leggings

I went about -to Sapporo I went.

There was a mighty big speck of excitement leading up to this weekend. For months I have hounded internet sites and music flyers in search of information about concerts in Japan. ‘Jpop concert in Japan’ was on my top ten to-do list while romping around here in this country. This last weekend I went to Sapporo, I saw Perfume at a city-side concert venue. Gosh, golly, gosh. The performance was… let’s just say that I experienced everything I hoped for -and more.

I showed up at the venue three hours before show time. Some of those ‘before hours’ included lining up to buy merch before the doors opened. Turns out being a little more than three hours early to the venue was not enough. As I neared the arena I saw people trickling in toward the venue from all directions. Some people were dressed in signature pink and black for the group’s tour. And when I finally stepped into the square where tents were set up, there were four line-ups waiting to buy merch -before the merch tents opened. There were even groups of girls dressed in cosplay appropriate to Perfume’s previous album releases.

It was worth the wait and seeing people, buying towels, t-shirts, all kinds of candies, or coats (even sneakers) was rewarding. I found that in no time we were minutes from doors opening.

The show itself was amazing. Laser lighting, techno-pop/Jpop sounds flashing with the electro feel that only Perfume can offer. Futuristic and happy. I was thoroughly impressed and was on my feet (with the rest of the arena) jumping and fist-pumping through the whole concert.

Some noteable differences between North American shows and Japan performance include (in my experience): the artists walked to each corner of the stage and commented on people in the crowd. They greeted each section with bright hellos from the stage. During the performance at brief intervals one of the three artists would address the crowd while the other two girls brushed their hair, and took a brief rest stageside.

Laser lights flashed around the arena like I have never seen. The crowd cheered in unison at appropriate parts to many of the songs creating an almost ‘conversation-like’ experience between the crowd and artists mid-song! The enthusiasm and interaction between performer and observer was astounding. When the girls were off-stage, wild fans from the crowd would call out a nickname of the artist in favour over all the cheering and clapping.

Even minutes before showtime, about ten whole minutes, the crowd began clapping beat-by-beat awaiting the appearance of the group on stage. After the performance the crowd clapped again in rhythm calling out, ‘Enco-ru’, to which the trio reappeard for a final two songs. At then end of it all the three girls stood on stage and almost interview-like each gave their impression in turn of the performance and how much it meant for them to be here in Hokkaido. This tour was a sold out tour; and they may have just added additional dates to their performance (Hokkaido was to be their last stop!)

Other hilights included group members teaching the crowd rhythmic dance moves like hand-waving, or jumping to appropriate parts of upcoming songs. All in all, after having walked away from the concert venue waiting to board overcrowded trains back to town, I felt like I had just personally met the members of the group. It did not feel like I watched from some sixty or so metres away, but that I personally met the performers. Seeing the artists interacting with bouncing objects on video screens, and talking to crowd members has never been so appealing.

I walked away from this concert experience brighter, happier, and a little more in touch with the pop side of Japanese culture. I will never forget this experience; and after all it has been a dream come true. I mean, there were even individual baggies with promotional flyers for the group, and a questionnaire, etc. on each individual arena seat! This wasn’t just a concert, it was a tailored experience.

All I can say is that if you are looking for sprucing up of you music library, or a taste of Japanese culture (music-side), have a listen to Perfume.

Of course the rest of the weekend did include the odd bowl of ramen, and shopping -but who’s to say that ramen won’t happen again soon? This concert is one for the books -it’s one for my books.

ps. oh, and why the title ‘leggings’ to this post? After jumping for hours straight I think I suddenly have sightlier calves…

(oh, and how well do I feel today’s post is written? I’d say, 6/10)