UlasanAnime.com – The author, currently in Japan, shares insights from a recent “game” trip, hinting at a potential NPB exhibition game and distinguishing this travelogue series. The title itself serves as a clue to the content and a way to differentiate it from future writings, possibly for IM@S 10th.
The trip’s theme is inspired by baseball, as the NPB season is about to commence, with teams engaging in spring training games. The author plans to attend a Samurai versus Euro game, acknowledging its potentially niche appeal.
Additionally, the author intends to provide some notes on the events attended, warning that the post might be lengthy.
A significant highlight was Myu’s performance in a maid outfit, playing a rhythm guitar cover of “Don’t Be Lazy.” Despite being in the back and only seeing half of her costume, the author found her performance fitting for the intimate, Harajuku-esque venue. It evoked the feel of an underground idol live, though the scale was much larger with around 500 attendees, unlike a typical underground idol event.
Myu’s solo performance exceeded expectations. She donned glasses to transform into UNDER17 vocalist Momo-i for a cover of “Tenbatsu Angel Rabie.” The author also recalls her excitement when practicing with Sakura Saori at Milk Lariat 7 in December, where she covered “True My Heart.”
The author specifically praises Takagi Miyu’s rendition of Momoi’s singing, noting its accuracy in capturing the high-pitch undulations. Myu also covered a considerable number of anison tracks, further solidifying her position within WUG as having the best otaku tastes.
On Sunday, the author attended PsLive 02, an event by Pony Canyon aimed at boosting DVD sales and marketing. Held at Yokohama Arena, the author bypassed typical event amenities like rental binoculars or fast food, opting instead for the event’s collaboration food items. Among the items sampled, Yurika Endo’s roasted onigiri stood out as the best.
Ayachi’s butaman was a close second, with the author noting that a butaman is hard to get wrong, questioning the inclusion of apple bits. Mimorin designed the most expensive dish, a pork sauce over rice with an egg, which, while conceptually sound, lacked in execution. Uchida Maaya offered grilled and buttered corn on the cob, a simple yet delicious choice. A fruity soft drink celebrating the Ps Live event song was also available, though the author couldn’t recall the name of the song performed that day, only that it was available on DAM.
The Ps Live 02 event offered much to discuss. Based on T-shirt sales, “Kill Me Baby” and “Yuruyuri” appeared to be strong contenders, although their financial success was not confirmed. “Yuruyuri” was announced to be receiving a third season as part of the Ps Live celebration, a revelation made the night before the live event.
This marked the author’s first in-person encounter with Gorakubu, the unit from “Yuruyuri.” Having seen their performances on Blu-ray, the author found their live show to be impressive and perfectly aligned with their preferences. The four members have mastered the idol persona, exhibiting excellent chemistry and performing fun songs.
Unlike some other idol groups, “Yuruyuri” offers an accessible experience without being overly taxing on the audience’s intellect, making it enjoyable for a broader audience.
In person, Gorakubu demonstrated considerable experience, especially when compared to other anime units making their debut. Their songs are highly entertaining. However, their success is tied to their publisher, as the unit originated from a manga that was adapted into a mixed-media project, highlighting the often unfair nature of the industry.
Other memorable aspects of Ps Live included the playful banter and jokes shared between performers during talk segments. Mimorin’s set featured new songs performed for the first time, alongside “Glory,” a personal favorite. The author realized they knew all the “Yuruyuri” songs, a surprising discovery.
Notable moments also included Moyochi’s “encore” t-shirt, Baum’s critique of her being “azutoi,” Hanamori Yumiri’s potential as the next “kyonuu loli moe” voice, Rieshon’s presence, the energetic calls during the “Etotama” OP, the impressive choreography and concept of “Rolling Girls” with their stylish leather jackets, MatsuEri’s “moo” performance, the expertly executed “Idol Chronicle” routine, Yukinco’s engaging performance during the Sakura Trick collaboration, the “team KMB” segment, Ayappe’s adorable and “kiyoi” demeanor, the existence of Denki Girls (featuring Natsunee), and the realization of having dropped many Pony Canyon shows over the years.
The event also included a humorous segment where Natsunee asked if Yokoari loved erohon (answered “daisuki”), Tsuda inquired about eroge (also “daisuki”), Aizawa asked about BL (replied “bimyo”), and Ayachi questioned her love for oppai (responded with “yay”).
The overall atmosphere of the event felt like a program designed to gauge the popularity of various intellectual properties. Some series promoted at Ps Live 02, such as “Etotama” and “Miranai Diva,” had not yet aired or were relatively obscure. The author encountered fans of “Miranai Diva” while waiting to enter, expressing surprise at their “hipster” status and noting the show’s likely limited reach outside Asia, despite its association with Rieshon.
With “Yuruyuri” announcing its third season after years of dedicated fan support, primarily through events, the author ponders what makes a series successful. It seems less about measurable quality and more about other factors, as consumed by the average anime fan. Attending Ps Live offered a comprehensive view of this, akin to “American Idol” but with Blu-rays instead of text message votes. The question remains whether “Kill Me Baby” will be the next to gain significant traction.
Regarding food, after the WUG solo performance, the author visited a trendy ramen shop in Harajuku, enjoying a quality shio ramen with popular flavors like smoky fish and char-grilled pork. This contrasted with the Jiro ramen consumed on the first day of the double-header. The author also tried Ikinari Steak, which was located near their hotel and proved to be quite good.
Finally, echoing a sentiment shared by Haramii at Anime North, the author notes that Cup Noodles in Japan are significantly superior to those found in the States. The presence of a craft beer store at Akiba station also piqued their interest, though the overall expense of such activities limits their duration.
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The author acknowledges that the post might not yet be very long and expresses hope for a part two, while also cautioning readers against surprise if they disappear for another week.
