First, I want to apologize. Compared to the other concert notes, this will have few pictures. Now don't get me wrong - I took a LOT of pictures (657 actually...) however concert lighting + no flash makes for very, terrible pictures. At least with my camera. So I apologize, they're all blurry to varying degrees.
I've never been to A-Kon before, it's a bit off my beaten path. And the reason I went was soley for -OZ- as I am a HUGE fan. After checking out the website I learned that AYABIE would also be there. They were not currently on my radar at that time, but I was looking forward to checking them out. My favorite way of assessing a new (to me) band is live so I poked around a bit, but didn't listen to much prior to going to A-Kon.
I arrived Thursday to the Sheraton Hotel and Convention center, later in the day. After checking in and discovering I would get to climb 18 flights of stairs to the room (I do NOT do heights or elevators) I was officially 'there'. I didn't get to the pre-reg line in time to line up for that night so went back to the room, ate and crashed.
Friday was concert day, so I got up at a decent hour and headed to the pre-reg line. The line was designated with tape on the floor and everyone was leaving their voice. I came across a shout out to -OZ- and AYABIE from Washington D.C.
Later in the weekend this came to say from Dallas! As I neared the desk the line passed by the main events hall and I could hear-OZ- doing their sound check. Sadly even with the peep holes in the door, I couldn't see anything but lights.
After my progression through the line; 2 hours? I can't remember, I had my pass and was set to partake in the con. My first stop was the band swag table. I was a little disappointed - each band only brought 1 cd and it was a NA release. I had hoped to 'load up' and save some shipping. Each band had 1 poster and 1 t-shirt. -OZ- had 3 photosets, 1 towel, glowstick, mirror and cheki ( I love cheki)! AYABIE had 1 photoset, tourbook, 2 towel options, DEATHBIE photoset, and I think a mirror too. I feel like I may be forgetting something... it may come to me. At the tables they also had banners for each band for us to sign.
After that, I did a scan of artist alley and then got ready for the concert.
(Worst person at posing ever.....)
After getting ready I went to scope out the line. Upon arrival to the main events hall I was informed the opening ceremonies were going to be getting underway. If I stayed for the ceremonies and moved chairs I'd would get to stay in and be front and center for the concert - of course I was like - hell yes I'll move chairs. At the end of the ceremony it was revealed to everyone if they moved their chair they got a stamp and then had to leave but were first let back in. Of course, foolishly I helped to move all the chairs, not just mine and ended up at the end of the stamped line, but oh well. Still managed to get a semi-decent viewing spot.
AYABIE was the first band up. I will now regale you with the few decentish pics I took (i.e. you can kinda tell it's them).
I loved them! Their energy was great and Intetsu's smile is totally infectious. There were some technical issues during the concert. First with Kenzo/Drums and then with Takehito/Guitar. During these times Yumehito/Vocal would interact with the crowd either getting us to copy his vocalizations or conversing with Intetsu.
Putting the audience through our vocal exercises.
The concert resumed with much renewed energy!
Crowd shot - I thought it looked pretty cool.
And all too soon the band was saying goodbye and leaving the stage.
AYABIE went to do a signing session after the concert, but we were not being cleared out between concerts. A good portion of the crowd did leave during the band change, for either refreshments or to line up for the signing, but the front crowd stayed out and I was able to move up closer as well. -OZ- was the reason I came and I was not going to give up my spot!
I'm not sure how long the change over took, but it didn't seem too long. The con staff brought water to all the audience holding their spots at front and took care to collect the garbage after as well. We were soon told that -OZ- would now be taking stage!
-OZ- took stage.
This is one amazing band. Their presence is amazing. The energy you get is incredible. I freakin' LOVED IT. Prior to this concert I didn't have a 'favorite' member or particular member I was drawn to. Natsuki of course, immediately draws the eye. He owns that stage. His vocals are strong, his presence it strong, he knows you're watching him and makes sure you enjoy every minute of it. Aki was at my side of the stage and he made a huge impression on me. Interactive, talented, so into his music. And Nao, Nao whose energy was completely alive. I now have 2 favorite members. Of course Tama and Zukki were also incredible and the whole band was just raw, fantastic energy.
Natsuki, much to many fans delight, became shirtless about 2/3rds of the way through the concert. He then proceeded to partake, in what we later learned at the Q&A, was his first crowd surfing experience While he apparently had to apologize to the management afterwards - we, the audience LOVED IT! Sadly it was not at my side he surfed, but he did come over to our side and delve a bit into the crowd afterwards.
I was *this* close!
The band continued to amp it up towards the end of the concert, more sound, more energy, more stage displays.
And then came the 'end' aka break before encore. The crowd cheered, and of course -OZ- returned to stage. They now had the tour t-shirts and each carried a Japan flag.
Natsuki spoke to the crowd a bit and then the last song was rocked out.
And then all too soon, it was over. The band saying their good-byes and thank yous.
Nothing is worse then the feeling of 'it's over'. AMAZING, AMAZING concert. They left me wanting more - which is exactly how it should be. I can not wait to see them again. Definitely a band we need to get to do more NA tour dates!!
After the concert -OZ- held their autograph session. We were allowed 1 item, any item to be signed as long as we had purchased at least 1 official item there. I chose to get the poster signed. Unfortunately no photos were allowed at all during this time.
When it became my time to enter my first band member was Natsuki. He is very polite, quiet talkative and has a decent basic understanding of common conversational English to ask about how you liked the show and comment to you. Each member had a translator at their side which aided in ease of communication. Natsuki and I talked briefly about how much I enjoyed the concert. I thanked him for coming. He commented on my shirt. We shook hands, I thanked him again. Next I had Aki. Aki I just love! He was quite chatty. I of course told him I loved the concert. I told him I came from Canada to see him which (once translated) made him break out into a huge smile. He asked about the flights and our trip there. Apparently we took the same airline and pry would have passed each other in the airport if it had been on the same day! We chatted briefly about that. I told him he should come to Canada to play as we would love to have him here and he seemed excited about it and as I moved to the next member he said 'call me!'. Next was Tama. Tama was quieter then the 2 previous members. Not as much conversation, but we talked briefly about the show and I thanked him for coming. Next was Nao. Nao is another great talker! I of course told him how much I loved the show and how much I loved his energy. He has a great smile! We....I can't even remember all we talked about! I remember he commented on my chains and liked my outfit. I know we talked for a bit. I of course then thanked him and moved on to Zukki. Zukki is the quietest member - at least with me. He was polite, but kept conversation brief. I thanked him and then exited the area. Apparently I hold up lines a bit talking :p But it was SO great to talk to them and meet them up close. After exiting the area I discovered that there were autograph sessions both Saturday and Sunday for both bands so I would have a chance to see AYABIE for which I was grateful!
By now it was about 1AM or so and I was starved so it was back to the room (damn those 18 flights!) to download, eat and sleep!
Saturday was...hard to get up! After the traveling and then the concert I was exhausted As such.....I got to the AYABIE autograph....too late to line up. Depressed does not describe how I felt. That meant I had 1 chance left and would only be able to get 1 item signed. But, nothing to be done about it. So I changed out of my AYABIE shirt and into my -OZ- shirt and got in line for -OZ-!
-OZ- was a bit late to come out. We were allowed to take photos as they came out, but as with the concert, no flash allowed. And my cameras lag time is slow, so these are the only pics I got.
This time I brought the cd to get signed. The members were in the same order as after the concert. I greeted Natsuki with 'hello again!' and we talked again about the concert. He then started to tell me something and I was a little lost at first. Then, with help from the translator and him pointing at my finger I realized he was talking about one of my rings (it's a snake that wraps around 3 times). He was saying something like 'it goes around' and out of context I just wasn't cluing in! He seemed to quite like it. I then asked him if there were going to be any photo ops with the band (I had asked BABEL staff the night prior and they were looking into scheduling and said to check back). Natsuki didn't know, but asked his translator to find out for me. I thanked him and moved to Aki while she looked into it for me.
After our greeting Aki was immediately drawn to my hair (it's quite long) and asked me if it was my real hair. I informed it was and thanked him for the compliments on it. I also informed of my head banging difficulties (due to the length I can't really HB at concerts or I'd injure people...) He laughed. We talked a bit and I apologized that I would not be able to see him again at Sundays signing session (it was scheduled for 1pm and I was leaving at, yup, 1pm). He seemed a bit disappointed, but of course understood. I said 'bye' and moved to Tama.
When at Tama Natsuki's translator got my attention and informed me that unfortunately they were not able to slot a photo session with the band as there was just not the time to accommodate everyone who would want the opportunity While I understood I was disappointed. I had really hoped for a photo with -OZ-. Unfortunately this conversation happened while trying to talk to Tama and I feel like I was rude :/ I apologized to him and he didn't seem upset, but I still feel bad. As such, I still didn't really get to talk to him!
Next was Nao who recognized me and seemed happy to see me again. He also commented on my hair which made me smile. I also talked to him about not being able to see him tomorrow and was kindly informed they had scheduled a Q&A for that day at 5pm! I told him and the translator I would be there! Nao then asked if he could take my picture, which of course I was happy to allow (though fear seeing it in case it's awful, lol!). I thanked him and moved to Zukki.
Zukki was still....not really a talker. Not sure if it's me, or that's just him. But I thanked him again and said good bye.
After exciting the area I went in search of the room that the Q&A would be held so I'd know where to go line up. It was about 3pm then so I figured a quick bite to eat and then line up - I hadn't eaten yet that day. When I arrived at the room I discovered that AYABIE is having a Q&A there as well at 3:45 - so screw food, I lined up! I am so glad I checked that out first because if I had missed yet ANOTHER AYABIE event I would have been so upset.
The 45min passed quickly and I got a good spot for viewing. No photos were allowed during the session but they informed us at the end they would allow some photos of the band, though we could not pose with them. The session itself was fun, Yumehito is adorable and definitely likes the attention. I got to ask my question -though being typical me, took forever to think of anything and ended up with kind of a generic one. I gave them love from Canada and then I asked; " What do you like to do outside of music?" If I remember correctly; Takehito - Driving and Drinking, lol. Intetsu - Cooking and Tea Parties. Yumehito - his collection - I forget which fandom it was sorry! Kenzo- Sleeping and I forget what else - I am sorry! It'll come to me in the middle of the night now I'm sure.
Yumehito running out into the crowd.
A couple vids of the shoot taken by another fan:
After AYABIE left we were filed out and had to re-line up for -OZ-. The wait wasn't too long and we were filed back in. I got a decent seat again. I could see everything. No photos at all were allowed for the -OZ- Q&A. No photo session of the band after either. It was a good session. I didn't ask a question, though my previous question was asked. Tama: Drinking/Beer. Nao: Ramen. Natsuki: Otaku/ watch anime. Zukki: Fishing. Aki: Window Shopping and Driving. I think a few other things were mentioned but that's what I remember.
I have to say, the translators left a bit to be desired. For the AYABIE Q&A the one guy seemed to understand less than I did (and that's saying a lot). For -OZ- Natsuki helped a bit, getting the one guy to move to the other side of the group so Aki & Zukki didn't have to strain to hear them and then giving the guy who was stronger at translating the mic so we could actually hear him (props to Natsuki!).
And then, the session was over and I was, well bummed. That was my last chance to see them with our schedule. At this point it was getting into the evening and I was starved! So, ordered food. On the way down to the reception area I stopped at the washroom. When I came out I saw two guys at the top of the escalator and thought to myself, wow that guys hair looks a lot like Aki's ... OMG it's AKI AND NAO! So of course I was like HEY! And they were like HEY! You have never seen me so happy let me tell you! I NEVER get to run into the artists walking around at the cons, like I just never bump into them ( and I am always looking for them! -perhaps they avoid me....). I was really, really excited! I told them how happy I was to get to see them again before I flew back to Ontario and then how I had I really hoped to get a picture with the band, then proceeded to ask if I could take a photo with them. They were like 'sure!' - I am sure I was smiling like an idiot. So we then did the 'who's going to take it?!' look and thankfully snagged a con staffer to fit the bill. He very kindly also got rid of the photo bombers and took 2 shots (the first he was like , nope need to do that again!). Aki then asked if he could also take a pic with his camera, which of course I was like sure! We posed again. I thanked them so more. Told them I hoped I could see them when I went to Japan hopefully next year. More thank yous and excitement and random things. I then left them and went off to find my food. I sat down to eat in the main cross way and did they npt walk by again! I waved and they waved and smiled. Sadly that was the last I saw of them. And I did not chance upon any of the other bands members or any of AYABIE out and about. But having bumped into my 2 fav's and getting to actually talk to them and get the pic I was stoked. I have not posted this photo due to the stressing of 'NO PHOTOS' so often for this band and I don't want to step on any toes. If they post the photos first I'll share mine, but I don't want to get anyone in trouble. Sorry!
After 'breakfast/lunch/dinner' in one I was going to head to the dealers room only to discover it closed at 6pm on Saturday! OMG! So I went cosplay pic taking. Later hit the music vid room (AK after 10pm!) - I was a little disappointed in the selection. Old vids like ~ 10 years ago. I was hoping for more current stuff and maybe to see something new. Granted I didn't stay too long as a loud group came in and I figured we might as well just go listen to my own tunes in the room. I had to be up to not miss AYABIE for the last auto session!
Sunday, I got up. Didn't sleep the best (stressed about the flights back - I do NOT fly well). But therefore got ready in plenty of time and I checked out and then lined up, bags in tow to see AYABIE. They came out on time - and I was so slow with my camera that well, no pics of them coming out, lol! I got to go through the session - but wow, I was all screwed up. The girl in front of me had no merch from this concert. She had Ayabie's old cd - from the previous incarnation of the band. So they told her, no autographs but she could hand shake. She was trying to figure out what to do as she didn't bring any cash to the booth with her. While she was sorting out one of the management guys took my poster and started it down the line without me! So I'm standing there like...ARGGG! So I get around the girl and Kenzo has already finished the signing and is the translator is like 'is this yours?' I'm like yes and he hands it back so all I really got to say was thank you. This totally threw off my whole sense and I was all on the wrong vibe. Yumehito was next and he signed, I said thank you...I was so off!. I then got stuck because Intetsu was talking to the fan ahead of me (she had those cat ears that move on their own). So Intetsu finished with the girl, he was sweet but I was still too discombobulated to get my act together and just ended up thanking him. Takehito was the only one I managed to tell I liked the show! Bah, I wanted a do-over! Not the guys fault though, but wow, so did not go like I planned! But I got my poster signed and got to see them before I went, so at least that I suppose!
I wanted to hang about and see if I could catch -OZ- going to their session before I ran out for the Taxi. And while I tried, they didn't come out before I had to go. And so began the trek back home.
I can only hope they come back soon!
Lizz
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