UlasanAnime.com – The IDOLM@STER 765 Million Stars, a beloved franchise, made its inaugural overseas solo concert appearance in Taiwan, marking a significant milestone for both the franchise and its dedicated fanbase. This event, titled “765ML First Time In Taiwan,” aimed to introduce the charm of Million Live to new audiences while offering unique collaborations and performances for veteran fans.
The concert spanned nearly three hours, encompassing opening and closing MC segments, as well as various interlude discussions featuring characters like Shacho and Kotori. Both performance days followed a similar structure, with minor variations in song selection, such as “Jiburi” and “Diamond Days” on day one being replaced by “Happy” and “WELCOME” on day two. Detailed setlists are available on imas-db.jp.
A notable absence from the lineup was Itou Miku, who unfortunately fell ill with the flu and could not travel to Taiwan. Her absence meant that “Toumei na Prologue” was performed by Mingosu instead of Miku, pairing with Harami. Despite this, fans showed their support by wearing Yuriko merchandise, and the writer personally kept their Yuriko penlight ready.
The true strength of Million Live’s live performances lies in its unit songs, particularly those imbued with a deep sense of sentimentality. While “Harukanamirai” might have felt overemphasized to some, the other four group songs, along with “DD/Dreaming/Welcome,” effectively conveyed the intended emotions. The inclusion of “Maspi” and “Jiburi” further enriched the emotional landscape of the concert.
Songs like “Sentimental Venus” have gained immense emotional weight thanks to the narrative developed in ML2nd. Even before that, it was a standout performance during SSA 2014, showcasing the power of the first true ML unit song performed live. Other group songs, such as “Shinso Mermaid” and “Jungle Party,” are recognized for their energetic and captivating performances, while “Praline” holds a special place in the hearts of many fans.
“Persona Voice” offered a blend of sentimentality and performance excellence. It marked Azumin’s first live rendition of the song with the original members. The track, characteristic of Yamaguchi Akihiko’s upbeat style, was a crowd-pleaser. The performance was noted as being even better than the ML3rd version, likely due to Nomura’s improved skills and Azumin’s vocal style suiting the song perfectly.
Azumin’s appearances with Million Live are rare, making her performance of “Dreaming” particularly moving. This performance resonated deeply, bringing back memories of her last collaboration with the group during their 10th anniversary, when “Dreaming” was first debuted.
Similarly, “Eternal Harmony” and Mingos’s performance were highlights. Mingos, having more prior experience with Million Live than Azumin, contributed significantly. The three-player rendition of the original group members performing “Eternal Harmony” live was a special moment, marking the second time the song was performed with Mingosu. The crowd’s enthusiastic “hi-ho” call during the song further amplified the excitement.
The medley format for solo songs served a dual purpose: introducing the core musical identity of Million Live to new viewers and offering a fresh experience for existing fans. The truncated versions of songs like “Toumei no Prologue” provided a novel experience for Million Live producers. Some collaborations evoked memories of the 10th anniversary’s “dream medley,” such as the “Double Asakura Tokimeki no Onpu ni Natte” performance. Other collaborations, like Eriko’s “Jet Machine” with Yuiton or Mingos’s “Masquerade” with Nomura, and Nunu’s rendition of Inagawashi’s routine, served as delightful fan service for loyal 765 Producers.
For many fans, simply experiencing “L O V E LOVELY ASAPON” live was enough. The ability to cheer for Rally/Machico during “Alright*” instead of Azumin also added to the enjoyment. For newer fans or those less familiar with Million Live, the event offered more substantial introductions. The unit songs featuring 765Pro provided an additional layer of engagement.
The “765ML” system, which essentially enhances the original 765Pro with distinct character relationships and music, was on full display. This event offered a glimpse into the full potential of this system, differentiating it from the unique solo identities that converge for occasional unit songs, a characteristic of 346 products that maintains a comfortably cute aesthetic.
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— ???? (@fooooooomin) April 27, 2017
The execution of the concert was a mixed bag, but overall, it closely aligned with the planned concept, resulting in a highly enjoyable experience. The “yuri” segment during Utamas, reminiscent of the 10th-anniversary event, was a standout, with added twists. Day one saw a reset during the middle of the performance for the choreography and position swap, while day two opted for a more spontaneous “musical chairs” approach. The performers engaged in numerous interactions, including kisses, hugs, and playful teasing, creating a dynamic and engaging spectacle.
Minor performance errors were present across both days, though most were insignificant. Day two had a couple of larger mistakes, such as Mingos facing the wrong direction during “Etahamo.” However, these “mistakes” often added a spontaneous and desirable ad-lib quality to the performances. Another instance involved a performer forgetting a line, a recurring occurrence in live events that is generally accepted by the audience. Such moments, like Aimin’s garter snapping off during “Praline,” blur the line between bug and feature, and are often embraced by fans.
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The audience appeared to be having a fantastic time, and the performers displayed a mix of nervousness and relaxed confidence. Suzie, in particular, seemed nervous, a contrast to her energetic performance alongside Harami, who embodied the character of Shijou Takane. The joint MC segments offered insights into the performers’ approaches to the event, providing memorable moments for those present.
The MC segments dedicated to Million Live-only and 765Pro-only performances were still developing. While the 765Pros, with their years of experience, should have excelled, their banter significantly differed from the lively, informal chat of the Million Live cast. The 8 Million Stars’ segment felt like a casual “Miliraji” or post-event chat among friends touring Taiwan, whereas the 765Pros’ segment was more akin to standard seiyuu work. This disparity led to a charades game on day two, a necessary element to sustain conversation. This difference in attitude and the relationships between the groups provided an amusing dynamic.
The rest of the event’s execution was largely unremarkable, which is to say, nothing went significantly wrong. Merchandise stalls were set up inside the venue, with staff managing crowd flow to ensure a smooth purchasing experience. CDs were available with a slight markup. The merchandise sales were highly successful, with most items selling out by Saturday, including the pamphlet, towel, and penlight.
The event’s penlight was noted for its poor quality.
https://twitter.com/Kurotsuki/status/855635802201575424
A significant takeaway from attending this live event was the overarching appeal of Taiwan itself. While the local producers and organizers worked diligently to stage the event, the city of Taipei provided a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. For those familiar with Japan, Taipei offered a unique experience, akin to a “bizzaro Tokyo” with Chinese signage and a more relaxed ambiance. The people were perceived as more open and friendly than in Japan. Special thanks were given to the TW liaison, Gary, for his assistance in connecting with local producers and the 765Pro TW branch. The initial overflow of attendees at the main TW offkai led to an alternative venue being arranged at a live house. Collaborations with Korean producers resulted in a DJ and VJ for the offkai, enhancing the party atmosphere.
The “kind of HPT” offkai for day two was attended by an international group of fans who had coordinated prior to the event. Their energetic participation, while perhaps overwhelming for locals, fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. The event’s success was attributed to the local Taiwanese hospitality, food, and party scene, which impressed both first-time and returning visitors. Compared to similar Million Live events in Japan, the Taiwan concert was described as less “tiger-y,” with fans generally well-behaved, likely due to the mix of new and veteran attendees and those primarily there for 765Pro.
Taiwan’s significance extends beyond tourism; its producers share a connection with fans elsewhere while remaining closer to their seasoned Japanese counterparts. The scene’s fluency in Japanese meant the live performance proceeded without interpretation, with only the Kotori/Shacho segments subtitled in Traditional Chinese. Even the live pamphlet was predominantly in Japanese, which struck the writer as unusual.
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— ZebokP (@pgmania3091) April 25, 2017
The future of IM@S events remains a topic of anticipation, with hints dropped by Asapon during the final MC. The 765Pro representatives, in particular, have alluded to future developments. Reflecting on past memories, there is a delicate balance between the potential for disappointment and the satisfaction of fulfilled expectations.
The writer expresses hope for surprises at AX.
PS. A commendable report on the live event from celebrity Producer Kurotsuki can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6qmwFcyLSE
