HKT48 at SSA

Saturday 5 th April was the day of HKT concert at Saitama Super Arena. SKE concert went full force the day before and raised the bar very high. I couldn't hold my excitement for this day to come and i had stomach aches in the train (it took me 2 hours to get to Saitama, but when you love you don't count).

Prologue : the other side of the fandom

The Super Saitama Arena is quite huge on the outside.
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the weather was quite cold. Actually the first time i wore a scarf in japan. Fortunately the travel to Saitama went smoothly; the landscape were amazing with Sakura trees blooming everywhere. As expected from Japanese fans, there were a lot of people around the SSA to discuss, trade and queuing for the goods. The AKB staff doesn't joke when it comes to sell goods and everything was well organized. I was impressed, far away from the chaotic disorder we have in Europe.

 
At first you are surprised on how small the queue is, but it was just tip of the iceberg; the queue was behind the store.
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Yep, it kind of broke all my hopes to get HKT goods. I had to give up on an eventual white glowstick or the best-seller towel of your favorite Oshimen. Because Fukuoka is far away from Tokyo, and AKB shop does have only few HKT item, this one-day store was the only way to get goods (to increase chance to get goodies, wake up ultra early or take the risk to miss a little bit of the concert so HKT fans quit the queue). Aside from the goodstore were the card/photo store, with less queue (still many people waiting).

 
The trading corner, where HKT fans from every generation come to complete their picture set
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That was a very busy place. Mostly young male fans, but i noticed girls and senior taking part in trading too. Some of them had 100 layer folder full of picture, each different. No money during trading, the card are the currency. Most of the time it's a "one for one" trading, fans seek to complete a collection. That's why you usually proceed to meet as much fan as possible to increase your chance to get what you want. As expected, all Card doesn't have the same value as the most popular girls have their card "kept". As i said in a previous thread, NakoMiku and Kurihara Sae were hard to get because most fans "keep" the card and don't offer it for trading. Also, they are recent members so only a few "set" are released. I saw a Salaryman who was desperatly searching for his last Tanaka Miku. The story doesn't tell if he had succeeded or not.

Fan wearing an handmade "Moriyasu Madoka" Bosozoku uniform. On his left was a Tani Marika uniform.​

The trading corner was a good opportunity to see what the "other" fandom looked like. Nothing special really, Japanese in casual clothes. But it was warm to see HKT wota meeting each other, training their mix and wotagei. Some of them had those "SUPER OSHI" badge (those things are freaking huge) or wearing the HKT black and white towel. And some of them came out of the basket, wearing handmade uniform of Sashihara Rino. Do you remember "Ouendan"? (male equivalent of cheerleader in japan) well a whole team of Sasshi's fans were actually gathering around the smoking area and it was a bliss to watch. Unfortunately i forgot to charge my battery the day before and my cellphone died from such awesomeness. (okay he died because he run out of energy) I couldn't take photos anymore, and it was really frustrating.

Japanese are polite and to some extent, can look pretty rigid. (i was taking pictures here and here but someone stop me of "taking picture of him". What.) But shortly after i witnessed 2 Senior wearing Yellow and clear-blue outfit (mimic of Funasshi???), joking with girls because they were "hard in business" (Kyappu picture are high tier in trading). The mood was hearthwarming and if i wasn't a fan, i would find the two old men "creepy". But fans know, and those two were actually very cool. It convince me once again than AKB love is universal and reach any type of people. Actually they were very cute girls (i think they were from Shibuya) who hold HKT glowstick and it was kind of cool. Unfortunately at that time my cellphone already died so i hadn't the chance to take a picture of them.

The Concert : Hakata idols on delivery, the real deal

Finally, time has come to enter into the Arena. I met my japanese contact to get the precious ticket. What's good about Japanese discipline is you need less than 5 minute to check, recheck, meet security, enter the Arena and find your seat. The tension was high. My first concert, and everything looked so huge. First question would be "how i am supposed to see the girls? This place is too big!" but i didn't have myself this question.

 
Despite being the youngest group, HKT was near the sold out. My seat was "A" category.
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Yeah me and my friend seats were kind of godlike. I was near the rear side were HKT members can walk during performance, and front row when it comes to the main stage. Couldn't ask for more. Keep in mind the lottery is fair, so even if you are member of the Fanclub or overseas like me, you have the same chance to get those seat. Me getting seat in the 4th floor was also possible. Japanese are also very ponctual, almost no delay to the concert (lol at the usual 30 min delay in Europe concert...) and the tension reached his peak for me. I tried breathe exercise to cool down, then a VTR appeared.

You usually get a Kage-Hana to tell you to not use your cellphone to not disturb the show and to behave correctly with your neighbour. HKT gave an extra VTR to illustrate the instruction in a very funny way.

• While Sakura was sitting as a casual fan (her giggling was so cute), Yukachan appeared as a "living camera" moving weirdly in front of the scene.
• Sakura was eating popcorn when Meru appeared with a plate FULL of food and started eating (Meru is infamous among HKT member to be gluttoneous lol). In other words you can eat snacks but don't bring a whole bento. I really liked that reference, typical of Meru.
• Lichan, Pchan and Tomiyoshi asuka acted as casual member cheering for their oshimen with fan's placard. then Morippo wildly appeared in front of them and started wotagei, not caring to block Lichan views. They start quarelling and a big cross appeared. Don't fight during concert, lol.
• Chiyori was disguised as a typical japanese thief (with horrible yet funny make up) and start stealing bags in a seat. Obviously, don't steal during concert.
• Rikopi wore sexy dress and acted sexy (or unbelievably vulgar, but of course for humorous purpose) and i don't remember the reason why she did that, but it was funny.

I really enjoyed those private joke that only HKT fans can understand. It made me forget my stomach-aches and then the "most sophisticated show on earth" started, with "Ouverture"

00. Overture : The atmosphere rising. The chills all over your body. The sparkle inside everyone's eyes. The call united as one. I will never forget. This song allow to lift people's spirit, and it has been like this for a whopping 7 years. The effect it does to fans tells me that it won't change for a while. But man, that is something else when it's the real deal. It was electrifying.​

Sasshi in glorious bloomer : could it be otherwise for the Empress of Hakata?

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01. HKT48 / 02. Iiwake Maybe / 03. Only Today / 04. 10nen Zakura : Then Sasshi appeared in outstanding fashion : bloomers (lol). As usual, she interacted with fans to keep the tension high; calls and cheers were echo-ing inside the whole arena while all the members entered the main stage. To be honest it was very hard to suppress my habit to look at the big screen. The girls were real, and right in front of me. The portion of members i had on my side was Kojina Yui, Kurihara Sae, Tanaka Natsumi (tall group lol), Motomura Aoi and Anai captain. I think the song was the right choice to kick off the concert, and around me waving your glowstick was kind of mandatory. As a said earlier, girls take the sided path to spread all over the arena and continue performing. Therefore the one who was in front of me was none other than Kurihara Sae. She is not as tall as i thought, but her moves were smooth and she really gives a feeling of peacefulness. Even though she is third gen she looked to us with a bright smile, and was enjoying the show. She was focused on her moves so she didn't waved at my area, but that's for the best; i didn't wanted her to know that i was staring at her the whole time LOL.
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MC 01 / 05. Dear My Teacher (New Team H) / 06. Yobisute Fantasy (New Team KIV) : Nothing much to say, despite the fact that Sasshi is still the leader of all the MC in HKT48, and it is just mind blowing how she is able to turn everything members says into a funny anecdote. What i noticed is that members are now used to it and it became an "exchange". Before, a member says something, Sasshi turn it into a joke and everyone laugh. Now, HKT members use what Sasshi said to bounce on it and keep the fun. It looks like nothing but to me it is a huge step for HKT growth. Briefly before Yobisute Fantasy (i like this song, pure team B spirit), Kimoto Kanon was introduced. The call were loud and warm, and i think HKT fans managed to make her a proper welcome. Judging from her face, she felt reassured. Good job, HKT wota.

 
Kimoto Kanon officially member of team KIV / HKT Top 5 singing an underrated song

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08. Ashita wa Ashita no Kimi ga Umareru (Sashihara Rino, Kodama Haruka, Tomonaga Mio, Tashima Meru, Miyawaki Sakura) / 12. How Come? : this song sounded very nice in concert. It came from a very, very old sub unit of team K. Haruppi was particulary beautiful in this outfit. Like an Angel. you can hear the song here. Also, i was really impressed by HKT performance in "how come?". I always liked UZA-like songs and the girls made justice of the choregraphy. This time Sakura and her brand-new mature side really stand out . The two songs proved HKT is now ready to rock in fields different than cute. This is important to do so ; not to rush things, changing our style out of the blue, and to come up with news song little by little, for the greatest pleasure of the fans.

 
team Sakura bringing the Sexy back / the smurfs strikes back

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13. Body & Soul / Speed (Murashige Anna, Yabuki Nako, Motomura Aoi, Tanaka Miku) : Or rather "Nakomiku and their backdancers". At last, the new pairing monster of HKT make his move, and with none other than Speed emblematic song, "Body&Soul". The song is ultra catchy and revolutionary at that time. The two smurfs did a great job along with shige and Aoi with a very convincing performance. The song was performed in playback, but to pull a SPEED song i consider it pretty rewarding. Not bluffing of awesomeness but convincing for sure. Damn, those 2 kids are smaaaaaallllll. The wota next to me ( don't get mistaken he was super handsome) was almost doing the dance step too, it tells how the crowd was won over NakoMiku. The future looks bright.

15. Cats Eye / Anri (Miyawaki Sakura, Kojina Yui, Moriyasu Madoka, Anai Chihiro, Matsuoka Natsumi) : Ouch at team Sakura/ team Bijin/ team Nosebleed (in glorious leather, please.). If Nakomiku were convincing, Cats eye was Jaw-dropping, at least from my point of view. And i definitively approve Kojina Yui in this unit ; i noticed a surge of interest from HKT fandom (appearance in matome's article, members comments on G+, Yui's own G+ pictures reaching 1000 +1's), and i'm happy to have witnessed how Yui display this Adult feeling around her. Kurihara Sae could have fit the position as well, but i like how they give Yui the chance. Props to Anai as well, i know she is ponkotsu and has a overwhelming sweet heart, and how surprised/amazed i was when she managed to pull the sexy back. I was more convinced by Yui (it look less forced and more natural) but i like the risk-taking process.

We shouldn't be afraid to appreciate idol's music. 

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18. Ah Mujou / Ann Lewis (Sashihara Rino, Guitarra – Martin Adam Friedman) : Pretty old song ( real version here). But having Martin Friedman rocking the guitar part was just so amazing. Basically this guy speaks fluently japanese and he's known in Japanese show for being a "japanese culture" lover. I know him because he's a fan of X-japan, and i made sure i screamed enough to "thank him" for coming at the concert. To be frankly honest he is not a big foreign superstar (and he never claimed it whatsoever), and Metal's fan would laugh at him because he's playing in an idol concert (yeah people actually did laugh), but really who care's of what people think. We enjoyed the show, and this is what is important. Thank you Marty for coming. Thank you Sasshi for bringing him.

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20. Namaiki Lips (Yabuki Nako & Tanaka Miku) : Yep, even MeruMio didn't have their song. But those two have. It just tells the commitment HKT48 is putting on them. I am not afraid, but i don't know the future. I do like the two smurfs, but i am concerned how HKT may be "stuck" into Kawaii mode for too long, song wise. The song itself is forgettable ( body and soul made a bigger impact on me), but maybe an eventual PV can improve it. It is some kind of double edge sword. And if it looks invisible in short term, we can run out of breath in long term (SKE?)

MC 05 / HKT48 Super Medley, in particulary / 27. River : After their performance of the B-sides of Minna de Tabeta, the girls have gathered for MC number 5. They were talking about what kind of resolution they wanted to achieve with the new year, and Tomonaga Mio asked to improve her singing skill ( how surprising). If i understood correctly, Lichan asked to lose weight. The funny things is that each member wrote their "wish" on blue Frisbee...and intented to throw those to the crowd. The girls then started walking around to tease the fans if they should send the frisbee on their side or not. The right side got Nako, Sasshi Haruppi and Maybe Sakura (im not sure) so it was pretty wild over there. It was kind of the ultimate unvaluable thing, right? People kept the special concert glowstick to sell those on Ebay (those bastards) but i don't think you would ever sell the glorious frisbee. (not going to verify, i refuse such a shameful act).

During the whole concert , Mio was on the center stage so she never went to the left side of the stage. But somehow, to throw her frisbee, she did. Yes guys, Mio came to my side to eventually throw her frisbee. In my Area there was a fellow Mio oshi and we naturally started a screaming contest to "deserve" the frisbee. Omg...she did stop. Right in front of me. Not particulary looking at me, but she was going to throw. I unconsciously put one leg on my chair, ready to jump. Nothing else matter to grab it. But i forgot about another side of her...Sassy Mio!! Yeah in fact it was just a super uber fake ; she never intented to throw at our Area, and ended the supplice by an "Akanbe" (red eye), and start walking again. CAN YOU BE MORE CUTE/MEAN THAN THAT???? I nearly became bald, snatching all my hair of the missed opportunity. After coming back of my senses, i realize 90% of the girls tried to throw as far as possible ; so they all have chosen the outside tier of the arena, and not the inside (at least not my side).

 
Mio's doing the killing "Akanbe" / Me after being killed by Mio
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Back to the performance, HKT48 gifted us a super medley that only them know the recipe : i recall their last big concert in Budokan (ranked 90/100 By Aki-p himself) and what impressed me was definitively the medley (and Natsumikan MC skill). HKT doesn't have as much songs as the other sister group, but that's also why they are granted to do what is best in AKB : the medley is only composed of A-side. The rythm of the concert rose again and the pace turned into a monstruous streak of good songs. Props to EVERYONE in HKT to have learned all the complicated dance move of EVERY sister group. How could it be more awesome than that? Actually there is something...

Nakanishi Chiyori, introducing the medley by a beatbox solo / transcend the stage​

The day before HKT concert, i watched on live stream SKE solo SSA concert, and SKE48 gave a touching send-off to Kizaki Yuria. Then my friend and I wondered how HKT would send off Tani Marika and Nakanishi Chiyori, who are both Isseki (transfer). Chori's solo was one of those opportunity. That was incredibly good, and she was definitively live. The solo is nowhere a sad song or touching whatsoever, but i couldn't stop crying seeing Chori's showing what she got. She step up the game, and i was so proud of her. The guy next to me teared down a little bit too, because we both knew this same girl who is rocking our stage as HKT member will soon leave.

I was sad, but so proud as well. I know Chori's strength, and moodmaker skill, and i know team A needs her. I didn't felt it was outrageous that AKB "steal" our best assets, but more "proud", like "Ah, Chori's strength is acknowledged, i'm glad". That's what Takamina said to Chiyori after Soukaku Matsuri, after all, to reconfort her. "Team A needs you. Are you ready?" "If i am needed, then i won't hold back!". Also, Sakura will be with her. It's not a complete break-up.

  
Chiyori and Marika couldn't hold their tears, as well as everyone in the Arena.​

41. Ima, Kimi wo Omou : I'm going directly to the last song before the encore, "Ima, Kimi wo omou" ( right now i'm thinking of you). The song sounded pretty nice and i'm looking forward to listen to it again. It was the saddest moment of the concert, when after all the fun and excitement, we realize it is kind of the end. I made sure to cheer the loudest possible when Chiyori and Marika (yeah even Uza Marika lol) ended thanking the fans. During the song, Mio and Sakura were crying. That was very touching. While it was usual for the cameraman to focus on the top girls of HKT, i didn't hesitate to check on my side of the stage. And wow Rikopi looked completely devastated, as well as Tomiyoshi Asuka. Something you can only know by being in front i guess. Inoue Yuriya/Naopon was smiling and Happy for Marika i think. Kurihara Sae is super new so it is reasonable for her to not really cry at the moment. Natsumikan/Kojina Yui looked down.

I was really surprised that Nako and Miku cried during the song. I was expecting a reaction similar to Natsumikan. But they were both super sad to see their sempai leaving. I recall that with Himawari Gumi, the kenkyuusei are actually closer to the current team (because they mix) than in other group. So maybe that explain. Another surprising reaction was none other than Sasshi. She always look confident and strong. Always "leave it to me" attitude toward everyone in HKT. And when she read the script showed on the main screen, she didn't wavered; it was effortless, very professionnal. Nothing to be surprised about.

But during the second part of the song, she completely broke down. I was so surprised (nothing could hint this reaction) to go from effortless/broke down that i checked back the main screen to see Sasshi's face. But too late. Let's say Sasshi still is human after all. (what i mean is that it didn't looked natural, but i give sasshi the benefits of the doubt/i should ask other people who attended the concert). The guys behind me was a Tani Marika fan (But he had a Mio's towel lol) and he literally broke down too, "à la Togasaki" (remember no flower without rain documentary) and seeing him so affected made me teary too. To meet people who share the same feelings made the concert really one of a kind. As a foreigner fan, i'm not in a propitious environnement to live my fandom. But here in japan i don't feel alone. Funny fact : Behind me was also a guy with a mask, and a big white cap. during the freakin' whole show he just stood here, with his arms crossed. While his neighbor was going wild with wotagei, he was almost "i don't give a f*ck". But as strong as he wanted to look like, i noticed him wiping his eyes for a split of a second after Marika's part . Ahahah, big bear on the outside, but HKT fan on the inside!

Encore 01/02/03/04. Rock Dayou, Jinsei wa…/ Ogoe Diamond / Sakura, Minna de Tabeta / Melon Juice : After all these emotions, The break before the encore was more than welcome. Then the last songs were the last moment the girls came to the side to wave at the crowd. Props to Anai Captain and Motomura Aoi to have waved at me, i really appreciate. I came to realize that even though our Songs are not game breaker like KFC and Heavy Rotation, Melon Juice and Sakura minna de tabeta do really well in concert. To bring for last bright and cheerful songs was also right, as it hint HKT is moving forward. Then the show ended, in a full sakura's flower shower on the girls. Ahahah.

Conclusion : Most sophisticated show on earth

 
HKT concert coming to an end / the girl's last performance​

Woah, what can i say? First of all thanks to my japanese friend/contact for making this a reality. After such a concert i am, and will continue to be for sure an HKT48 fan. If i have to do it again, count me in. There's no scale to evaluate what i lived this day. But what's amazing is that the Journey as a fan is not over. I didn't step in Hakata theater stage , the core of the group, and still yet to meet the girls in Hakushukai (handshake) and Kyushu concert (less huge but more intimate i guess). The concert was amazing from minute one to last HKT call ; the setlist was nice and i had a great time. It's true it doesn't have the same excitement as the Request Hour 50-1 (which was amazing) but i believe those two event are very different.

At least this concert, as well as Budokan, is another more than convincing proof that HKT shouldn't be underestimated in the near future. Brace yourself, HKT is coming (for the Sousenkyo!)

cr: gocchisama @stage48