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| Second night of Live Grace -Opus II- hajimarimasu~! (Yes, same picture as on previous post but face it - Nana with violin is so wonderful~~) |
(For report on first night of LIVE GRACE 2013 -Opus II- go [here])
<<WARNING! Very long entry again and gets a bit emotional near the end. Hazukashii... (>_<;)>>
Before Concert
Before the concert I went to eat Nana SP curry for the first time with some friends. We totally had a makeshift picnic inside the underground mall. I was really excited to get to taste this curry finally and I was not disappointed. It was really delicious~~ (*-*) The only downside was that it was gone too soon... orz I hope I will get to eat this deliciousness again. And on that note... why haven't I had this before? Anyways, before throwing the containers away, I took off the Nana SP sticker and stuck it in my calendar as a memento, buahah.
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| Medium hot Nana curryyy~ |
Inside Saitama Super Arena
Today, my seat was again on the C row, block 1 this time so the one closest to the side. I was prepared for my view tonight to be worse than yesterday, but to my surprise I saw the main stage decently well and even had a better view of the middle stage even though I was farther from it than yesterday. The biggest source of my delight however was the fact that I was only 3 seats away from the very side of my row - meaning that Nana would pass from right beside me with her carriage. Just thinking about it makes me shiver. :3 Then in other news - that song that was playing. Again. Couldn't remember who's or what song it was tonight either. God it is going to bug me so bad.... Why can't I remember?? (>_<)
(For anyone who's interested in this trivial piece of information, the song and artist came to me way later when I was randomly watching television at home - it was Sarah Brightman's [Deliver Me])
The Concert
Same drill as yesterday - the orchestra appears on stage to tune their instruments. This time there is no funny text on the screens about Nana being ready and instead we go straight to the opening movie. Since I explained it in detail in my entry about the first night, I won't go into it this time. You can read about the Nana version of The Nutcracker from here if you haven't yet: [1月19日].
SETLIST
01. Zankou no Gaia
02. SCARLET KNIGHT
MC1
03. Juliet
04. Replay Machine -Custom-
05. Risouron
MC2
06. Lovely Fruit
07. Hoshikuzu Symphony
-Insert video DISCOTHEQUE-
08. Avalon no Oukan
MC3
09. Suki!
MC4
MC4
10. Deep Sea
MC5
MC5
11. Darling Plastic
MC6
MC6
12. TRANSMIGRATION
13. BRAVE PHOENIX
MC7
MC7
14. Pray
15. Kiseki no Melodia
16. Koi no Yokushiryoku
MC8
MC8
17. BRIGHT STREAM
MC9
MC9
18. Innocent Starter
MC10
MC10
19. ETERNAL BLAZE
MC11
MC11
20. Yume no Tsudzuki
I was worried that recounting the MCs for tonight would be problematic due to taking so long with this entry (plus there were a lot more MCs than in normal lives orz), but many things came to me surprisingly easy. Here's to hoping I didn't make any stuff up, ahahahahahaha. Nanchatte~ Ehum. ANYWAY. Onwards to the details!
01. Zankou no Gaia
Yeeesssss! Like yesterday, the chandelier was brought up and Nana appeared underneath on her tall pedestal. Tonight I was able to concentrate on enjoying the song more than on worrying that she would fall from the pedestal with her big dress, haha. xD My body was pumping with energy ready for the rest of the night thanks to the powerful beginning this song brings with it~
-Insert video DISCOTHEQUE-
Won't delve into this video either, as I described in my previous post so go here to read it: [1月19日]! I will mention however, that I just can't get enough of that geeky geek Nana.. Ahh~!
Okay, this is going to be a pretty long account. Sorry about that. I just want to try and recount my feelings as accurately as possible, because this was unlike anything I have ever felt or experienced before.
Firstly about myself - I am the sort of person who wants to appear pretty tough in public so I rarely show emotion with others around. Even now when I have said that Risouron made me cry, I have only meant a tear or two because that's just the sort of person I am. I don't let loose more than that. But...
The moment Nana plucked the first note on the harp, tears started uncontrollably flowing from my eyes. I could not stop it no matter how much I tried. It was like that one note effortlessly broke down all the walls I have spent all my life building around me, baring me and the person I am inside completely in this moment. This has never happened to me before. I felt so vulnerable, but at the same time I felt it was okay. When Nana started singing, the flow of tears just got stronger and I was completely mesmerized by her hands plucking away at the strings unwavering but not confident, yet her voice was not noticeably shaking. It felt to me that Nana was singing this song to us to thank us for always being there for her during her journey so far and that she was still going on with everyone, and her harp playing was the gift she wanted to give us to emphasize how grateful she felt for everyone.
When Nana reached the instrumental part however, things started falling apart. She made a very huge mistake in her playing and even stopped completely, hanging her head down. For a fraction of a second this all-enveloping fear gripped my heart - maybe she was not going to continue? I, and everyone else, started shouting words of encouragement to Nana telling her to go on and that it was okay and what she was doing meant the world to us. Nana lifted her head and started playing again from where she left off. And I started to cry even more now, because of this woman who is always trying so hard. It made me feel like the way I always try so hard too, especially for the people I love, is maybe not in vain either after all. It was also making me feel that following my dreams was the right thing to do, I felt reassured. Through this song Nana was giving me peace of mind about things I have not properly told anyone about and have carried with me alone. Okay, that all sounds really cheesy, but I really did feel like that...
Nana kept making small mistakes for the rest of the song, but she kept going with her head held high making it very clear to everyone that the woman we love is not the sort of person that lets little things like that get her down. Once she played the last note, everyone burst into cheers and kept shouting many thank yous to Nana and tears started flowing from her eyes as well. She had conquered yet another challenge.
Thus, tonight comes to an end as well and Nana bids us farewell.
After Concert
I still couldn't stop the tears from flowing. It took all my will power to dry my eyes while I was stuck in the crowd trying to exit Saitama Super Arena. Luckily I had to go around nearly the whole building so I had a lot of time to compose myself. My composure didn't last for very long though. I was a fool and started messaging my friend about Nana and the harp while I was sitting on the train on my way back home. I should have known that it would still have such a strong effect on me. So yeah, I was crying like a baby on the metro. orz To everyone else on the train - I am so sorry for acting like a gaijin with no manners, but there was nothing I could do about it apart from trying to hide behind the freebie Nana flyers I had with me. My friend pondered how anyone could keep going and trying for so long and I told her that this was the exact reason why I admire Nana so much. Telling all this to my friend made her say that she thinks she is starting to understand me more and more. (=´▽｀)ゞ
I was worried that recounting the MCs for tonight would be problematic due to taking so long with this entry (plus there were a lot more MCs than in normal lives orz), but many things came to me surprisingly easy. Here's to hoping I didn't make any stuff up, ahahahahahaha. Nanchatte~ Ehum. ANYWAY. Onwards to the details!
Outfit #1 - Belle/Princess
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| Helloo, sneakily bare stomach~ |
01. Zankou no Gaia
Yeeesssss! Like yesterday, the chandelier was brought up and Nana appeared underneath on her tall pedestal. Tonight I was able to concentrate on enjoying the song more than on worrying that she would fall from the pedestal with her big dress, haha. xD My body was pumping with energy ready for the rest of the night thanks to the powerful beginning this song brings with it~
02. SCARLET KNIGHT
Man these bells get me every time... *shivers* I really can't stop repeating that every time I happen to hear this song live. Gomen. :3 I was so seriously grateful and happy that I got to hear this amazing orchestral version again. Nana just keeps on making this song more special for me every time I get to hear it~
Man these bells get me every time... *shivers* I really can't stop repeating that every time I happen to hear this song live. Gomen. :3 I was so seriously grateful and happy that I got to hear this amazing orchestral version again. Nana just keeps on making this song more special for me every time I get to hear it~
MC1
Welcome to the second night of LIVE GRACE -Opus II-! Nana was saying how she thought she should be graceful and reserved for an orchestral live, but I think someone said to her (maybe Fujino-san?) that she should just go all out with the Hey! Hey! Hey!s and whatnot like usual so that's what she will do~ Time to pass the mic to Fujino-san again! Like last night, he starts his speech with shouting out his Nana FC member number, haha, and launches into the story of being surprised by our synchronized penlights (leaving out the mention of North Korea tonight lol) and of Nana being an amazing woman who doesn't use teleprompter and how no one else uses sheets either.
Welcome to the second night of LIVE GRACE -Opus II-! Nana was saying how she thought she should be graceful and reserved for an orchestral live, but I think someone said to her (maybe Fujino-san?) that she should just go all out with the Hey! Hey! Hey!s and whatnot like usual so that's what she will do~ Time to pass the mic to Fujino-san again! Like last night, he starts his speech with shouting out his Nana FC member number, haha, and launches into the story of being surprised by our synchronized penlights (leaving out the mention of North Korea tonight lol) and of Nana being an amazing woman who doesn't use teleprompter and how no one else uses sheets either.
03. Juliet
I had a lot of fun during this song tonight, as it seemed that the people right around me didn't know the calls for this song ("L-O-V-E lovely Nana-chan" etc) so they were pretty surprised when this random gaijin in their midst knew what she was doing. xD I was again super happy and smiley hearing this old song from the current Nana, especially every time she said to smile for a Juliet. When Nana tells you to smile you just have to smile, you know... involuntary reflex. :3
I had a lot of fun during this song tonight, as it seemed that the people right around me didn't know the calls for this song ("L-O-V-E lovely Nana-chan" etc) so they were pretty surprised when this random gaijin in their midst knew what she was doing. xD I was again super happy and smiley hearing this old song from the current Nana, especially every time she said to smile for a Juliet. When Nana tells you to smile you just have to smile, you know... involuntary reflex. :3
04. Replay Machine -Custom-
I was so so so unbelievably happy that this came again tonight. If this wouldn't be on the BD/DVD.... (>_<) Again, the moment the orchestra started playing the strong shivers started going down my spine and wouldn't stop before the song did. I was talking about this with a friend later and he fittingly said that you listen to Nana's live with your whole body. Though this orchestral version of Replay Machine -Custom- makes me feel it more "violently" and on a whole different level than what I usually do. :3
I was so so so unbelievably happy that this came again tonight. If this wouldn't be on the BD/DVD.... (>_<) Again, the moment the orchestra started playing the strong shivers started going down my spine and wouldn't stop before the song did. I was talking about this with a friend later and he fittingly said that you listen to Nana's live with your whole body. Though this orchestral version of Replay Machine -Custom- makes me feel it more "violently" and on a whole different level than what I usually do. :3
05. Risouron
The moment I had been waiting for.... came again! Ahhh~! The tears were falling again tonight too. Maybe slightly more than last night probably due to the fact that I knew I would not be hearing it again tomorrow after this. :3 I was again completely absorbed into the world of the song and Nana's mesmerizing movements on the stage. At this moment I was so very sure that this would without a doubt be the best moment for me in these two days, getting to finally hear Nana sing Risouron, but she pulled a fast one on me... as you will find out later on in this post.
The moment I had been waiting for.... came again! Ahhh~! The tears were falling again tonight too. Maybe slightly more than last night probably due to the fact that I knew I would not be hearing it again tomorrow after this. :3 I was again completely absorbed into the world of the song and Nana's mesmerizing movements on the stage. At this moment I was so very sure that this would without a doubt be the best moment for me in these two days, getting to finally hear Nana sing Risouron, but she pulled a fast one on me... as you will find out later on in this post.
MC2
Again talk about how long ago it has been that the album Juliet is from, Magic Attraction, was released. Nana stutters again when saying the years - more playfully than yesterday. I think tonight Nana talked about talking to the Olympics winner who was on stage during her performance in Kouhaku Uta Gassen and how Nana was surprised at how big of an otaku and fan she is. xD Then Nana mentions that it is her birthday tomorrow and cue in the birthday song! Ah the exhilaration of getting to sing Happy Birthday to Nana again~ a new cake is brought out for Nana-san during the song, one that this time has some of the notes for ETERNAL BLAZE decorated on it and instead of seven candles there is one candle shaped like a seven + a little Nanette on it. This time Nana asks us how many years she's turning and everyone shouts "SEVENTEEN!" for her. Sneaky woman, saying it herself on the night that won't be on BD/DVD and getting us to say it on the night that will be. :p
Nana disappeared shortly after the cake, for her quick change of clothes to..
Again talk about how long ago it has been that the album Juliet is from, Magic Attraction, was released. Nana stutters again when saying the years - more playfully than yesterday. I think tonight Nana talked about talking to the Olympics winner who was on stage during her performance in Kouhaku Uta Gassen and how Nana was surprised at how big of an otaku and fan she is. xD Then Nana mentions that it is her birthday tomorrow and cue in the birthday song! Ah the exhilaration of getting to sing Happy Birthday to Nana again~ a new cake is brought out for Nana-san during the song, one that this time has some of the notes for ETERNAL BLAZE decorated on it and instead of seven candles there is one candle shaped like a seven + a little Nanette on it. This time Nana asks us how many years she's turning and everyone shouts "SEVENTEEN!" for her. Sneaky woman, saying it herself on the night that won't be on BD/DVD and getting us to say it on the night that will be. :p
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| I-ta-da-ki-ma-su Lovely Cake~~! |
Nana disappeared shortly after the cake, for her quick change of clothes to..
Outfit #1 - Revamped
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| Now instead of lovely cake we get... |
06. Lovely Fruit
I was looking forward to this so much tonight, since I knew it was gonna be there haha. Tonight I was able to enjoy this from the very beginning, since I didn't have to spend any time making my brain realize that it really was Lovely Fruit. xD It really is surprising how well this song works as an orchestral version, it really shows that a song doesn't have to sound sort of orchestral to begin with to be perfect to be part of an orchestral concert. Experiments like this are nicely refreshing and I look forward to Nana bringing us more of these in the future!
I was looking forward to this so much tonight, since I knew it was gonna be there haha. Tonight I was able to enjoy this from the very beginning, since I didn't have to spend any time making my brain realize that it really was Lovely Fruit. xD It really is surprising how well this song works as an orchestral version, it really shows that a song doesn't have to sound sort of orchestral to begin with to be perfect to be part of an orchestral concert. Experiments like this are nicely refreshing and I look forward to Nana bringing us more of these in the future!
07. Hoshikuzu Symphony
After falling head over heels in love with this song last night, I was eagerly waiting for it this time (I am eagerly waiting for everything tonight as can be seen xD). The orchestral opening for this song doesn't exactly give me shivers like Replay Machine -Custom- keeps doing, but instead it made me feel ripples of excitement that would course through me at various parts of the song. It is kind of like the song by itself is making me feel the thrills of falling in love, haha. :3 Also, now that I've been paying more attention to this song I've come to realize it makes me think of my friend and her boyfriend since those two are so unbelievably cute together. xD
Again at this point the orchestra started playing its little Star Wars and Star Trek medley. I am really starting to believe that Nana must be a really huge Star Wars fan, considering all the little Star Wars references I have come across from her along the years. Nana-sama, all my respect you have.
After falling head over heels in love with this song last night, I was eagerly waiting for it this time (I am eagerly waiting for everything tonight as can be seen xD). The orchestral opening for this song doesn't exactly give me shivers like Replay Machine -Custom- keeps doing, but instead it made me feel ripples of excitement that would course through me at various parts of the song. It is kind of like the song by itself is making me feel the thrills of falling in love, haha. :3 Also, now that I've been paying more attention to this song I've come to realize it makes me think of my friend and her boyfriend since those two are so unbelievably cute together. xD
Again at this point the orchestra started playing its little Star Wars and Star Trek medley. I am really starting to believe that Nana must be a really huge Star Wars fan, considering all the little Star Wars references I have come across from her along the years. Nana-sama, all my respect you have.
-Insert video DISCOTHEQUE-
Won't delve into this video either, as I described in my previous post so go here to read it: [1月19日]! I will mention however, that I just can't get enough of that geeky geek Nana.. Ahh~!
Outfit #2 - White tux
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| Stage for acoustic corner~ |
08. Avalon no Oukan
When this song began I was eagerly waiting to see if Nana would come from different side today like she did with the Lion in LIVE CASTLE, but she appeared from the same side as yesterday (right side of stage when looking from the audience). This meant I didn't need to mentally prepare myself yet, hahaha. Ehum.. anyways.. I have to say I can't get over the fact how grand and powerful this song sounds orchestral. It was totally meant to be performed in this kind of setting. :3
When this song began I was eagerly waiting to see if Nana would come from different side today like she did with the Lion in LIVE CASTLE, but she appeared from the same side as yesterday (right side of stage when looking from the audience). This meant I didn't need to mentally prepare myself yet, hahaha. Ehum.. anyways.. I have to say I can't get over the fact how grand and powerful this song sounds orchestral. It was totally meant to be performed in this kind of setting. :3
MC3
Again talk about the reappearance of Nana Cap! Then it is time to call the Cherry Boys to join Nana for the acoustic corner! Nana makes a comment on how the names of who sits where aren't as clearly stated on the seats as they were yesterday. xD Tonight Shu-chan is called instead of Itaruvichi, but everyone else is the same (Tom-kun, Kado-D, Cho-san, Ryoutan and Aniki). Nana then mentions that the next song will be from her single, Wild Eyes~
Again talk about the reappearance of Nana Cap! Then it is time to call the Cherry Boys to join Nana for the acoustic corner! Nana makes a comment on how the names of who sits where aren't as clearly stated on the seats as they were yesterday. xD Tonight Shu-chan is called instead of Itaruvichi, but everyone else is the same (Tom-kun, Kado-D, Cho-san, Ryoutan and Aniki). Nana then mentions that the next song will be from her single, Wild Eyes~
09. Suki!
Another interesting choice for acoustic corner! I had even forgotten that this was from the Wild Eyes single, whoops. My head is too full of Basilisk whenever I think about it, that must be why... xD Suki! worked surprisingly well as an acoustic song and I don't think it even made the song lose any of it's original energy and vigor.
MC4
Cherry Boys' challenges for the New Year continue again. Since Nana didn't talk to him yesterday, she goes to pester Cho-san. Cho-san says his challenge will be to go up Tokyo Sky Tree. Nana is not impressed and says Cho-san should have more ambition and a grander challenge - after all Ryoutan said last night that he would conquer Mount Fuji this year! Cho-san's reply to that was "Okay okay.... in that case I will, [in addition to Tokyo Sky Tree], also go to Tokyo Tower." AHAHAHA. xD
Another interesting choice for acoustic corner! I had even forgotten that this was from the Wild Eyes single, whoops. My head is too full of Basilisk whenever I think about it, that must be why... xD Suki! worked surprisingly well as an acoustic song and I don't think it even made the song lose any of it's original energy and vigor.
MC4
Cherry Boys' challenges for the New Year continue again. Since Nana didn't talk to him yesterday, she goes to pester Cho-san. Cho-san says his challenge will be to go up Tokyo Sky Tree. Nana is not impressed and says Cho-san should have more ambition and a grander challenge - after all Ryoutan said last night that he would conquer Mount Fuji this year! Cho-san's reply to that was "Okay okay.... in that case I will, [in addition to Tokyo Sky Tree], also go to Tokyo Tower." AHAHAHA. xD
10. Deep Sea
Oh my god. When Nana said she was going to sing this I got ridiculously excited. Didn't think I'd be hearing this beautiful song that I love so much live and even acoustic!! All the regret I felt for not getting Futari no Memory again definitely disappeared right here and now. This was simply fabulous, I was getting goosebumps again. Thank you thank you Nana-sama! :3 Next time give me Sabaku no Umi haha.
MC5
Nana mentions how it's not only time for her birthday right now, but also for Cho-san's birthday! So she calls him up to join her for the mou ikkai mawatte -call. Cho-san then also mentions that his young daughter is actually in the audience today. Cho-san tells that his daughter is really enchanted by all the penlights at Nana's concerts. xD
Oh my god. When Nana said she was going to sing this I got ridiculously excited. Didn't think I'd be hearing this beautiful song that I love so much live and even acoustic!! All the regret I felt for not getting Futari no Memory again definitely disappeared right here and now. This was simply fabulous, I was getting goosebumps again. Thank you thank you Nana-sama! :3 Next time give me Sabaku no Umi haha.
MC5
Nana mentions how it's not only time for her birthday right now, but also for Cho-san's birthday! So she calls him up to join her for the mou ikkai mawatte -call. Cho-san then also mentions that his young daughter is actually in the audience today. Cho-san tells that his daughter is really enchanted by all the penlights at Nana's concerts. xD
11. Darling Plastic
I'm sure everyone who had been here yesterday too was holding their breath when this song started and Nana herself was probably nervous as well. This time however, no problem with timing whatsoever - it was perfect! I was so sincerely happy for Nana about this. Now that I could fully concentrate on this acoustic version of Darling Plastic tonight, I have to say that it sounds really really nice. The acoustic style fits the atmosphere of the song really well.
MC6
Cherry Boys leave the stage and holy poop, they actually exited the arena from the gate right beside my block so I got to see them pretty up close and wave to them. Wooo~ Since the orchestra needs time to get ready on the main stage, Nana tells us how as her challenge for the New Year she would like to learn to play a new instrument. Go for it Nana~ I am rooting for you! /o/ She also again mentions how the Nana choir has 77 members and how she wondered what the next song would sound like orchestral..
I'm sure everyone who had been here yesterday too was holding their breath when this song started and Nana herself was probably nervous as well. This time however, no problem with timing whatsoever - it was perfect! I was so sincerely happy for Nana about this. Now that I could fully concentrate on this acoustic version of Darling Plastic tonight, I have to say that it sounds really really nice. The acoustic style fits the atmosphere of the song really well.
MC6
Cherry Boys leave the stage and holy poop, they actually exited the arena from the gate right beside my block so I got to see them pretty up close and wave to them. Wooo~ Since the orchestra needs time to get ready on the main stage, Nana tells us how as her challenge for the New Year she would like to learn to play a new instrument. Go for it Nana~ I am rooting for you! /o/ She also again mentions how the Nana choir has 77 members and how she wondered what the next song would sound like orchestral..
12. TRANSMIGRATION
From the moment Nana got on her carriage and TRANSMIGRATION started, I began to eagerly wait for the moment that she would pass right by me. After observing her during this song yesterday, I was pretty sure I would only get to view her from behind up close as she tends to mainly wave at the other floors when going around - I was very prepared to burn the image of that lovely behind in my mind~! When she was passing my block she was indeed facing the other way and I was intently focusing on her back, reveling on the joyful bliss of having her within 3 meters of me.... but then right when she was passing my row she suddenly turned around and was looking and waving exactly my way. Oh. My. Dear. God. Nana-sama don't do that to me without a warning!! I think I lost 7 years of life from utter shock!! (>_<) I was so dumbstruck that I feel this moment passed me by without me fully embracing it. My 1 second of happiness lost forever... I felt so sad. orz But! I am sure Nana will give me chances to redeem myself at a another time and place! Well, I hope anyway.
Orchestra insert at this point again, Holst's Jupiter -the Bringer of Jollity-, one of the seven movements from the orchestral suite The Planets - like I mentioned in my previous post too. Though I am ashamed to admit that I wasn't really paying attention to it tonight.... I was still too shaken up by my close encounter with Nana-sama... orz
From the moment Nana got on her carriage and TRANSMIGRATION started, I began to eagerly wait for the moment that she would pass right by me. After observing her during this song yesterday, I was pretty sure I would only get to view her from behind up close as she tends to mainly wave at the other floors when going around - I was very prepared to burn the image of that lovely behind in my mind~! When she was passing my block she was indeed facing the other way and I was intently focusing on her back, reveling on the joyful bliss of having her within 3 meters of me.... but then right when she was passing my row she suddenly turned around and was looking and waving exactly my way. Oh. My. Dear. God. Nana-sama don't do that to me without a warning!! I think I lost 7 years of life from utter shock!! (>_<) I was so dumbstruck that I feel this moment passed me by without me fully embracing it. My 1 second of happiness lost forever... I felt so sad. orz But! I am sure Nana will give me chances to redeem myself at a another time and place! Well, I hope anyway.
Orchestra insert at this point again, Holst's Jupiter -the Bringer of Jollity-, one of the seven movements from the orchestral suite The Planets - like I mentioned in my previous post too. Though I am ashamed to admit that I wasn't really paying attention to it tonight.... I was still too shaken up by my close encounter with Nana-sama... orz
Outfit #3 - See through-ish gorgeousness
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| Nana-hime~~ |
13. BRAVE PHOENIX
Again, another song I was really looking forward to tonight. I've come to realize that knowing most of the set list before hand is not such a bad thing - it enables me to build up the excitement before the start of the song since I know what to expect.. and I guess that results in me being more excited in the end than I usually would be? Or something. xD Anyways, that was the case with BRAVE PHOENIX tonight - I was really really happy and excited hearing my pick me up song again. It is ridiculous how powerful and touching the ending of the song is to me. :3
MC7
Again talk about the magnificently big number of people in total on stage. She happily exclaims how when you count her and the Cherry Boys together that's 7 people, then corrects herself and disappointed says that it's 8 instead... and then corrects herself again saying it is 7 after all. xD Then time for a hot hot song~
Again, another song I was really looking forward to tonight. I've come to realize that knowing most of the set list before hand is not such a bad thing - it enables me to build up the excitement before the start of the song since I know what to expect.. and I guess that results in me being more excited in the end than I usually would be? Or something. xD Anyways, that was the case with BRAVE PHOENIX tonight - I was really really happy and excited hearing my pick me up song again. It is ridiculous how powerful and touching the ending of the song is to me. :3
MC7
Again talk about the magnificently big number of people in total on stage. She happily exclaims how when you count her and the Cherry Boys together that's 7 people, then corrects herself and disappointed says that it's 8 instead... and then corrects herself again saying it is 7 after all. xD Then time for a hot hot song~
14.Pray
Prraaaayyyyy! The power in this song live never ceases to amaze me. This if any song really is the embodiment of hot emotion, from Nana and the audience too. I suddenly found myself wondering when I had heard this live before these orchestral concerts, because I was pretty sure I had, and man it was all the way back during LIVE JOURNEY - the Nana live that started many things for me. :3 Reminiscing about that made this song all the more special for me tonight.
Prraaaayyyyy! The power in this song live never ceases to amaze me. This if any song really is the embodiment of hot emotion, from Nana and the audience too. I suddenly found myself wondering when I had heard this live before these orchestral concerts, because I was pretty sure I had, and man it was all the way back during LIVE JOURNEY - the Nana live that started many things for me. :3 Reminiscing about that made this song all the more special for me tonight.
15. Kiseki no Melodia
I was prepared for this song as well this time around! The orchestra really makes this even more majestic than it already is, which is very incredible. I was attacked by violent shivers when Nana sings "you are my future" and my brain departed into fantasy land~ (*-*) I must've been in some sort of daze last night because this didn't happen then...
I was prepared for this song as well this time around! The orchestra really makes this even more majestic than it already is, which is very incredible. I was attacked by violent shivers when Nana sings "you are my future" and my brain departed into fantasy land~ (*-*) I must've been in some sort of daze last night because this didn't happen then...
16. Koi no Yokushiryoku -type EXCITER-
I was worried that this song wouldn't be here tonight, but luckily it still was! \o/ I felt that Nana was able to hold back on the dancing more tonight, which is a shame since I did wanna see her occasional dancing on the BD/DVD. xD This gave me more chance to focus on the beauty of the orchestral adaptation of this and I have to say I really do love it a lot. It brings out new dimensions of the song for me.
MC8
I was worried that this song wouldn't be here tonight, but luckily it still was! \o/ I felt that Nana was able to hold back on the dancing more tonight, which is a shame since I did wanna see her occasional dancing on the BD/DVD. xD This gave me more chance to focus on the beauty of the orchestral adaptation of this and I have to say I really do love it a lot. It brings out new dimensions of the song for me.
MC8
Time for last song.... nooooooo. (T^T) No one, Nana included, wants these two magical nights to be over. We need to go on however, so onward to the special song that is coming next~
17. BRIGHT STREAM
The orchestral opening of this song really makes my soul reverberate. For most of BRIGHT STREAM I was for some reason thinking about how much more satisfying this was to me than when I heard it in LIVE UNION. Somehow I feel the premise of the tour didn't allow her to put as much emotion into it than she would like to. Or something. I don't know. But what I do know, is that this orchestral version really washes over you inside out. :3
-Encore-
NAA-NA! NAA-NA! Somehow I felt people weren't putting as much effort into this tonight as last night and it was annoying me. Though, might have been because of where my seat was, don't know.. >:3
MC9
Very similar to yesterday again - Nana returns on stage and thanks us for calling her back and explains how she's been wanting to sing this next very special song orchestral, as it was the start of many things~
17. BRIGHT STREAM
The orchestral opening of this song really makes my soul reverberate. For most of BRIGHT STREAM I was for some reason thinking about how much more satisfying this was to me than when I heard it in LIVE UNION. Somehow I feel the premise of the tour didn't allow her to put as much emotion into it than she would like to. Or something. I don't know. But what I do know, is that this orchestral version really washes over you inside out. :3
-Encore-
NAA-NA! NAA-NA! Somehow I felt people weren't putting as much effort into this tonight as last night and it was annoying me. Though, might have been because of where my seat was, don't know.. >:3
Outfit #4 - Encore
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| LIVE GRACE Harp shirt tonight! |
MC9
Very similar to yesterday again - Nana returns on stage and thanks us for calling her back and explains how she's been wanting to sing this next very special song orchestral, as it was the start of many things~
18. Innocent Starter
Once again it was time for this heartfelt song. Every time I hear Nana sing this at a concert, it is like a movie of her career, especially her amazing achievements along the years, from the time she released this song until this moment when she's singing starts playing in my head. And every time I feel so extremely happy for this woman, who is singing this song up on the stage and reminding us of where she came from.
MC10
ANNOUNCEMENT TIME! The time everyone has been waiting for I am sure. xD Nana happily tells us that tonight's concert will be released on BD/DVD this spring along with last summer's LIVE UNION concert from Chiba! Thus Nana asks us to be patient and wait a bit longer for it. Banzai, banzai, banzai! Nana's not done yet though. After keeping us in suspense for a moment, Nana excitedly announces that she will be having a summer tour again! Starting from a very special place on a very special day - Ehime Budokan on 7/7!! BANZAI, BANZAI, BANZAI!! Holy poop did my excitement hit and break the roof at this point. xD Hell yes, summer tour!! Looking forward to it ridiculously much. After the cheers die down, Nana mentions again how the songs tonight had been completely different from the first LIVE GRACE in 2011, apart from the next song that she just has to sing since it's special to everyone...
Once again it was time for this heartfelt song. Every time I hear Nana sing this at a concert, it is like a movie of her career, especially her amazing achievements along the years, from the time she released this song until this moment when she's singing starts playing in my head. And every time I feel so extremely happy for this woman, who is singing this song up on the stage and reminding us of where she came from.
MC10
ANNOUNCEMENT TIME! The time everyone has been waiting for I am sure. xD Nana happily tells us that tonight's concert will be released on BD/DVD this spring along with last summer's LIVE UNION concert from Chiba! Thus Nana asks us to be patient and wait a bit longer for it. Banzai, banzai, banzai! Nana's not done yet though. After keeping us in suspense for a moment, Nana excitedly announces that she will be having a summer tour again! Starting from a very special place on a very special day - Ehime Budokan on 7/7!! BANZAI, BANZAI, BANZAI!! Holy poop did my excitement hit and break the roof at this point. xD Hell yes, summer tour!! Looking forward to it ridiculously much. After the cheers die down, Nana mentions again how the songs tonight had been completely different from the first LIVE GRACE in 2011, apart from the next song that she just has to sing since it's special to everyone...
19. ETERNAL BLAZE
So tonight we get ETERNAL BLAZE! Shame that we won't be getting Orchestral Fantasia on the BD/DVD, but this song definitely deserved to be played during this weekend in all its glory. :3 And after all the announcements everyone definitely was powered up to do some EtaBure jumping. Hearing this orchestral version live really was something else. I mean, this song is already so amazing normally that this just took it way out there. (*-*) I felt like my heart grew wings and flew away, haha.
-Encore 2-
Mou ikkai! Mou ikkai!
MC11
When the stage lights go back on, Nana shows up alone like yesterday, but instantly I feel something is strange. It doesn't take me long to figure out that the reason for this feeling is the fact that Nana is wearing a cheek microphone instead of holding one in her hand. I don't put much thought into it though. Since Nana is wearing the LIVE GRACE harp shirt tonight and she starts talking about a harp as well, everyone is expecting Agematsu Mika to show up at any moment. Instead of Mika-san though, only a harp is brought to the stage and then it starts dawning on everyone - you really can feel the atmosphere changing along with the realization... and finally when Nana positions herself to sit in the chair by the harp it hits everyone with full force. The feeling of collective amazement and excitement is incredible. Nana looks unbelievably nervous sitting by the harp and everyone can feel it. It is like the whole world is holding its breath, waiting for her to gather herself enough to begin...
20. Yume no TsudzukiSo tonight we get ETERNAL BLAZE! Shame that we won't be getting Orchestral Fantasia on the BD/DVD, but this song definitely deserved to be played during this weekend in all its glory. :3 And after all the announcements everyone definitely was powered up to do some EtaBure jumping. Hearing this orchestral version live really was something else. I mean, this song is already so amazing normally that this just took it way out there. (*-*) I felt like my heart grew wings and flew away, haha.
-Encore 2-
Mou ikkai! Mou ikkai!
MC11
When the stage lights go back on, Nana shows up alone like yesterday, but instantly I feel something is strange. It doesn't take me long to figure out that the reason for this feeling is the fact that Nana is wearing a cheek microphone instead of holding one in her hand. I don't put much thought into it though. Since Nana is wearing the LIVE GRACE harp shirt tonight and she starts talking about a harp as well, everyone is expecting Agematsu Mika to show up at any moment. Instead of Mika-san though, only a harp is brought to the stage and then it starts dawning on everyone - you really can feel the atmosphere changing along with the realization... and finally when Nana positions herself to sit in the chair by the harp it hits everyone with full force. The feeling of collective amazement and excitement is incredible. Nana looks unbelievably nervous sitting by the harp and everyone can feel it. It is like the whole world is holding its breath, waiting for her to gather herself enough to begin...
 |
| Oh my god.... I.... *cries* |
Okay, this is going to be a pretty long account. Sorry about that. I just want to try and recount my feelings as accurately as possible, because this was unlike anything I have ever felt or experienced before.
Firstly about myself - I am the sort of person who wants to appear pretty tough in public so I rarely show emotion with others around. Even now when I have said that Risouron made me cry, I have only meant a tear or two because that's just the sort of person I am. I don't let loose more than that. But...
The moment Nana plucked the first note on the harp, tears started uncontrollably flowing from my eyes. I could not stop it no matter how much I tried. It was like that one note effortlessly broke down all the walls I have spent all my life building around me, baring me and the person I am inside completely in this moment. This has never happened to me before. I felt so vulnerable, but at the same time I felt it was okay. When Nana started singing, the flow of tears just got stronger and I was completely mesmerized by her hands plucking away at the strings unwavering but not confident, yet her voice was not noticeably shaking. It felt to me that Nana was singing this song to us to thank us for always being there for her during her journey so far and that she was still going on with everyone, and her harp playing was the gift she wanted to give us to emphasize how grateful she felt for everyone.
When Nana reached the instrumental part however, things started falling apart. She made a very huge mistake in her playing and even stopped completely, hanging her head down. For a fraction of a second this all-enveloping fear gripped my heart - maybe she was not going to continue? I, and everyone else, started shouting words of encouragement to Nana telling her to go on and that it was okay and what she was doing meant the world to us. Nana lifted her head and started playing again from where she left off. And I started to cry even more now, because of this woman who is always trying so hard. It made me feel like the way I always try so hard too, especially for the people I love, is maybe not in vain either after all. It was also making me feel that following my dreams was the right thing to do, I felt reassured. Through this song Nana was giving me peace of mind about things I have not properly told anyone about and have carried with me alone. Okay, that all sounds really cheesy, but I really did feel like that...
Nana kept making small mistakes for the rest of the song, but she kept going with her head held high making it very clear to everyone that the woman we love is not the sort of person that lets little things like that get her down. Once she played the last note, everyone burst into cheers and kept shouting many thank yous to Nana and tears started flowing from her eyes as well. She had conquered yet another challenge.
Thus, tonight comes to an end as well and Nana bids us farewell.
After Concert
I still couldn't stop the tears from flowing. It took all my will power to dry my eyes while I was stuck in the crowd trying to exit Saitama Super Arena. Luckily I had to go around nearly the whole building so I had a lot of time to compose myself. My composure didn't last for very long though. I was a fool and started messaging my friend about Nana and the harp while I was sitting on the train on my way back home. I should have known that it would still have such a strong effect on me. So yeah, I was crying like a baby on the metro. orz To everyone else on the train - I am so sorry for acting like a gaijin with no manners, but there was nothing I could do about it apart from trying to hide behind the freebie Nana flyers I had with me. My friend pondered how anyone could keep going and trying for so long and I told her that this was the exact reason why I admire Nana so much. Telling all this to my friend made her say that she thinks she is starting to understand me more and more. (=´▽｀)ゞ
The next day I actually told my mom on Skype about it too. And STILL the tears started flowing from my eyes. God Nana, why did you make me turn so emotionally weaksauce.. I don't even dare think what will happen to me when I get to actually rewatch it when it gets released on BD/DVD... someone help me... buy me an endless supply of tissues.... please... orz Anyways, it was really nice to talk about it with mom too, we talked about how the most amazing and intimate thing an artist of any kind (not just in music) could do for their fans was to bare themselves as the person they are and show their weaknesses to their fans. Just like Nana had done with the harp.
So... all in all, the second night of LIVE GRACE -Opus II- is by far the most incredible Nana concert experience I have had so far, and topping it will definitely be nearly impossible I feel. Thank you so much for everything Nana. <3
(and for everyone who is interested, I so rocked my 2 presentations the next day thanks to the concert high that was still pulsing through my body xD yatta zeeeeee!)
So... all in all, the second night of LIVE GRACE -Opus II- is by far the most incredible Nana concert experience I have had so far, and topping it will definitely be nearly impossible I feel. Thank you so much for everything Nana. <3
(and for everyone who is interested, I so rocked my 2 presentations the next day thanks to the concert high that was still pulsing through my body xD yatta zeeeeee!)
I was waiting till you finish both reports before making a comment. Otherwise people will see me as a spammer www. (j/k) Quite lot of strong/fast (BP and ZA PRAYYY) and slow pace songs in the setlist on the second day. I would even say its better than first day. (but mostly because I like deep sea A LOT www)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I knew about Nana-chan played the harp, but I didnt know she stopped at a moment. Very brave and admirable of her to continue, I too would shout my lungs out for her too. Something 'We RABUU YOUU' .. wait wrong context, it should be more like 'DAIJOBUUU GAMBATTEEE' that sounds about right.
I can imagine the new Live DVD/BD combo will be a tearjerker for you. Knowing both lives have made you quite emotional. But dont worry, my shoulder is always available for you. (virtually too ww)
All in all, I think the orchestral live has become really something distinctive from Live series. And of course I am super happy you get the moment of bless with Nana-chan www. Seems your body wasn't ready w and critical damage was received. I doubt anyone can be immmune for it. Or you must have an auto-faint ability to counter it. Gomen gomen been playing FF9 too much lately.
And now I am spamming wolfie's blog. orz Anyhow many thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts!! Many hugs!
Yay, comment from Ken-kun~~! \o/ Pff, you do realize that if anyone's spamming would make me happy it would be yours. :p
DeleteI definitely agree with you! The moment she brought out Deep Sea in the acoustic corner totally made this day better for me ww not to mention the other stuff later. But yeah, Deep Sea was the trigger. :3
Yeah.. It totally broke my heart how she couldn't just laugh it off like she did when she played the piano while singing Takaramono and she made that mistake... I really think she was on the verge of just not continuing. (>_<) I did my best to shout my lungs out for the both of us! <3
Yeah.. I am not sure how I am supposed to handle the new BD/DVD. Nana what are you doing to meee...(T^T) I will definitely be needing much tender love and care from you~ so thank you, I will for sure be claiming your shoulder as my property. So be prepared to take very good care of me when you come in the summer~~ (^-^)
Indeed. I am happy that the orchestral live did not remain as a one-shot thing only and that we can probably without any doubt expect to see many more of them in the future. And yeah, I am sure no matter how much I think I have prepared myself, I probably would never ever be prepared when the moment itself came. orz ww and my dear boy, you know I will always appreciate FF references, so keep them coming~ I should replay FF9 soon too, started replaying FF8 when I had my bad stomach ache last weekend actually. :3
I would hardly call this spamming ww and it was my pleasure, glad you enjoyed! \o/ Yay, sweet delicious hugs! *collects some in a box and puts it under her bed for later usage* never know when I might need them w
Good report again! And don't worry about the emotional stuff. Whether she has a bright smile or tears or even both in her face, its always sincere and comes from the heart, thats why she has such an effect on people. I had a lot of time recently and watched plenty of stuff with her, interviews, TV shows, lives, backstage stuff etc and not even once i had the feeling she shows emotions for show. Its just the way Nana-sama is! She never goes the safe route and never stops working on her self, trying to get better. Thats truly awesome, as she doesn't fall into the pits of complacency. You picked a great rolemodel, Rj! Stick with her and it will be rewarded. When i was a kid i had a german soccer player, named Toni Schumacher, as a hero and rolemodel and his way to see things, to never give up, and keep on fighting even with broken bones (no kidding!) has helped me in life very often. I feel that Nana-sama can do the same for you. We need good people to look up to!
ReplyDeleteThank you, glad you liked the report! (^-^)
DeleteI most definitely agree with you! Nana is pretty much the only famous person I have ever felt to be so sincere. As much as I do love her music, I think what really made me into such a big fan of hers was the person she is, what she has done and gone through to achieve all the things she is today etc etc. The other day I was actually telling my classmate about the things she's gone through in her life and he dared say that most of it was probably just for show and not real... I got so angry that I could've punched him right there. (>_<) Sure that might be the case with most artists, but not with Nana and no I am not saying this because I am her fan.. orz sigh. I hate having conversations like that.
Anyways... I agree with you on the role model thing too! Nana has already helped me achieve many things (like the fact that I am in Japan now)and works as a constant source of energy for me. :3 I am definitely sticking with Nana, no doubt about it! I am glad you have someone like that too! I feel that not many people do, and that really makes life more difficult to cope with I think..
About that "just for show" comment... Shows your classmate lacks sensibility or just hasn't been exposed to enough of her works.
DeleteI swear, even when I wasn't actively a Nana fan, I already noticed she was way out of the regular crowd on her first songs (Think "Drive away dreaming" -> "hey I really like that singer" even when knowing nothing about her) or first popular roles (Fate in 1st season of Nanoha, and that insert song in ep 12 <3 if you didn't get shivers on first listening, you have no soul).
Anyhow, my point is this : Given how many characters "driven to change/improve" she has had to play, and how masterfully she has voiced every single one of them, there. is. simply. no. way. her life experiences were "for show" >_>
Given the sheer power you feel in her voice, she HAS to have gone through grueling hours of training. You just can't fake something like that.
People around her wouldn't be so approving of her (remembering the very touching speech of the conductor on both days of the live as I write this ;_;) if she didn't have the personality/skills/willpower to match.
Well yeah, he definitely hasn't been exposed to her works enough lol. His only exposure at that point was based on my Nana karaoke singing. So I understand why he said that, I mean the guy didn't know anything about her at all. xD I suppose in time he will learn more about her through hanging out with me.
DeleteAnd yeah, I agree with all those points. :3
You can't really blame your classmate for being cynical, with many artists, especially Rap artists, having fake background stories. Nana's story is such a fairy tale, its almost too good to be true. Sweet princess receiving grief by bullies and perverts for a long time and is then rescued by a prince/Akio Mishima to be led into a sparkling King(records)dom. But its a true story, and it made her the person she is today. What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger, and Nana-sama is living proof of that.
DeleteStephane made a good point. Watch how the staff members react to her, whether the cherry boys or anyone else. And how her Team had very little changes over a course of 11 years now. Even the hair and make up guy sticks around for a long time already lol. When she fell off the stage during the Journey tour, the guy who rushes to her, holds her at first by the shoulders, and grins when she says she is alright and laughs so wildly. You can clearly see he likes her, and that cannot be faked.
Nice to know Nana had already a strong impact on you. I wonder if blessed people like Nana know how much they drive us.
You not only relived your night, you helped me with mine.
ReplyDeleteYattaaa, mission success~! \o/
DeleteI can't wait for the BD to relive it with the visual part XD (and Chiba too)
DeleteIndeed! I am so happy that the BD/DVD is coming out so soon! \o/ Though I really do hope my heart is strong enough to relive Nana and the harp. *stocks up on tissues* xD
Deletebeen wondering
ReplyDeleteonly the second day of live grace will be release to BD ?
too bad i can't see orchestral fantasia TT^TT
Yeah, sadly just the 2nd night will be released. ( ; _ ; )
DeleteI was hoping the songs not in the 2nd night would have been included in the making of, but nope. Well, we did get a taste of Yakusoku in it, so that is already something I suppose!