Mana's Beautiful World is Forever

Mana's Beautiful World is Forever

Friday, April 12, 2019

~Mana 様 Birthday~ 2019 Day One

Yes, it was another year of me going to Japan to enjoy that two day celebration of the "Liturgy Festival, Mana-sama Birthday". Since Moi dix Mois does not perform live often right now, it is a great chance to enjoy two days of their music.

This year it was at Mt. Rainier HALL SHIBUYA again. It is a good venue, except for the standing on the stairs and waiting before they open the doors. But it isn't that bad. This year I made sure to get a photo of the flower arrangements by the merchandise table. Left was a colorful bouquet from singer Kaya, the black and blue center arrangement I believe was from fans, and right was a red rose bouquet from guitar manufacturer ESP.

Since my seat for the first show was on the floor, I was able to get a decent photo of the stage. It may not be easy to see, but just to the left of the Moi dix Mois decagon is an upright bass that later was played by Sugiya. This was something new.

A couple photos from drummer Hayato's Twitter. A piece of his drum kit actually broke this night. He wrote that he has had this kit for years.

And Hayato's view out into the audience before we all arrived.

Just a photo from guitarist Ryux's Twitter showing how it looks when the audience is there and the show is going on. So what happened this night?

As the opening notes of En Lumiére played, each member walked out on stage, wearing their black with red trim outfits. Ryux, Sugiya and Hayato moved into position and then Mana walked out wearing the Moi-même-Moitié navy and white Frill Tie Marble Blouse along with what looked like a gilet and an overskirt. This was paired with platform boots and most likely shorts under the overskirt.

The final member of Moi dix Mois, lead singer Seth, was the last to appear on stage. The band began with "Dialogue Symphonie" to which the audience showed their appreciation. Following this was "In That Hill". I remember when this song was first played and how quiet the audience was that night. Not this time. It was clear there were a good number of repeat live goers who are now more familiar with the song and were participating in hand movements and more.

An older song "forbidden" was next and then we were given a real treat. Because it was the first time ever for Mana's new song about winter snow in a city. It was a little difficult to catch what the name was. Even Japanese speakers had trouble. At first I thought it was "New Branch" but then the second night it sounded more like "Du Blanche" when Seth announced the song. This translates from French into "of white" which would fit with the snow theme of the song. The lighting changed to white iridescent dots that moved in a circular patter and gave a feeling of snow swirling. Sugiya played his upright bass and Seth's vocals fit perfectly with the piano score. It was a gorgeous moment to experience.

The next three songs were "Xanadu", "Sanctum Regnum", and "front et baiser". I can say that the live mix that night was really great and the sound was a little louder than what I remember in the past. The audience was really enjoying it. I also remember that Ryux was getting a couple noises from his guitar, again, and at one point looked up and then later put his finger to his lips after looking at his guitar, as if he was saying "ssshhh". Perhaps K was being a trickster again?

It was then time for the MC. Seth told the audience "Happy New Year" even though it was March. He said it was because this was the first Moi dix Mois show of the year. After having the audience call out "Je t' aime Mana-sama" a few times, Mana appeared in the balcony throwing candy to the audience. He then came down to the first floor and threw more till he ran out. Seth had everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to Mana followed by Ryux presenting a bouquet of red roses to Mana. And we know what happened last year.

(photo from Moi dix Mois Mana Twitter)

Once again Mana tore the paper and plastic off of the roses and tossed them into the audience. This time he seemed to handle it better so maybe he practiced getting them apart?

(photo from Moi dix Mois Mana Twitter)

If I remember correctly, Mana walked up the center aisle throwing the roses. Since he didn't reappear right away, Seth and Ryux discussed Ryux's new ESP guitar. He got it because it's been five years since he joined the band and both Mana and Sugiya play ESP instruments. He also talked about how Mana's cousin "Katsuo" gave him an ESP guitar this year and he thanked both ESP and Katsuo.

Mana returned to the stage and Seth proceeded to make Mana's announcements for him. There will be a Moi-méme-Moitié event in July, the Kitchen Aristocrat shows will be on June 8th, and the release of the MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary Show DSVI will be on June 21st. What really excited the audience was the announcement that there will be a signing for the DVD.

Then to the second part of the show. This started with "Night Breed" followed by "Solitude", "Immortal Madness" and "Dead Scape". Next was "Twilight Flower", with Seth's vocals and his movements on the stage, it has turned into a very moving and expressive song. "Beast Side" was next and I can't wait till there is a good recording of it, because what is out there does not do justice to the grinding guitars that drive this song. "Vizard" was next, followed by the other new song "Ghost Whispers". It is an unusual song which reminded me of MALICE MIZER at times but also is very Moi dix Mois. I think it was in part because of the samples used. I did get the feeling that there was some influence by Kami with it. I felt chills while listening. The song was unlike anything Mana has created before and is forward feeling and very good. With this and the song about snow, I felt like Mana has moved beyond what he's done previously and allowing himself to be open to trying something new.

After each person left the stage, and the chants of "Moi dix Mois" by the audience, they all returned wearing the new hoodies in black with blue print. I noticed each one was wearing it a little differently. Only one song, "Pageant" was played for the encore, with the audience waving their blue glow stick in unison.

The show ended with each member leaving the stage and walking up the center aisle. The show was over but people were still buying the new hoodies, back packs and the blue key holder. Of course I got a key holder and paired it with the blue MALICE MIZER Mana pick I bought when I attended the Deep Sanctuary concert last September. Since this was the first of two nights, the feeling of anticipation was still with everyone. And my next post will be about the second night.

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