This band is awesome live!
Kuroda's birthday live 060611 at Shibuya O-West
SET LIST
M1. Save Our Soul
M2. Jump’n
Dash
MC
M3.Summer Panic Connection
M4. Volcano
M5. Ready Go
MC
M6. Suna-no-Shiro (Sandy Castle)
M7. RE-NEGATE DIVE～Arashi-gaoka～
M8. Hana (the flowers)
M9. In the silence
M10. ONE END
M11. Fly me to the wind valley
M12. Let’s
Go!
M13. SWAY GAME
M14. Rock’n
Roll Joker
M15. Trying
M16. Poe Poe
M17. HABANERO
MC
M18. my song for you
Encore
MC
M19. Tsubasa (the wings)
MC
M20. Hello! Hello! Hello!
M21. Bulldog66
Kuroda's 39 birthday started with an unusual number, "Save Our Soul". an emergency signal from Japan. He had chosen the message "S.O.S", because Kuroda visited Ishino-maki, one of the most seriously damaged area by a big earthquake on March 11. He worked as a volunteer with his friends for a couple of days, and he told us that meant him a lot.
Kuroda kept singing high-speed songs after that. It was remarkable that Kuroda sang some songs he rarely sings on the stage, such as "Suna-no-shiro"(sandy castle), "in the silence" these are very sensual and passionate numbers, and I thought he had chosen them especially for that day.
Also, we enjoyed some of Kuroda's new songs, "Rock'n Roll Joker", "Tsubasa" and "Hello! Hello! Hello!"
As for "Tsubasa"(the wings), I listened the song in Ueno. At that time, the song sounded very sorrowful and desperate, but on June 6, It was as if Kuroda was trying to soothe and encourage every one of us at O-West.
I was really happy that I could join the concert. Kuroda showed us every aspect of life on that day. I felt Kuroda told us life is desperate, strong but fragile, and sensual, and above all, precious. (Also, full of comedy, I must mention). I've been attending Kuroda's live concerts or events so many times, but the sensation was so fresh and pleasant. It was amazing he still could move me deeply!
Kuroda and Iwanami Live painting
SET LIST
Hoka ni Nanimo Iranai (The only thing I wish )
Good Luck Skyscraper
Aikagi to Knife (The spare key and the knife)
Yell~our encounter is no coincidence~
Bulldog 66
Tsubasa (The wings)
my song for you
The concert was held at Ueno Royal art museum, and this was an experimental event. Kuroda held an acoustic live with BABI-chan(guitar), Miyako-san(keyboard, from SOPHIA). Iwanami-san is a Japanese-style painter, and he liked Kuroda's music. He had several pictures of skyscrapers in N.Y. and one of them was painted while Iwanami-san was listening to Kuroda's "Good Luck, Skyscraper".
Iwanami-san called Kuroda that he wanted to do something creating with him, and they decided to hold an event to show a live-painting while kuroda is singing.
The concert was an hour long, but a lot of things had happened. I felt Kuroda's zest for helping people who suffered from the disaster. And I felt that Kuroda was also terrified with the small (and big )earthquakes after the disaster and concerned with the future of Japan as everybody did. Kuroda told us that He thought that he could sing without the light or electricity, but he found that it was very difficult when it came to preparing for the event. Kuroda's performance was very sincere, and it was like soothing the people who suffered.
Iwanami-san had a rectangular canbas on the stage, and the painting was already half-finished before the concert. The title of the piece was "Tsubasa"(The wings), and it was painted for the song. "Tsubasa" is a song trying to soothe the people who are deeply depressed, and tell them to fly one more time. Iwanami-san draw a golden bird in the universe, and it was flying from Earth to Moon. The
Earth was on bottom-left, and it was painted with silver and pastel-green. The moon was on upper-right, and it glowed in pink. The bird was still close to the Earth, but it was trying to reach the moon in the dark.
The event was closed with "my song for you", and the song sounded very soothing and it was like Kuroda says "I'm always beside you". When Kuroda sang about "the Universe", I felt that I could actually see the universe right there.
The event was not like a party, but the concert gave me some insights. My Kuroda buddy gathered at the museum, and they all concerned about their friends in Tohoku area, as well as Kanto area. I live in Yokohama, and appreciated their kindness.
Live super FANTOM at AKASAKA BLITZ, Nov. 4
The concert was very memorable. It was aimed to celebrate Kuroda's 10th anniversary of his solo activities. The place was AKASAKA BLITZ, where he held his very first solo concert. It started with Kuroda's good old songs, Rocks, ballads, and eccentric songs. It liked the Rock section the most. Also, Kuroda's ballads were very good (as usual). Looking back, Kuroda wrote on his essay that he was filled with positive feelings toward the future that day.
Kuroda had two guests; one was Daiki-san, who helped Kuroda with new album, "ALWAYS". He arranged the oriental ballad, "Murasaki". I saw Daiki-san for the first time, he was young and cute! The other guest was Haruichi-san, a guitarist of Porno Graffiti (Japanese big-name band). He brought a bouquet for Kuroda, and played a guitar for him. The song was "lala". The song was composed by Haruichi-san for Kuroda's album "in depth". At that time, Kuroda said that "lala" was overqualified for him, but on that day, Kuroda sang the song beautifully. It was rare to listen to this song in live, not to mention to see them together on stage. I was very glad. Also, I thought I finally understood the real value of this song.
One thing I should not forget was that Kuroda sang his brand-new song, "my song for you". It is a strong, beautiful ballad. The song was filled with love from Kuroda for all who listened to this song. When will this be on CD? It was not announced yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
It was a long event more than two hours, but I didn't feel that long. It was a happy night.
Live Tour ALWAYS Sep. 3 at Ukyo Fureai Bunka Kaikan
Set list
Ookina osewa no rainbow (The meddlesome rainbow)
Jump'n Dash
Bulldog 66
Yell~our encounter is no coincidence~
Yume de aimasyo ( see you in my dream)
Murasaki
Ai no Traveler ( Love Traveler)
GYPSY Count Nine
WATER COLORS
Hoka ni Nani mo Iranai ( The only thing I wish)
Dekake yo ( Let's go)
Ready Go
Poe Poe
Volcano
Trying
HABANERO
SWAY GAME
Always
I visited Kyoto to join the concert and my friends and I wen to Ukyo Fureai Bunka Kaikan, where Kuroda gave the "Live Fantom Tour ALWAYS" final concert.
It seemed Kuroda was very nervous and tensed. Kyoto is the place where Kuroda was born and raised. Many of his friends and his parents were there. It was a special night.
Kuroda sang all the songs from the latest album "ALWAYS", and many of the songs from his old album "SEEDS" were also played. "WATER COLORS" and "Poe Poe" from the album played an important role.
What I liked the most was "Murasaki" . This song is a sensual ballad with oriental flavor. Kuroda's performance was elaborate and beautiful. This concert was recorded and will be out on DVD.
I think the theme of the night to show Kuroda's gratitude for his parents and his hometown. Kuroda and his band members said thanks many times that night. Kuroda told us that he desperately wanted to be out from Kyoto in his youth. The fact was new for me. He also told us his heart-broken story in his teenage. I won't write about the details, but it was funny.
The last song of the main part was the title song of the new album, "ALWAYS". This song is mellow and soothing, and very encouraging. Some of the audience shed tears, and so did I. I burst into tears and couldn't stop crying.
After Kuroda finished singing, he sat on the stage bending his knees. He looked so powerless and it was as if no one, no audience and even no band members were there. It was an unforgettable scene.
June 6, O-West
The day was Kuroda's 38th birthday. This year, the concert was full-throttle performance for 2 hours straight. The members of Kuroda's band was energetic as ever, and above all, the concert was very moving.
The event started with up-beat and gay songs. Most of them were relatively old songs Kuroda composed when he started his solo activities, and I enjoyed them. After that, he sang the first ballad for the day "Frontier". Three ballads followed after that, and Kuroda sang them very emotionally, and sometimes gently. I couldn't stop my tears.
After the ballads, more eccentric and up-beat songs followed. To finish the main set of the concert, Kuroda sang his most recent ballad, "Hoka ni Nanimo Iranai" (The only thing I wish). The tune is about how people thrive with love and support from their families and friends. It sounded encouraging and I could feel Kuroda' s love for all the people who have been involved with him ( including is fans, of course).
There was a lot of information about his next move. I was excited to hear the news.
After the main part of the concert, a cake was brought on the stage for his birthday. It is almost a ritual for the concert on June 6. Kuroda had a bite of the cake. " I found out this was coming while I was in rehearsal, but I totally forgot about it after the concert started!" Kuroda said.
Also, a new guitar was given to him. Kuroda staff raised money for his birthday present, from the band and fans, and his guitarist, BABI-chan had chosen the guitar. Kuroda was surprised. The guitar was exactly the same model and color he wanted. He thanked everyone a lot. Kuroda tried to sing "Friends" according to a request, but he couldn't. He seemed so happy. You can see the details of this part of the show on Kuroda's official website, "Schedule logs" link.
After that, everyone was more relaxed , and the concert finished with exciting tunes.
Kuroda greeted us after the concert, and I shook hands with him. It was a really memorable event.
May 3, "XXX" at morph Tokyo
The concert "XXX" is a little bit different from the one Kuroda usually holds. Kuroda's tunes are specially arranged for "XXX" by Ch@ppy, his sound manipulator. The concert was held at the small live music venue, morph Tokyo.
There was Kuroda, his guitarist, BABI-chan, his keyboard player, Sei-chan, and Ch@ppy on the stage.
The concert started with powerful and speedy tunes. Everybody jumped, raised their fists, and chanted with Kuroda. After the up-beat tunes, Kuroda sang "Nell Flap", his old ballad. It was rare to hear him sing this tune live, and I was very glad. It seemed like there was an evolution of the song. "Nell Flap" is one of my favorites. "Good Luck, Skyscraper" followed after that. It is not a ballad, but the tune is as sensual as "Nell Flap", there is a similarity between them.
The highlight of the concert was "Sway Game". It started with the music of the Nintendo game "Mario Brothers". BABI-can and Sei-chan appeared on the stage with hats just looked like Mario Brothers. They moved around the stage along with the music. Kuroda was holding a gigantic controller, but he suddenly put a fish-shaped hat on his head and caught Sei-chan. That was the end of the game. Then, Kuroda started singing "Sway Game".
Also, he sang his new up-beat song, "Ready Go". It reflects the economic meltdown and vulnerability of the situation around the world, but it is a refreshing, encouraging song . I usually prefer ballads than up-beat songs, but I like "Ready Go".
After a couple of high-speed numbers, the concert was finished. After the concert, Kuroda said "I'm not tired at all!" (which actually means he was exhausted). It was a crazy, relaxing, fun night.
Off the Route 66, 2010.
Day1
The first day in Las Vegas was hectic. We arrived in Las Vegas in the afternoon. My friend and I went shopping to get a humidifier and other things at a supermarket, and changed clothes.
We met Kuroda in the evening, and we enjoyed a walking tour around the main street, where the first thing we saw was the fountain show at "Bellagio". The fountain often appears on TV dramas, and many people were there to watch the show. The fountain was big, and the water sprung up like fireworks. The water danced along with the song. It was gorgeous.
After that, we walked to "The Flamingo", and took some pictures together. Kuroda and his staff took some pictures there, and we watched how they did it. Kuroda ran up and down the stairs several times, and it took almost 5minutes to finish it. Kuroda's staff showed us the picture; the running Kuroda was in a dim light-It was beautiful. After that, Kuroda and his staff rode in an RV, and we said goodbye.
My friend and I enjoyed dinner at a cafe in "Paris", and talked a lot about Kuroda and his music.
Day 2
We got up very early in the morning and headed for the Grand Canyon by bus. On the way to our destination, the bus stopped at places like Hoover dam, Kingman, etc. Kuroda followed us in an RV, and he greeted us at Kingman. "I am sure you will enjoy the magnificent scenery at the Grand Canyon. You would never see anything like it back in Japan" Kuroda told us. When he told us this I got excited.
It was cold in Arizona, and there was a snowstorm. In the bus, we learned a little bit of the history of the Grand Canyon on DVD. Kuroda and his staff were shooting movies and taking pictures on the way, and we bypassed them. Kuroda waved his hands for us.
After we had lunch, the bus finally stopped at the Grand Canyon. the snow had ceased, and the sky became clear. I've seen pictures of the canyon, but seeing it first hand was quite an experience. It was very big. The canyon was covered with snow, and the mist stayed on the bottom of it. The scenery was mysterious. We walked around the canyon for about 15 minutes and took a lot of pictures. There was fluffy, white snow on the ground, and I enjoyed walking on it. Someone in my group fell on the snow!
After that, we moved to the spot called "Bright Angel Lodge" in the Grand Canyon and took pictures there one by one with Kuroda. I put my hands on the waist like a bossy woman, and Kuroda thumbed up behind me. A gift shop was near the spot and we enjoyed shopping. I chose a belt with beads for myself, and bought a Dream Catcher and a bar of soap for my friends.
At that time, the sky was clear, and the mist had disappeared. The scenery of the canyon was different from what I had seen at first. It looked like a big cake with whipped cream.
After taking a lot of pictures (again!), we headed for the next destination, Seligman.
After seeing Grand Canyon, we visited a small town called Seligman. It is located on Route 66. It is a place where many people visited when Route 66 was existed. But now, the population of the town is about 2500. We enjoyed listening CDs that all the songs on the CDs are related to Route 66.
It was almost sunset when we arrived there. We went into a souvenir shop and enjoyed shopping . There were a lot of number plates. Kuroda was asked for his autograph from the store manager, and he gave a small autograph on a plate of R66. The plate should be displayed somewhere within the shop, but I am not sure where it is. I bought some post cards there.
After that, we took a picture with Kuroda one by one at the bench in front of the shop. I sat on the bench with Kuroda pressing my cheeks with my palms. It was cold.
That was the end of the day. We went back to Las Vegas past 8:00PM. My friend and I had dinner at Harley David son cafe. We also visited M and M's shop, and talked a lot in our hotel room.
Day 3
The next day we visited Grand Canyon, we got on the SUV and drove around Las Vegas with the group of six. It was early in the afternoon. The SUV stopped at Harley Davidson shop (where Kuroda shot "Jump'n dash"), Motel 6 (Where Kuroda shot "revue"). We took pictures one by one with Kuroda. In front of the Harley Davidson shop, we saw a lot of big motorbikes. We took a picture with Kuroda in front of a trailer, he held me on his right side, and I grinned with a twisted jaw (as if I were escaping from him!).
At the Motel 6, I took a picture with Kuroda , me, pointing one direction, and he, pointing the other. It made a funny picture.
In the car, we enjoyed video of "Jump'n dash", and "revue", and the scenery of Grand Canyon. There was also a drawing by Kuroda. He showed as the draft of the lyrics for "Ready Go". I didn't read it at that time, but this song is very easy-going and encouraging. It represents the whole theme of his new album, "ALWAYS".
We talked about how we enjoyed the day before, especially after we got back from Grand Canyon. Kuroda told us that his niece, Haruka-chan had passed the high school entrance exam. She reported the news to Kuroda, who stayed at a hotel in the U.S. all the way from Japan. Kuroda was very fond of Haruka-chan, and he said, "You know , she was accepted to the most difficult school in the area!". He was just like a proud father (He might be more than that).
The drive was about an hour. Time passed so fast, we got out of the car with smile and laugh.
In the evening , we had an arrangement with Kuroda to meet at a romantic place!
to be continued...
Scarecrow Live Devour "Royal Straight Flush"
at Tokyo Shibuya AX
It was cold and rainy that day.
The concert was based on Scarecrow's new album, "Royal Straight Flush". The stage was relaxing, full of gaiety, and most of all, friendly. It was an unforgettable concert.
The concert started with the opening track of the album, "Werewolf". On "Smile", a funny tune with a medium tempo, the vocalist Kuroda and the guitarist Ken-chan raised and waved their hands together, and saluted at the same time. This explanation might sound scary, but watching them doing that with solemn faces was very funny, and I couldn't help but laughing.
Also, Kuroda did a very good job on the ballads as usual. The music house, AX, was bigger than the music house where they usually play, and I enjoyed the dynamism a lot. They finished the main part of the show with a sweet ballad suitable for a winter night, " Surrender like a merry-go-round". The song was beautiful. Kuroda and Ken-chan chorused together, putting their arms on each other's shoulders. I was so touched and I felt like crying.
During their encore, they were energetic as ever. They played up-beat numbers. This September, they canceled a show because of the bassist, Bassie's illness, and Bassie apologized for that.
Bassie told us that many things had happened this summer. "There was a fight..." And Ken-chan said, "The fight Bassie mentioned was when I went crazy the other day. Didn't your old man tell you not to say that to anybody, my son?" The hall burst into a laughter.
The drummer, Hideki-san said that Bassie had said everything he wanted to say, and the concert was the final show of their album concert tour. He felt the audience enjoyed themselves more than they did when they played at other places. But that night, he told us that he enjoyed the concert more than the audience did for most part.
Scarecrow's next move is not decided yet, but Kuroda said that he had already composed a new song for Scarecrow.
After the concert, all the friends I met there seemed happy. Of course, I was happy, too!
Live Acoustic concert "ACO-SPE", Sep.3 2009
Set list
Biscuit Love
Survival Go Go
Orion(by Mika Nakajima)
Subarashiki Hibi(by UNICORN)
Sai-ai(by Masaharu Fukuyama)
Ultra Soul(by B'z)
Anatani Aete Yokatta(by Kyoko Koizumi)
Tearless(by Iceman)
Bulldog66
CELL
It's Just (a) daily News
Summer panic connection
The concert was held at "morph", a music house where Kuroda's live acoustic concert was held in May. The theme of the concert was to play cover tunes, to sing other musician's songs. Kuroda has received many requests to cover, from up-to-date hit songs to good-old songs, and he picked up 5 songs. Kuroda told us that he wanted to learn and get something from the songs composed by other musicans. Before he started to play the cover songs, Kuroda told us that he was very nervous about playing musician's songs. He sang a couple of songs by female artists, a song by "UNICORN", Kuroda's favorite band from his teenage years, and a tune by a Japanes famous Rock band, B'z. Most of the tunes were ballads, and all of them were turned into "Kuroda Style". Also, I should not forget that a song from his Iceman days was played. Kuroda told us that when he had a dinner with his friend at an "Okonomi-yaki" restaurant, Tamio Okuda, a member of UNICORN was there. He said that he was very excited. As for the cover of B'z, he played an up-beat, cool tune, but he arranged it by adding a funny introduction. It was interesting that the same song can be changed when it was sang by different singers. This fact is absolute, but I enjoyed it. Kuroda also played some of his original tunes, and most of them were the songs he barely plays on stage or it had been so long since he last played them. Kuroda's songs were assuring, comforting, and sweet. I always feel like my body is wrapped with feathers when I hear his ballads. After the concert, I met my friends and most of them were smiling and energized. I was too! I enjoyed his songs, his vocal skill, and I also experienced the power of music. ==============================================================
Birthday concert, June 6, 2009
Set List
YOU, Bulldog 66, Emotion, CLOVER, Summer panic connection, God Luck Skyscraper, Save Our Soul Shin-kyou Ran-ka(Prism of heart), WATER COLORS, ONE END, Picnic on the hanging rock,
Dekake yo(Let's go), Volcano, Kai-ketsu "Love me tender", Lucky star boy, Narcissist never sleeps, SWAY GAME Hana( The flower), Sand castle, Darekani totte Tokubetsu na koto-hodoukyou hen(Something special for somebody elese-from pedestrian overpass), Poe Poe
Kuroda's birthday themed live concert started with a Rock ballad, "YOU". Kuroda has averted to sing this song, because he thought "YOU" is too personal to sing in public or rather, on stage. It sure is a personal, bitter-sweet ballad, but this tune is encouraging, so I think this tune is just for anyone. It was told that when Kuroda was preparing for the concert, he listened to "YOU" in a different way from what he used to. So he decided to sing this tune again as he felt like. My favorite part of the day was the ballad section such as "ONE END" , "WATER COLORS", and so on. Kuroda is very good at singing up-beat, sharp songs. "Good Luck, Skyscraper" was sensual and cool, "WATER COLORS" has not been played so often, and it was sweet and gentle. The concert sure was a party full of up-beat tunes as a whole. The last song of the main section was " The flower". it was different from the one I listened to at an acoustic concert in May. It sounded like " Thank you for all of you" from Kuroda. There was not much talk that day, but all the Kuroda band members san " Happy birthday to you" and Kuroda had a bite of his birthday cake as usual. He mentioned his 10th anniversary projects. he said " I feel like I will start again, and I would go aggressively and be more mischievous". After the concert, Kuroda greeted us at the entrance of the music house. I shook hands with him, and hopped a little bit. It was a happy time. ==============================================================
Live acoustic concert, May 4, 2009
I love Kuroda's live acoustic concert. The concert was held at a small music house in Roppongi called "morph". The stage was simple, and above all, Kuroda's vocal skill was exposed at a concert like this. The mood was very relaxing and sweet. On the stage, there was Kuroda, the guritarist BABI chan, a table with maracas and an acoustic guitar. He has held the concert there several times, and Kuroda's sound manipulator (and the keyboard player) was always there. He was not there that day and Kuroda missed him very much. He sang several ballads ( every one of them were my favorite). They were strong and somewhat desperate. It has been almost 9 years since I came to know his music. I was pleased that kuroda's vocal still fascinates me. Kuroda and BABI chan played several songs of artists whom they admire, and they were new for me. Kuroda said that he had not been in the mood of going out nor meeting anyone for a while, but after he went to the concert of his favorite band, he was energized and refreshed. Kuroda said that was the power of music, and he was proud of being a musician. Kuroda said, "People have the dark side in their mind. If you don't agree with that, your comprehension of my music is just about 30 percent". This episode was somewhat unforgettable for me. ==============================================================
Thrill Vacance(s) with Kuroda Happy Hawaii 2009
Hawaii was cold. Yes, it was Februrary and it was winter, but , it was still cold for a Southern Island. We arrived at the Honolulu airport in the morning, and Kuroda joined us for a sightseeing tour by bus. The first place was Nuuanu Pali, the windy valley. It sure was very windy, and I could see the ocean from the valley. There were other tourists from all over the world. After enjoying the view for a while, I took some pictures with my friends. Our heair was whipping around, I saw Kuroda taking pictures for other group of tourists. That was it what it was like to be with him for the day. Kuroda said good-bye to all of us. Before we arrived at Nuuanu Pali, the tour guide told us that she saw a famous sumo wrestler, Asa Sho-Ryu. Everyone was surprised, and in response to this, Kuroda stood up from his seat, and said, "Hey, what about me? Me?" I knew he would say that... (^^;) After visiting the windy valley, we visited the "Punch Bowl", which is the graveyard for U.S. soldiers It was very green and wide, and the tombstones were a glittering white. It was not allowed to get down from the bus and walk around, but we saw it from the bus window. We also saw the King Kamehameha Statue and Iolani Palace from the window. In the bus the tour guide told us a lot of interesting stories such as at what chapel a Japanese celebrity held his or her wedding ceremony, and about the law for drinking alcohol, and how to use the trolley buses when we visit Alamoana shopping center and so on. She also told us that King kamehameha was smart, and he used the British army to integrate Hawaii. At the time advanced technology was introduced to Iolani palace, because the king liked the idea a lot. The tour guide was very funny, she said that she was already married, she ornamented a flower on her head as if she were single. She said"Well, you'll never know what will happen in your life". . The last place we visited was the Duty Free Shop. We enjoyed looking at cosmetics and chocolates and cookiesand one of my friends bought a bottle of alcohol for her boss. After that, we had lunch at the hotel, and then we enjoyed walking around Waikiki.
DAY 2
We had breakfast with Kuroda next morning. at an Italian restaurant close to the hotel we stayed. The meal was buffet style, I chose vegetables, an omlet, a baked potato and ham. It was good. Kuroda came to our table after he taleked with other groups. He seemed to have finished his breakfast, and his assistant, Okapi(from the travel agent) brought him a small bowl of fruit. "Since when we arrived here, he and I have been living together, so he knows how much I eat." That sounded like they were a couple, it was funny. We talked about his upcoming activities and about his solo activities, we also talked about SCARECROW, and my friend's sanglasses , which Kuroda complimented her for because they looked cool. My friends had brought presents for Kuroda such as toy dog, and a CD of his favorite band, Unicorn, He appreciated them very much. Also, for some reason, Kuroda mentioned my birthday. And I told him about my pathetic memory of my junior highschool days. My classmates who had birthdays close to mine were very outstanding and brilliant. Some of them were very good at sports, or playing piano, or drawing pictures, and usually very bright. I was less than mediocre when I compared with them. " No, you're not!" Kuroda told me. It was very kind of him, although he didn't know how pathetic I was . Kuroda was wearing a silver ring on his little finger, which my friend noticed. It was the same type of ring we were supposed to get during our stay. Kurodasaid that his ring size was 11. After Kuroda left our table, we enjoyed fruit crapes for dessert.
DAY 3
The event for that day was a party at the house where Kuroda and his staff stayed. Before that we visited a supermarket and chose drinks, snacks, and food for the cooking party. Kuroda's staff already had prepared food such as sandwiches or drinks and so on, my friends and I bought a box of frozen waffles and some whipped cream for decoration. The house was big (for Japanese standards), and it had posh furniture colore in white and gold, which matched with shiny chocolate-colored floor. Everyone waited downstairs, we had drinks and snacks while waiting to talk with Kuroda. Each one of us was called for the event respectively, and went upstairs. The room upstairs was a big private room, with sofas and a fur carpet, and a TV set. When I said " Wa~", Kuroda told me "No. We are going outside, OK?" and he lead me to the balcony. The balcony had chairs and a table. From there, I could see other houses around with tropical trees and plants, green mountains, and a canal. Kuroda put the silver ring on my third finger of my left hand. Kuroda's birthday and my birthday were curved on the ring. I measured for the size of my third finger of my right hand for the ring, and it was a little bit tight for my left hand. We talked about what my group did after we arrived in Hawaii, and I told that we enjoyed walking around the streets of Waikiki. When I asked Kuroda about his plan after we left for Japan, He said that he would relax for a while, and also play golf. When he said "golf", Kuroda made a pathetic face "Yes, golf again". After that, I went downstairs back to my friends. Kuroda joined us after a while, and he ate some waffles my friend had prepared. He also had a fortune cookie. Of course, everyone was curious what message he got, and whe we asked , Kuroda gazed at the message solemnly, and said, " You will encounter a fascinating woman tonight". "I don't think that's correct" , my friend A responded instantly. Then, my friend S took the message from Kuroda by force, and I took a look at it. It said; " Take control over your financial matter" I said "No, it's not. It says that you have to be responsible for your expence". Kuroda winced.
DAY 4
The event of the last day of our stay was "SEEK THE ZOO". We visited Honolulu Zoo in the evening, Kuroda and the staff of the zoo were waited for us. Each one of us took a picture with Kuroda, and got a penny press and a ball-point pen, our group went inside. In the zoo, there were flamingos, wild peacocks, monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, alligators, hippopotamuses, and so on. The zoo keeper explained about the animals, and of course, Japanese interpretor was there. The story about the animals were interesting. I liked the elephants the best. They got apples for the supper from the zoo keepers,and they seemed very happy. They swinged up the trunks and made the cry. The peacocks are not owned by the zoo (so they are "wild"), so we could see them here and there. We also saw tigers, they howled and scared us, but when Kuroda came in front of the cage of the tiger's, one of them came close to him, and lay with its belly upside. It was amazing! Kuroda could allure animals! After we went through the zoo, we had some drinks and snacks, Kuroda came to me and said, " Do you like animals? You listened to the zoo staff so tentatively!" Oh yes, I like animals! After that, we went back to our hotel to pack my clothes and souveniers. Kuroda visited each one of our hotel rooms and said good night with a hug. ==============================================================
SCARECROW GLASS TUBE Dec, 23rd, 2008
SET LIST
HOT ROAD CAPSULE BUNNY CHAPTER ZERO Crazy Star Communication Breakdown Missing Senya Ichiya Yogoreta Tenohira(Dirty Palms)-Mischief of God- Silent Night SPEEDER Dante PLAY A TRICK?
I joined the first stage of the live concert for Christmas, it was relaxing and special. There was a giveaway of candies as they did last year, I felt happy with no particular reason. They started wutg the gaiety tunes, it was a party as a whole. Because of it was Christmas season, Kuroda sang "Silent Night" in English. There is a Japanese lyric of this song, but he tried it with English. It was rare. My friend who joind the concert with me told that when Kuroda sang this song, He and Ken chan stared at each other as if no other person but two of them was on the stage. I couldn't see that because I am very short, so sad.. The encore (after PLAY A TRICK?) started with "Steal your misery". There is always a twist with the introduction arrangement, and I always enjoy it. Kuroda's vocal was great. In the "Talk section", Kuroda told that his dog Rhapsody got an operation with success. He couldn't stand with attending the operation, but it is good to hear that Rhapsody is now get well. Kuroda told that it was a Christmas present for him this year. Hearing that episode, Ken chan told that his father accidentaly ate a dog food (chicken)Ken chan brought for his dog. "It just looked like a human's food!" He said. It really got me, and I burst out laughing. ==============================================================
SCARECROW GLASS TUBE Nov.24th, 2008
I joind the first stage on Nov.24, the stage was warm and enjoyable, and dramatic. SET LIST Senya Ichiya CAPSULE BUNNY COmmunication Breakdown CHAPTER ZERO Mischief of God Missing steal your misery HOT ROAD SPEEDER DANTE PLAY A TRICK? Dreams NO NAME The stage started with a sensual number. It followed with exciting numbers,and "Mischief of God" was the new song written and composed by Kuroda. The song was a gloomy ballad, and it sound like something is about to explode, but not yet. Also, "Dreams" was the new song for me. It was a happy, medium-tempo tune, I liked it a lot. I was touched the song, I almost shed tears. The day before the concert was Ken-chan's birthday live, and Kuroda said that he appeared on the stage as a guest. Ken-chan said that he was so touched that someone who is equal to him(like Kuroda) came over to celebrate his birthday, and his eyes were watered. "I won't cry until I go on the stage of Budou-kan (capacity:about 10,000)!" Ken-chan said. "Oh, what if I weep play after play?" Ito san... (- -;) So, the concert went like this, Ken-chan's joke "slipped"(did not succeed) as usual, it was fun. On the stage, Kuroda and other memberes were smiling, watching the happy audience. Watching the happy audience their joy, and in one word, that is their purpose of life. It was very simple and absolute, but I strongly felt that while I was enjoying the concert. ==============================================================
SCARECROW GLASS TUBE Aug.24th, 2008
It has been long since I had seen SCARECROW on stage on new year's day. The stage was simple and I felt they went back somewhat to the basic . SET LIST Crazy Star CAPSULE BUNNY HOT ROAD Reirou Hello Missing Senya Ichiya (The Arabian Nights) NO NAME SPEEDER DANTE CHAPTER ZERO steal your misery It was ac cloudy day, and I attended the first stage of that day. Some new songs were played and I liked them. There were three new songs, and my favorite is "The Arabian nights"(Senya ichiya). It sounds very exotic and sensual, and most of all, Kuroda's performance was stunning. I want it on CD! Also, one of the new songs were for BASSIE'S solo, he sang while Kuroda was away for changing the clothes. I heard him sang almost for the first time, he was cute, and the way he sang was like an aidoru star (such as Smap, or Arashi). BASSIE composed the song "Hello" , and that is one of my favorite. Kuroda enjoys singing the song, and I can see that he is very fond of BASSIE. BASSIE said, " I want to make energize you all, and I hope our music would be the foundation to thrive your life". Of course, he was very serious, and the audience appreciated with chuckle. " Hey, I usually don't do this, but I have an objection here, BASSIE". Hideki san said. "I think just enjoy our stage is enough, you shouldn't exaggerate. You are a little bit haughty on stage while being humble among the members(because BASSIE is the youngest), don't you think your attitude is unstable?" That was somewhat unforgettable episode for me. ==============================================================
RIN's Day Camp June 14,15, 2008
The event was held in Karuizawa, Nagano prefecture. We had a BBQ and acoustic live concert, and after that, we visited Kuroda's room and took a picture with him and had a Q& A session. The event stareted at Shinjuku, and we got on the bus and got on a highway. We enjoyed chatting with friends, and There was a VCR comment from Kuroda and there were some part of the birthday live. We arrived in Karuizawa too early than it was expected, we spent some time at a farm. There were some souvenir shops, and some of my friends tried a horse ride. It was a sunny day. Karuizawa is a highland resort place where people enjoy summer vacance avoiding hot weather. The place was very cool. We arrived at the hotel "Kisyu tetsudo Karuizawa hotel". We stayed at a cottage for four. There were a living room with sofa and TV and a Japanese room with tatami. Two of us slept with futon there. Also, there were a bedroom for two, and a bathroom and a mini-kitchen. After we changed the clothe and makeups, we headed to the BBQ place with a small stage. Kuroda handed each of us a bottle of oolong tea, and we settled down to the table. There was a menu list of Kuroda's all seven albums, and there were some notifications such as "out of stock" "on the way","season's menu; not available" and so on. There were some drinks including alcohol, and Taco rice, and some vegetable soup (by Kuroda) were served. While I was cooking with meat and vegetables, my frieds brought a bowl or white rice and a bowl of soup. Kuroda and BABI-chan appeared on the stage, and they played "Frontier", "Hana" " R&R star medley". After that, we made up a group of 8, and chose 2 songs to request for the mini-concert. Each group went to Kuroda's table and he sang the song that was requested. He sang just a part of the song, and we chose "Sakura Odyssey" and " GYPSY Count nine". The choice was very good. I think most of the groups had chosen "out of stock" or even " banned" songs just for teasing him. A group asked for a song which was not Kuroda's, but he sang it well. I ate enough of dinner, but that didn't make me warm. It was very cold out there, and one of my friends handed me her shawl. It helped me a lot. After we got back to our hotel, the friend I borrowed her shawl and I went to take a bath. We talked about Kuroda, living in foreign countries and so on. My body got warm, and we changed clothes for the next event. Each group of eight people visited Kuroda's hotel room and each one of us took a poraloid picture with him, and we had a Q&A session. When we got into the room, BABI chan welcomed us by playing an acoustic guitar. We had prepared questions for Kuroda on the way to Karuizawa, and He answered all of them. My question was " Long time ago, (6 years ago?)one of Kuroda's staff san was annoyed with Kuroda san when you were calling shots in details while san was working. He ordered Kuroda san to do something rediculous, to continue the work, and you wrapped around your face with towel, do you leave the work to san now?" And Kuroda's answer was, " I still do some requests when I ask for a work, of course, but now, I do some errands for him by getting ice candies and snacks when I ask him something ^^; " Kuroda handed us the package of a DVD before we leave the room, which was the movie we watched the way to Karuizawa, and a part of acoustic live concert movie. The content was sent by mail after the event, and I enjoyed it. It was already late at night, but we still had a work to do. A sketchbook was handed for each groups, and we filled the book writing journals like a blog, drawing pictures, and answering Q&As for newryweds (husband :Kuroda, wife:you). It took us all night, all of us were sleepless. We got up at 7AM for breakfast, and we left Karuizawa soon after that. Kuoroda visited each buses before we leave, and he announced that he would come back to his solo work sooner than this time. It was the first time for me to join the camp event, and it was memorable. ============================================================== Birthday live concert June 6, 2008
BIrthday live concert was almost a ritual for Kuroda, and Kuroda fans. I joined the concert and enjoyed it. The concert started with "Good luck Matenrou"(Good luck skyscraper). It was cool as well as sensual tune, up-beat numbers followed. There were some songs that hadn't played for a while such as "Save Our Soul", "Spiral Century". I got heated up, and got thirthty after 3 tunes. After that " ZOKU ZOKU section" followed. This section was for elegies and ballads. He started with " ONE END"from his new album "Frontier". The song starts without any introduction, his performance was stunning. The best balld that day for me was "Hana" (the flower), the band's plays was very sensitive, and Kuroda's voice was very clear and gentle. Also, "Tokage no hi" (Lizard's tail) was overwhelming. At last, gaiety tunes followed and finished with the heart-warming song, "Frontier". The band responded to ther equest for encore twice, it was memorable and fun. There were some episodes. Kuroda got a VTR camera for a birthday present, and he recorded his band member's comment for the birthday on stage. BABI chan saied that Kuroda should keep going this way. Katsu-G's comment was funny. ""You say like "There's no 36 year-old like me",( means I'm the coolest 36 year-old) once you come into your fourties, you would come to like cute things like me! enjoying decorations for e-mails!"" (In fact, Katsu-G sent Kuroda an e-mail to Kuroda on his birthday. It was a decorated mail, and the design was exactly the same as the one Kuroda received from c, Kuroda's sound staff) Also, Kuroda told us about his niece, Haruka chan. ( in junior high school) She visited the backstage after the concert in Osaka, and told Kuroda that " Hey, Onii chan, I had a parent's open day today. If you were there pretending to be my father, you would be the popular". Popular among mothers? girls? Maybe, both. Also, he had a bite of his birthday cake on stage, and it was sad I could'nt see what the cake was like. It was a happy day. ============================================================== Thrill vacance with Kuroda in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia The flight from Narita delayed for 6hours, and we are supposed to arrived in Kota Kinabalu around 6 in the evening, but we actually arrived there past midnight. The first day in Kota Kinabalu, we visited Sabah museum, big Chinese temple, and a tall tower, and mosque. The museum exhibited the history of Malaysia, and potteries in Sabah state. The Chinese temple was so big and colorful, it was a little bit different from that of temples in China town in Yokohama. There was a big statue of goddess, it was overwhelming. Mosque was not familiar with me, and I was dissapointed that I could not wee inside of it. At lunch time, we enjoyed Chinese-style meal at a restaurant called "Bamboo Place". We had fried rice, spring rolls, fried vegetables, and meats, and fish. Our group enjoyed talking about how we spent at the hotel room, and some of my friends had trouble with finding a hair dryer in the room. Our group was so heated up, Kuroda seemed to have heard our chat and felt envious that we were enjoying ourselves totally ignoring him. After the meal, he visited the tables and told us: " I found the dryer in my room" " Oh, you are not staying at our hotel, anyway!" and, " I unpacked my stuffs last night and settled them already" " Oh, you are neat" Pukuku... After that, we visited a souvenior shop and bought some sweets and foods for home, and for the work place. Day 2 For our group, it was a special day. We had a talk event we can enjoy chatting with Kuroda just for two, and a photo session pretending to be a bride and bridegroom. The event took place at a wooden terrace what looks like a hut where you can enjoy the view of the hotel beach. The event took place early in the afternoon, the weather was very good at the begining, but it got cloudy and windy. But when it came to my turn, the weather calmed down. My roommate took care of my makeups and my hair, and I wore a veige one-piece dress. Kuroda wore white suits and a black shirt, he gave me some flattering comments on my makeup and the dress. We had a chat about how my group spent last night , and wearing glasses and so on. Kuroda prepared a silver necklace for each one of us, Kuroda's and my initials in front, Kuroda's birthday and my birthday in back. It is so cute. He himself put the necklace on my neck, and after that, the picture was taken. By the way, while we were waiting, my friends started a funny narration by seeing Ms. Ono (Kuroda's manager) and Mr. Suzuki(from the travel agent) sitting on a bench, and Mr.Okazaki(also from the travel agent) occasionally talking to them. My friend made Ms.Ono and Mr.Suzuki a couple, and Mr.Okazaki as a person who were trying to cut into them. The narration was so funny, and we laughed a lot. At night In the evening, our group visited the hotel Kuroda stayed. He was in a semi-suite room with the view of a beach. We sat on a dining table, sofa, and benches at the balcony. Sandwiches and pizzas were ready for supper, and there are some cup noodles. When we entered the room, Kuroda and Ms. Ono and the staffs from travel agency welcomed us, and Kuroda handed us a drink we chose. We talked about a lot, such as about a TV program that brag about homeprefectures in Japan, and about Kuroda's hometown, Kyoto. Some girls had small gifts for Kuroda, and we enjoyed chatting by referring to them. The cup noodles were somewhat local, and Kuroda wanted to try some. He said, "You know, there are more noodles under the television set" "Oh, really?" "Yeah, open up" But then, Ms. Ono scareamed. "Gyaa!! Those are for the following groups!" It seemed that Kuroda was kind of a troublemaker for her. ( - -;) After that, Kuroda left for other groups. I played Jenga with my friends for the first time, it was fun. Before Kuroda went out to balcony, he said, " I will join Jenga later", and by the time he was back to the room, the party was over. So when he was back to the room and said " Yey, It's time for Jenga!" Mr. Suzuki said "Nope. Time's out." DAY 3 The day was our last day at Malaysia. We had lunch with Kuroda at a terrace restaurant. The restaurant was at our hotel, and we ordered the menu we liked before Kuroda arrived. I chose Han-nan Chicken rice plate, and my roommate Rui ne-san chose a big hamburger, and another my friend, Ako san chose something like spicy chicken soup, and we shared a little bit of our meal with Kuroda. Kuroda came late because of a traffic jam, and when he came up to the restaurant, I heard Kuroda coming down the stairs "Bata Bata Bata!" When he came up to our table, we talked about "Route 58"(a movie Kuroda involved). He wore white shirt and a pair of jeans, he looked good. It seemd like he enjoyed working for the movie. Kuroda liked the hamburger the most, and he left his red spicy noodle for us. After the meal we packed our stuff and relaxed until evening. Ako san and I walked around the hotel and took many pictures. They had a pool and a private beach. The terrace we used for the talk event was called " Gazebo". There were also a virgin road near the Gazebo, it was beautiful. After the walk, I took a shower and had a dinner with my roommate and Akosan, and a group from Kansai area. We left the hotel at 9:PM. I had a lot of laugh, good food, and precious memories. Another story The day we had a sightseeing tour, My roommate and Ako san and I tried esthetics and spa at the hotel. We went to the esthetics house by using a shuttle bus, and each one of us was led to the healing room. After taking a foot bath, I laid on a bed and the esthetician massaged not only my face, but hands and legs. Sometimes, the esthetician sprayed herbal mist on my face and it was relaxing. The healing room was dark and classy, and I enjoyed the esthetics. After the healing, we had herbal teas while waiting the shuttle bus, and all of us felt good and satisfied with this event. ==============================================================
SCARECROW New Year Special concert
This time, let me write the report without the set list. They played all 18 songs they have so far, and the keyboad player, DIE-san joined the stage. One of the remarkable thing was Kuroda's sensual dance on "Maybe I don't cry." I hadn't got the clear view of the stage by that day, so I watched the dance almost for the firtst time. Kuroda's long limbs were efficiently used, it was overwhelming. The concert started with the medium tempo songs and shifted to ballads, and as for I am ballads lover, I enjoyed that part. I burst into tears with "Reirou" as usual, and listened "Kon-ton" for the first time. Kuroda's vocal was very powerful and touching. Also, "steal your misery " was specially arranged for the day, the introduction was classical and beautiful. As for the day was special, SCARECROW played "Hello" with acoustic instruments. The sound was composed by BASSIE, and lyrics were SCARECROW members, BASSIE told us that the tune was composed when his niece was born on 2007. "When I thought that she has a lot of happy things to come, the song occured to me" The play was sweet and joyous. Hideki-san told that he called all the members at the momet the New Year came. Ken-chan did not answered the phone by shutting the cell phone, Kuroda answered immediately, and told Hideki-san that he went to a super market to buy toshi-koshi soba. Kuroda felt buying just one pack was so lonely, so he bought two packs of soba. BASSIE answered the phone immediately, and he was watching TV. DIE-san also. The last part of the stage was full of speedy, wild sound, all the audiendes jumped and chanted, the stage was heated up. As for the encore, SCARECROW and DIE-san appeared with Haori-Hakama, a kind of kimono for men on special occasion. They played "Hot Road" and "Silver City". ==============================================================
SCARECROW GLASS TUBE X'mas Live concert
Set list
SlumpCRAZY STARCHAPTER ZEROLion-Make Up Irony-Reirou(clear shining)ComplextionCAPSULE BUNNYSPEEDERDanteHOT ROADPLAY A TRICK?Raspberry Special Hello
I joined the first stage of the concert, a Christmas tree was on the stage. As a whole, the sound was powerful and bass and the drums were outstanding. Kuroda's vocal was beautiful and gentle. It sure was like a party. The opening of encore was started with giveaway candies by SCARECROW Santa Clauses. The theme of the small talk was "How do you want to spend Christmas days with your girl friend?" BASSIE said that he want to spend the day just hanging with his girlfriend, without special event. Hideki-san ( He has wife and two kids) told that He just want to sleep with his lady. And Ken-chan said that he want to enjoy sky cruising with his girlfriend by a helicopter, and the story was , the pilot suddenly got sick with heart stroke or something, and he wanted to be a hero by driving the helicopter by becoming the substitute of the pilot, communicating with a command tower using English. Kuroda wanted to spend Christmas days by spending with his girlfriend enjoying Christmas dinner and cake made by his lady. By the way, BASSIE's comment on Christmas was straight-A student, and Hideki-san teased him that BASSIE had a nightmare (just a dream, mind) the day before. BASSIE was given make-ups for a job, and his manager told him " It's your job, just stick to it" but BASSIE had no idea what that job was. It was found out that job was for film-making of some kind of obscene homosexual videos, and he escaped with a help of a guard. Luckily, any member of SCARECROW was not involved with that dream. Kuroda told that " Yesterday, on this stage I told that " " give me more love!"" but, I already got enough love more than I gave you all". ==============================================================
SCARECROW Chika-Zukit Gear 2007 Oct.27,28Day 1
Acoustic live concert with D.I.E
Dinner party and quiz Backstage photo seonssion
Day 2 Open recording of Radio Gear
It was raining . We arrived at the place Tsuma-goi Resort hotel in Kakegawa about 2:30 PM. After check-in and some preparation for the event, We joined the acoustic live. The best part was "Steal your misery" and "CAPSULE BUNNY", they were arraged specially for the concert. "Steal your misery" started like a ballad, and "CAPSULE BUNNY" was turned into shouts of drunkun person from speedy Rock'n Roll. D.I.E san is a keybord player who joins SCARECROW for the following concert tour. He knows Hideki san for a long time, and he seems very gentle and gaiety, and modest. There was some funny talk during the concert, and the one thing is that Ken chan found Basshey's car on his way driving to Kakegawa, and they enjoyed car racing. At that time Kuroda played golf in the rain, but quitted because of the lightning. He was so dissapointed , and he said, "Can't we wait for a while until the rain stops?" holding knees at the corner of a room. ==============================================================
SCARECROW GLASS TUBE Aug.27
Set list
Crazy Star CAPSULE BUNNY Slump May be I don't cry Reirou-clear shining Complexion SPEEDER HOT ROAD Lion-Make Up Irony- "Dante"-with reverse- PLAY A TRICK? steal your misery Raspberry Specia
l It was a very special night. "steal your misery", their first single CD was not played until the encore, and after the main part of the concert was finished, there was a murmur of astonishment. SCARECROW became sharper than ever. But there was a small talk as usual, and the theme was happening and events of this summer. They spend the time mostly for the recording, They enjoyed TV game (007 or something?) during the break at the recording studio. And Ken-chan said that he saw Bassie's illustration, and it was "so bad!"... About Hideki-san, he tried to enjoy steam bath at home and he brought a set of comic novel in the bath. "I tried to concentrate and read them, but my counsciousness became blurr, so I don't remember anything about the comic!" (naturally). Also, when Hideki-san went to a rural area and bought some snack featuring a local hero. All the member of SCARECROW enjoyed it, and when Hideki-san visited again, he bought the snack for 10packs ad this time, nobody appreciated them because they were too much... Finally, Kuroda tolda that he enjoyed the communication between the members while they were recording the new single CD "HOT ROAD", which is different from the one on the stage. ==============================================================
SCARECROW GLASS TUBE Jul. 23
Set list
Crazy Star CAPSULE BUNNY Slump Raspberry Special Reirou Complexion "Dante"-With Reverse SPEEDER steal your misery Lion -Make Up Irony- PLAY A TRICK? Tomorrow Silver City
The live concert was powerful with three-dimensional sound. Kuroda's voice was clear and full of emotion. There always is a long talk during encore periods, and that is my favorite. That day, the theme was SCARECROW's memory for summer. Basshey said his hometown is famous for a big firework event, and he never had been to the event. He wished to join the firework with a girl, and said, " Does anyone want to go with me?" There was a big "Yeees!" response. Ken-chan said, "That's a girl-hunt in public!" Hideki-san told us that when he was a student, his group did a lot of mischievous trics such as on teacher's vehicle(almost destoroyed) and so on. And Ken-chan told when he was a student, He worked for a golf club early in the morning during the summer vacation. An old woman gave him a pack of Kimchi. As for Kuroda, When he was a child, he often stayed his grandparents' house. All of his cousins are girls, and because he felt clumsy about it, He did a bit of sexual harassment on them. (?) Also, when he was a student, the girl he liked often went to school during summer vacation, and Kuroda also went to school just to see her. Each member has his own memories for summer. They are not quite the same. ==============================================================
ＬＩＶＥ ＦＡＮＴＯＭ０６０６０７
Set list
Volcano Jumpin' Dash Sweet Surrender CLOVER
Haru. Sai-kai no Home de (Spring- seeing you at a platfoam) Shin-kyo-ran-ka (The prism of heart) GYPSY count nine Bou-kyaku no Toki (The time of forgetting) Uruwashi-no R&R star (Beautiful R&R star) DECADENCE Lizard's tail daughter beyond ashes Dekake-you( Let's go out) Lucky star Boy Emotion A narcissist never sleeps SWAY GAME BULLDOG 66 Coakscrew Coaster LOOK UP DAYS Summer panic connection CELL Poe Poe Thrill vacance
The concert was really a party. It started with a gaiety narration by Kuroda, and he appeard on the stage with white suits. Ballads were very touching. I didn't expect that Haru. saikai-no home-de was played. It was based on Kuroda's story when he went back to his hometown, Kyoto, He saw his ex-girlfriend was on the other platfoam. In Uruwashi-no R&R star, Kuroda tried to be a Japanese comedian by wearing a pair of sunglasses. It has been long since I saw Kuroda band, and all the band members including Kuroda seemed to be enjoying the show, of course, I did! By the way, this year's birthday cake seemed to be a big fruit tart with a decoration of 66. By the way, the present that was distributed to all the audiences on that day was a Yunomi-chawan (Japanese style tea cup) Kuroda Band's member's names and his friend and pet and event staffs's names were written all over. According to the SCARECROW's blog, all the SCARECROW's members came to the event. ==============================================================
SCARECROW pre-debut live concert series GLASS TUBE
Set list
steal your misery
CAPSULE BUNNY
Maybe I don't cry
REIROW-- clear shining --
Tomorrow SPEEDER
"Dante"--With Reverse--
PLAY A TRICK?
Silver City
Before the concert started, the cafe next to the live house broadcasted SCARECROW's promotion movie on the screen (the one you can see on SCARECROW's home page). As I had imagines the sound was sharp and speedy, and powerful. I could sense that the flavor of Kuroda's sound or lyrics as well as Ken-chan(Mr.Ito)'s. (I don't know much of Ken-chan, though). On the radio, Kuroda told that the band is still inmatured and much rooms to be improved, I can't wait to see where this band goes to. Some high-school girls or some new faces are appeard among the usual audiences, it was an exciting, and refreshing experience in many ways. ==============================================================
LIVE FANTOM TOUR "unchanged" Final Special .
Just like the birthday live, the concert started with "Kaiketsu Love Me Tender". The first quarter was dominated with bright up-beat songs and a funk, such as "idioms" and "CLOVER". It was like a carnival, since that was the final of the tour. Then medium-tempo ballads are followed. "The spare key and the knife" began with an introduction sounded like baroque music. It was beautiful. As for "Boukyaku no Toki (Time of forgetting)", if you can evaluate the density of the song, it was almost 200% of the average. Then, R&R tunes and techno numbers began. I enjoyed "Volcano", "Lucky Star Boy", "Sweet Surrender". Usually, I am a ballad songs lover, but that day, up-beat tunes got me. Baloons fell from the ceiling, and the fire sparked, and smoke has rose, the stage was gorgoeous. And something a little bit from Kuroda's comments. "I want to try anything something I've never tried. And I want to take everybody somewhere fun and happy like Peter Pan". And he also said,"I've always hoped that my songs can help you cheer up and soothe, and actually, I myself was encouraged my own songs. Anyway, I was able to keep my carrer with all of your support. I love you!" something like that. The live concert was ended with Kuroda band's deep, long, bow. ==============================================================
LIVE FANTOM 060606
Set List (according to my memory, without played order)
Kaiketsu Love Me Tender
idioms
the spare key and the knife
Summer Panic Connection
Fly me to the wind valley
SWAY GAME
Bad dreams
Dekake-you
CLOVER
Something Special for Somebody else-a view from pedestrian overpass-
The time of forgetting
Volcano
Break the status quo
A narcissist doesn't sleep
Lucky Star Boy
CELL
Orange
Bulldog 66
June 6 is Kuroda's birthday. He celebrates the day giving us birthday live concerts. And this year, June 6 is the beginning of his concert tour. Kuroda told us that he was so nervous and tensed, because he made some changes with the concert set list in the very last minute.
The live concert started with "Kaiketsu Love Me Tender". Kuroda showed up with a silk hat and balck suits with a cloak, just like Lupin. The first part of the concert was consisted with sharp, speedy tunes.
On the second part, medium-tempo tunes and ballads were played. I listened "The spare key and the knife" live for the first time, it sounded beautiful. Playing "Bad dreams" was a surprise, because this tune was in his first album and rarely played, but it suited with the mood.
On the third part, many powerful tunes were played. "CELL" was played, it sounded very gentle and strong, I bursted with tears. It was my best song of that day.
After the main part of the concert, Kuroda gave some encore songs with BABI-chan (guitarlist) and Sei-chan( keyboard player). Kuroda sang "Orange", and it was cute. Kuroda told us that the live tour with acoustic instruments was just like that, and I was really sorry that I could'nt join any of them.
Just for the information, the web radio "Radio Fantom" was broadcasted live on that day after the encore. It was fun, and Kuroda's voice sounded very good.
"I really really want to be a better singer, my vocal never be the same on the stage. Kuroda said on that day. If Kuroda sings better, how could that be? What is his goal?
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Milano Stay Feb.9 to 14
Day 1
We arrived at Malpensa airport , Milan at night. While we are heading to the hotel we were supposed to stay, a scooter hit our bus. That was a happening.
I shared a room with my buddy, and We woke up early next morning. The breakfast was good, I enjoyed tea, breads, ham and cheese, and fruits. First event was a date with Kuroda. Each member of this trip enjoy a little chat while warlking the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele 2, a shopping arcade next to a big cathedoral called Duomo. It was a warm, sunny day. Before starting a walk, the person from the travel agency took a poraloid picture with the member and Kuroda. It was a short (approx. 5 minutes), but fun chatting. I heard some stories about it from other members, all of them were interesting. The event was all for that day, my buddy and I went to the observatory at Duomo. The Duomo was very big and tall, the observatory was complicated. You can see beautiful landscape of the Alps, and elaborate structure of the cathedoral. We had a walk until sunset( we visited Castello Sforzesco, station Centrale etc.), we decided to get a sandwiches at Mcdonalds and eat them at our hotel room. I wrote a postcard to my friend in Japan, and my buddy and I slept early that night.
DAY 2
In the morning, all the members of the tour joined a bus tour in Milan. We visited Castello Sforzesco, Duomo, Piazza della Scala, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele 2. Most of them were the places we visited yesterday, but the tour conductor told me the stories that related the places. There was a sundial in Duomo that can tell what day it is, and a bull was drawn on the road at Galleria Vittorio, the bull was said to bring a luck if you circle around with your heel on it. Everyone did that. In the afternoon, we visited Villa Medici, a big cottage in the forest. There were few ancient instruments such as piano, pipe organ, and we enjoyed tea and cakes. Kuroda had prepared a large picture of him taken in the cottage for every one of us, and we enjoyed a little chat. Villa Medici was Kuroda's favorite spot, so the place was chosen to show all the members of the trip the place. My buddy and I tried the restaurant at the hotel we stayed for dinner, but my buddy got suddenly got sick after we ordered the menu, so only I ate the dinner. It was sad, and a little bit confusing.
DAY 3
My buddy and I visited Basilica di Sant' Ambrogio, and National museum of Leonardo da Vinci. Sant' Ambrogio was a calm , old church. When we visited there a mass was about to begun. There were a lot of people but the place was very quiet. National musseum of Leonardo da Vinci was very large, and we learned a little bit of Leonardo da Vinci's work and a history of radio, and telehphone. I saw some old radios, they were very stylish. On the way to hotel, I felt that we should have visited galleries. In the evening, all the members of the trip gathered at a restaurant. We enjoyed the dinner (my favorite was pasta), and joined the quiz game. The quiz was about Kuroda's lyrics, and it was difficult. After the dinner, some of the members of the trip went to a stadium to see a soccer game. I stayed at the hotel expecting to see the match on TV, but I couldn't find the channel. I also tried to find the channel broadcasting Olympic games, but they were a few. So my buddy and I prepared for the travel back to Japan instad of watching TV, and slept early.
Birthday Live June 6, 2005
Set List
Tokage-no-hi(Lizard's tail)
RENEGATE DIVE
EASY BAZOOKA
Samurai Do it!
Future in Blue
Friends
Jump'n Dash
Orange
Nervous Breakdown
Yakusoku
Come On Everybody
Break The Status Quo
Bulldog 66
Uruwashi-no R&R star
Poe Poe
Thrill Vacance
Summer Panic Connection
Sandy
Spiral Century
June 6 is Kuroda's Birthday. This year, his birthday was a weekday, but there were a lot of people who came to the live house to celebrate.
The opening numbers were not celebrating at all. "Lizard's tail" and "RE-NEGATE DIVE"! Both of them are serious and tragic Rock numbers! But they were sharp and cool, and I was satisfied. Kuroda explained us that he chose these numbers because they reflect his nature.
There were many memorable things at the live, and one thing was that Kuroda sang "Friends". He sang this number on his birthday about two years ago, and this year, this song became more gentle, elaborated, and thoughtful. To tell the truth, I shed tears. And another thing was that ex-members of Kuroda band came back for that day. They played three tunes, "Jump'n Dash", "Orange", "Nervous Breakdown". "Same tune sounds different when it is played by different players, right?" Kuroda told after that.
As a whole, the live was consisted by energetic and yet cool numbers. "Yakusoku" is a wide-scaled ballad, and even this tune was arranged to somewhat Rock sound. His latest single "Summer Panic Connection" was also played, and I heard this song for the first time. It was a gaiety, Pop number.
After the live, a big, baseball-shaped cake was brought on to the stage, along with "Happy Birthday". Kuroda said, "I wish that I could share this gorgeous cake with all of you". Of course, that was impossible. Also, Kuroda already had received birthday gifts from band members, but there was one more from keyboard player, Sei-chan. Before Kuroda opened the gift, he said, " What if this was something porny?" The fact was that it was kind of a healing object that was used in the bathtub.
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It was a memorable and fun live. I hope to join this again next year. Next time, I would bring something for the birthday gift to Kuroda.