UlasanAnime.com – The Animazement 2012 convention featured a highly anticipated live performance by the artist KOTOKO, which left a significant impression on attendees, including the author of this review.
[6/7/2012 Edit: Updated track listing!]
Initially, this event was slated to be part of a larger wrap-up post, but due to its extensive nature, it has been decided to cover KOTOKO’s performance in a separate, dedicated article.
It is not an exaggeration to state that KOTOKO’s live performances are exceptionally enjoyable, at least based on the author’s experiences. Her inclusion at Animazement was a major draw, not just for the author but for many others as well. In fact, aside from local attendees, most of the author’s companions had KOTOKO’s performance as their top priority.
The question of whether this performance would be the author’s number one was definitively answered after the concert on Saturday afternoon. The author went all out, securing a front-row spot and enthusiastically cheering throughout the event. However, the setup presented a challenge: a sloping dance floor met the stage rail, making energetic jumping difficult. This was further complicated by being sandwiched between two individuals taller than the author, one of whom was JAMBO MOMOTATO, whom the author apologizes to for numerous accidental bumps.
The physical toll of KOTOKO’s live show was considerable, largely due to her performing an “anime best” set. This format is presumed to be similar to her Asia Live Tour sets but condensed. The condensation involved cutting slower songs and shortening the MC segments, resulting in a rapid succession of high-energy tracks. This relentless pace led to exhaustion, with the author feeling as though their arms were about to fall off and being completely drenched in sweat by the end. This intensity is understandable, given that a “best-of KOTOKO” set focusing on anime and game themes would predominantly feature fast dance beats interspersed with rock elements.
Songs like “Chi ni Kaeru” and “Being” served as necessary respites, not only due to their anime tie-ins but also because they provided opportunities for both the audience and the band to catch their breath.
The presence of a live band significantly enhanced KOTOKO’s performance, and those who have not witnessed it are missing out. Coincidentally, the band members were dressed as characters from Lupin the Third, with the drummer as Lupin, the guitarist as Jigen, and the bassist as Goemon, which was a delightful touch at the beginning of the show.
KOTOKO herself underwent an outfit change during the performance. Her initial costume was a modified ninja-kimono-like attire that included swordplay elements. Her second outfit was a more conventional skirt, and for the encore, she donned a t-shirt. It is speculated that the second outfit was one of the costumes from her Asia tour.
The author’s overall impression of the show was overwhelmingly positive. Despite minor imperfections, the author was too immersed in the “wota” experience to be bothered. Reliving songs like “Suppuration” and “Re-sublimity” was a highlight, and “Light My Fire” was particularly impressive. The majority of the MC segments were delivered in simple Japanese. While KOTOKO likely had translated notes on her monitor, she referred to them infrequently, resulting in limited English interaction.
The front-and-center view from the stage was described as glorious, with the author positioned just left of center stage, allowing for ample eye contact. The performance of “Oboetete Iiyo,” particularly the final chorus, was a moment that deeply resonated with the author, eliciting a strong emotional response.
Set list (updated):
- Face of fact
- Suppuration-core
- Ao-iconoclast -> MC1
- Shooting Star
- Wing My Way -> MC2
- Chi ni Kaeru
- Sakura no Ame mo Egi no yo -> Outfit change -> Band solo
- Hayate no Gotoku
- Special Life -> MC3
- Unite+reactioN
- Light My Fire [Definitely best song in the set!] -> MC4
- Unfinished -> MC5
- Oboetete Iiyo
- Hirake! Sora no Oto -> band intro interlude -> Encore
- Being
- Re-sublimity
The accuracy of the setlist is acknowledged as potentially having some errors, with a promise to correct it upon receiving further information or input from others.
The encore call was described as chaotic, but the audience eventually settled on “KO-TO-KO.”
Mr. LOAE provided significant assistance, acting as part of KOTOKO’s entourage during the event. The author inquired about the charity auction, which had concluded just before the concert, and received advance notice about items that would be available for sale on Sunday.
Following the concert, KOTOKO was present outside the performance area, offering autographs to attendees who had made purchases. The author acquired a pair of chopsticks, completing a collection of items from the vending table, which included a blue Asia tour shirt, a grey Asia tour shirt, chopsticks, and a fan. It was noted that singles for “Light My Fire” and “Unfinished” were also available but had sold out by the time the author reached the table. The “Unfinished” single was actually purchased the day prior, as many merchandise items were available earlier in the dealers’ room.
The author reflects on the enjoyable time spent during the event.
You might also be interested in : Animazement 2012: Recapitulation
Update: KOTOKO’s blog features some photographs from the event, which are recommended for viewing.
