Saturday 31 December 2011

NANA MIZUKI LIVE CASTLE 2011 -Queen's Night-

-Queen's Night- へようこそ!
Well as a special celebration of the New Year, here is my LIVE CASTLE -Queen's Night- entry finally! Only like a month late, whoops. I hope I'll be a little faster with -King's Night-, I'll definitely try to be.. Anyways, best of luck to Nana on Kouhaku Uta Gassen today! And now then...

<<WARNING! This is going to be a very very long entry, so make yourself comfortable and make sure you have some time before reading it. xD>>

Also as a point of note, this is not a very objective account - it's a personal account. So be prepared for me to mention how I loved hearing every song live in my account of all the songs haha and stuff like that. Also on another point of note, I tried to write about things exactly the way I thought that night. So some revelations on stuff and whatnot will be appearing on the -King's Night- entry and not here.



Goods
 

The first day of Heaven hajimaru yo~! Well, nearly. I had a really horrible morning. xD They already started selling the concert goods at 9 am so I woke up before 5 am so that I could be there pretty early. I looked out of my hotel room window and it was raining. Sigh. I bought an umbrella (a transparent one that made me feel very Japanese haha) on the way to Tokyo Dome, but even so my pants (=trousers for you Brits) were soaking wet when I got there and positioned myself in the queue that had already formed there. Oh man were my legs freezing when I was standing there and I really felt like shit. If this wasn't going to make me ill, I dunno what will... Anyway, the line started moving eventually. The queueing took so long that my pants managed to dry with me being underneath the umbrella and all, which I found really funny. I mean, I don't even know how it was possible for them to dry with the overall air being as humid as it was! xD Sadly though, once they had dried, this crazy stormy moment arrived and it was basically raining horizontally and I was sent to wet hell again. I was shivering all over with only the fact that my shoes were dry as my saving grace. I was actually quite impressed with my shoes - no matter how wet it was they stayed dry and my feet were just cold at most. The queue itself was also quite depressing, as whenever you thought you were getting rather near to the finish line, a new extra turn would present itself and to your dismay you'd realize there were lots more turns and zigzags left to go.. When I was finally really close to actually being near enough to actually see the place where they were selling the goods, my pants, that had dried yet again, got soaked even worse than they had so far that morning (I didn't even know it was possible for them to get any more wetter than what they had been >.<) AND suddenly my shoes decided to give up too and I could literally feel them fill up with water. Shit. I was feeling insanely shit at this point and was seriously wondering if any of this was really worth it. At least I was finally close enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel...

So close but still oh so far... T.T


I was really barely even alive the last hour of queueing. There were these steps close to the goods stand and hell bending my legs enough to get up them was nearly impossible. How pathetic. xD I just kept thinking "FUUUUUUU- How am I gonna jump around tonight at the concert with my legs not functioning?" Finally, after 6 hours of queueing in total, I managed to get my goods and I still had some time before meeting up with people to get my ticket(s). I decided to go to my hotel fast and take a bath. I was pretty sure that was the only thing that could possible save me. I somehow did manage to get back to my hotel without my legs giving in, and I was still just shivering all over when I was finally able to sink myself into my bathtub. Ahhh, the bliss! I wanted to stay in there forever. xD I couldn't stay for very long though, as I still needed to eat before the concert. Decided to have curry again as a tribute to Nana on this special day! <3


Tickets

Spotting the other overseas people at the meeting place was very easy, how surprising. xD In the end there was quite a decent number of us and I am really glad so many people were able to come show their support to Nana. Everyone was very nice too. ^^ I'm not really going to go into detail on the people here since this is my concert post and all so that shall be it for now at least. So anyways, I think my brain blew a fuse when I got my tickets - I just wanted to sprint of to Tokyo Dome screaming like a crazy happy person. But of course, I didn't. I have restraint you know. So then, once the tickets were all distributed, it was finally time to go....


Inside Tokyo Dome

Oh man, the stage looked amazing. Just seeing the Castle set on the stage made me super excited. Also, even though the venue was a really large one and we were on 2F I felt like we were closer than what I was expecting. I guess I thought that because on the live BD/DVDs Seibu Dome looks huuuugeeee (=spread out), and Tokyo Dome is even bigger. But better this way definitely! Also, I was amused at how they were playing Madonna's Like a Virgin. xD So yeah anyway, we were trying to guess what all Nana might do when the concert begins from the layout of the set and the items present. We were quite certain she would start the concert by appearing on the little balcony at the top of The Castle and were a bit let down by the fact that there seemed to be no wires around that would suggest something like a flying Nana coming close to 1F and 2F (Wahh, I wanna see Nana close even for a little moment ; ;). We came to the conclusion that she would have come up with something in any case and were waiting it with great anticipation. While we were contemplating the flow of the concert, I noticed that they had actually been playing Madonna the whole time. Wonder why that was? After I realized that, I became very conscious of the fact and it really made me want to know what the reason behind it was. xD The only thing I could come up with was that Nana really likes Madonna (which she does). I didn't have time to ponder on it for very long though because it was time for....


The Concert


The Opening video of Queen Nana arriving at her castle! So prettyyyyyy~! And she's so happyyyyy, I might die of happiness even before the concert starts.. x'D


SET LIST:
01. Brave Phoenix
02. ROMANCERS' NEO
03. TRANSMIGRATION
MC1
04. SECRET AMBITION
05. Mugen
Cherry Boys Showcase
06. POWER GATE
07. Aoi Iro
MC2
08. POP MASTER
09.7Colors
Team Yoda Showcase
10. Dancing in the velvet moon
11. Inside of Mind
MC3
12. Meikyuu Butterfly -diverse-
13. Junketsu Paradox
Guitarist Showcase
14. SCARLET KNIGHT
15. Phantom Minds
MC4
16. Synchrogazer
17. WILD EYES
Lion and Nana -video
18. UNBREAKABLE
19. Stay Gold
20. Tears' Night
21. Zankou no Gaia
MC5
22. ETERNAL BLAZE
Encore:
23. DISCOTHEQUE
24. Take a Chance
MC6
25. Astrogation
Encore II:
MC7

26. Ano Hi Yume Mita Negai
Shooting stuff


Before going on with the detail account of my experience of each of the songs, I'd like to take a moment to give a big thanks to NinaWolken, who played a big role in what I have put down for the MCs here since my memory on the order of things was a bit fuzzy (somehow that always happens after the concerts xD), though we're still not 100% sure we got everything right haha. So if anyone has things to add and stuff, let me know! And now...


Outfit #1 - The Queen
The ruler of my heart. <3



01. BRAVE PHOENIX
I so knew Nana was going to make an entrance from the balcony, I knew it!!!! Really fabulous start. Man, it's really amazing what sort of effect Nana's presence can have on a person. There I was, still slightly put down by my horrible morning and whatever else, but the moment Nana appeared and uttered her first word I felt like everything, absolutely everything, was worth it just for this moment. Such an amazing person. *ehum* Anyway... I am so happy she wore the same Queen outfit as in the opening movie, since it totally made this all part of the same story. And ah, starting with Brave Phoenix! I really love the way Nana sings this song - ah, the emotion Nana puts into it is amazing. Such a beautiful start to a beautiful night. This song really stirs a lot of emotions inside of me. The phrase in the song, "will we try, we'll be fine" means a lot to me, and man I really felt like crying when Nana sang that part. I've even based my own motto "feel me try, feel me fly" on it, since that's how I first heard it. xD It might be silly but it made me feel like finally someone truly appreciated my effort – like she was the only person in the world who truly understands how hard I try and appreciates it.


02. ROMANCERS' NEO
Ahhhh, when I heard that opening guitar I think my heart skipped a beat. Such a powerful opening to a song and it was great to see it so early on in the concert. I really like the different structures of this song and how Nana uses her voice so omg, hearing it live.... *explodes* Ha, and they showed scenes from the Magical Lyrical Girl Nanoha -game this song’s in (I assume) on the screens, which was nice considering how this song is in the new game. Feitooooo! I felt like squealing like a little girl when it was just Feito on the screen when Nana was singing that short slow emotional bit, ahhh so perfect. Though they could've had one screen for Nana close-ups so I could oggle at her at the same time too. xD Not that I am complaining though, really loved it!


03. TRANSMIGRATION
Well this I wasn't expecting at all and because of that it took me a moment to regain my bearings and actually realize that zomg she's singing TRANSMIGRATION!! Ahh, oh my god the audience calls for this were nuts. Like seriously. Doing them was like so hilariously fun, it got me totally pumped up and smiling like an idiot! I am glad I got to experience this - I mean who knows when she'd perform it again. Amy you were on my mind here, I really really wished with all my heart that I could've somehow shared this song with you. ; ;

MC1
Konbanwaaaaaa! Nana welcomes us to her castle! (≧▽≦)/  ついに、ついに東京ドームです! Oh man, I think all of us fans there were just so proud and so happy for her right at this moment. We were clapping like crazy for her and so many times. Nana said it was all like a dream and I was so unbelievably happy for her, like, it felt like it was my own personal achievement and not only Nana's. Really amazing how she can make you feel her happiness like that. It's definitely some sort of special power she has and I am definitely very vulnerable to its effect. xD Nana asked us if we all could see her and was all frantically waving on the stage. Waahhh, so cute!


04. SECRET AMBITION
I was definitely expecting this at some point tonight, because of THE MUSEUM II. I suspect that tomorrow might be MASSIVE WONDERS instead of this, since these two songs seem to go very much hand in hand (I must comment here that I really do love how the music video of one is the continuation of the other, brilliant idea!). It was great to get to hear this, as I have always loved the flow of this song and the way Nana sings it. I got shivers going down my spine when Nana sang the opening bit of this song. Also, Nana went around on her little cart during this song.


05. Mugen
Man when Nana started this, I got the shivers (again. xD I am sure this will happen a lot tonight). I've really been wanting to hear this live, as this is a really powerful song and I really really like the lyrics and how Nana sings it. I was so excited when the castle doors opened and smoke started flowing from there (I had really liked it when the stage and Nana herself had been engulfed in smoke when she had performed in LIVE ACADEMY before), since nothing makes a better Mugen atmosphere than that. I love how this brought like a different side to the Nana Queen - Not such a good kid after all, eh~~? ;)


Cherry Boys Showcase
愛の チェリボ KNIGHT! Woheeeyy, a new Cherry Boys song! God that video was hilarious! Hahahaha Cherry Boys dancing - it looked really psychedelic somehow. x'D Really enjoyable as was to be expected. Ryutan went all out on the "introductions" and the whole Cherry Boys was totally into it. When the introductions were done, we were in for a big surprise, namely...


Outfit #2 - Snow White (+ BALLOON)
This woman is crazy! xD



06. POWER GATE
OMFG HOT AIR BALLOON!!! Haha what the hell!! INSANE! We took the trouble to check that there were no wires anywhere before the concert started, so we came to the conclusion that Nana wouldn't be flying around. She one-upped us though. xD Okay so, technically it wasn't a hot air balloon (maybe more like a giant balloon?), but it floated of its own accord and there were people adjusting the height by tugging on ropes from below. She flew from in front of the 1st floor and 2nd floor seats, alternating between the two heights. I kept praying that she'd be at our level once she got to as far as where we were. xD Pleaaase Nana! Man the energy and psyched up atmosphere during this song was intense! Everyone was going wild! LOL I think I tried to shout too hard when she asked all the girls to sing "Woo-wo-oo POWER GATE" since my voice totally died in the middle of it for a few seconds. Whoops. xD



07. Aoi Iro
When POWER GATE ended when Nana was still just halfway around the dome with her balloon, I really wondered what song she'd pull up for the second half of her round trip. I mean it had to be something energetic that would keep the psyched up mood of POWER GATE up and I came to the conclusion that it must be, but didn't dare hope, Ao.... YES AOI IRO!! Can't describe how happy this made me. I mean, Aoi Iro is one of the top songs I use to bring myself up when I'm down in the dumps. Getting a chance to sing the "baby"s and "maybe"s with Nana was so exhilarating. I was so so mega happy. I was a bit disappointed though when Nana's balloon descended a little while before reaching the spot where we were sitting so I thought we won't really get to see her that close, but HOLY HELL, SHE PULLED UP RIGHT IN FRONT OF US!!! YAAAAAYYYY!! And omg did we wave like crazy. xD Nana, I love you. <3


MC2
Nana talked about how she had wanted to come up with some way to get close to 1F and 2F as well during the concert and had come to the conclusion that flying was the only way to achieve that in such a big venue as Tokyo Dome! So hence, the balloon! \o/ Such a brilliant idea in my opinion! I am so amazed at how amazing Nana always makes everything. She then went on to announce her participation in Kouhaku Uta Gassen this year again! Yay! I am so happy for her. (T^T) I really hope the women's team wins this time - Nana deserves a win! She also announced that the 2nd song on her Synchrogazer would serve as the theme song of the drama, Switch Girl! Woo! And that she would be the narrator of the series (for a brief moment we sort of wished she'd maybe act in it too). Such a proper Nana Xmas with all these "presents" (aka announcements). xD She was worried about how she'll manage since it will be her first time being involved in a TV drama. Awww. <3


08. POP MASTER
YES POP MASTER! I was sort of expecting this to come up during the encore, but considering the energized atmosphere after POWER GATE + Aoi Iro combo, I do have to admit this was the perfect moment for this song. POP MASTER has to be one of the most fun live songs due to audience calls and Nana's moves. Getting to shout "YES!" for her makes me somehow just so wonderfully happy. And I really love her special POP MASTER jump and the way she moves during "diving, diving, diving" and "gliding, gliding, gliding" - it is pleasing to the eye. :3 I am really glad I got to experience this again now that the calls and moves for it have been "set in stone" so to say. Also I have to say that at this point I started wondering what songs we'd be getting in the encore, considering she just gave us the royal flush (hehe royal) of encore songs at this point - POWER GATE, Aoi Iro and POP MASTER.


09. 7Colors
Man I really liked the stage effects for this song with the rainbow on the castle steps and whatnot. Really went well with the song! Also the "dwarf" dancers around Snow White Nana here was really awesome to watch. xD This is definitely such a feel good song. I really couldn't help feeling very very happy at this point. I was exactly where I was meant to be. 


Team Yoda Showcase
Slightly disappointed that Team Yoda was not actually on stage during this showcase, but the disappointment was soon replaced by an overload of cuteness when Nana started the introductions. Her 1,2,1,2,3,4s were so kawaaaaiiii. The introductory story to the scenario was funny too, and in English! x'D I loved it. The Maido Team Yoda was really letting it loose here too. I loved their entrances - especially Shizuka's and now I can't remember the other's name... anyway, they poked their heads out from behind a door before coming out to dance solos. The song here was soooo cute too. I think I will eventually need an mp3 of it. Then the video ended and it was time for something that really caught me off-guard..


Outfit #3 - Bunny Girl
This right after the cuteness was too much for my weak heart..




10. Dancing in the velvet moon
OH. MY. GOD. I think I died and went to heaven momentarily when I heard the intro for Dancing in the velvet moon begin (I really love this song + the dance) AND saw that Nana was wearing a bunny girl outfit. A Nana version of a bunny girl outfit, that is. 
奈々ちゃん、本当にありがとうございます!m( _ _ )m
I can die as a happy dirty old geezer now. Too bad I missed some of the dance when it began since I was frantically trying to find my red glow stick that had magically disappeared (as had all the others I had). Decided to give up and focus on the Goddess instead. This song is always so amazing to look at, I have to say I was really overjoyed to see it live now. Also, when they began the song + dance, this square stage started moving them from the stage to the middle of the arena. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to dance while moving along like that. Respect!


11. Inside of Mind
Holy hell I couldn't believe my ears when this started, I was just like "OMG REALLY?!" haha. I have liked this song for such a long time (yay Nana English, how I love you <3) and I love the choreograph, so I've been hoping to see it, but for some reason doubted that I would. Man I was so happy. Nana, thank you! ; ; The only down side to this was that they skipped my top favorite part of the dance lmao. xD I was waiting for that double butt shake with huge excitement, but it never came - they used that moment to switch formation so that they were facing the other side of the dome. I forgive Nana for it though, they skipped it for a good cause. Plus at least I got to see and hear this live, that's what's important foremost. ^^  


MC3
回って! Mawatteeeeee!! With such an outfit on, we of course had to do the mawatte -calls here, no question about it. xD Nana is always so cute when she is "declining" but then gives in and does it anyway. This time she gave us quite the treat - a special bunny hop mawatte. Pyon~! Pyon~! Pyon~! OMG, I think my heart just exploded. (*´д`*) We of course called for a second time and thus we got to witness this amazing cuteness a second time! Ahhh~~! Anyways, to the actual context of the MC... Nana was saying that for this special occasion she decided to go with a more sexy outfit and I have to say I am definitely not complaining - Nana looks soooooo gorgeous and I really love her version of a bunny girl. I really really do. (T^T) She was also saying that this year in the Xmas episode (New Year?) of Smile-gang she would have to face more "adult" punishment games. OoooOooh! Then Nana went on to say that it was time for a very nostalgic song and thus began...


12. Meikyuu Butterfly -diverse-
I really fell in love with this version when I got my THE MUSEUM II and I was really looking forward to hearing it live and with good cause - it was amazing. ^^ I love how you can hear how much Nana has developed along the years as a singer when she sings an old song like this (kinda like when she sang Supersonic Girl at Niigata during LIVE JOURNEY, wao!), really takes my breath away. At this point the "dance stage" started moving again so that by the end of the song Nana was at the other end of the dome.


13. Junketsu Paradox
Ahhhh, somehow Nana singing this while dressed as a bunny girl was so fitting - purehearted paradox indeed. xD Used my red glow stick here then since I found my glow sticks again after Dancing in the velvet moon (lol started keeping them in my pocket after that so I don't lose them again). Hearing Nana's ahhhs in this song live like this really made me melt. I really love the way she sings this song. Halfway through the song the stage started to move back towards the center and once the song finished Nana disappeared.


Guitarist Showcase
Ahahaha, the Three Guitarists instead of the Three Musketeers - epic! xD I always seriously have to admire all these ideas they come up with for Nana's concerts, really great stuff. Really loved the part when they moved to the middle part with Kenny walking down the aisle and the others taking the little carts to get there. Amazing guitar playing ensued and I really wasn't prepared for the grand finale at all - blazing guitars! The tips of their guitars lit up in explosions. Truly stunning. While they made their way back to the stage a string orchestra made their way to the stage. Yay! :3


Outfit #4 - Ring Master
Naahahaa, the shorts! Love them. :3



14. SCARLET KNIGHT
Oh my gooooooood, it's unbelievable how strong an effect the opening bells of SCARLET KNIGHT have on me. I seriously felt like crying here, I was so thankful to get to hear this song again, the one that was the first song I ever heard live from Nana. I can't describe how much this song has grown to mean to me, because of that. It marks a huge turning point in my life - the moment when I could finally start making dreams come true. But now, enough of my sentimentality! Ahhhh, the outfit she had changed to for this!! Ring master Nana! Haha, reminded me of  the mouse from Dumbo (lots of Disney influences in this concert, nee? Or then I just have Disney on the brain). xD Really really love this outfit. And ah, the shorts. <3 I was so happy she even had a sword, definitely brought something extra to SCARLET KNIGHT. Also, having the the string orchestra for this - man I was totally euphoric to hear the  violin bits live. Must learn them soon myself!!


15. PHANTOM MINDS
Yay, PHANTOM MINDS!! Experiencing the emotion that Nana always puts into this song live was simply stunning. Really made me bad I haven't had time to make the AMV I've been planning for this song yet. I definitely do feel more driven to do it now after hearing this live, though I also feel that I am unworthy of using this song after hearing Nana sing it so beautifully. (T^T)


MC4
Presentation of the strings orchestra. Turns out the lead violinist from LIVE GRACE has graced us with his presence yet again! The other strings players left the stage and he stayed while Nana explained that he had now joined the Cherry Boys! Now because of this, he needed a nickname! Nana thought about it and decided on Monsieur (We all heard it as "Mushu" though at first, made me think that man tonight is very Disney-influenced xD haha)! Then we cheered for him! Now Nana asked us if we're getting hot and if we're ready to make the temperature rise yet again! She then declared she has a special surprise for us and started...


16. Synchrogazer
Oh my gaaaawd. This song blew my mind during the intro already. I seriously had to think for a second "Wow what happened to me just now?" haha unbelievably amazing. This song was really hard to follow with the pen light when you're not familiar with it, as the tempo kept on alternating between fast and slow unexpectedly and that confused the hell out of what you were supposed to be doing haha. I was seriously so blown away by this experience that after it was over, I had no recollection of how the song goes. xD So can't wait to experience this again tomorrow night!


17. WILD EYES
When the intro for this started I was like "Really?" lol I've been getting surprised easily tonight. xD I was really happy to hear this live, since after watching Basilisk this song has been charged with a lot of emotion for me. A very good choice for -Queen's Night- in my opinion especially considering her role in Basilisk and all. Oborooooo-donooo! Ehum. Man this was a very powerful piece to hear live, I am really impressed. Also holy hell, Monsieur's violin solo at the end! That was amazingly beautiful, really touched me deeply. I am so grateful I got to experience this. m( _ _ )m


Nana + Lion Short movie
The beginning of this really took my breath away. They had taken advantage of the dome shaped ceiling and projected a really lovely starry sky on there. Proper planetarium feeling. Really really looked so amazing and so beautiful. That sort of atmosphere stayed for a while until the actual story started taking place. Then it was replaced with slight confusion as the video and the story were very intriguing. The story was the same as what was on the first type of T-shirt and the mugs (with slight alteration on context depending on King or Queen. I'll use the Queen mug version for this) on the concert merchandise and went like this:

"Once, when heroes ruled the world, nothing separated the sky and the ground. Imperceptibly, a lion settled in the brilliant stars' sky. The lion began to disturb orbits with his brute nails. Seven heroes were fighting against the lion in the sky. But heroes didn't have any chance to beat the Gods' blood lion. The queen with the legend sword showed up there and held it up toward the sky. Seven stars got together on the legend sword and sparkled. Light from the sword that the queen swung down hit a gem on the lion's brow. When the queen gently touched the lion's brow, the lion brightened and spread out seven wings. Then, the queen and the white lion were praised as Gods and became a shining constellation."

This is the sort of thought pattern the events of the video awakaned in me -> Oh Lion King -> Aladdin Balcony -> Nana dressed as Saber Lily (from Fate-series). Hahaa, warrior woman Nana really kicked ass! The Lion really got to us though (it became a reoccuring theme in our conversations after the concert xD) and I was saying that now that Nana flew off on it's back in the video she better appear on the Lion for the next song or I will be very disappointed. And then Nana was revealed when the intro for the next song began...


Outfit #5 - Warrior + Lion
OMG!! xD


18. UNBREAKABLE
OMG YES NANA APPEARED ON THE RAINBOW WINGED LION (Haha Nana had even changed to a similarly colored dress)!!! You have no idea how much satisfaction that brought to my soul. And then on top of that she was singing UNBREAKABLE that has grown to mean so much to me lately, since it's the song I listen to to keep my mind focused on my goal and to remind me why I need to suffer through all this double shift crap and what not. So..... Nana standing on rainbow winged lion + UNBREAKABLE = complete and instant gratification. Ahahahaa, the elation this made me feel. xD I can die happy now. Or maybe not. I want to still experience Nana many many times more. <3 But yes, I am seriously happy and grateful she sang UNBREAKABLE, I was thinking she might not but was hoping she would - so thank you for answering my wishes Nana!


19. Stay Gold
Ahhhhh, thank you for having Monsieur here for this! The Stay Gold intro melody really is very amazing to me. I wanna learn to play that soon too. (T^T) Such a proper continuation after UNBREAKABLE too - these songs go very well together, in my mind anyway. xD I was really looking forward to hearing Stay Gold live so much! Nana definitely fulfilled all the high expectations I had of it and went even beyond!


20. Tear's Night
Ahhh, thank you for this chance to hear the violin of Tear's Night live Nana (lol I am thanking every violin bit xD)! It's unbelievable how excited little things like this make me, but what can I say - I really like the structure of this song and the different melodies in it. The balance between Nana, violin bits and everything else is just perfect. Really very beautiful to hear live. I am glad The LIVE GRACE violin master joined the Cherry Boys for the rest of the concert!


21. Zankou no Gaia
Yeeessssss! I wasn't expecting to get to experience this again, I am so happy (considering how often I've said this already, we can only wonder what WAS I expecting then? lol)! I was totally on fire saying all the "Yeeeesssssssss"s for Nana. Man this song always makes me smile. It's really contagious, the energy that Nana puts into it and this time was no different. Happy happy yay yay! o(^-^)o


MC5
Nana says that even though she has ridden many vehicles and such in her concerts before, she had never thought she would be singing on a Lion. Really a lot of unbelievable things tonight with this and the balloon before! Nana's really been going all out. She asked us then to make Tokyo Dome the shiniest place on earth for the very special next song...


22. ETERNAL BLAZE
Holy hell did I feel poop about myself, since I had no orange light left for this, since I couldn't stop myself using it for UNBREAKABLE. Gomen'ne Nanachan, I will make amends tomorrow night. m( _ _)m But yeah man, Nana saving this for last really made it all the more special. I was just really touched and so happy for Nana again. Getting to shout "ETERNAL BLAZE!" for her again, in Tokyo Dome, was really special. I'm surprised I didn't kill my voice with that considering how much power and effort I put into it. Better this way though, so I can still give a full input tomorrow night for -King's Night-. xD


Encore call!
Nana definitely kept us waiting for a long time (very understandable, she must have been in dire need of a little rest), but then it was time for...

Outfit #6 - Encore
Miniskirt for Queen, I am betting tomorrow night we'll see minishorts! >:D



23. DISCOTHEQUE
OMG! I had totally forgotten about DISCOTHEQUE when I was wondering about encore songs earlier! Nuuu, forgive me Nana! D: Nana appeared from the left side of the stage on a huge crown cart thing (for some reason I thought it was the balloon again, new glasses ftw? xD) and started going around the arena with that. She was wearing a miniskirt and I couldn't help but think "yep minishorts tomorrow!". She also had a button (pin) on her skirt that I couldn't see well enough to read what it said from the screens or anything. It just kept catching my attention. Anyways, DISCOTHEQUE! I was bummed I hadn't bought a pink glow stick now.. D: But I hope I made up to it with my very enthusiastic CHURU-CHURU-PAYA-PAs. I really love this song and Nana being all happy when she sings it. <3


24. Take a Chance

OoooOo Take a Chance! This definitely kept the all energized atmosphere of DISCOTHEQUE up. Perfect combination of songs yet again, like all evening. (≧ω≦)b Listening to Nana sing this really made me grateful for all the chances I had been taking and the results I've been gaining. Keep giving me guidance Nana! m( _ _ )m During this song Nana finished her lap with the big crown cart and was back on stage.


MC6
Nana thanks us for the encore call and then it is Shassu time! Talked about Smile-gang reaching its 500th broadcast and laughed about how a long time ago when Smile-gang began they did something in front of Tokyo Dome and how she then would never have thought she'd actually be holding a live inside it (I think? My Japanese is imperfect so I am not sure xD). Nana then announced hat a special program would be shown about LIVE CASTLE on NHK on her birthday! I really hope I can find some way to watch that.. *cries*


25. Astrogation
Yay! Hearing Astrogation always makes me feel nice and fuzzy inside, since it holds a lot of memories for me thanks to our final game project.  I was very happy to get to hear it again. o(^-^)o Nana walked down the middle aisle a short distance during this song and then she was raised up on a very little platform similar to the one she had in LIVE GAMES, though this time it looked like she had no little support thing at all? Wuut?! I really hope I'm just blind and Nana's not risking her safety like that. (゚Д゚|||) Waah, fireworks from the castle! What am amazing spectacle and grand finish to the encore. xD


Nana, Cherry Boys, Team Yoda and Strings orchestra gathered on stage for thanks and greetings. Even in as big a place as Tokyo Dome Nana's "Thank you!" without microphone could be heard all around. She is Wonder Woman. <3 They all left the stage then and the lights went out, but we weren't done yet...


2nd Encore call!


MC7
Nana thanked us for calling her out again. She then proceeded to tell us a little story on how she broke her PC and lost her CDs that she had on it in the progress, woops. She had to copy them all again and explained that looking at the jackets of her old releases she remembered how Tokyo Dome had been such a distant dream to her that she thought would be impossible to achieve. But even back then, she had decided that she would be making that dream true. And thus the next song was...


26. Ano Hi Yume Mita Negai
Such a fitting song to end such a special day. I mean, that was the main essence of Nana's live at Tokyo Dome - a wish she dreamed that day many years ago. I felt really emotional from the moment this song began till the very end and I am sure singing it here in Tokyo Dome was really emotional for Nana too. A really beautiful experience this song was. Really touched me somewhere in the farthest depths of my heart. I'm really proud of you Nana. <3

Shooting stuff
Oops forgot to write about this at first. Looked at my post just now and thought that hmm Nana's concerts never end right after a song.. o shi-! xD Anyways, For LIVE CASTLE Nana was shooting... wait for it.... little lion plushies! Oh my god I want one! That Lion she rode was so epic that I want to engrave its presence into my brain forever. But of course being on 2F, I had no chance to get one. I was surprised too at how Nana only shot one into 1F too - I was expecting more like in LIVE DIAMOND and LIVE GAMES. But very understandable though, she must've just wanted to get things over with at that point, I am sure pulling off a concert of such magnitude and amazingness as tonight was has probably worn her out completely. In any case, I didn't want her to leave afterwards. (^_^;)

After Concert
After the concert I went to eat dinner with NinaWolken and it was really fun to get to talk to someone to whom Nana means so much too. We definitely had a lot to talk about. A very great way to end a very amazing night! I learned more things about Japanese etiquette from her too. In any case, -King's Night- coming up next! Look forward to my next entry! I really swear I'll be faster this time.. xD

2 comments:

  1. Fellow Live Castler reporting in! Awesome report, different than what I'm used to, which is great. Definitely helped to re-capture some of the feelings that I had forgotten that I had during the live, and also compare to how I might have felt differently at various points of the night. Really has made me think about keeping a log of my thoughts after lives as well, because I barely remember my first time seeing Nana live. So jealous of how easily you pull back to that magical moment.

    The translations of the MCs helped a lot too, as I feel no shame (okay, maybe SOM-a LOT of shame) in saying that my Japanese is woeful at best, so I only got a general gist of what she was talking about, and knowing for sure is infinitely helpful.

    All your attention on the violin parts fascinates me, as that's also what I usually focus on. Particularly seeing Dai-sensei (I still thought we were calling him Mushu until I read this post LOL) become part of the Cherry Boys was amazing, as he's been part of Minori Chihara's band (another seiyuu artist I'm a big fan of) for a good few years now. He's living my dream basically, of working with both of my goddesses, playing one of my favorite instruments. Anyways, back to my original point - do you play violin? I used to, and have always meant to get back to it, in fact, I've got a new set of strings next to me, I've just been too lazy to get around to restringing.

    Would be pretty awesome to know another Nana fan who plays and focuses on (obviously) the best instrument in Nana's songs. I would definitely guess you're much better than I am though if you do, since I'm at least 5 years out of practice, and from your comments it seems like you know how to play quite a few of Nana's song's violin parts already.

    This comment's gotten pretty long, since I tend to ramble, so I'll leave it here, but suffice to say 1) advance warning I never use Facebook, in case you were wondering why it took so long for me to add you back, and 2) sincerely looking forward to your King's Night report!

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  2. Thank you! I am really glad you liked the approach I used. I was actually worried that it would make reading it too tedious, since due to it my entry is so loooooong. Hearing it had that effect on you makes me happy, because reliving and sharing amazing memories is the main purpose I strive for. If you ever decide to take up writing your experiences it would definitely be very lovely to read and compare! I try not to forget my thoughts and emotions before I write, but afterwards I start forgetting as well - which is why it is nice to have these reports to go back to.

    I definitely know the feeling - my Japanese is not as good as I'd like it to be for sure. That's why I had to check things with Nina first. She's the one who did research on Dai-sensei's nickname too and realized we had been on the wrong track with Mushu, haha.

    Wow, really? Here I thought I was the only one who was in love with the violin in Nana's songs. It's really great to see someone who shares my sentiment! I didn't know Dai-sensei plays in Minori Chihara's band too. To be honest, I don't actually think I've heard many of her songs, but I have always liked her as a seiyuu though. Perhaps I should make amends! I definitely agree with you on Dai-sensei living a dream I have as well.

    So yep, I do play the violin. Though my situation is pretty similar to yours - I used to play, but then quit for many many years and only last summer when I bought myself an electric violin (easier to play in an apartment building since it's quieter) did I start again. I've had the fortune of getting myself a really great teacher whose teaching me many different styles of playing (jazz, blues, etc) and she's taken it upon herself to train me in playing and writing notes by ear. We're actually using NAKED FEELS as the song I am writing notes to at the moment (going by Nana's singing melody). So currently I can only play that and a little bit of Astrogation (and just ramble at how I'd want to learn everything else too). Hopefully once I get a hang of the play by ear thing, I can proceed with other songs a lot faster. Once I get better and you get back into playing the violin it would be great to play Nana's songs as a violin duet! Maybe could even send her a recording/video. ^^

    Haha good to know, I was thinking that maybe you wanted to keep your friends at 77 on Facebook or something. xD And thank you, I'll start cracking on -King's Night- soon!

    Also, thank you very much for the comment! I really appreciate your thoughts on my report and I am so happy that I have someone I can go on about the violins in songs now! Too bad we didn't realize this in Japan, but better late than never. Next time we can revel on the beauty together then. ^^

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