UlasanAnime.com – This article serves as a condensed recap of an extensive Japan trip in 2014, focusing primarily on the Idolm@ster (IM@S) Master of Idol World event at Saitama Super Arena. It also touches upon various other experiences and observations made during the trip.
The author presents this as a “TL;DR” version of a much longer post, acknowledging that even a summary of such a large topic won’t be brief. The accompanying image, a birthday greeting for Yayoi, immediately evokes memories of the IM@S SSA event.
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The post aims to function as a digital scrapbook, replacing physical collages made from magazines and newspapers. The author notes the anachronism of buying magazines for concert coverage in 2014 and anticipates including numerous links to tweets and other online content.
The author addresses questions posed by “Author-san” from Ani-note:
- Regarding Gree signup: The author signed up while in Japan, avoiding the need for geo-spoofing. Local assistance was used for confirmation, highlighting the ease of the process with a capable mobile device. Alternatives like Google Voice or phone rentals for authentication are mentioned, along with a caution about potential issues with gasha purchases when using a Japanese phone number. A link to the author’s Million Live mypage and a guide to getting started are provided.
- Regarding Kotori’s songs: While songs like “Hikari and Sora” and “ID[OL]” are popular, the author emphasizes the quality of her B-side track on the M@STERPIECE single, noting its impact during the live performance. This song is highlighted as a personal favorite that might be overlooked in wiki entries.
Looking ahead, the author plans to explore DMM, Mobage, and iTunes during future layovers in Japan.
Revisiting the original trip plan, the author watched the IM@S movie five times, including special screenings. Most other planned activities were completed, with the exception of attending two “chika idol” lives and failing to secure tickets for “WUG” handshake events or the “Mouretsu Pirates” stage greeting.
The write-up for “Yukarin” has been deferred to a more comprehensive version by “Paranda.” The author elaborates on an experience at “A-Button,” a bar frequented by “Oukokumin” (Yukarin fans). The bar owner, Shin-san, a dedicated Yukarin fan, shared his extensive collection of fan memorabilia, including call books and pompoms. This interaction is described as a fascinating “east-meets-west” cultural exchange.
The author has written about a KOTOKO concert separately and attended two IM@S movie theater greetings, also documented in separate posts.
DearStage is mentioned as a tangent, with the author expressing a desire to speak Japanese fluently to fully enjoy the experience, similar to their reservations about hostess clubs due to language barriers and the prospect of doing “wotagei.”
The trip included visits to Enoshima and Kamakura, covering locations from “Tari Tari” and “Tsuritama.” A meal was had at “Wakana’s House.” The author missed visiting the cave and noted two minor disappointments: Bills ran out of eggs due to snow, and postcards should have been mailed from Enoshima’s post office.
A write-up on the “Non Non Biyori” radio recording session is noted, mentioning a “free-style segment” where certain words became acceptable. Other memorable moments included DJ Rieshon’s presence, Ayaneru’s multiple glasses, and a ball rally competition. The seating arrangement is detailed, with the author in the left section, separated from companions. The author also comments on the personalities of the voice actresses, including Koiwai, Rieshon, Asumin, and Ayaneru.
On February 21st, the author visited Saitama Super Arena to examine merchandise and the venue itself. A link to photos from the day before and a list of goods are provided. An embedded YouTube video shows Lantis’s list of LTP songs used at the SSA Live.
Two new game trailers from the SSA event are linked. The author observes that many performers tweeted and blogged about the shows, significantly increasing event coverage, especially with the inclusion of CG/ML girls.
The coverage is categorized for clarity:
Data and lists:
- Romanized set lists from Project-IM@S for day 1 and day 2.
- Links to matome.naver.jp articles summarizing the event.
- A link to imas-db’s event reporting link list, similar to the Project-IM@S wiki but in Japanese.
Personalities and press write-ups
- Kido Ibuki’s blog post is linked, noting her status as an underage performer.
- Famitsu’s day 2 write-up is praised.
- Additional press coverage from Lisani is provided.
- Akki’s blog post includes a marriage announcement, with links to tweet reactions and Asapon’s blog post.
- Asapon’s concert post is also linked.
- Hasshi’s post is highlighted for its pictures.
- Sei-syun’s report is included.
- Azumin’s blog features photos of performers.
- Yuiton, a favorite ML/CG girl, has a blog entry.
- Yoshimura Haruka’s blog shows numerous flower wreaths, with videos available.
- Hirorin’s post is linked.
- Moca News is noted for its high-quality photos and initial news blurbs.
- A “BASED HARAMI” post is linked, focusing on “megane” (glasses) and an impression post.
- Animate.tv’s coverage is provided.
- A tangential mention of Eriko’s concert outfit displayed at Anime Japan by Amiami News EN.
Other P’s coverage & Pre-show fan gatherings
- Links to 7thwraith’s and DarkneonP’s expedition blogs.
The author describes the atmosphere at Saitama Super Arena, where fans gathered on an elevated platform between the train station and the venue. This area served as a social hub for fans to relax, smoke, and shop. Many attendees were present simply to “turf,” regardless of purchasing merchandise, despite the chilly weather.
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— skin (@skin_p) March 18, 2014
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— ??????? (@suzumu4_0227) March 21, 2014
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— ?? ??(japanese) (@tensionosaka) March 18, 2014
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— Suica (@Suica000) March 18, 2014
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— ????? (@takemaru0) March 18, 2014
The author shares some personal photos:
Twitter image spams
Driven by “CHIAKINGU,” the author shares a series of tweets:
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You might also be interested in : Anime Boston 2014: Day 2 Highlights
— ?????????? (@chiaking58) March 18, 2014
