Day 4: NICO Touches the Walls live at Nagano CLUB JUNK BOX
2012.10.14
Itinerary for the day:
Niigata >> Tokyo/Shibuya >> Nagano >> Tokyo/Shinjuku
It was the day to finally hang out with Iman and Calista! Pity it's only about 2hr-ish of bonding, but it was so nice to spend some quality time. I left the hotel around 8 and reached Tokyo station almost 11. Tried to find a locker so I can just pick up my fudgin' heavy pack on my way to Narita airport the next day.
Grandpa was amused everyone had their cameras out to snap pictures nonstop.
Got to Hachiko statue past meeting time. Then ate lunch and went to Tower Records. I was scared I might spend money here, but thankfully I didn't.
Hurriedly said our goodbyes after taking pictures outside the station, which I can't find in my album. How did that happen???
Then off to a sad trip to Nagano. The weather clearly reflected how gloomy my mood that this was my last NICO concert for the year. I swear, most of my Japan photos are that of train station, shinkansen, and whatever view I see on the train.
This was my second time at the venue after seeing ONE OK ROCK just a couple nights before. So it was quite convenient knowing their routine. This time I arrived in my sneakers and went directly to the restroom to change into my boots. After entering the floor, it was already packed! The first half was full all over, but later when the staff said to squeeze in and move forward.. we all went crazy moving closer. I think that was a mistake on my part tho. Chose Furu-kun's side this time. Granting I ended up in the mosh pit, it's still the furthest back I've been. But I was hoping I'd get closer (and lucky) just like I did at Niigata, I did get close enough to be standing right in front of Micchan. So when he sings and looks at the crowd/light, it feels like he's looking straight at me and singing just for me. /melts into puddle. I know, I'm quite delusional. XDD
Big Foot
Diver
Carousel
-instrumental bit-
Yuudachi March
Gougou
image training.
Fuujin
Hottoshita
-MC-
Yougisha
Hologram (Acoustic Version)
Instrumental
Rappa to Musume
Mousountaiin A
Chain Reaction
Te wo Tatake
THE BUNGY
Bicycle
-MC-
Natsu no Daisankakkei
Encore:
Kabe
-MC- Member introduction
Broken Youth
I love LOVE how the concert always starts with "Big Foot." The instrumental at the beginning is explosive so I knew from the very start that I was going to have a total blast. Followed that with "Diver".. I'm completely loving the order of their songs. NICO took a break from their tour due to Micchan's voice. I think that explains why he was obviously off in "Diver." Poor guy,my poor poor Micchan.. I wasn't disappointed with the performance and but got worried when I found out about the news. Followed that up with "Carousel," the song I'm most fond of from the recent album. Doesn't this song sound so different from their style? To me, "Te wo Tatake" that was not the turning point of them or their music maturing.. it was "Humania." However, after hearing this on the cd, it reassured me that I'm still hooked on the band. Certainly, the live version captured my heart so easily. Same thing for "Yuudachi March." THe song is supposedly somewhat chill, but why am I easily touched with the way Micchan sings this? I usually crave for the older songs, but I pleasantly surprised myself enjoying these newer tracks just as much. "Gougou" was next, and this feels like a freestyle song for Micchan. I like how it's heavier, I really like Furukun's guitar bit. Then instrumental started, I couldn't figure out what the next song is. Then that chilling "windy" sound thing that Furu-kun does with his guitar got me excited cos I know "image training" was next! It's laid back a bit but there are just so many parts that gets me so excited and touched. Micchan hyped up the crowd for "Fuujin" omgomgomg.. it's "Fuujin"!!! I had dreamed of hearing this at last year's tour, can you believe how happy I was when I heard this at this tour? Anything from "Aurora" is always extra special to me somehow as it's my favorite album. My favorite part of the song, Miichan going "Oh-oh-oh~" during instrumental part. I have to say, I keep on falling in love with Micchan..not only his voice but his expression as he sings. I can feel his overflowing passion that it constantly overwhelms me.
Ended up with a very very slow song "Hottoshita" from "Who are you?". And I eat up the chance to listen to Micchan's raw voice carrying most of the song. Never underestimate a slow song Jing, even if you don't listen to it often.. cos you still cry when Micchan belts out every single note.
MC not a clue. But obviously, they were prepping the crowd for a new arrangement of the next song "Yougisha"! It's jazzy, which reflects the current direction of their music, rather whatever they're trying to explore. I'm kind of resistant to change, so I was again pleasantly surprised that I ended up loving this version as well. I truly loved this song from the Passenger tour, and hearing it in a different version was such a treat!
Hologram -Acoustic Version-. Regardless of its popularity, I could pass up for this song anytime. I dunno, it seems like I listened to it too much I got bored. But when I saw the acoustic session video of them playing this song, I didn't even dare to dream hearing this version live. How blessed was I to actually hear this version in this tour? Now this one I can listen to repeatedly without ever getting bored of it.
You know you have gone to their previous lives when, even before the song started, you already have your hand up and your feet are dying to start jumping while others are still figuring out what's the next song. Or maybe am I the only one super duper excited for all the awesome-ness that's coming next? Maybe I just didn't see others at the back.
OMG... my favorite part of this tour!!! INSTRUMENTAL intro with Micchan on drum and Shingo on keyboard. "RAPPA TO MUSUME"... If I didn't make myself clear before in my previous posts, I absolutely love LOVE this song live. It's a cover but they made it their own. ♥♥♥♥ Micchan's voice is sexy, but so are the other instruments. This song livens me up.. more like makes me wanna lose all control and go nuts. Every time they perform this, I'm always in cloud nine. Even at parts that the instruments are a bit chill, Micchan's voice's power never ceases to hold back.. not even one bit. And then, I realized again that I just fell in love with Micchan all over again. It's confirmed, he's my ichiban. Maybe I was depressed at Okayama last year because I couldn't see him much as I prioritized seeing Furu-kun (with hopes he might jump again and land on me. HAHAHA.. just kidding). Despite being off at first, especially "Diver".. Micchan sounded flawless during this song.
"Mousountaiin A"... why didn't we swing our towels for the chorus? I still feel the same way about this song as last year. "Chain Reaction". Tbh, I was confused at Takasaki whether this is a new song or not. I actually had to check it out after being reminded of the title at Niigata. I like the song, not sure if it's love just yet. It always takes awhile for me to warm up to their new songs.
"Te wo Tatake" is sooooooooo much fun to experience live. I'm about to burst from all the happiness this song brings me. You can't help but just jump, clap your hands and sing your heart out to this song. Then it was "THE BUNGY", this should never ever be left out of a NICO setlist. If I wasn't high enough, simply singing "Oh-oh-oh-oh~" took that high-ness to another level. I'm not making much sense here, but whatever.
"Bicycle" was next and during the first few lives, I was fooled. It feels like they're gearing up for more fun, when the show was actually almost at the end. XD Time just passed by so quickly, that's what happens when you're enjoying the show.
Had to leave the hall when they were doing the MC and the background that was obviously "Natsu no Dai Sankakkei." I enjoyed it at the first two lives, so it wasn't that bad I missed it. I could hear it from outside anyway.
ENCORE. First song up was "Kabe" /swoons. Another song from the early days. Am I just too soft that I easily cry during NICO's lives?
Long MC with member introduction. How sad I can't understand a single thing. There were many oohs and ahhs, and whoa and clapping.. and I had no clue what all that was about. Hahaha.. Furu-kun was first, then when it was Sakkan's turn. If Micchan sounded like an ossan the night before at Niigata, at Nagano he was acting like a little kid interrupting (or was it teasing) Sakkan. SO CUTE! I mean Micchan. Not sure if he was encouraging Sakkan to speak or totally distracting him. Apparently, Sakkan's grandparents are from Matsumoto. Why did Micchan call him "stingy"? Did Sakkan rarely visit them? Then Tsushima... he finished his part but I think Micchan initiated or volunteered Tsushima for a special performance: Tsushima's cover of T-ara. HE WAS SOOOOO CUTE especially with the dancing. It was too short though. I still prefer the neko performace the night before, maybe because of all the booty shakin'. After Micchan's bit.. he started saying "ja ne" ... hahaha.. audience replied "YADA!!!"
"Broken Youth" was the last song. Thank you NICO for ending your lives this time with a livelier song instead of a slower one. You can never go wrong with "Broken Youth" especially as a closing song.
Their setlist was pretty much standard as the previous lives. I had desperately prayed for "Me" but they didn't play it. I had wanted to hear at least "Yoru no Hate." My wishlist is actually pretty long but I don't hope for it too much as they're old and not as popular as their other songs.
Had a shoving battle with a dude. How rude, just to get to the front he'd intentionally and violently get in my face/view. Literally trying to push me down or shove me to the back. I got pissed off later when I saw he's doing the exact same thing to a much smaller and shorter woman. I had to prevent one from falling. But somehow, I became stupid and moved over to his side so I can continue the shoving battle. Well, not only did that tire me.. but also all the shoving and almost falling because it wasn't packed enough. I felt so much better at that point compared to the OOR live, yet I decided to leave right before Natsu no Daisankakkei. At first I just wanted to move back a bit. Then I noticed I was having difficulty walking plus the place has strong tobacco smell which made it harder for me to breathe. I gave up and just decided to get out of the hall. It was so packed even all the way to the door. Fans were so sweet not only helping me stay balanced as I made my way out, they also said some reassuring words. When I finally got to sit down and drink water, I realized it may have gotten dangerous had I just stayed there. After returning inside for the encore, it felt weird watching them from the back. Seeing Micchan's expression as he sings is very important to me. I have been so blessed to have that opportunity, I thought.
I just realized that the night before an international flight I do not sleep a wink. Just like leaving Houston for Tokyo, I spent the entire night wide awake before the Tokyo to Manila leg. I originally planned to spend the night at Nagano, however, I moved my flight from 1pm to 9-something AM so I'd get to my home province sometime in the afternoon instead of night. Then, I realized that even taking first train out in the morning would make it hard for me to make my AM flight. So I decided to return to Tokyo immediately. This means arriving before midnight before all trains stops.
I actually didn't have any plans where to spend the night. I was too afraid to sleep, thus net cafe was the only option. I only needed 5-6 hrs to rest before the first NEX train out of Tokyo. I talked to Calista and Iman about net cafes but totally forgot to research exactly which one. So uncharacteristic for me since I'm usually prepared for this kind of stuff. Got to Tokyo station almost midnight, and I was hoping to find a cafe near the station. Ended up asking a couple girls, but it seems like they're from out-of-town too. After getting my pack, I jumped into a Chuo train. Only when the door closed I had prayed it's not an extra-special-super-rapid train heading to the suburbs. Imagine my relief when I heard Shinjuku. Usually there's an english version on the map right? I was looking at it but couldn't figure out. Ended up near the western exit. JR East free wifi is non-existent. Even if it wasn't, how the heck was I supposed to search for it without knowing a lick of Japanese writing? Then I did what I do best: look like a dumb foreigner in desperate need of help. Works like a charm, every single time. Two hip girls were very patient trying to understand my very poor Japanese. They were heaven sent, soooo nice and they seemed genuinely happy to help me out, even walking me all the way to the net cafe. They were quite surprised I flew to Japan simply to watch Japanese bands. The net cafe had nice chairs and all-you-can-drink beverages. But their electrical outlets weren't working. My machines were almost out of juices.
Made it for my train to Narita. I love how comfy NEX is, as well as the view on the way to Narita. After picking up two large suitcases intended for family, made my way to check-in. Why are JAL staff more patient and nicer than American Airlines ones? Had breakfast before entering immigration section, which was a good idea. Then off to the gates. My gate was at the very end! I quickly cleaned up and changed clothes in the restroom. It still impresses me how immaculately clean Japanese restrooms are. Totally zonked out on the plane ride after eating early lunch. I've been flying American carriers, and I never thought airline food was any good, until I tried JAL's inflight meal. It tasted like real food. Haha.. My favorite though was the senbei. Should've taken note of the brand.
When I finally got to sleep after spending the night without a wink... I immediately woke up when "Carousel" came up on JAL's playlist. XD My boys are getting popular, I'm one proud mama
.
I was so sad to leave Japan. But there will be next time, for sure.
My dad opened my poster so now it's all wrinkly. boo.
Itinerary for the day:
Niigata >> Tokyo/Shibuya >> Nagano >> Tokyo/Shinjuku
It was the day to finally hang out with Iman and Calista! Pity it's only about 2hr-ish of bonding, but it was so nice to spend some quality time. I left the hotel around 8 and reached Tokyo station almost 11. Tried to find a locker so I can just pick up my fudgin' heavy pack on my way to Narita airport the next day.
Grandpa was amused everyone had their cameras out to snap pictures nonstop.
Got to Hachiko statue past meeting time. Then ate lunch and went to Tower Records. I was scared I might spend money here, but thankfully I didn't.
Hurriedly said our goodbyes after taking pictures outside the station, which I can't find in my album. How did that happen???
Then off to a sad trip to Nagano. The weather clearly reflected how gloomy my mood that this was my last NICO concert for the year. I swear, most of my Japan photos are that of train station, shinkansen, and whatever view I see on the train.
This was my second time at the venue after seeing ONE OK ROCK just a couple nights before. So it was quite convenient knowing their routine. This time I arrived in my sneakers and went directly to the restroom to change into my boots. After entering the floor, it was already packed! The first half was full all over, but later when the staff said to squeeze in and move forward.. we all went crazy moving closer. I think that was a mistake on my part tho. Chose Furu-kun's side this time. Granting I ended up in the mosh pit, it's still the furthest back I've been. But I was hoping I'd get closer (and lucky) just like I did at Niigata, I did get close enough to be standing right in front of Micchan. So when he sings and looks at the crowd/light, it feels like he's looking straight at me and singing just for me. /melts into puddle. I know, I'm quite delusional. XDD
Big Foot
Diver
Carousel
-instrumental bit-
Yuudachi March
Gougou
image training.
Fuujin
Hottoshita
-MC-
Yougisha
Hologram (Acoustic Version)
Instrumental
Rappa to Musume
Mousountaiin A
Chain Reaction
Te wo Tatake
THE BUNGY
Bicycle
-MC-
Natsu no Daisankakkei
Encore:
Kabe
-MC- Member introduction
Broken Youth
I love LOVE how the concert always starts with "Big Foot." The instrumental at the beginning is explosive so I knew from the very start that I was going to have a total blast. Followed that with "Diver".. I'm completely loving the order of their songs. NICO took a break from their tour due to Micchan's voice. I think that explains why he was obviously off in "Diver." Poor guy,my poor poor Micchan.. I wasn't disappointed with the performance and but got worried when I found out about the news. Followed that up with "Carousel," the song I'm most fond of from the recent album. Doesn't this song sound so different from their style? To me, "Te wo Tatake" that was not the turning point of them or their music maturing.. it was "Humania." However, after hearing this on the cd, it reassured me that I'm still hooked on the band. Certainly, the live version captured my heart so easily. Same thing for "Yuudachi March." THe song is supposedly somewhat chill, but why am I easily touched with the way Micchan sings this? I usually crave for the older songs, but I pleasantly surprised myself enjoying these newer tracks just as much. "Gougou" was next, and this feels like a freestyle song for Micchan. I like how it's heavier, I really like Furukun's guitar bit. Then instrumental started, I couldn't figure out what the next song is. Then that chilling "windy" sound thing that Furu-kun does with his guitar got me excited cos I know "image training" was next! It's laid back a bit but there are just so many parts that gets me so excited and touched. Micchan hyped up the crowd for "Fuujin" omgomgomg.. it's "Fuujin"!!! I had dreamed of hearing this at last year's tour, can you believe how happy I was when I heard this at this tour? Anything from "Aurora" is always extra special to me somehow as it's my favorite album. My favorite part of the song, Miichan going "Oh-oh-oh~" during instrumental part. I have to say, I keep on falling in love with Micchan..not only his voice but his expression as he sings. I can feel his overflowing passion that it constantly overwhelms me.
Ended up with a very very slow song "Hottoshita" from "Who are you?". And I eat up the chance to listen to Micchan's raw voice carrying most of the song. Never underestimate a slow song Jing, even if you don't listen to it often.. cos you still cry when Micchan belts out every single note.
MC not a clue. But obviously, they were prepping the crowd for a new arrangement of the next song "Yougisha"! It's jazzy, which reflects the current direction of their music, rather whatever they're trying to explore. I'm kind of resistant to change, so I was again pleasantly surprised that I ended up loving this version as well. I truly loved this song from the Passenger tour, and hearing it in a different version was such a treat!
Hologram -Acoustic Version-. Regardless of its popularity, I could pass up for this song anytime. I dunno, it seems like I listened to it too much I got bored. But when I saw the acoustic session video of them playing this song, I didn't even dare to dream hearing this version live. How blessed was I to actually hear this version in this tour? Now this one I can listen to repeatedly without ever getting bored of it.
You know you have gone to their previous lives when, even before the song started, you already have your hand up and your feet are dying to start jumping while others are still figuring out what's the next song. Or maybe am I the only one super duper excited for all the awesome-ness that's coming next? Maybe I just didn't see others at the back.
OMG... my favorite part of this tour!!! INSTRUMENTAL intro with Micchan on drum and Shingo on keyboard. "RAPPA TO MUSUME"... If I didn't make myself clear before in my previous posts, I absolutely love LOVE this song live. It's a cover but they made it their own. ♥♥♥♥ Micchan's voice is sexy, but so are the other instruments. This song livens me up.. more like makes me wanna lose all control and go nuts. Every time they perform this, I'm always in cloud nine. Even at parts that the instruments are a bit chill, Micchan's voice's power never ceases to hold back.. not even one bit. And then, I realized again that I just fell in love with Micchan all over again. It's confirmed, he's my ichiban. Maybe I was depressed at Okayama last year because I couldn't see him much as I prioritized seeing Furu-kun (with hopes he might jump again and land on me. HAHAHA.. just kidding). Despite being off at first, especially "Diver".. Micchan sounded flawless during this song.
"Mousountaiin A"... why didn't we swing our towels for the chorus? I still feel the same way about this song as last year. "Chain Reaction". Tbh, I was confused at Takasaki whether this is a new song or not. I actually had to check it out after being reminded of the title at Niigata. I like the song, not sure if it's love just yet. It always takes awhile for me to warm up to their new songs.
"Te wo Tatake" is sooooooooo much fun to experience live. I'm about to burst from all the happiness this song brings me. You can't help but just jump, clap your hands and sing your heart out to this song. Then it was "THE BUNGY", this should never ever be left out of a NICO setlist. If I wasn't high enough, simply singing "Oh-oh-oh-oh~" took that high-ness to another level. I'm not making much sense here, but whatever.
"Bicycle" was next and during the first few lives, I was fooled. It feels like they're gearing up for more fun, when the show was actually almost at the end. XD Time just passed by so quickly, that's what happens when you're enjoying the show.
Had to leave the hall when they were doing the MC and the background that was obviously "Natsu no Dai Sankakkei." I enjoyed it at the first two lives, so it wasn't that bad I missed it. I could hear it from outside anyway.
ENCORE. First song up was "Kabe" /swoons. Another song from the early days. Am I just too soft that I easily cry during NICO's lives?
Long MC with member introduction. How sad I can't understand a single thing. There were many oohs and ahhs, and whoa and clapping.. and I had no clue what all that was about. Hahaha.. Furu-kun was first, then when it was Sakkan's turn. If Micchan sounded like an ossan the night before at Niigata, at Nagano he was acting like a little kid interrupting (or was it teasing) Sakkan. SO CUTE! I mean Micchan. Not sure if he was encouraging Sakkan to speak or totally distracting him. Apparently, Sakkan's grandparents are from Matsumoto. Why did Micchan call him "stingy"? Did Sakkan rarely visit them? Then Tsushima... he finished his part but I think Micchan initiated or volunteered Tsushima for a special performance: Tsushima's cover of T-ara. HE WAS SOOOOO CUTE especially with the dancing. It was too short though. I still prefer the neko performace the night before, maybe because of all the booty shakin'. After Micchan's bit.. he started saying "ja ne" ... hahaha.. audience replied "YADA!!!"
"Broken Youth" was the last song. Thank you NICO for ending your lives this time with a livelier song instead of a slower one. You can never go wrong with "Broken Youth" especially as a closing song.
Their setlist was pretty much standard as the previous lives. I had desperately prayed for "Me" but they didn't play it. I had wanted to hear at least "Yoru no Hate." My wishlist is actually pretty long but I don't hope for it too much as they're old and not as popular as their other songs.
Had a shoving battle with a dude. How rude, just to get to the front he'd intentionally and violently get in my face/view. Literally trying to push me down or shove me to the back. I got pissed off later when I saw he's doing the exact same thing to a much smaller and shorter woman. I had to prevent one from falling. But somehow, I became stupid and moved over to his side so I can continue the shoving battle. Well, not only did that tire me.. but also all the shoving and almost falling because it wasn't packed enough. I felt so much better at that point compared to the OOR live, yet I decided to leave right before Natsu no Daisankakkei. At first I just wanted to move back a bit. Then I noticed I was having difficulty walking plus the place has strong tobacco smell which made it harder for me to breathe. I gave up and just decided to get out of the hall. It was so packed even all the way to the door. Fans were so sweet not only helping me stay balanced as I made my way out, they also said some reassuring words. When I finally got to sit down and drink water, I realized it may have gotten dangerous had I just stayed there. After returning inside for the encore, it felt weird watching them from the back. Seeing Micchan's expression as he sings is very important to me. I have been so blessed to have that opportunity, I thought.
I just realized that the night before an international flight I do not sleep a wink. Just like leaving Houston for Tokyo, I spent the entire night wide awake before the Tokyo to Manila leg. I originally planned to spend the night at Nagano, however, I moved my flight from 1pm to 9-something AM so I'd get to my home province sometime in the afternoon instead of night. Then, I realized that even taking first train out in the morning would make it hard for me to make my AM flight. So I decided to return to Tokyo immediately. This means arriving before midnight before all trains stops.
I actually didn't have any plans where to spend the night. I was too afraid to sleep, thus net cafe was the only option. I only needed 5-6 hrs to rest before the first NEX train out of Tokyo. I talked to Calista and Iman about net cafes but totally forgot to research exactly which one. So uncharacteristic for me since I'm usually prepared for this kind of stuff. Got to Tokyo station almost midnight, and I was hoping to find a cafe near the station. Ended up asking a couple girls, but it seems like they're from out-of-town too. After getting my pack, I jumped into a Chuo train. Only when the door closed I had prayed it's not an extra-special-super-rapid train heading to the suburbs. Imagine my relief when I heard Shinjuku. Usually there's an english version on the map right? I was looking at it but couldn't figure out. Ended up near the western exit. JR East free wifi is non-existent. Even if it wasn't, how the heck was I supposed to search for it without knowing a lick of Japanese writing? Then I did what I do best: look like a dumb foreigner in desperate need of help. Works like a charm, every single time. Two hip girls were very patient trying to understand my very poor Japanese. They were heaven sent, soooo nice and they seemed genuinely happy to help me out, even walking me all the way to the net cafe. They were quite surprised I flew to Japan simply to watch Japanese bands. The net cafe had nice chairs and all-you-can-drink beverages. But their electrical outlets weren't working. My machines were almost out of juices.
Made it for my train to Narita. I love how comfy NEX is, as well as the view on the way to Narita. After picking up two large suitcases intended for family, made my way to check-in. Why are JAL staff more patient and nicer than American Airlines ones? Had breakfast before entering immigration section, which was a good idea. Then off to the gates. My gate was at the very end! I quickly cleaned up and changed clothes in the restroom. It still impresses me how immaculately clean Japanese restrooms are. Totally zonked out on the plane ride after eating early lunch. I've been flying American carriers, and I never thought airline food was any good, until I tried JAL's inflight meal. It tasted like real food. Haha.. My favorite though was the senbei. Should've taken note of the brand.
When I finally got to sleep after spending the night without a wink... I immediately woke up when "Carousel" came up on JAL's playlist. XD My boys are getting popular, I'm one proud mama
.
I was so sad to leave Japan. But there will be next time, for sure.
My dad opened my poster so now it's all wrinkly. boo.