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Singapore J-Pop lovers finally got their night they have been waiting for. Genki! J-Pop Night 2014, kindly organized by Mode Entertainment, in collaboration with the Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture (PROMIC) and Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) featuring TarO & JirO, Mayu Wakisaka, moumoon and Dempagumi.Inc
*This article is contributed by Jeremy Tan (aka tinyredman), a J-pop fan in Singapore
The day before the event (July 12th)
There was a little meet and greet at Chinatown Point with the fans of Genki! J-Pop Night. All the performing artists showed a couple of teaser songs to let the audience know what to expect during the actual event the next day. Despite the hot weather, fans were enthusiastic about meeting their favorite artists.
On-lookers were quite surprised to see such live performances, especially when this was held at Chinatown Point. No one expected Japanese artists singing or rocking it out at such a location. But that didn’t stop the artists and their fans were having a fun time there.
The day of the event(July 13th )
Held at the Lee Foundation Theatre in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, fans gathered early as the anticipation couldn’t hold them in. Practicing their calls, warming up their body and preparing a surprise for one of the artists, fans just couldn’t wait to get into the theatre and enjoy the night.
1st performing artist: TarO & JirO
TarO & JirO were the first artistes to rock it out with the audience. Appearing with buckets over their head, fans were puzzled. Be it a way to impress the audience and make them laugh or just their usual antics. But still, they did their job very well as they jammed out with the audience and warmed up the venue.
2nd performing artist: Mayu Wakisaka
A dramatic change of the mood happened when Mayu Wakisaka appeared on the stage. We were brought to another side of the Japanese music scene. This time, the audiences were siting and listening to her great Alto-Soprano voice. One of her songs was recently used in a Singapore drama, and she said that for her Singapore was like another home to her. At a short interview, she revealed that most of the inspirations for her songs were from her own personal experiences, which was quite sad.
3rd performing artists: moumoon
During the meet and greet, she promised fans that she would bring out bigger and better instruments to play. And indeed, she did. The stage was geared up for the snare and tom. And Yuka, the vocalist of moumoon, was hitting them and started the first song ”Love is Everywhere”.
This song brought the whole audience jumping and dancing along with both Yuka and Masaki (on musical instruments). Audiences were clapping their hands as soon as the song has started. Dancing, singing, clapping, raising their hands up high and enjoying cute Yuka singing, dancing and playing on stage, and of course, cool Masaki playing his guitar.
After that intense song, which really brought everyone into the moumoon’s world, they started playing “Sunshine Girl”. Having heard this at the meet and greet, this was the song that moumoon fans wanted to listen at this concert. And indeed, it was totally worth it. With great sunshine lighting at the theatre, Yuka literally became a Sunshine Girl.
As soon as the second song ended, they started singing a popular song where most people, whether or not you’re a moumoon fan, will definitely hear this song before, “Chu Chu”. Used in lipstick commercials in Japan and other countries as well, this song sent has been attracting fans. Just hearing her singing the part of saying “Chu Chu” would probably melt your heart.
4th song was “Bon Appetit”. They used samplers to bring out the starting portion music for this song. And as an up tempo song, “Bon Appetit” once again brought the audiences jumping and clapping their hands and it made the entire hall as one.
Moumoon ended the night with “LOVE before we DIE”. Personally, I thought this would be a rather sad song from the title but it isn’t. Another hi-tempo song which makes audiences clapping and grooving out with them is here. Yuka’s vocal was really awesome to listen and it filled up the venue. She looked as if she was soaring in the sky when she spreaded her arms widely.
At the end of the concert, the host taught them some singlish, for example, “chio bu”(pretty lady), “Yen Dao”(handsome guy) and “Pai seh” (embarrassed).
The last performing artist: Dempagumi.inc
As soon as the host read out their name, fans of dempagumi.inc rushed to the front of the stage. Securities couldn’t really stop them as there were way too many of them. It was almost same as wild animals were let loose. Despite no security barriers in front, fans were kind enough to keep a distance off the stage. Armed with light sticks, towels, and the eagerness to meet them, it seemed like they gave some kind of culture shocks on non-idol fans.
Starting with the song “Demparade Japan”, fans jumped into madness. The energy that comes out from both Dempagumi and fans were like almost over the limit. Everyone has got sweat but smiled so happily. During the intermission of the song, one of the fans shouted “MATA SINGAPORU NI KITE NE!!”(Please come back to Singapore again!)
Right after this was a short self-introduction by members. Having been to Singapore twice (first time was Anime Festival Asia 2013), they said that they were really happy to be back here as they’ve got great support from fans in Singapore.
2nd song was Den Den Passion, fans literally followed every movement of their idols. They started lying down on the floor before the song started, once they started standing up, they followed it. It was as if they memorized every single steps of the song. And with the song, which is really a great song to warm up the fans, fans had a great time partying with their idols.
3rd song was “Future Diver”. Actually, fans have been practicing so hard before the event started. And when this song started, everyone has got excited and began heering and just shouting whatnots.
One of their latest songs, “Chururi Chururira”, used in the Nissin Cup Noodle CM, was the 4th song for them. It is a song mixed with a little bit of old Japanese taste but still, it’s pop.
Last song for the night was “Sakura Apparation” Light sticks turn pink at this point. Coordinated? Pre-planned? Well, as the song title says “Sakura”, all light sticks turned pink. Dancing and bouncing and shaking. The audiences where shouting “SO-RE SO-RE SO-RE SO-RE” phrase along to the song. Thought all the fans never wanted, good times have a end. Every fan were dancing in circles even after the song ended, along with the members.
Right after that, we had an interview session where the members were asked some questions like what kind of food and what things do they like about Singapore men. And of course, as mentioned previously, the dream of coming to Singapore has been accomplished. Their next aim for Singapore fans: A solo live in Singapore!
A surprising thing had happened in the end. Fans had a surprise event prepared for Nemukyun, who is celebrating her birthday on 14th July. Once the host gave the cue, the entire theatre turned green (Nemukyun’s color) and everyone started singing Happy Birthday to Nemukyun. They even presented to her a banner made by the fans with signature and messages written all over. A birthday message book and presents were given to her.
A thing to note for that night is, Captain Mogra, a notable staff in Akihabara’s Dear Stage, was within the audience during the performance. Even though he mentioned that he was on holiday, he actually went to see the entire performance.
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