, cello and a pianist on stage and it really gives that something extra.
Since Castrato had been released by the time he obviously played that, and I have to say it's one of his stronger songs ever. I really like it! At the live they also sold a special edition of the single. It says on it that it's the trailer version. I can't really hear a difference, and like I've said before, I can't listen to the cd's I buy for the moment so I haven't heard this either. If you bought this version you also got a poster, it's very boring though, just the cd cover. I also picked up a t-shirt and the clearfile.

Kamijo always feels very energetic live, and happy, so it's usually really nice attending his gigs. He's a very good talker, making interesting MC's (for this one I don't really remember much since it's been a long time, and I didn't see shit!).
He had another Epic rock orchestra recently, which I attended for other reasons (so there won't be a livereport here), and since I acctually could see I can assure it was great and totally worth going to!

D - 「Memory of the Wind」～Produced by HIDE-ZOU〜

To be honest I had no plan to attend this gig. I just didn't have anything to do during golden week and I felt kind of lonely, the best way to cure that is going to see a band. D is great live so why not. Like always during golden week D has 5 live gig, each produced by each member. I chose HIDE-ZOU's live because he's my favorite member, but also because of his title, "Memory of the Wind", it made hope they would play some "nature" songs (like Namonaki mori no yumegatari). When they entered stage, I knew I had picked the right day to attend. They all wore traditional clothing, (hakama etc) so I knew they'd play some of the asian inspired songs! The song which made me a fan of D was Ouka saki some ni keri and I also really like Huang di~Yami no umareta mukui and I've neverheard these songs live so I was overthrilled!
The set list started of pretty strong with Toki no koe, Meteo ~Mubi no toki, then I have to admit it slowly became a bit dull for me. But that was fixed during the encore when they did Huang di!

HIDE-ZOU also had a solo song, and that was very interesting. I haven't attended these gigs before but I assume all of them have. It's a bit disapointing the songs aren't released though, I'd love to hear a recording of that song! Beside the songs, each member also designs an original merch, HIDE-ZOU had a japanese teacup, witha  drawing of him, and it said "You know me?". Now that might seem random BUT, in Japanese that kind of teacup is called "yuunomi", pronounced very similar to "you know me" in english. It was very cute but I ended up not buying it because I have no idea how I should carry it home in my already overfilled bag.

This gig took place at Takadanobaba Area, a club I feel a bit emotionally attached to, hehe. Although I do hate the fact that their bar close so unless you buy a drink before the gig you've wasted the 500yen drink fee you have to pay by the entrance. Takadanobaba is also a nice area, I will write a bit about it later in another entry.

ーSEー

1.風がめくる頁

2.メテオ〜夢寐の刻〜

3.鬨の声

〜MC〜

4.桜花咲きそめにけり

5.NEO JAPANESQUE

6.我が敵は我にあり

〜MC〜

7.翠緑の翼

8.NOCTURNAL

～HIDE-ZOU solo コーナー～

9.Memento〜風のレイピア〜

10.Solitude〜最後の手紙〜

〜MC〜

11.空中庭園

12.悪夢喰らい

13.Humanoid

〜MC〜

14.鳥籠御殿〜L'Oiseau bleu〜

〜Encore〜

Night-ship"D"

DEAD ROCK

皇帝〜闇に生まれた報い〜

黒竜

風がめくる頁

〜End SE〜

Kaya 歌姫回顧展 2017-1997

This year Kaya celebrates 20-years as an active singer (or should I say Diva fufufu), and in honor of this he held a livegig at Takadanobaba AREA with most of the memebrs from his past activities. The aim with this gig was to go through Kaya's career and among the guests was Hora so it was mandatory for me to go. I did however not go in my Hora t-shirt, it felt it would be a bit disrespectful to Kaya, hehe.

 
My plan was to go back to Sweden in mid June so I didn't get a ticket for this event until 3 weeks ahead. So I wasn't expecting a great number, I got 143 so I figuered I wouldn't get close to stage. How wrong was I? I was lucky and a lot of people wanted to stay in the back so I got pretty close, on Hora's side of course!

The gig started off a bit late, projections was used, showing Kaya's timeline, the years and pictures of him. I sort of assumed it would start from the past and work its way to today, but it was the oposit, so Kaya entered to the sounds of Yumeji, followed by Perfana, representing the years 2016-2017. Kaya wore his black dress from Femme Fatale's Freya, and the same wig I assume. In one of his MC's he mentioned he really likes the dress and that it was kind of elegant. And I guess that style sort of suits all his past projects as well.

I'm not a fan of Femme Fatale, so I haven't seen them live before obviously. Kaya said we were gonna turn back time a bit, and an instrumental song began playing while he stood with his back to the audience and Tana, Fumiya and a support bassist joined him on stage. Just for the record, I am not familiar with any of the members joining Kaya this evening, except for Hora (but Tana looked freaking hot, I loved his outfits!). But the music was just as boring live as on the CD to me, so I just hoped for them to be done already and bring on the good stuff! The other guitarist of Femme Fatale had left a message (again, don't know who he is, is it the guy who people blame for the breakup?). During one of the MC's with the band the drummer, Fumiya who was dressed in a black suit, mentioned how hot it was on stage. Kaya being Kaya obviously suggested he'd take his clothes off... (spoiler, he did not!).

On Kaya's setlist, you can see at the bottom, he lists Salome as a solo song, BUT the version they played was the Femme Fatale one so I disagree with Kaya there a bit... Memento Mori was nice live, not one of my favorite songs but it's good! The band left and we got some good old Kaya solo songs! For this gig I was sort of hoping he'd do some "iconic" songs that he might not play that much live, like Kaleidoscope, unfortunately he didn't. We did get Chocolate of course, but other than that it was just songs he plays a lot. Kaya is always so full of energy, I love how happy he looks!

Then it was time to turn back time yet again! And OMG was I hyped for this time travel. The "Hora session" started off with Another Cell. The lights were turned off and pictures of Kaya from Another Cell, Schwarz Stein and even Rudolf Steiner was shown on the projector while ARCHETYPE.01 played and Hora entered stage. From Another Cell they played Inner Universe-cybernated. It was a first for me, I've only heard Blazing Darkness from Another Cell (and Kuroageha depending on if you count it as Rudolf Steiner or Another Cell :P). Kaya and Hora then talked about how they've been playing at Takadanobaba AREA since Rudolf Steiner times. Mana was also mentioned, how he shoed up at the club wearing black sunglasses and how they later were summoned to Midi Nette headquarters. The funny thing about the setlist is that Kaya listed Transient as Schwarz Stein, but right before the song he mentioned how Transient really is a Rudolf Steiner song, as many might now. Transient was followed by Perfect Garden and then finally as Rudolf Steiner Kuroageha and Queen of Decadence are listed. I really don't quite understand the song selection, they basically played only Rudolf Steiner (except for my favorite Fester Love/Kusatta Kajitsu). Also, during the gig in Nagoya Kaya mentioned them playing Rudolf Steiner at this gig, as if it was something special. Which made me think they might acctually perform the songs like they sound on the demo tapes, but it was just like at any other of their gigs. I love their songs, so it's not like I'm disapointed, I just don't get the hype about Rudolf Steiner songs being performed. At this point Another Cell is more rare. Also, it's a bit weird they performed Rudolf Steiner songs during the Schwarz Stein session, that was a chance to do more recent songs. So, something about the songs. Kuroageha I think is really great live. To be honest I don't listen to it that much on an everyday basis, probably because I feel that it is better live. I think Kaya's vocals adds something special to it, especially at the end when he shouts the lyrics. After Kuroageha Hora waved and left the stage. People were shouting for him inbetween songs and he didn't make a fuss about and finally he just said Thank you. I got the feeling he didn't want to go all in as he usually do at Schwarz Stein gigs since this was a Kaya anniversary.

Then it was time for Isola! Another band I barely heard. Schwarz Stein was the first thing I heard Kaya in, and later his solo, so I don't really think of him as a bandman and I feel like rock music really doesn't suit him. I've heard Isola's album but I didn't get into it. The bassist and guitarist, Fumi and Tsubaki, joined him for this session and Kaya mentioned it felt strange since it was so long ago and he has changed as a person from that time. I can't say that much about the songs, it was fun live but not my cup of tea.

Mind, from Meties began playing and the stage was lit down. None of the original members came to this gig I believe (not sure though because I'm not certain about the line up). I really like Mind, but the rest of the songs sounds a bit the same for me. Like I mentioned, I don't think bands suit Kaya, I prefer him with an electronic sound. But again, it was nice live.


At first, when I bought the ticket, I was sort of wondering what activities he had in 1997... Kaya talked about that at first he was in a copy band called Zephyr Zone, and it is not well known. Since it was a copy band they didn't really have any material, but he did remember one song he wrote lyrics to called White Gate. He barely remembered it but he tried and sang a short piece acapella. Lastly, Kaya and the band played two cover songs, I don't know the original ones but they were kind of old fashioned VK, with a lot of shouting.

At this point I was a bit scared that this was it. But then Rose Jail began playing. It's one of my favorite Kaya songs and a great live song! I got a kiss on my hand this time too, when the evening was over I realised I still had his lipstick on my hand. Overall it was a fun gig, although I'm a bit disapointed with the setlist. I would've loved to hear some other songs from his solo like I mentioned. And I think they should've played some of the "real" Schwarz Stein songs.

They sold old chekis, from previous Kaya gigs (I found two cute ones of Kaya and Hora), but also from this evening, with ALL the support members. It's only 500yen each, but what are the odds of picking a Hora cheki? I stuck around after the gig and noticed some people just kept buying to get the "right" member, and some ended up with Hora over and over again. Since they didn't seem to want him I ended up getting one from them! I've seen people do this at live gigs, trading or selling off the ones they don't want, but I've never dared trying it since I don't really know the "rules" (at VK gigs you easily get the feeling that people in the fandom have rules and guidelines, at least I feel that way). But I really want a cheki, if they're sold, at every gig I go to, as a memory sort of. So I was happy that I found some people who didn't want theirs.
Overall it was a fun evening. I'm a bit sad I won't get to see Kaya play solo again before I leave, and I'm even sadder I won't be able to attend the Schwarz Stein 15th Anniversary live in November (which they announced at this gig, and later was posted on Hora's blog).

Looking forward to my next trip to Tokyo, fufufu.

One of the old chekis of Kaya, and Hora's from this gig.

Setlist taken from Kaya's blog:
2017-2016　Kaya solo
１：夢路
２：Prefana
MC

2015-2014年　Femme Fatele
３：JESTER
MC -Toshiコメント-
４：BURN

2013年-2012年 Kaya solo with BAND
５：SALOME
SE（Pendel-eins）
７：Memento mori
SE（VORWISSEN - null）

2011年-2007年　Kaya solo
８：Transmigration
９：ショコラ
10：火車

2006年-2005年　another cell
11：INNER UNIVERSE- cybernated
MC

2004年-2002年　Schwarz Stein
12：transient
13：Perfect Garden

2002年-2001年　Rudof Steiner
14：Queen of Decadence
15：黒揚羽

2000年　ISOLA
16：Egoiste Betterfly
MC
17：『Cruel』

1999年-1998年　Meties
18：激痛の空
19：ネクロフィリア

encore
1997年　Zephyr Zone
20：White gate（アカペラ）
＋カヴァー2曲

encore 2
23：Rose Jail

Mana ESP guitar event

Everyone who likes and follows Mana probably knows he helped design a new guitar with ESP, and in honor of that an event was held at the ESP museum in Shibuya!

I don't know anything about guitars truth be told, I don't play any instrument and I don't really have an interest in the details about guitars electronics. So when I found out that in order to attend the event you had to buy either the t-shirt or the doleman with the new guitar and it's specifics on I felt a bit disapointed to be honest. It's a bit too nerdy for me, but I ended up with the doleman (it's way too big for me so I'm sleeping in it). Because of this, I didn't really care about the new guitar either, I just wanted to shake Mana's hand and get something signed! X)

To begin with I was thinking long and hard about what I should bring for Mana to sign, I even concidered having someone ship my Malice Mizer 1th Anniversary demo, and then it was announced he'd only sign a photo provided at the store. A bit disapointed, and a bit relieved as I no longer had to think about what to get signed, fufufu.

I was given the 4th period, 18.00 (6 p.m), a bit stressed I arrived just in time for picking up my event ticket. Mana announced that for those who bought the guitar, he'd take a picture with them. When I was waiting for the event to start I walked around the ESP shop and noticed about four people filling out forms, making me wonder if they acctually bought the guitar...
I'm guessing I've been complaining a lot lately X) but I don't care to be honest. So here's my next complains:
I'm not sure about this, but I sort of assume that those who buy this guitar does it because Mana helped design it and to get the photo with him. The guitar cost, at the shop 800 000yen, with that price I feel like Mana should throw a slumber party for those who bought it. To only get to take a photo with him feels kind of bad. Many bands offer the cheki thing for a 1000 yen...
Second complaint, the event was way too short! Let's get to the few details.

So, about 15 minutes before the start of the event they let us in the room where it would be held. It was very nicely decorated with the regular gate with blue roses which can be seen at Moi Dix Mois concerts and also of course the big cloth with the band logo on. The room was all dark and only lit up from blue lights in the ceiling which was shaped as the cross on the Jeune fille guitar!

My seat was in the left corner, next to room partitioner for where Mana would sign the photo. While waiting we got to listen to some Moi Dix Mois music, from what I heard they were playing Reprise. The wait was short, staff closed the doors and explained the rules concidering taking pictures etc. Then they asked if we should call for Mana sama. People shouted (once only to my surprise) and then Mana came out in Moité (I know everything he wears is Moité, but none of the Moi Dix Mois outfits). This was my first time seeing Mana like this, not on stage performing so I felt kind of surprised at how big he felt to be honest, I mean surely he wears platforms but he's not that tall, and at the previous gigs I've been to he's always looked so thin and now I felt like he's kind of been gaining weight! I'm not saying that as in he's fat and need to loose weight, I don't care if he gains weight, I'm just not used to that since he usually looks very thin (stick legs).
Anyway, he came out with the new guitar, showed it off and then the staff also announced that Seth and Ryux would join him. Seth looked awesome! He wore black jeans, boots, a blouse, corset, hat and eyepatch. He had his hair in a ponytail, making him look a bit casual (for being VK).
He began reading Mana's message which was really short, and just about the guitar. Mana then played a bit of Je l'aime, and when I say a bit I mean a short bit, maybe 30 seconds. Mana looked a bit nervous, but it went fine. Then the event was over. Seth left with Ryux and Mana went behind the screen while staff explained how to order the guitar I think....I stoped listening here because I noticed I could sneak on Mana from the crack in the screen! I saw some fans looking at me going between looking straight ahead and then looking into the screen. Not that much exciting things, Mana looked a bit stressed removing all his rings, but then he just stood there chillin' waiting for people...until I'm sure he noticed the crack and I looked him in the face for a short while. ...then I stopped looking, the awkwardness was a bit too much for me.

People started lining up and it all went really fast so I grabbed my present and lined up aswell! So when I got back there Mana stood behind the table, I handed over my present, he bowed and accepted it, then he signed the photo and took my hand in both his, handed me the portrait and then it was over! When I shook his hand and said something to him, it looked like he wanted to smile but tried not to, hehe.
I didn't see what time it was, but it felt like the event was over in no time. I was hoping it would've been longer, that he would've played a whole song or something. A bit disapointed but I still enjoyed meeting him for the first time and acctually get his authograph (I have signed things but it's not the same when the person hasn't signed it infront of you).

Night Low Be 2017 at Club Zion, Nagoya

Where Schwarz Stein goes, I will follow. Sort of. (2 years ago I was about to go to Sapporo to attend their oneman and instore, but decided not to because it would cost too much)

So when they announced they'd do a coupling live with Közi in Nagoya again I couldn't stop myself from going. Being a fan of both Közi and Schwarz Stein I just had to see this, especially since I missed the last live they did together in 2015.

 So, right after a concert in Tokyo on Saturday night I went to Osaki station and got on my bus to Nagoya! Since I went just for the gig (I also did some sightseeing that I will post about in a seperate entry) I only stayed for one night and therefor decided to try a dorm for the first time in my life. When I arrived I passed by the bathroom/powder room, seeing that someone was applying some heavy make up. I didn't pay much attention to it, but then I went back to have a shower and realise that the make up this girl is applying is Hora's! I've always wanted to make his magic circle for a live but I know I wouldn't be able to pull it off (too much details!) and she'd done his make up so perfectly, I was so impressed. We talked a bit and since we were headed the same way we went together! Most of the time (basically always) I go to live gigs alone because I don't know anyone who likes the same bands as me so it was really nice and fun having someone to share the experience with for once. But talk about coincidence, I meet someone from Tokyo who's come to Nagoya just like to see Schwarz Stein and we're staying at the same dorm!

Anyway, I was kind of split about who'd start the evening and who'd end it. I acctually thought Schwarz Stein might be the opening and Közi the ending but it showed to be the opposit. So Közi started, and like the other times I've seen the E//+Z project he had projections being shown of different images, and he had his red suit on. I really like his hairstyling, instead of teasing it up it's combed down. I think with the red suit it makes him look sort of stylish salaryman á la visual kei.
Közi acctually didn't have his guitar for this live, just some sort of machine to change and do effects on his vocals (I'm not into music equipment so I have no idea what it was and how it works...). Like I've said before, Közi is really great live, I feel like he just goes up there and does his thing and it feels very natural and like he's enjoying it. Közi isn't just a very good musician but also very amusing to watch. For example, when the intro for Cacophony began playing he grabbed his bottle of tea to drink, and he just stood there with one arm in his side and the bottle in his other hand and the remix version of the song has a kind quiet opening and then all of a sudden the guitar will just break out sort of. And in that moment he quickly took a sip of his tea. It looked very amusing and everyone began laughing and I even think I could see a smile on Közi's face too. One interesting thing is that he make small changes to the songs live, so it doesn't really feel repetitve to watch E//+Z despite it just being one CD with songs, and you know what he'll be playing (I love the CD so I wouldn't mind just listening to the songs as they are but it's nice to see he puts some effort to change the setlist as much as he can while still using the same songs). He greeted everyone, Közi isn't much of a talker really (unless he's talking to the other members), so he kept quiet but it seemed like one of his members didn't know if he should start the next song or not so they quickly exchanged a look and Közi nodded but it got kind of awkwardly silent for a while so Közi just shouted out Nagoya again and then the song started. I don't have a setlist but I'm pretty sure he played all the songs off the remix album. I do however remember that the last song he played was ISM, and I couldn't help but to wonder if Hora would join him for it, but it didn't happen. Közi thanked everyone and left stage.

We in the crowd were left to listen to some Sopor Aeternus. I felt like the paus was kind of long, and then all of a sudden Testament began playing. I was so happy they opened with that, I love it and they didn't use that for their oneman in Tokyo. Everytime I hear Testament I just get this adrenalin rush, probably because I get so hyped knowing I'm at a Schwarz Stein live! Hora entered first as always, followed by Kaya. I don't take notes on the setlist because I just want to enjoy the gig, I do remember the songs though (in the wrong order), but as soon as a setlist is announced I'll put it on here!
Both Kaya and Hora wore their Sleeping Madness costumes, and of course they played their most recent release Fleeting Beauty, the live started off a bit slow, but then they did the classics and eventhough people always are a bit stiff to begin with they began loosen up during Perfect Garden and Release me. I was really hoping to hear Release me because it's awesome on CD and even more awesome live. During their onwman in Tokyo the sound was a but off, the bass was too loud but this time around you could acctually hear the melody as well. Hora and Kaya both gestured to people to raise their hands and dance to the music but people seem to stop when they stop their instructions which I find kind of funny...
I found it kind of funny that both Közi and Schwarz Stein mentioned that it was fun being back in Nagoya, because I recognized most of the people there. This means that either the people all came from Tokyo to see this gig, or these people come from other cities to Tokyo everytime to see them. I bet most came from Tokyo though, and if that's really the case....did they have to make a live in Nagoya making us travel across the country? :P During the MC Kaya and Hora talked quite a bit, and people shouted kawaii and Kaya said "I know", quoting Hora from the previous live, hehe. Kaya seemed to have some trouble pronouncing the title of the event, and then he mentioned, like always, that Schwarz Stein is a "my pace" project and for now they don't have any plans. Hora will however be a guest at Kaya's anniversary live later this month. The plan is for them to do some Rudolf Steiner and some Schwarz Stein songs (making me wonder what the difference will be concidering the Rudolf Steiner songs has all been released as Schwarz Stein, or Another Cell. Or will they acctually perform them as they sound on the demos?). 
Then came the biggest suprise. Kaya mentioned that in Tokyo they do the after events, and then they will say goodbye to everyone, but they've never had that in Nagoya so for this evening they decided to offer a 3shot cheki for 1000yen after the gig. I barely couldn't believe my ears, I've been so jealous of the people who attended their gig in the US who got to take a picture with them, and I was hoping they'd do some instore for Fleeting Beauty offering a 3shot cheki. I was so happy I did go to Nagoya for this gig after all. 
Like always they ended with all their heavier songs, Creeper, Syphilis and Disorder, Sleeping Beauty and Succubus. One thing I've noticed is that over the years the crowd has gotten more violent. The first gig I attended in 2012 everyone was sort of leaning towards the stage for these songs, this time one girl acctually fell to the ground (and I was about to fall too once). I noticed that the girls standing closest to the stage was basically lying with their upper body on the stage by now, and at one point Hora even gesticulated to everyone to back a bit. The club was also extremly hot. There must've been something wrong with the airconditioner because it was so warm I could see how Hora was dripping of sweat after just one song (and I felt it running down my back after just a short while). Kaya mentioned during their first MC that it was very warm, asking if everyone was ok. I was very happy we'd get to take pictures with them, but did it have to be the day I was sweating like there was no tomorrow? Like always, despite it being a bit aggressive, I really like the end bit of Schwarz Stein's lives because those songs are just awesome live and Hora and Kaya really gives it their all. Kaya as always went to kiss and lick people's hands (hehe).
They left stage but of course came out for an encore. I was kind of excited since I remember they did Succubus with Közi last time, I really wanted to hear that. Kaya mentioned that he thinks Közi is really cool at one point, hehe. Közi entered stage with his fellow support members (all with a drink in their hands of course) and then they talked a bit. Közi said he liked the hand movement Kaya does in Creeper, so they wanted to do that together. He also asked Hora what it is he says during Creeper, and then they decided it would be changed to "nairobi" (ナイロビ), a shorter version of Night Low Be (probably easier for Kaya to pronounce as well, hehe). So they started Creeper, just like it always sounds but when it was time for the chorus Hora changed "crave your wings" to "nairobi" and then Közi would get in with a "nairobi" right after like an echo. Both Kaya and Hora had a hard time keeping a straight face, Kaya began laughing and couldn't do the arm gesture and Hora had problems keeping up his death vocals. Közi however kept going without problems, and his support members did the arm gesture with us in the crowd. I felt a bit like Közi and his "gang" was a bit too amused (perhaps had one too many), and when they then did Succubus (changing "nightmare" to nairobi" of course) Közi went accross the stage to do something with one of the speakers (adjust volume maybe?) he acctually fell on his behind! No harm done though, he just got up again, I've just never seen him fall, I thought that was a Mana thing (fufufu). For those who follow Közi on Twitter might have noticed that Közi wrote that he lost his phone in Nagoya...(just saying...).

Közi said it was nice to do the Night Low Be, and that they'll do a Night Low Be 2018 (something for everyone in Japan to look forward to). Then they left stage and I sort of rushed out to get some air (it really was like a sauna in there) and to buy that 3shot cheki! I noticed the tickets didn't sell out, and also that most people only bought one, I got two (I don't want closed eyes again like with Hizaki...). I was waiting by the end of the stairs, outside of the actual stage area to be able to breath, when all of a sudden I see Kaya, followed by Hora coming down the stairs! I always feel so weird because I don't know what to say, so I said good evening, haha. I also hate taking these kinds of photos having all the people watching me so I waited until last. I also wanted to see how others did it who bought several tickets (like if you could request a pose etc). One thing I noticed which I haven't seen before was that one girl requested a cheki of Hora and Kaya together, without her. Then it was my turn and I got one regular and one pose, hehe (not posting my photos, I look to awkward). Then before Kaya and Hora left Hora said thanks and take care. I went out of the club feeling like I was on drugs or something. 
Schwarz Stein's gigs are always so intense it's crazy. And getting the chance to take a cheki with them was just overwhelming for my fangirl heart. The day after I had to look at the photos again, assuring myself it really happened, haha. It was totally worth traveling to see this. Schwarz Stein is always worth it.

2017.6.8 Set List

SE(testament)

１：Lilith
２：Release me
３：Perfect Garden
MC
４：Fleeting Beauty
５：方舟
６：Current
MC
７：Sleeping Madness
８：CREEPER
９：Syphilis and Disorder
10：Succubus

encore

11：CREEPER(“Night Low Be”ver)
12：Succubus“Night Low Be”ver)