Arafes 2013.09.22 Sunday
Last concert in Kokuritsu... =')
I didn’t take pictures of the flags yesterday since my gate was the opposite one and I knew I could today, but I should have… Today’s weather was grey T_T
Tonight I was in stands, but about 20 rows away from the backstage and right next to the moving stage leading up to the stands stage, so again, awesome seat *w* I was as close to the middle of Kokuritsu as one could hope, so my global view was really good !
Random notes
-I got in at 4:30 pm, and waited 35 minutes to go to the toilets… That was crazy Oo
-There were two cranes cameras in the arena, so DVD night ! =D
-For the VS Arashi video, I noticed Itou-san says “Kokuritsu no mina-san” at the beginning, so it was recorded just for us ! =)
-Right before the concert (5 minutes before), the VIP seats were filled, and they were important people because the arena got up and went kinda crazy, especially for the right side ! I couldn’t see who there were because of the stage though >< In my section, the VIP were like ten rows before me, so with everyone standing I couldn’t see them properly ._. My section was more for athletes and officials though I think (I heard Massu, the announcer), while the right section most likely had Johnny’s (I checked afterwards and notably Hey Say Jump members were mostly present).
A few things before the actual report :
-There are most likely mistakes, because I don't take notes and my memory is far from perfect... Also, I'm still studying Japanese, so I may have misunderstood some stuff.
-English isn't my native language, so pardon any English mistake !
-Thanks to yarukizero for her fast and very detailed reports, it's always good to have another report in case my memory fails =)
On to the concert now ~
Video
It started with the logo having sound vibes coming from it, with a different AMNOS color at each beat ~
Also, when the logo announces Arafes, the Arafes 13 logo appears, with extracts from last year appearing (notably Shake it haha) and slowly reducing and disappearing. In the end it forms a mosaic with the Arafes 13 logo on it, and the concert starts from here.
Face Down
Crazy Moon ~ Kimi wa muteki ~
I was wondering how was the sound today, and almost as bad as yesterday unfortunately… T_T During the song it was sometimes too loud then right afterwards too low, things like that ><
Truth
On the main screen, fire pictures were used, like fire balls and fire from an explosion, thus when the camera was filming Oh-chan singing with that in the background, the effect was really good !
Welcome to our party
Again, sound volume issues…
Nino came to see my section ! =D Then Jun exchange places with him, and he was the one in a tour ~ Yesterday and today, I got lucky with Jun <3
Greetings
Jun : Yay ! x2 Kokuritsu ! We wanted to see you ! It’s the last one, let’s make good memories ! Are you ready ? x2 From now on, we’ll make the 70,000 of you happy. Have fun until the end !
Nino : Irasshaimase ! x2 It’s the last one ! Arashi’s summer won’t end ! Follow us ! x2 Follow us until the end ! Saigo made yoroshiku ~
Aiba : Ne ne ne ne moriagatte n no ? Are you hot ? Let’s get hot ! Saigo made yoroshiku.
Ohno : Hai ! x3 It’s the last Kokuritsu matsuri !
Sho : How are you feeling Tokyo ? Choushi wa dou da ? x2, then he asked the stands followed by arena “choushi wa dou da ?” Are you ready ? Because we are !
Then we screamed Arashi after him and Welcome to our party started again ~
Position-wise, Jun was in the tower at the backstage, Nino in the one on the left of the middle alley, Aiba-chan on the right, Oh-chan at the left end of the main stage and Sho-chan at the right end.
Happiness
We still had Jun in the tower <3
At some point he went down though, and went to the left of the middle alley. When he bypassed Nino around the middle of the left part, they briefly held hands ~
Aiba came to see us backstage, and ended the song with a cute pose, then disappeared under the stage on the left, with a staff lighting him the way a bit.
On the other hand, Nino’s elbow was in Jun’s fist ; both had their arms held horizontally and just their index and little finger were out. They made cute faces as well >w<
Video
The exact number of voters is 290,963 =)
Hello Goodbye
Aiba-chan reapparead backstage so we got to see him again <3 He had a mic problem for his first words though >< We didn’t hear him… But other than that, it was a good performance ! ^w^
Subarashiki sekai
Members were on stairs which spread on the main stage. Tonight there was no mic problem or anything, so it was even more beautiful <3 I noticed the fountains tonight ! =)
At the end of the song, lights were more or less shut off (even lights on members), and on the main screen we saw Aiba and the artist, both wearing the concert t-shirt =) The last sand image was one of Kokuritsu, and Aiba draw a heart on it and wrote Love Situation ^w^
Love Situation
The stage was lit up in blue and purple, at first half half, then it got mixed ~
It always cracks me up, the part where Aiba and Nino dance a bit on the floor while Sho stays up x)
Jun’s “chikazukitai” was definitely live *w*
Festival Night
In the latter part of the song, Sho and Nino came on individual hanamichis, Sho from the left and Nino from the right. They alit backstage, and for the ending made the same pose as yesterday, one knee down x)
Take me far away
White lasers are used during his solo, the effect is really pretty ~ On the other hand, the stage is lit up in blue, and even the lyrics subtitles were in pale blue x)
Also, he danced alone on the elevated center stage with the chair ^^
Tokei Jikake no Umbrella
Monster
I think it’s this song were lasers from different colors are used profusely, being quite numerous and going in all directions quickly. The effect was good ! =D
Fight song
Oh-chan’s voice was weird again tonight, but tonight I understood it’s actually done on purpose x) He ran to us and stayed a bit there (he didn’t go all the way to backstage, just until the end of the alley), then Nino who was on the left alley and him started running at the end of the song haha A concert hood towel was used as a goal line, and Nino hold it with Aiba-chan or Jun for Oh-chan. An exhausted Oh-chan passed it, and it was Nino instead of Jun who commented tonight “this is our leader ~” lol
Hip Hop Boogie
Sho wore a sweat with silver sequins x)
Cool & Soul
Again, kakkoii ~
It was pretty much the same version, with Ohmiya doing a high five, Nino leaning on Jun and Sho giving us an evil laugh at some point x)
Funnily, the first two times Jun appeared on screen, there was a “kakkoii na” feeling coming from the public ~ At least in my section x)
A day in our Life
Again, when Juntoshi walked backstage, they made a rapper pose that made us laugh x) Their faces were funny as well ~ When they rose to the stands stage, I had Oh-chan and Jun ! =D Jun pointed in my direction, followed two seconds afterwards by Oh-chan… I pretty much died there >< Especially since I was only one seat away from them (well, one seat and the stairs) and they were moving upwards, one could pretty clearly tell where they were looking ! I had Oh-chan’s fans around me, like the woman to my left and one before me on my right, so I think Oh-chan pointed towards one of them, but for Jun, I was his only fan in the direction he looked, so it may have been for me… >w<
When they had reached the stands stage, I could see Sho and Aiba ^O^ Again, so close !
Lucky Man
At the beginning, Nino had a bit of a hard time with his rapping lol
During the song they moved from the right to the left of the stage, with a member rapping and members surrounding him ~ At some point I think I saw Sho and Nino ? Can’t remember ><
Also, after the part where they were surrounding a member on the right part of the stage, when they moved to the left Aiba slightly patted Jun’s waist, in a kind of “good job” way ~
Meikyuu Love Song
When they got down, I either had Sho and Nino or Aimiya ~ ^w^
Oh-chan was a bit late to get on one knee tonight x)
MC
They talked again about Aiba’s fur, but mostly a mention. Then there was a survey about who had voted, if their song had been played, if they thought it would be played… x) Jun commented it may have been easy to choose this year, since we had ten choices in each category. Then Sho asked who hadn’t voted, and pleaded them to vote next time lol
Next they talked about the corners, and Oh-chan spoke about his. When he pronounced “Take me far away” we laughed at his accent, and Aiba-chan commented “Why are you laughing when he’s saying something normal ? This is our leader you know !” haha x) <3 Then they talked about Aiba’s corner, teasing him about the sunset being completely gone at that time (or the weather being gray, can’t remember), while it had been good yesterday. Afterwards they talked about Subarashiki Sekai’s video and its making, and Aiba said he had made one picture with sand that hadn’t been included. We said we wanted to see it ; actually only a few people reacted at first, so Sho said only half of us wanted to see it. Thus the whole stadium screamed “mitai”, and Jun replied that it was fine, we’ll see it in the DVD. Aiba asked the staff to prepare showing the video anyway, and everyone was walking back to the main stage all the while. Jun asked for a confirmation if it really was Aiba-chan who did it, and he replied it was easy once you learn how to do it. Nino picked on him, saying he had been surprised and a bit touched that Aiba knew how to spell Love Situation HAHAHA
When they had reached the main stage, the video was played with Subarashiki Sekai as background music. It showed us some footage of Aiba and the teacher, and Aiba’s drawings. At some point, Ashita no Kioku was played while drawing was shown… It started as a circle so I thought it would be the last drawing of Kokuritsu played at the end of the video, but it turned into a birthday cake !!!! Aiba wrote “Happy birthday” above it (The music changed to Ashita no Kioku), and in the bottom right corner, added… Jun !!! Of course we all screamed, and I couldn’t believe I really was assisting to Jun’s birthday, which I had stopped hoping for after Waku Waku’s disappointment for Nino’s birthday >< Then the members’ letters were read, the text being shown on the left of the main screen while Jun’s face was shown on the right part.
Ohno : To MatsuJun. Welcome to the adults’ world. I don’t think anything has changed though. I feel like we’ve been together a lot this year, going abroad together, eating together… It was an important time. Your thoughts, your way of thinking towards your work… I really love them. To this sincere MatsuJun (he messed up several times, saying for example MachuJun, so had to repeat this portion and made Jun and us laugh XD), as always thank you. And happy birthday. Ohno Satoshi.
Sho : MatsuJun, happy birthday. The first time I met you was in the rehearsal room of Aoyama theatre. The MatsuJun of that time was really small and thin, and now you became like this. MachoJun. Excuse me. From now on, please take care of Arashi with that uprightness (massugu, which can be translated into honesty, frankness, straightforwardness, uprightness…) of yours. Now, together, towards the future. Happy birthday. Sakurai Sho
Aiba : Matsujun, happy birthday. You’re a hundred times kinder than what your looks suggest. This kindness always helps me a lot. When I’m feeling unwell, you prescribing me “drink this, you’ll feel better”… The Matsumoto pharmacy. When you’re travelling, you’re also giving us a present fit to each one of us. Whereas no matter where I go, I always bring back tiger t-shirts, so I feel ashamed. Next time, let’s make it a lion t-shirt ! I have a lot of memories of the two of us recently. Like shopping in New York, going to the WBC together (a photo of the two of them was shown on screen ! >w< Probably taken by the manager who was sitting next to Jun)… And among these memories, there’s another one which came to my mind. The first time I went to a rehearsal as a Junior, there was no one with my age, and I just stood there alone. The first person who talked to me at that time was you. You saved me at that time, thank you. Please always stay the kind MatsuJun (he actually said anata, which means you). Aiba Masaki
Ashita no Kioku started again, and old pictures of Jun (the first one was a small Jun with a dog’s head next to the left of his head… Young Jun + puppy = so cute >w<) were shown on screen. The last picture was the one of the A.RA.SHI cover, where they’re all wearing white. The music ended, and then… Ashita no Kioku started again, and we had gone back to the birthday cake sand picture. An “& Nino” was added after Jun, we screamed, Nino stood up and on to the letters ~ =)
Ohno : To Nino. Welcome to the adults’ world. You may be the one who has the least changed. This year, I felt I finally understood your feelings, when I played the game you recommended me. I became a game addict (not a real addict, but right now my brain wouldn’t give me a better translation…). I’m not at your level though. Even when you’re playing games, you’re watching and paying attention to your surroundings properly, and I respect you for that. From now on as well, just like always, I’m grateful to you. Also, happy birthday. Ohno Satoshi
Sho : Nino, happy birthday. The first time I met you was in a rehearsal room at NHK. You had a bonze haircut and were doing some catching (in baseball) training. The new Junior who came was a catcher with a bonze haircut… I couldn’t understand you. It’s good that your hair grew. From now on, please take care of Arashi with that quick-thinking of yours. Now, together, towards the future. Happy birthday. Sakurai Sho
Aiba : Ninomi, happy birthday. I feel like we’ve been together a really long time. In my life, after my family… No no, more than with my family, we’ve spent time together. So I have too many memories of us, and don’t know what to write about. It’s hard… Then, should I begin from childhood memories ? Do you remember ? In the train, me being hit on the head by an unknown grandpa. The delicious monjayaki your mother cooked at your house. Being chased by a scary guy in Harajuku (Nino’s mouth : It did happen !). And more than anything, meeting in Harajuku Giant Baba-san. Our relationship hasn’t changed from these times, hasn’t it. If we’re talking about recently, playing baseball, going to each other’s house... Ah. Coming over is fine, but please, stop complaining about the furniture arrangement of someone’s living room as soon as you enter. The place of my TV is good where it is (Nino doing no signs with his hands x)). This and that happened, but… Daisuki desu yo (I love you). In hopes you have a great life. Aiba Masaki
Ashita no Kioku started again, and pictures of Nino were shown <3
At some point Ohno, Aiba and Sho went to change themselves (they had been sitting until now), Jun made a move to follow them as well (I think I remember him walking close to the right door), but he stayed back in the end, I guess he was asked to.
Also, more so than Jun, Nino was pretty moved during his part. I couldn’t see in details their face on the screens from my seat, but it’s the feeling I had. I may be wrong though.
After the video of the members pictures ended, Sho, Ohno and Aiba reappeared, pushing a cart with two big cakes (two storeys white cake with strawberries, mounted with a pyramid of cream puffs), Sho and Aiba being in Ohmiya SK outfits (Sho being K and Aiba S), and Oh-chan in Yabai yabai yabai outfit ! We cheered so much at them x) They had some problems with the wind though, the napkin would always get blown towards the cakes, hiding the “Nino happy birthday” and “Jun happy birthday” signs on the cakes.
We sang “happy birthday NinoJun”, but for the final part we didn’t know when to start again after the silence, so Sho finished it up in a funny voice for us haha
Ohno was unable to light the candles because of the wind, so Nino stopped him, saying it was fine that way. Then Sho said in a kind of child voice “Ninomiya-kun, Matsumoto-kun, 30 sai otanjoubi… Se, no : Omedetou !” (We all screamed the omedetou part, “se, no” was a countdown) Sho apologized for taking so long to set up everything, and then explained that Nino and Jun’s birthdays didn’t happen during a concert tour so they had decided to do it there. Jun said that he hadn’t noticed anything, and Aiba mentioned it had been fun to prepare. Afterwards they picked on Oh-chan and how he had been unable to say correctly MatsuJun lol
Then Riida handed out the DVDs, Nino’s one having Nino as a Mario playing games on the left, Nino Mii written in the upper and middle part of the cover (where it’s usually written Wii), and “birthday edition” was also written around the top right. For Jun, he made a “fufufu” when he saw it, then showed it to the camera : it was a parody of Mickael Jackson's "This is it" cover, with “This is J” written and the silhouette having a kind of J shape ! (They explained that, since Jun was wondering when he had made such a pose in a photoshoot) On the back of the DVD there was the J letter used as reference as well to make the silhouette. The staff has been so creative for the DVDs, they’re awesome ! <3
Then Aiba asked Nino : “You were surprised right ?”, to which he answered : “I was the most surprised ! I thought “But I didn’t record one (message for Jun) !”. Did I left too early yesterday ?” haha They also mentioned a camera which had been focused on Nino to catch his expression, and that it’d be on the DVD he had received x)
They also talked about the Ohmiya SK outfits, saying it was a first for Sho to be in Nino’s outfit. Aiba said he had been surprised when he saw Sho), the camera focused on Sho and we couldn’t help laughing haha He asked us “Why are you laughing ?”, which of course made us laugh even more x) “I’m being serious here !” LOL
Afterwards Sho and Aiba mentioned that since 70,000 people would be there for the concert, they thought it would be a good opportunity to celebrate =) Then they talked about going back to change because they couldn’t continue like that haha But before that, Aiba-chan said they should take a commemorative picture ^w^ After taking it, when they were about to go back, Jun stopped them and questioned Sho about his costume XD He asked Sho who he was, there was a three seconds silent… And Sho said “Please don’t ask me” haha Jun insisted a bit, saying that no matter how you think about it, he should have received the S, but then the three of them escaped backstage x)
Jun talked a bit then, saying he felt sorry he had asked for the sand art video to be included in the DVD since it turned out to be a birthday surprise. Then he asked Nino how was turning 30, and he said something I can’t remember but ended with a “I really want to cut my hair right now” lol We had a close up on his face at that time, and indeed, the wind was still strong and his hair were getting in his left eye.
Sho returned in the blue and purple outfit from Popcorn (the Akashi/Cosmos part), and Nino and Jun were surprised by that, wondering if it was the right one (yesterday’s outfits were pastel colors suits). Sho told them to get changed anyway, but before that Jun wanted to say a few words since he hadn’t been able to express his thanks and comments properly for the birthday surprise. He said he was very happy to have his birthday celebrated in such a way here, with the five of them and so many people, and thanked everyone. He also thanked the members who had taken time out of their busy schedule to do this, and the staff as well. He finished with a “From now on as well, I’ll do my best being your singing and dancing idol !”, while having a cute pose for the “ganbarimasu” : he held his right fist vertically, his lips slightly pinched (the cute way) x)
Then he and Nino disappeared backstage while saying “arigatou”.
Sho, Aiba and Ohno were left on stage, and Sho thanked us for our cooperation =) They talked again about the sand image, Aiba had been afraid we would say “mitakunai” (don’t want to see it) haha
Afterwards promotions ~ Oh-chan promoted the Kagiheya special, Sho Kamisama no Karute 2, Nino Nino-san. Jun came back and they were about to go into the second half of the concert, but just before Jun remembered about Hidamari no Kanojo’s promotion lol He did it quickly, then the children came on stage. A bit of promotion for Hajimari no Uta, and on to the next part ~
Furusato
Tonight I had the feeling the lights the children hold were purple... But I only saw it when the children took place in a kind of dark, afterwards the stage lights were too strong to distinguish anything.
Your Song
It was deleted tonight. I guess they felt this corner had been too long yesterday…
Kaze no mukou e
Video
DJ
On the side screens there were cool effects, like the picture being slightly reproduced, the "phantom image" being paler and further on the left than the original.
When the members appeared they messed around, possibly doing a Shake it imitation, but I'm not sure. Actually everytime there was a song change in this corner, they were pretty much fooling around x) <3
Step and go
Kitto Daijoubu
Love so sweet
For the beginning, Jun was still at his remixing table, so his mic was held with a stand bent over the table and Oh-chan came to sing by his side <3
Yes ? No ?
I think I got Sho and Ohno when they rose to the stands stage, or maybe it was Nino or Aiba with Sho... In any case, I saw members closely >w<
Re(mark)able
With his green laser, Jun went over the main stage from left to right, and fire would be released at the same time ~ Afterwards he pointed at the screen and the Olympic Arashi rings were shown. Finally the laser went over from the main stage up to them, and again fire shot up.
Seeing their lined up dance from the side was so cool, I could see their faces so clearly !
Also, the Arafes logo above the main stage was a screen showing us the Olympic flame ~ (It happened in other songs afterwards as well)
Troublemaker
While the camera was focusing on Jun remixing, the other members were around Aiba who was doing his wrist aspiring gag x) I missed one action because I checked the screens, but it ended on Aiba's arm hitting his head x) (Or maybe Nino hitting him ? But I would go for the former)
Believe
Up to you
Again, tonight it ended on everyone in rapper mode, Jun standing and the other members on one knee.
Shake it
Video
Breathless
When they appear, the lights are in their back so the doors are opening on their shadows… So kakkoii ~
The fountains go up and down to the rhythm, so combined with the main screen mixing water footages and the PV, it's really beautiful !
Also, the black and white side screens were changed to black and white screens with only blue being shown (their costumes had silver sequins, black and blue).
Calling
Just like Truth, the main screen had fire pictures, so when Aiba, who was on center stage, was filmed, it came out very cool with the fire in the background ~
On the screens on the sides of the elevated alley, fire pictures were also used, as well as real fire. So really, the visuals for the performance were great ! =)
Still
Still had a different melody, though the rhythm was the same (except for Nino's solo).
Also, every one of two of the alley’s platforms were down, like a rampart.
Members disappeared for the ending solo, so the center already had a hole. Then Nino announced his solo (we barely heard him speaking, so for those who didn't know what he was gonna say, there wasn't much reaction) and jumped in the hole while the video was played.
Himitsu
Nino waved at Jun, put his arm on Oh-chan's shoulder and taped his headpiece which had begun to fall, for Sho I think it was just some waving or some crazy moves (can't remember ><), and with Aiba they bowed to each other and then Aiba hit him with his long head around the neck LOL
Again tonight, Nino had a hard time singing and laughed a lot x)
When they got rid of their headpiece, Jun and Oh-chan had a painful expression, while Aiba had to try several times before getting rid of his haha
When the song was over, Nino asked Aiba if he was Aiba, to which he replied in a low voice "No no, I'm not". They teased him about it while returning to the main, and Aiba went to change pretty quickly. Ohno went to change as well, and before disappearing Sho said "It's so hot !". Jun was the last member left on stage with Nino so he went to change through the left door (I think he said something like “We’re going into the next part”), while Nino thanked him for wearing the costume.
Video
Endless Game
Just like Breathless, their appearance is cool with the lights effects ! ^w^
Summer splash
Sho was in the backstage tower ! =D
Oh yeah
Sho took the hanamichi to the stands stage, and was on the right side during the ride. He stayed a bit on the stands stage ^w^
Energy song
Sho was still on the stands stage, then rode the hanamichi down this time being on my side ! =D
For the members individual presentations, they did the same things as yesterday ~
Wild at heart
Thank you speeches
Sho thanked us, and mentioned how happy he were they had been able to perform in Kokuritsu since 2008, and how performing in Kokuritsu had been a dream which seemed far away. So he thanked us for letting them dreaming. He said this was the last Kokuritsu concert but not their last concert, so asked us to keep following them and hoped we could dream together.
Ohno talked about this concert being the sixth time in Kokuritsu, and how happy they are that we always get excited no matter what they do, laugh at their silly things, kya at cool things… He asked us to continue creating a fun atmosphere together, and to follow Arashi forever ~
Aiba said he had thought 2008 would be the first and last time, but they’ve been able to do it six times… There were times when it rained a lot, times where he ripped off his pants, or times when he wore a tiger mask. Even if the place changed, he wanted to have fun together again.
Nino said this time was the real last time, and that he had looked up at the sky a lot. He mentioned how this is not the end, the Kokuritsu will only change not disappear, and that he’d like to come back here after the renovation. We could all drink together when that time comes, and meanwhile he’ll try not to put on too much weight lol He also talked about how J and him were the last persons to be celebrated in Kokuritsu, and thanked us. He added a few others things, some of them which made us laugh, but I can’t remember ._.
Jun talked about the first time he came to Kokuritsu, how he was surprised such a big stadium existed in the middle of Tokyo, and how he had dreamt of performing here. He mentioned how the idea of Arafes got started too, and thanked us. Besides, he expressed his desire to have fun and communicate directly with us again somewhere else, and asked for us to keep on supporting Arashi.
5x10
The balloons flew on the left tonight, since the wind was blowing from the opposite direction of yesterday ~
Like for Still, the elevated alley was like a rampart, but became even afterwards.
When they disappeared through the center stage's hole, they were all holding hands this time, and the last image shown on screen was a close up of two holding hands.
First encore
Love Rainbow
The visuals on the main screen are rainbow colors paint stains splashing all over and such ~
Nino had a white towel tied around his head x)
A.RA.SHI
Gori Muchuu
When they had almost reached the backstage, Jun threw a kiss to the arena and bowed to them à la Love so sweet, while Sho who was on the right of the hanamichi bowed to us just afterwards ! <3 I remember seeing Sho doing a reverence three times tonight ~
Second encore
Pikanchi Double
When they reappeared, Jun had a grey cap worn backwards and Sho had his usual solo concert towel on his head ^^
For this song, Jun came over to my side !! =D He climbed the stairs on the right, running at first then walking for the last steps. He stayed with us on the stands stage ^o^
The moon was beautiful, and some shots of Jun singing with the moon and the flags in the background were so pretty...
Sakura Sake
Jun stayed a bit more on the stage then got down on my side, walking, and he stopped a bit just around my section >w< Nino also came to see us on the backstage ^w^
Again, when they left the stage, Oh-chan did something before leaving (can’t remember what though T_T) then Aiba-chan put his right arm around his shoulder and they exited.
Triple encore
Speeches
They came back at slightly different moments, and Jun started speaking (he was the center ; they had spread on the main stage and from right to left, we had Aiba, Nino, Jun, Oh-chan, and Sho. Easy to remember because except for Jun, they talked in that order x)). Jun thanked us again, notably for these last summer memories. Aiba mentioned it’s sad it’s the last time but today had been more fun than something sad ~ Nino thanked us and said he felt like doing his best tomorrow too… Except that tomorrow was a day off for him HAHA But still, he was gonna do his best ! x) Oh-chan said that such a scenery isn’t common and that it’s engraved in his memory, to which we laughed a bit. Thus he asked us what had been so funny, making us laugh for real XD He told us to be careful on the way home (laughs again) and thanked us one last time ~ Sho-chan wished they could see again a scenery similar to today, tough it won’t be in Kokuritsu anymore, and said he’ll work hard to achieve that.
The camera went back to Jun for him to announce the final song, and he was contemplating something, with his left arm crossed upon his chest and his right arm forming a right angle with it, his hand under his chin. We "woo"ed at this picture, and he laughed x) He hurried to take back his mic from his pocket and told us he really was just looking at the flame, thinking it was beautiful. Then he announced the last song to be sung in Kokuritsu... I had felt (and hoped hard) it would be it, and luckily it was <3
Kansha Kangeki Ame Arashi
Oh-chan did the introduction like the CD version.
During the song, Nino was jumping and waving widely bye bye, he was so cute !
Shouting "Arashi !" to thank them while they were singing thank you to us was the perfect way to end these six years in Kokuritsu to me =) Really, Kansha Kangeki was the best song choice as the very last encore ~
Lastly, Jun made a request to us, asking how about facing the flame and saying thank you to Kokuritsu for these six years. We did (though I couldn't see the flame because of the stands stage ><), they thanked us a last time and they left the stage. Nino said “bye bye !”, to which we replied, so he shouted it louder, we did the same, and he exited screaming it really loudly x) (We replied again haha) He was so cute ~ Jun ended the concert with a “Let’s meet again here !”, and that was it for Arashi’s last concert in Kokuritsu.
General remarks :
-I had so much fun, it was incredible. I knew it’d be the last time, and I knew the contents of the concert already (so no disappointment on the setlist possible), we even got birthdays… Really, it was awesome.
-The sound was still as bad as yesterday lol Though I was way further so I guess I avoided some of it. I couldn’t distinguish the back voices as much as yesterday.
-It made me laugh to notice that the moving stage was pushed by staff XD I had already noticed for the hanamichi during Popcorn so I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I ended up laughing nonetheless x)
I didn’t take pictures of the flags yesterday since my gate was the opposite one and I knew I could today, but I should have… Today’s weather was grey T_T
Tonight I was in stands, but about 20 rows away from the backstage and right next to the moving stage leading up to the stands stage, so again, awesome seat *w* I was as close to the middle of Kokuritsu as one could hope, so my global view was really good !
Random notes
-I got in at 4:30 pm, and waited 35 minutes to go to the toilets… That was crazy Oo
-There were two cranes cameras in the arena, so DVD night ! =D
-For the VS Arashi video, I noticed Itou-san says “Kokuritsu no mina-san” at the beginning, so it was recorded just for us ! =)
-Right before the concert (5 minutes before), the VIP seats were filled, and they were important people because the arena got up and went kinda crazy, especially for the right side ! I couldn’t see who there were because of the stage though >< In my section, the VIP were like ten rows before me, so with everyone standing I couldn’t see them properly ._. My section was more for athletes and officials though I think (I heard Massu, the announcer), while the right section most likely had Johnny’s (I checked afterwards and notably Hey Say Jump members were mostly present).
A few things before the actual report :
-There are most likely mistakes, because I don't take notes and my memory is far from perfect... Also, I'm still studying Japanese, so I may have misunderstood some stuff.
-English isn't my native language, so pardon any English mistake !
-Thanks to yarukizero for her fast and very detailed reports, it's always good to have another report in case my memory fails =)
On to the concert now ~
Video
It started with the logo having sound vibes coming from it, with a different AMNOS color at each beat ~
Also, when the logo announces Arafes, the Arafes 13 logo appears, with extracts from last year appearing (notably Shake it haha) and slowly reducing and disappearing. In the end it forms a mosaic with the Arafes 13 logo on it, and the concert starts from here.
Face Down
Crazy Moon ~ Kimi wa muteki ~
I was wondering how was the sound today, and almost as bad as yesterday unfortunately… T_T During the song it was sometimes too loud then right afterwards too low, things like that ><
Truth
On the main screen, fire pictures were used, like fire balls and fire from an explosion, thus when the camera was filming Oh-chan singing with that in the background, the effect was really good !
Welcome to our party
Again, sound volume issues…
Nino came to see my section ! =D Then Jun exchange places with him, and he was the one in a tour ~ Yesterday and today, I got lucky with Jun <3
Greetings
Jun : Yay ! x2 Kokuritsu ! We wanted to see you ! It’s the last one, let’s make good memories ! Are you ready ? x2 From now on, we’ll make the 70,000 of you happy. Have fun until the end !
Nino : Irasshaimase ! x2 It’s the last one ! Arashi’s summer won’t end ! Follow us ! x2 Follow us until the end ! Saigo made yoroshiku ~
Aiba : Ne ne ne ne moriagatte n no ? Are you hot ? Let’s get hot ! Saigo made yoroshiku.
Ohno : Hai ! x3 It’s the last Kokuritsu matsuri !
Sho : How are you feeling Tokyo ? Choushi wa dou da ? x2, then he asked the stands followed by arena “choushi wa dou da ?” Are you ready ? Because we are !
Then we screamed Arashi after him and Welcome to our party started again ~
Position-wise, Jun was in the tower at the backstage, Nino in the one on the left of the middle alley, Aiba-chan on the right, Oh-chan at the left end of the main stage and Sho-chan at the right end.
Happiness
We still had Jun in the tower <3
At some point he went down though, and went to the left of the middle alley. When he bypassed Nino around the middle of the left part, they briefly held hands ~
Aiba came to see us backstage, and ended the song with a cute pose, then disappeared under the stage on the left, with a staff lighting him the way a bit.
On the other hand, Nino’s elbow was in Jun’s fist ; both had their arms held horizontally and just their index and little finger were out. They made cute faces as well >w<
Video
The exact number of voters is 290,963 =)
Hello Goodbye
Aiba-chan reapparead backstage so we got to see him again <3 He had a mic problem for his first words though >< We didn’t hear him… But other than that, it was a good performance ! ^w^
Subarashiki sekai
Members were on stairs which spread on the main stage. Tonight there was no mic problem or anything, so it was even more beautiful <3 I noticed the fountains tonight ! =)
At the end of the song, lights were more or less shut off (even lights on members), and on the main screen we saw Aiba and the artist, both wearing the concert t-shirt =) The last sand image was one of Kokuritsu, and Aiba draw a heart on it and wrote Love Situation ^w^
Love Situation
The stage was lit up in blue and purple, at first half half, then it got mixed ~
It always cracks me up, the part where Aiba and Nino dance a bit on the floor while Sho stays up x)
Jun’s “chikazukitai” was definitely live *w*
Festival Night
In the latter part of the song, Sho and Nino came on individual hanamichis, Sho from the left and Nino from the right. They alit backstage, and for the ending made the same pose as yesterday, one knee down x)
Take me far away
White lasers are used during his solo, the effect is really pretty ~ On the other hand, the stage is lit up in blue, and even the lyrics subtitles were in pale blue x)
Also, he danced alone on the elevated center stage with the chair ^^
Tokei Jikake no Umbrella
Monster
I think it’s this song were lasers from different colors are used profusely, being quite numerous and going in all directions quickly. The effect was good ! =D
Fight song
Oh-chan’s voice was weird again tonight, but tonight I understood it’s actually done on purpose x) He ran to us and stayed a bit there (he didn’t go all the way to backstage, just until the end of the alley), then Nino who was on the left alley and him started running at the end of the song haha A concert hood towel was used as a goal line, and Nino hold it with Aiba-chan or Jun for Oh-chan. An exhausted Oh-chan passed it, and it was Nino instead of Jun who commented tonight “this is our leader ~” lol
Hip Hop Boogie
Sho wore a sweat with silver sequins x)
Cool & Soul
Again, kakkoii ~
It was pretty much the same version, with Ohmiya doing a high five, Nino leaning on Jun and Sho giving us an evil laugh at some point x)
Funnily, the first two times Jun appeared on screen, there was a “kakkoii na” feeling coming from the public ~ At least in my section x)
A day in our Life
Again, when Juntoshi walked backstage, they made a rapper pose that made us laugh x) Their faces were funny as well ~ When they rose to the stands stage, I had Oh-chan and Jun ! =D Jun pointed in my direction, followed two seconds afterwards by Oh-chan… I pretty much died there >< Especially since I was only one seat away from them (well, one seat and the stairs) and they were moving upwards, one could pretty clearly tell where they were looking ! I had Oh-chan’s fans around me, like the woman to my left and one before me on my right, so I think Oh-chan pointed towards one of them, but for Jun, I was his only fan in the direction he looked, so it may have been for me… >w<
When they had reached the stands stage, I could see Sho and Aiba ^O^ Again, so close !
Lucky Man
At the beginning, Nino had a bit of a hard time with his rapping lol
During the song they moved from the right to the left of the stage, with a member rapping and members surrounding him ~ At some point I think I saw Sho and Nino ? Can’t remember ><
Also, after the part where they were surrounding a member on the right part of the stage, when they moved to the left Aiba slightly patted Jun’s waist, in a kind of “good job” way ~
Meikyuu Love Song
When they got down, I either had Sho and Nino or Aimiya ~ ^w^
Oh-chan was a bit late to get on one knee tonight x)
MC
They talked again about Aiba’s fur, but mostly a mention. Then there was a survey about who had voted, if their song had been played, if they thought it would be played… x) Jun commented it may have been easy to choose this year, since we had ten choices in each category. Then Sho asked who hadn’t voted, and pleaded them to vote next time lol
Next they talked about the corners, and Oh-chan spoke about his. When he pronounced “Take me far away” we laughed at his accent, and Aiba-chan commented “Why are you laughing when he’s saying something normal ? This is our leader you know !” haha x) <3 Then they talked about Aiba’s corner, teasing him about the sunset being completely gone at that time (or the weather being gray, can’t remember), while it had been good yesterday. Afterwards they talked about Subarashiki Sekai’s video and its making, and Aiba said he had made one picture with sand that hadn’t been included. We said we wanted to see it ; actually only a few people reacted at first, so Sho said only half of us wanted to see it. Thus the whole stadium screamed “mitai”, and Jun replied that it was fine, we’ll see it in the DVD. Aiba asked the staff to prepare showing the video anyway, and everyone was walking back to the main stage all the while. Jun asked for a confirmation if it really was Aiba-chan who did it, and he replied it was easy once you learn how to do it. Nino picked on him, saying he had been surprised and a bit touched that Aiba knew how to spell Love Situation HAHAHA
When they had reached the main stage, the video was played with Subarashiki Sekai as background music. It showed us some footage of Aiba and the teacher, and Aiba’s drawings. At some point, Ashita no Kioku was played while drawing was shown… It started as a circle so I thought it would be the last drawing of Kokuritsu played at the end of the video, but it turned into a birthday cake !!!! Aiba wrote “Happy birthday” above it (The music changed to Ashita no Kioku), and in the bottom right corner, added… Jun !!! Of course we all screamed, and I couldn’t believe I really was assisting to Jun’s birthday, which I had stopped hoping for after Waku Waku’s disappointment for Nino’s birthday >< Then the members’ letters were read, the text being shown on the left of the main screen while Jun’s face was shown on the right part.
Ohno : To MatsuJun. Welcome to the adults’ world. I don’t think anything has changed though. I feel like we’ve been together a lot this year, going abroad together, eating together… It was an important time. Your thoughts, your way of thinking towards your work… I really love them. To this sincere MatsuJun (he messed up several times, saying for example MachuJun, so had to repeat this portion and made Jun and us laugh XD), as always thank you. And happy birthday. Ohno Satoshi.
Sho : MatsuJun, happy birthday. The first time I met you was in the rehearsal room of Aoyama theatre. The MatsuJun of that time was really small and thin, and now you became like this. MachoJun. Excuse me. From now on, please take care of Arashi with that uprightness (massugu, which can be translated into honesty, frankness, straightforwardness, uprightness…) of yours. Now, together, towards the future. Happy birthday. Sakurai Sho
Aiba : Matsujun, happy birthday. You’re a hundred times kinder than what your looks suggest. This kindness always helps me a lot. When I’m feeling unwell, you prescribing me “drink this, you’ll feel better”… The Matsumoto pharmacy. When you’re travelling, you’re also giving us a present fit to each one of us. Whereas no matter where I go, I always bring back tiger t-shirts, so I feel ashamed. Next time, let’s make it a lion t-shirt ! I have a lot of memories of the two of us recently. Like shopping in New York, going to the WBC together (a photo of the two of them was shown on screen ! >w< Probably taken by the manager who was sitting next to Jun)… And among these memories, there’s another one which came to my mind. The first time I went to a rehearsal as a Junior, there was no one with my age, and I just stood there alone. The first person who talked to me at that time was you. You saved me at that time, thank you. Please always stay the kind MatsuJun (he actually said anata, which means you). Aiba Masaki
Ashita no Kioku started again, and old pictures of Jun (the first one was a small Jun with a dog’s head next to the left of his head… Young Jun + puppy = so cute >w<) were shown on screen. The last picture was the one of the A.RA.SHI cover, where they’re all wearing white. The music ended, and then… Ashita no Kioku started again, and we had gone back to the birthday cake sand picture. An “& Nino” was added after Jun, we screamed, Nino stood up and on to the letters ~ =)
Ohno : To Nino. Welcome to the adults’ world. You may be the one who has the least changed. This year, I felt I finally understood your feelings, when I played the game you recommended me. I became a game addict (not a real addict, but right now my brain wouldn’t give me a better translation…). I’m not at your level though. Even when you’re playing games, you’re watching and paying attention to your surroundings properly, and I respect you for that. From now on as well, just like always, I’m grateful to you. Also, happy birthday. Ohno Satoshi
Sho : Nino, happy birthday. The first time I met you was in a rehearsal room at NHK. You had a bonze haircut and were doing some catching (in baseball) training. The new Junior who came was a catcher with a bonze haircut… I couldn’t understand you. It’s good that your hair grew. From now on, please take care of Arashi with that quick-thinking of yours. Now, together, towards the future. Happy birthday. Sakurai Sho
Aiba : Ninomi, happy birthday. I feel like we’ve been together a really long time. In my life, after my family… No no, more than with my family, we’ve spent time together. So I have too many memories of us, and don’t know what to write about. It’s hard… Then, should I begin from childhood memories ? Do you remember ? In the train, me being hit on the head by an unknown grandpa. The delicious monjayaki your mother cooked at your house. Being chased by a scary guy in Harajuku (Nino’s mouth : It did happen !). And more than anything, meeting in Harajuku Giant Baba-san. Our relationship hasn’t changed from these times, hasn’t it. If we’re talking about recently, playing baseball, going to each other’s house... Ah. Coming over is fine, but please, stop complaining about the furniture arrangement of someone’s living room as soon as you enter. The place of my TV is good where it is (Nino doing no signs with his hands x)). This and that happened, but… Daisuki desu yo (I love you). In hopes you have a great life. Aiba Masaki
Ashita no Kioku started again, and pictures of Nino were shown <3
At some point Ohno, Aiba and Sho went to change themselves (they had been sitting until now), Jun made a move to follow them as well (I think I remember him walking close to the right door), but he stayed back in the end, I guess he was asked to.
Also, more so than Jun, Nino was pretty moved during his part. I couldn’t see in details their face on the screens from my seat, but it’s the feeling I had. I may be wrong though.
After the video of the members pictures ended, Sho, Ohno and Aiba reappeared, pushing a cart with two big cakes (two storeys white cake with strawberries, mounted with a pyramid of cream puffs), Sho and Aiba being in Ohmiya SK outfits (Sho being K and Aiba S), and Oh-chan in Yabai yabai yabai outfit ! We cheered so much at them x) They had some problems with the wind though, the napkin would always get blown towards the cakes, hiding the “Nino happy birthday” and “Jun happy birthday” signs on the cakes.
We sang “happy birthday NinoJun”, but for the final part we didn’t know when to start again after the silence, so Sho finished it up in a funny voice for us haha
Ohno was unable to light the candles because of the wind, so Nino stopped him, saying it was fine that way. Then Sho said in a kind of child voice “Ninomiya-kun, Matsumoto-kun, 30 sai otanjoubi… Se, no : Omedetou !” (We all screamed the omedetou part, “se, no” was a countdown) Sho apologized for taking so long to set up everything, and then explained that Nino and Jun’s birthdays didn’t happen during a concert tour so they had decided to do it there. Jun said that he hadn’t noticed anything, and Aiba mentioned it had been fun to prepare. Afterwards they picked on Oh-chan and how he had been unable to say correctly MatsuJun lol
Then Riida handed out the DVDs, Nino’s one having Nino as a Mario playing games on the left, Nino Mii written in the upper and middle part of the cover (where it’s usually written Wii), and “birthday edition” was also written around the top right. For Jun, he made a “fufufu” when he saw it, then showed it to the camera : it was a parody of Mickael Jackson's "This is it" cover, with “This is J” written and the silhouette having a kind of J shape ! (They explained that, since Jun was wondering when he had made such a pose in a photoshoot) On the back of the DVD there was the J letter used as reference as well to make the silhouette. The staff has been so creative for the DVDs, they’re awesome ! <3
Then Aiba asked Nino : “You were surprised right ?”, to which he answered : “I was the most surprised ! I thought “But I didn’t record one (message for Jun) !”. Did I left too early yesterday ?” haha They also mentioned a camera which had been focused on Nino to catch his expression, and that it’d be on the DVD he had received x)
They also talked about the Ohmiya SK outfits, saying it was a first for Sho to be in Nino’s outfit. Aiba said he had been surprised when he saw Sho), the camera focused on Sho and we couldn’t help laughing haha He asked us “Why are you laughing ?”, which of course made us laugh even more x) “I’m being serious here !” LOL
Afterwards Sho and Aiba mentioned that since 70,000 people would be there for the concert, they thought it would be a good opportunity to celebrate =) Then they talked about going back to change because they couldn’t continue like that haha But before that, Aiba-chan said they should take a commemorative picture ^w^ After taking it, when they were about to go back, Jun stopped them and questioned Sho about his costume XD He asked Sho who he was, there was a three seconds silent… And Sho said “Please don’t ask me” haha Jun insisted a bit, saying that no matter how you think about it, he should have received the S, but then the three of them escaped backstage x)
Jun talked a bit then, saying he felt sorry he had asked for the sand art video to be included in the DVD since it turned out to be a birthday surprise. Then he asked Nino how was turning 30, and he said something I can’t remember but ended with a “I really want to cut my hair right now” lol We had a close up on his face at that time, and indeed, the wind was still strong and his hair were getting in his left eye.
Sho returned in the blue and purple outfit from Popcorn (the Akashi/Cosmos part), and Nino and Jun were surprised by that, wondering if it was the right one (yesterday’s outfits were pastel colors suits). Sho told them to get changed anyway, but before that Jun wanted to say a few words since he hadn’t been able to express his thanks and comments properly for the birthday surprise. He said he was very happy to have his birthday celebrated in such a way here, with the five of them and so many people, and thanked everyone. He also thanked the members who had taken time out of their busy schedule to do this, and the staff as well. He finished with a “From now on as well, I’ll do my best being your singing and dancing idol !”, while having a cute pose for the “ganbarimasu” : he held his right fist vertically, his lips slightly pinched (the cute way) x)
Then he and Nino disappeared backstage while saying “arigatou”.
Sho, Aiba and Ohno were left on stage, and Sho thanked us for our cooperation =) They talked again about the sand image, Aiba had been afraid we would say “mitakunai” (don’t want to see it) haha
Afterwards promotions ~ Oh-chan promoted the Kagiheya special, Sho Kamisama no Karute 2, Nino Nino-san. Jun came back and they were about to go into the second half of the concert, but just before Jun remembered about Hidamari no Kanojo’s promotion lol He did it quickly, then the children came on stage. A bit of promotion for Hajimari no Uta, and on to the next part ~
Furusato
Tonight I had the feeling the lights the children hold were purple... But I only saw it when the children took place in a kind of dark, afterwards the stage lights were too strong to distinguish anything.
Your Song
It was deleted tonight. I guess they felt this corner had been too long yesterday…
Kaze no mukou e
Video
DJ
On the side screens there were cool effects, like the picture being slightly reproduced, the "phantom image" being paler and further on the left than the original.
When the members appeared they messed around, possibly doing a Shake it imitation, but I'm not sure. Actually everytime there was a song change in this corner, they were pretty much fooling around x) <3
Step and go
Kitto Daijoubu
Love so sweet
For the beginning, Jun was still at his remixing table, so his mic was held with a stand bent over the table and Oh-chan came to sing by his side <3
Yes ? No ?
I think I got Sho and Ohno when they rose to the stands stage, or maybe it was Nino or Aiba with Sho... In any case, I saw members closely >w<
Re(mark)able
With his green laser, Jun went over the main stage from left to right, and fire would be released at the same time ~ Afterwards he pointed at the screen and the Olympic Arashi rings were shown. Finally the laser went over from the main stage up to them, and again fire shot up.
Seeing their lined up dance from the side was so cool, I could see their faces so clearly !
Also, the Arafes logo above the main stage was a screen showing us the Olympic flame ~ (It happened in other songs afterwards as well)
Troublemaker
While the camera was focusing on Jun remixing, the other members were around Aiba who was doing his wrist aspiring gag x) I missed one action because I checked the screens, but it ended on Aiba's arm hitting his head x) (Or maybe Nino hitting him ? But I would go for the former)
Believe
Up to you
Again, tonight it ended on everyone in rapper mode, Jun standing and the other members on one knee.
Shake it
Video
Breathless
When they appear, the lights are in their back so the doors are opening on their shadows… So kakkoii ~
The fountains go up and down to the rhythm, so combined with the main screen mixing water footages and the PV, it's really beautiful !
Also, the black and white side screens were changed to black and white screens with only blue being shown (their costumes had silver sequins, black and blue).
Calling
Just like Truth, the main screen had fire pictures, so when Aiba, who was on center stage, was filmed, it came out very cool with the fire in the background ~
On the screens on the sides of the elevated alley, fire pictures were also used, as well as real fire. So really, the visuals for the performance were great ! =)
Still
Still had a different melody, though the rhythm was the same (except for Nino's solo).
Also, every one of two of the alley’s platforms were down, like a rampart.
Members disappeared for the ending solo, so the center already had a hole. Then Nino announced his solo (we barely heard him speaking, so for those who didn't know what he was gonna say, there wasn't much reaction) and jumped in the hole while the video was played.
Himitsu
Nino waved at Jun, put his arm on Oh-chan's shoulder and taped his headpiece which had begun to fall, for Sho I think it was just some waving or some crazy moves (can't remember ><), and with Aiba they bowed to each other and then Aiba hit him with his long head around the neck LOL
Again tonight, Nino had a hard time singing and laughed a lot x)
When they got rid of their headpiece, Jun and Oh-chan had a painful expression, while Aiba had to try several times before getting rid of his haha
When the song was over, Nino asked Aiba if he was Aiba, to which he replied in a low voice "No no, I'm not". They teased him about it while returning to the main, and Aiba went to change pretty quickly. Ohno went to change as well, and before disappearing Sho said "It's so hot !". Jun was the last member left on stage with Nino so he went to change through the left door (I think he said something like “We’re going into the next part”), while Nino thanked him for wearing the costume.
Video
Endless Game
Just like Breathless, their appearance is cool with the lights effects ! ^w^
Summer splash
Sho was in the backstage tower ! =D
Oh yeah
Sho took the hanamichi to the stands stage, and was on the right side during the ride. He stayed a bit on the stands stage ^w^
Energy song
Sho was still on the stands stage, then rode the hanamichi down this time being on my side ! =D
For the members individual presentations, they did the same things as yesterday ~
Wild at heart
Thank you speeches
Sho thanked us, and mentioned how happy he were they had been able to perform in Kokuritsu since 2008, and how performing in Kokuritsu had been a dream which seemed far away. So he thanked us for letting them dreaming. He said this was the last Kokuritsu concert but not their last concert, so asked us to keep following them and hoped we could dream together.
Ohno talked about this concert being the sixth time in Kokuritsu, and how happy they are that we always get excited no matter what they do, laugh at their silly things, kya at cool things… He asked us to continue creating a fun atmosphere together, and to follow Arashi forever ~
Aiba said he had thought 2008 would be the first and last time, but they’ve been able to do it six times… There were times when it rained a lot, times where he ripped off his pants, or times when he wore a tiger mask. Even if the place changed, he wanted to have fun together again.
Nino said this time was the real last time, and that he had looked up at the sky a lot. He mentioned how this is not the end, the Kokuritsu will only change not disappear, and that he’d like to come back here after the renovation. We could all drink together when that time comes, and meanwhile he’ll try not to put on too much weight lol He also talked about how J and him were the last persons to be celebrated in Kokuritsu, and thanked us. He added a few others things, some of them which made us laugh, but I can’t remember ._.
Jun talked about the first time he came to Kokuritsu, how he was surprised such a big stadium existed in the middle of Tokyo, and how he had dreamt of performing here. He mentioned how the idea of Arafes got started too, and thanked us. Besides, he expressed his desire to have fun and communicate directly with us again somewhere else, and asked for us to keep on supporting Arashi.
5x10
The balloons flew on the left tonight, since the wind was blowing from the opposite direction of yesterday ~
Like for Still, the elevated alley was like a rampart, but became even afterwards.
When they disappeared through the center stage's hole, they were all holding hands this time, and the last image shown on screen was a close up of two holding hands.
First encore
Love Rainbow
The visuals on the main screen are rainbow colors paint stains splashing all over and such ~
Nino had a white towel tied around his head x)
A.RA.SHI
Gori Muchuu
When they had almost reached the backstage, Jun threw a kiss to the arena and bowed to them à la Love so sweet, while Sho who was on the right of the hanamichi bowed to us just afterwards ! <3 I remember seeing Sho doing a reverence three times tonight ~
Second encore
Pikanchi Double
When they reappeared, Jun had a grey cap worn backwards and Sho had his usual solo concert towel on his head ^^
For this song, Jun came over to my side !! =D He climbed the stairs on the right, running at first then walking for the last steps. He stayed with us on the stands stage ^o^
The moon was beautiful, and some shots of Jun singing with the moon and the flags in the background were so pretty...
Sakura Sake
Jun stayed a bit more on the stage then got down on my side, walking, and he stopped a bit just around my section >w< Nino also came to see us on the backstage ^w^
Again, when they left the stage, Oh-chan did something before leaving (can’t remember what though T_T) then Aiba-chan put his right arm around his shoulder and they exited.
Triple encore
Speeches
They came back at slightly different moments, and Jun started speaking (he was the center ; they had spread on the main stage and from right to left, we had Aiba, Nino, Jun, Oh-chan, and Sho. Easy to remember because except for Jun, they talked in that order x)). Jun thanked us again, notably for these last summer memories. Aiba mentioned it’s sad it’s the last time but today had been more fun than something sad ~ Nino thanked us and said he felt like doing his best tomorrow too… Except that tomorrow was a day off for him HAHA But still, he was gonna do his best ! x) Oh-chan said that such a scenery isn’t common and that it’s engraved in his memory, to which we laughed a bit. Thus he asked us what had been so funny, making us laugh for real XD He told us to be careful on the way home (laughs again) and thanked us one last time ~ Sho-chan wished they could see again a scenery similar to today, tough it won’t be in Kokuritsu anymore, and said he’ll work hard to achieve that.
The camera went back to Jun for him to announce the final song, and he was contemplating something, with his left arm crossed upon his chest and his right arm forming a right angle with it, his hand under his chin. We "woo"ed at this picture, and he laughed x) He hurried to take back his mic from his pocket and told us he really was just looking at the flame, thinking it was beautiful. Then he announced the last song to be sung in Kokuritsu... I had felt (and hoped hard) it would be it, and luckily it was <3
Kansha Kangeki Ame Arashi
Oh-chan did the introduction like the CD version.
During the song, Nino was jumping and waving widely bye bye, he was so cute !
Shouting "Arashi !" to thank them while they were singing thank you to us was the perfect way to end these six years in Kokuritsu to me =) Really, Kansha Kangeki was the best song choice as the very last encore ~
Lastly, Jun made a request to us, asking how about facing the flame and saying thank you to Kokuritsu for these six years. We did (though I couldn't see the flame because of the stands stage ><), they thanked us a last time and they left the stage. Nino said “bye bye !”, to which we replied, so he shouted it louder, we did the same, and he exited screaming it really loudly x) (We replied again haha) He was so cute ~ Jun ended the concert with a “Let’s meet again here !”, and that was it for Arashi’s last concert in Kokuritsu.
General remarks :
-I had so much fun, it was incredible. I knew it’d be the last time, and I knew the contents of the concert already (so no disappointment on the setlist possible), we even got birthdays… Really, it was awesome.
-The sound was still as bad as yesterday lol Though I was way further so I guess I avoided some of it. I couldn’t distinguish the back voices as much as yesterday.
-It made me laugh to notice that the moving stage was pushed by staff XD I had already noticed for the hanamichi during Popcorn so I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I ended up laughing nonetheless x)