~Mana 様 Birthday~ 2019 Day Two

(photo from Moi dix Mois Mana twitter) 

Day Two of the "Liturgy Festival, Mana-sama Birthday" found me back at Mt. Rainier HALL Shibuya, this time up in the balcony. As "Sacred Lake" began to play, each member walked onto the stage. This time they were wearing their white outfits with black pieces underneath. Mana wore white with off-white lace and his photos show how beautiful this looks. They started with "Ange - D side holy Wings" followed by "Gloria dans silence", "Witchcraft", "Solitude", "Invite to Immorality" and "Nocturnal Romance". Moi dix Mois may only recently play together a few times each year, but each time they sound like they have been playing every day. It really is impressive how polished every song is. 

(photo from Ryux twitter, with his new ESP EII Stream guitar)

"Ghost Whispers" was the last song before the break, and again it gave me chills. I found myself listening closely to the samples used, trying to pick out which ones made me think of MALICE MIZER. Was there a bit of Kami's music in there? Or just the overall feeling? Seth's vocals again ripped into the song. There is definitely a spooky vibe that happens. I don't know if this is the new song representing the autumn season, but with the Japanese holiday of Oban, when ancestor spirits return to their homes to visit, and with the western holiday of Halloween with our spooks and ghosts, "Ghost Whispers" definitely fits the season. This was followed by "Beast Side", the tribute to guitarist K, and it still feels reverent even now.

 (photo from Moi dix Mois Mana twitter) 

Once again Mana disappeared and Seth had everyone call out for him. Mana appeared in the balcony throwing candy. This year he seemed to be a little faster at it. Downstairs again and candy all given out, Mana put his panda bear backpack on front instead of on his back. Seth started laughing at this. A few days later I was on a train and there was a manners video that told people to wear their backpacks on their front so they would not hit people behind them. I couldn't help but laugh out loud remembering Mana that night.

Sugiya then pushed out a cart with the chocolate cake with the Moi dix Mois emblem in white chocolate on it. Lots of berries this year. Of course we all sang "Happy Birthday" again and Mana made Sugiya taste the frosting on his finger. The photo below says it all.

 (photo from Moi dix Mois Mana twitter) 

Following this, Hayato brought out a crock pot from behind his drums. Holding it with two towels like it was hot, he spoke about Mana's curry. This went on for a couple of minutes until Mana finally took the top off the pot. Inside was a new gaming system, a birthday present from the band.

 (photo from Moi dix Mois Mana twitter, photo taken by Ryux) 

Ryux was taking video and photos on stage. It was fun to see the band enjoying themselves. There was even a bit of Ryux playing and singing a more blues rock song "Romatique Stop" or something like that. At some point Seth made the Mana announcements about the Kitchen Aristocrat shows, Moi-même-Moité events and the release of the MALICE MIZER dvd and signing mid-summer.

The second set started with "Du Blanche" and it was even better than the first night. I felt like I was drifting away on the music notes. The band did really well for this only being the second time it was played live. It's a really beautiful song, definitely has a sad feeling of winter. Following this was "Perish" which always feels very dramatic. 

The band moved into the song "Immortal Madness", and there was a bit of "Sexy Pretty Angel Mana-sama" happening during it. Seth had the audience doing specific hand motions to each word at specific moments in the song. In the past Mana was really into doing them, but this time he seemed to want to play his guitar more. Can't blame him, he was on fire with his playing. Overall the band and music felt really tight. I was impressed and it made me think of how bands put together set lists, sometimes as a way to figure out how songs fit together as a whole.

 "Dead Scape" was next and then the pairing of the unrecorded "Twilight Flower" and "In That Hill". Yes, they sounded really good like this. Only one more song was played after this, "Material Death" and then the band left the stage.

More chants of "Moi dix Mois" by the audience and finally everyone returned, this time wearing the new white Moi dix Mois hoodies. I did end up getting both the black and the white one, which I wore during my recent trip to Hawaii. Both are really nice, being lighter weight than fleece. But back to the live.

We were all instructed to snap our glow sticks and then wave them for the song "Pageant". At the time "Pageant" was released, Mana said he thought it was a little "pop" for Moi dix Mois, but it's grown into one of their most loved songs. The other song that is very loved is "J l'aime", and each time it is played live, the fans sing loudly in appreciation. This finished up the live music and each performer left the stage individually. The last was Mana, who took his bows and expressed his thanks silently to all the fans.

Once again, it was a wonderful two days of music and it left me wanting more. I am looking forward to what the future will bring, because hearing the new songs makes me hopeful for what is to come.

~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.

~Mana 様 Birthday~ 2018 Day Two

 I am not sure how many years ago Mana decided to have two concerts around the time of his birthday, but for anyone traveling to see Moi dix Mois perform, it makes for an unique experience. In that it is in a way a long extended concert. Each night gets it's own unique ambience.

So of course I was back for the second night. Which was also at Mt. Rainier Hall in Shibuya. The venue is up above Uniqlo. Which is interesting because what they do is have people stand on the stairs when they are waiting in line for the merchandise table and to go into the actual venue. Once you get up the stairs to the merchandise table there are large bouquets of flowers. This is a tradition in Japan as a way of congratulating someone. 

 There were three large bouquets for Mana. One from KAMIJO, one from Kaya and one from the fans. They were there for both nights. Sorry I did not get better photos but I was shooting over people's shoulders.

I'm also sorry I don't have a better photo of the stage but it does show up even with the lights off! This is my view for the second night. This is stage right, or what would be Ryux side. This time I had a center section aisle seat. Given my propensity to dance a little, I was happy with this.

 Mana with his candy bearing bear bag from his Twitter

Last night Moi dix Mois was dressed in white. This night everyone was in black except for Mana who was wearing white with black lace and accents and blue tulle and roses. For anyone who has not experienced Visual Kei, it's an important part of the genre to dress up, both in fashion, make-up and hair. Mana was one of the originators of the genre so of course he continues this in his performances. 

Alright, time to talk about the music. The songs for the first part:

sacred lake（SE）

Metaphysical

Witchcraft

Gloire dans le silence

Solitude

Invite to Immorality

Nocturnal Romance

Priére

Beast Side

Right off it was clear that the second night the band was there to rock. A number of the songs were from the first releases, songs with a bit of an edge. There was a definite more metal feeling to the night. Only a few songs in and I could tell this was a show that audiences in America and the like would be ecstatic to see.

I didn't mention that the first night there were a few technical difficulties. It happens when a band is not performing as much as they would be if they were on tour. If I could guess, the members went through a run through of this show prior to the performance. Everything felt tight. Vocalist Seth's mic volume was louder, there was only one or two technical glitches. Although I did think Seth's volume was a little too loud when there was no music, but heck, compared to a lot of shows it was fine.

As to the songs, like I said, harder and edgier for the most part. I was curious as to how they would handle "Glorie dans le silence" since the chorus is really a duet, but Seth handled it well. The band ripped through everything with lots of energy. 

 Mana making Sugiya taste the frosting (from Mana's Twitter)

Now to the MC part of the show. Once again Mana disappeared and after being encouraged by Seth and shouts from the audience, reappeared with his bear bag and threw candy to the audience below. He reappeared on the right side of the balcony and again slid past everyone in the front row, throwing candy as he went. And this time, I was lucky enough to actually catch one.

Mana then started up the aisle to the door but stopped right next to me. He furiously threw candy to the side section for a few seconds. As tempting as it was to reach out and touch him, I did not. It was nice to be able to see him a little closer than I had been able to in the past. Nice tulle.

At some point while we were waiting for Mana to appear from downstairs, guitarist Ryux and bassist Sugiya played a short blues riff. It was very cool to hear this and I hope it is something that might happen again. 

After all the candy chaos, Mana arrived back on stage. Seth made announcements about future shows including the Deep Sanctuary VI show in September. This is a reunion of the Malice Mizer members plus others. At this point, Mana picked up a whip and started making sideways figure eights (like infinity symbols) with it while Seth repeated "Will I play guitar or won't I?" I think this is a reference back to the Malice Mizer shows which were known for their theatrics. Along with a possible reference to the song "Illuminati" which featured whips in the stage performance and Mana did not play guitar during the performance. After this Mana threw his bear at Seth and it looked like Seth might have hit his head on the drum riser, but he seemed okay. Destructive demon Mana was keeping with the destroy theme. I will say that Seth was laughing at the time so it was more in jest and fun.

At this point Sugiya exited and came back pushing a cart with a birthday cake on it. I think we sang Happy Birthday at some point, along with lighting up the blue glow sticks we were given for the evening. The candles were lit, of course one was a little harder to blow out. Mana offered a bit of the icing on his finger to Sugiya. Just a little fan service for the audience. Then Sugiya wheeled the cake off, bowing many times as he did it. I was a little surprised that the cake made it out unharmed.

 Photo of Mana's cake from his Twitter

And the second part of music began. Here are the songs:

Secret longing (se)

Pageant

Perish

Immortal Madness～Dead Scape

Twilight Flower

In that Hill（仮）

Material Death

Ange～D side holy wings～

I have to mention that as much as I like going to shows in Japan because for the most part people are really polite and no one gets out of hand, something felt off. Unlike the night before, I felt like the crowd where I was, was not really getting into it. I don't know if it was the people in that side of the balcony, but for a lot of the show I felt like an observer. Even with the people doing the furitsuke, set hand movements. So with the break and us now having the glow sticks, I moved a little into the aisle and just went along with the music once "Perish" started being played. It became interesting because like last year, once again people were asked to make specific hand gestures during the song "Immortal Madness". Again it was to the phrase "pretty sexy angel Mana-sama". Which seemed to go a lot faster than last year. I don't think many people where I was were able to keep up or even tried it. I finally moved to the railing of the stage because I wanted to have that feeling of being part of a concert, not just an observer.

After "Ange" the band left the stage. Again the audience shouted out "Moi dix Mois" in unison. The members returned wearing the concert shirts and Mana was dressed in Moi-même-Moitié, similar to the outfit he wore at the Sakura-Con fashion show. 

Final song of the night:

Je L'aime

En Lumiere（SE）

I have to say something about "Je L'aime". I'm not sure if this was my second or third time seeing and hearing it live. But this time it was a lot more emotional. Seth's voice was amazing for both shows. Not just with being able to hit all notes but also growling and howling when songs called for it. At times he seemed possessed. For "Je L'aime" he conveyed the emotions of the song and more. The final lines he sung to Mana, who I would swear was on the verge of tears.

After this the members each left the stage. Some of them threw their glow sticks into the crowd and drummer Hayato threw his up into the balcony where the woman next to me caught it. I could have caught it but since I had caught a piece of candy I let her get it (longer arms has benefits sometimes).  Mana spent time on stage taking a number of bows. The feeling that permeated the theater was so emotional I expected people to burst into tears. He then walked stoically up the aisle and the show was over.

So two great nights of music. Back at my hotel I took a photo to commemorate it. As for the candy, it's not the usual Mana autograph. It may be the kanji Ma, 魔, which he uses at times. It references demons which makes sense given the theme for the two shows. Hard to see but it actually says kawaii on the candy. Cute demon? I guess that would describe Mana-sama.

I'm glad I was able to experience these shows. And I hope I can do that again in the future. Many thanks to Moi dix Mois for going all out. I hope there will be a lot more to come.

~Mana 様 Birthday~ 2018 Day One

Trying to think how to title this since this is the second year of me going to...

†生誕典礼祭〜Mana様Birthday〜

Which translates to "Liturgy Festival, Mana-sama Birthday".  I enjoyed last year's two day concerts so much I wanted to experience it again. It is one reason I returned to Japan in March. That and sakura. Although it is not easy to get tickets to these shows since I do not go through scalpers. Instead I went through the ticket lottery like everyone else. Also I want to give a big thank you to Hot Stuff Promotions for helping me out this first night. They did in a really big way. I greatly appreciated it. Almost felt like I had an angel looking out for me.

Both shows this time were at Mt. Rainer Hall in Shibuya. Unlike last year where I had a floor ticket, this year I ended up with balcony seats. My view for the first night, March 17th, was very close to this pre-concert photo Moi dix Mois drummer Hayato posted on Twitter. The sound was pretty good up there that night.

 It has been a few weeks since the show so I'm going to try to remember how it was. To start, each member of the band walked out separately, wearing the same outfits as in this photo. This 2015 photograph is from when guitarist Ryux was introduced as a new Moi dix Mois member. I don't know if Mana chose these outfits as a way of saying it's a new start for Moi dix Mois, but since the rebirth of Moi-même-Moitié, I would not be surprised if this was his way of saying it is time to get Moi dix Mois back in action. His Sakura-Con comment about beginning to record soon also supports this. I hope I am right. It would be great to have new music that everyone can hear. And maybe more shows in Japan and abroad.

So the song list for the first part of the show was this:

En Lumiére（SE）

Dialogue Symphonie

In that Hill

forbidden

Mephisto Waltz

Xanadu

Sanctum Regnum

front et baiser

I was really surprised that they played Mephisto Waltz. It's a great song but a little slower and melodic compared to the usual Moi dix Mois live songs. This song with In that Hill gave a slower pace to this part of the show but it felt like it was an introduction into the world of Moi dix Mois. Seth's singing and mannerisms drew the audience in for these dramatic songs. This all fit with the way the first show was last year which was a little more emotional and theatrical. Compared to the second show which was more edgy and hard rock feeling. Not to say the band did not rock the first night. 

The theatrics were hinted at by Mana on Twitter prior to the shows. He wrote about how the door is opened and demon king Angolmois will return. It's a Nostradamus reference that he's written this in the past. However this time he used the idea of destructive demons in the show.

Mana began this with the traditional tossing of candy to the audience as part of the MC section of the show. The difference was that he started up in the balcony. He came in the door opposite of where I was sitting and threw candy to that side. Then as he reached the front, he slide across the front row in the middle section, in front of everyone's seat. People were surprised, yelling and cheering. Sadly he was out of candy by the time he reached the side where I was sitting. 

He then reappeared downstairs tossing more candy. Seth had everyone sing happy birthday to him and then read an announcement about the next show, which will be two shows on the same day, June 23rd. The difference is these performances will start with a meal. Lunch for the first show and dinner for the second. It's the return of  La Kitchen Aristocrat Live.

 Following that was the next bit of chaos from demon Mana-sama. I'm sharing a couple photos that Mana posted on Twitter because what happened was pretty crazy and visual images do help. Seth announced that the band had a gift for Mana. Ryux came out with a big bouquet of red roses. He got down on one knee and presented them to Mana who proceeded to tear the paper off of them and then started throwing the flowers to the audience.

From the photos it's clear the band did not know he was going to do this. The audience was also surprised, expressing this with screams of shock and laughter. It really was a moment. Mana even was able to throw a rose up into the balcony. And if the photographs aren't enough, here is a link to Ryux's Twitter of a video of his presenting the roses and the members' reactions. Mana later referred to this as being in destroy mode. The audience loved it.

Then it was back to the music. The songs of the second part were:

Night breed

Solitude

Immortal Madness～Dead Scape

Twilight Flower

Beast Side

Vizard

Divine Place

En Lumiére（SE）

The band then left the stage while the audience urged them to return, chanting "Moi dix Mois". When they did, everyone but Mana was wearing the new shirt for the lives. At this point we were instructed to snap the blue glow sticks we were given and wave them in unison while the band played "Pageant".  Mana kept with the demonic chaos, moving off the stage and into the center aisle where he played guitar surrounded by the audience. Lucky people!

That was the end of the show. The audience moved out of the theater with some stopping to buy concert goods. I ended up getting two of the rubber bands, a dolman shirt from last year's 華麗なる～La包丁貴族～スペシャルディナー付きライヴ,  "Brilliant ~ La Kitchen Aristocrat Live", the Moi dix Mois Anniversary backpack (which I did not get at last year's shows) and the concert dolman shirt for this year. All pictured with my blue glow stick.

I also bought the new key chain. I almost didn't because I noticed the side with the sticker had nothing covering it. But it was more of a souvenir for me, especially because I wanted to add the guitar picks to it. Here it is with the new pick. If you are wondering why I still had tickets for both nights, it's a secret. Also want to mention the song list is from what I remember and what a fan posted on Twitter that night after the show.

Next up is Night Two!

Mana's Birthday ~ Day One

Time to explain why I was checking out where music venues are in Shibuya. In part because I hope to go to more lives in the future and in part because I was going to a couple lives during my trip. First one was here at Mt. Rainier Hall. Which turned out to be a pretty nice venue. I would definitely go there again.

 *photo from @_lady_vampire Twitter*

Turns out last year's Deep Sanctuary V concert wasn't enough for me. Malice Mizer is one of my favorite bands and I so enjoy what the creators of Malice Mizer, Közi and Mana, have done since then. While Moi dix Mois has been on a bit of hiatus in recent years they still do a couple shows in Japan each year. One is an end of the year show and the other constant is Mana's birthday shows in March. After finally seeing Moi dix Mois at Deep Sanctuary V I realized I wanted to experience a full concert. And since Mana schedules two concerts for his birthday, it was an optimum opportunity.

Now I had a chance to see Moi dix Mois in Seattle but passed it by since I recently moved to the area. I've regretted it. I've also regretted not going to Japan sooner and enjoying lives there in the 1990's. So perhaps I was making up for that or just finally doing what I've wanted to do for so long. It's still difficult to get tickets to concerts in Japan and then dealing with the venues if not fluent in Japanese. But in a way, it makes concerts there even more special. I do know a lot of people outside of Japan would really like a better way to attend shows. There is a big market and it's growing. Considering the cost and difficulty of traveling, the dedication of people who go is impressive. And I was not the only "foreigner" at these shows. For the Mt. Rainer show I met really nice ladies from France, Italy and South East Asia along with a lovely older Japanese lady who like me was first a Malice Mizer fan.

So a bit about the concert since I do want to share. Mt. Rainer Pleasure Pleasure is a theater with assigned seating for their floor and balcony. I ended up near the back of the floor but I could see well even with my recent eye sight problems. The stage was set with iron fencing with roses interlaced and the Moi dix Mois banner behind the drum set. The band members entered the stage as En Lumiere played. Hayato on drums, Sugiya on bass, Ryux as support guitarist, Seth on vocals and Mana on guitar. When Mana came out he held his arms open as if to hold everyone in the theater. 

*photo from @M_d_M_official Twitter*

 Since words can only express so much, I am borrowing a few photos from Moi dix Mois Official's Twitter. I hope they don't mind. It's because the lavish brocade outfits are best seen to appreciate. Lead singer Seth reminded me of David Bowie's Jareth the Goblin King with an eye patch, a very handsome look. Visually the outfits added an air of celebration to the night.

 While Seth was emotive Mana kept his visage expressionless as he usually does. Although at first he appeared intense, reminding me of a Kabuki actor. After a time he seemed to relax as the band flawlessly performed the first couple of songs. Speaking of songs, here is the set list for the first part:

Dialogue Symphonie

Angelica

Beast Side

Solitude

The Other Side of the Door

Eternally Beyond

Sanctum Regnum

The SECT

I was rather pleased to hear Angelica live and a little surprised at The Other Side of the Door since the recorded version has less emphasis on vocals but Seth did a good job with it. Other songs like Sanctum Regnum got the audience participating following Seth's lead in doing hand signs for D-I-X. Participation like this is a big deal with live Japanese music and Seth is quite good at it.

*photo from @M_d_M_official Twitter* 

A closer look at Mana in his outfit for the evening playing his ESP jeune fille X Gips -Cross Ray guitar. While I can't fully remember this may have been later in the show. First though was the MC which is another common thing that is done at music events in Japan. Since Mana rarely speaks publically, Seth speaks for him, reading from a clip board. But first Seth had every one yell "Je t'aime Mana-sama" to get Mana to return to the stage where everyone sang Happy Birthday to him. He then threw candy from the stage and center aisle along with surprising people in the balcony by appearing there also and raining candy on them. 

Next were band member introductions along with each person playing a solo. I noticed Hayato received a lot of calls from the audience. The solos were enthusiastic and well received. When it came Mana's turn he surprised everyone by playing the intro to Malice Mizer's Kioku to Sora. I guess with the 25th anniversary of Malice Mizer's founding he was feeling retrospective. The audience loved it. Seth then announced Ryux also had his birthday recently. Mana kept whispering in Seth's ear which Seth then spoke about how Ryux was like a clay doll. This went on for a bit and even though Mana turned his back to the audience he was shaking with laughter. Ryux played along seeming astonished to the point where he fell down. While the clay doll part was a little confusing at the time, Mana later explained on Twitter that a photo Ryux posted reminded him of a role playing computer game where a clay doll came out of the woods and Mana wanted to attack it. Or something like that since he wrote it in Japanese which sadly I have to rely on translators for the most part.

Back to the music. Second part of the song list:

A new song!

Perish

Immortal Madness

L’intelier dix

Dead Scape

Twilight Flower

Material Death

Je l’aime

XANADU

I just want to mention that new song. Really beautiful. Along with the green lighting which made the stage look like it was underwater. For most of the show the audience was pretty enthusiastic and noisy but during this song and after it everyone was silent. It was like we were all forgot to breath being so focused on the music and lyrics. Almost a zen moment. Hard to explain but it was mystical, like being taken to another place by the music, part of Mana's mythical world. As it's place in Moi dix Mois music, it had elements of prior songs but had a maturity beyond Mana's already creative and excellent work. As I wrote after the show, I really look forward to hearing it again.

Eventually the concert reached the end and the members left the stage as the audience yelled their names and wanted more. At this point or at the end En Lumiere played again.

*photo from @M_d_M_official Twitter* 

Not long after that the band returned wearing the new shirts being sold for the concerts along with Mana in his signature Moi meme Moitie EGA. While I was sad Deflower was not played I did get to enjoy Pageant! Because it's a more "up" song it isn't played as often so great to hear it live and experience the audience participation as they wave their blue glow sticks in time to Mana's swaying as he plays guitar.

Sadness since that was the end of the concert. Each member left the stage walking up the center aisle. Ryux did something special in memory of K, Moi dix Mois guitarist who passed away. Ryux has K's skull lighter with him through out the show, placing it on speakers or amplifiers by him. He almost forgot it as he left so he ran back to get it, holding it up to the crowd who appreciated the moment. Mana was the last to leave, but before he did he stood at the edge of the stage making motions with his hands ending with putting his hand to his heart. While the concert may have been for his birthday, it was clear it was also his present to his fans, an expression of his love and appreciation of their support.

So it was out into very crowded Shibuya to make our way back to the station and my way back to my hotel on a rather shaky Yamanote train. But before I end this, a little about the concert goods.

Prior to the concert they had every line up who wanted to buy goods. Mana created two new designs for his two anniversaries. The 15 year Moi dix Mois anniversary design in silver is really nice so I picked up the tote bag along with the long blue t-shirt. Like everyone else I put all my stuff into it. Funny to see everyone walking around with the same bag. It was very popular.

Back from the concert it was time to see what all I put in there. I stopped at LUSH in Shibuya on the way to the station. LUSH has become very popular in Japan with stores everywhere. In 2008 I could only find it at Narita Airport and 2010 at Shinjuku Station (amazed to find anything at that crazy place).

Really this was everything in that bag. I also purchased the black t-shirt with the Mana 25th anniversary design. It is also lovely with blue roses which have been a favorite thing for me since I was a child. I also picked up the Moi dix Mois 10th Anniversary Philosophy II book. What else was there in the bag? The glow stick, fliers, my purse, gloves, ticket, Pasmo card and an onigiri for that evening and French cruller donut for breakfast. Oh that donut.

Wait, I don't think the bag was empty. Needed to check.

How did this get in here?

Pardon my little bit of humor. And that curry? Actually was pretty good for packaged food. Ate it when I got back to Oregon. I'll mention where I got it in a later post.

As for the goods, I am glad I bought what I wanted that night. Because the next night most was sold out. After missing out on getting the Deep Sanctuary V long shirt I made sure to not make the same mistake again. However since everything sold out so fast, Mana decided to have more made and is selling them now on his Midi:Nette site (link here for those in Japan). For the rest of us the goods are available on CDJapan including shirts that weren't available at the concerts. CDJapan items are at this link. Thought I would mention this since I know a few people were interested.

So if you read all of this long post, thank you. And Day Two will be my next one, soon to happen.

A Different Look at Shibuya

Actually this post starts out with very familiar views of Shibuya. That world famous sky line and scramble. Along with a Hachiko bus.

One more of the Shibuya Crossing after coming out of Shibuya Station. That sky was amazing. I was surprised more photographers weren't out taking photos.

I know I couldn't help but take a few.

One of the reasons I like taking photos here is because of the interplay of the video screens and people. Shibuya is definitely a place where people go to be seen at times.

 However this was morning so the Shibuya Crossing and streets around were unusually pedestrian light.

 Good thing because I couldn't stop looking up. That sky!

However I wasn't headed to the part of Shibuya that tourists go to. I was headed in a different direction. Where Shibuya's music venues are. Like Tsutaya O-West and O-East.

And duo Music Exchange.

Club Asia needed staff and a bit of pain.

With their Club Vuenos across the street.

At this point I was trying to find a different place and ended up at Hyakkendana. Which is known for a few things. While the restaurants there were closed, there was some activity at places by the many love hotels. Which I was not there to see, so back to music related places.

Which there were many crammed into this small area.

It is amazing how many shops and bars can fit into one small building.

After a bit I found what I was looking for. The venerable Lion Cafe, home of coffee sipping to classical music. Even though it was after 11 am it wasn't open. Had this happen at a couple other places during my trip.  Still I made it there even if I didn't get to go inside.

So headed back to Shibuya Station. On my way there I found one of the other places I was looking for. Mt. Rainier Hall, named after that big Pacific Northwest mountain. Don't ask me why. Despite the big name I missed this the first time I walked by the Uniqlo store. In part because there was a television crew filming a couple fashionable people right outside the store.

 Lunch was in order at this point so I enjoyed my first MOS shrimp burger of the trip. Along with those delicious onion rings. That Shibuya location is pretty good with a bit of room for seating which was nice.

So while I missed out on experience Lion Cafe from the inside, I did locate a couple of places which would be helpful a few days from this return to Shibuya. So it was a success in part and I was ready to see another place I had spotted on my last trip. Which will be in my next post.