~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.

MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary Exhibition at ESP Museum

I have mentioned the ESP Museum before. It is part of ESP Craft House, located in Shibuya near Tower Records. The museum holds exhibits for musicians along with their displays of various guitars. Following the Deep Sanctuary VI concerts, they put on a very special exhibition of MALICE MIZER guitars and memorabilia. Now, they have shown both Mana's and Közi's guitars, but this time they also had items belonging to Yu~ki and Kami.

A little background first. MALICE MIZER was formed in August, 1992. Going through a few different formations due to vocalist changes, they were one of the more influential visual kei bands of their time. Even though they ceased activities in December 2001, they still have very loyal fans. Starting in 2010, three of the founding members, Mana, Közi and Yu~ki would get together every couple of years at their Deep Sanctuary concerts and play a few MALICE MIZER songs. This year, they performed two full concerts for the first time since 2001. That was Deep Sanctuary VI.

Starting the day after the concerts, ESP Museum opened up with their MALICE MIZER exhibition. Items that were shown or used at the Deep Sanctuary VI concerts were displayed. Here are some of the vintage posters. 

Pardon the quality of these photos. There was a lot of glass and bright lights. Still, I had to try to capture what was on display. Images from various time periods of the band's history. The posters above are from the end of 1999 to 2001. 

Earlier posters. The set along the top include images taken at LA TABLE de Joel Robuchon restaurant in Ebisu. I wrote about it here http://blukats.blogspot.com/2018/04/a-malice-mizer-mystery.html.

Inside video and music were playing from one of their concerts. 

In the middle of the room was part of Kami's drum kit from the concerts. Since I went the first day, there wasn't much there, but items were added in the days after.

Kami's triple cymbals. Rose petals were strewn below the exhibits. Red roses were used a lot in the later band visuals. 

The custom front of Kami's kick drum. Sakura had put this together for the show, using images that Kami had created. Kami was fond of butterflies, and there were butterflies through out the exhibit. 

They also had Mana's and Közi's synth drums that they had played just the night before. The riding crops were also there, at that time they were on the floor below the guitars. 

The guitars made up the bulk of the displays. Far left is Yu~ki's bass, and then various guitars belonging to Közi. Some of these I had seen before because they are usually on display at the museum. The difference was that normally they do not allow photographs in the museum, but for this exhibit they were allowing fans to take photos.

Yu~ki's yellow bass and Közi's various guitars.

And the three. Mana's jeune fille, Yu~ki's Amaze custom, and Közi's Akutsui. 

Since they were allowing photos, I finally got one of Mana's jeune fille blanche. That's a custom paint job by Mana, who dripped red paint on. 

And the jeune fille II that was played the night before. 

There were also current ESP artist series guitars on display. These are one that customers can buy. 

There were a couple used guitars in another room. The jeune fille x lazuli -Cross Ray- was very tempting with it's flashing light. 

Besides the instruments, items that were used in MALICE MIZER music videos were on display. 

The book that was used in the Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Shunkan no Naka De~ de L'Image film was displayed. Someone did a nice job creating this book and distressing it. The "Pays de Merveilles" book, along with printed pages inside, was also shown in the Gekka no Yasoukyoku video.

Also used in the Gekka no Yasoukyoku video were the Mana doll and Közi marionette. Next to these in the display was Közi's doll that he used when performing the song Brise. My photo did not turn out well. It was all that glass and bright lights. 

The items that received the most attention were ones belonging to Kami, MALICE MIZER's drummer who passed away in 1999. Various drum sticks were displayed including these obviously used ones. 

One of his bags for drum sticks. 

Which someone drew on in blue marker. I wonder who. Difficult to see but it is still visible.  

Some of the flowers they used at their concerts. Red roses thrown at the beginning of the show and the others Mana placed in their musical instruments during Madrigal. My last two posts were about the concert, so there is more information there. 

Along with Mana's teddy bear bag. 

Shown with Mana's tambourine. Both were used during Madrigal in the two Deep Sanctuary VI concerts. That bear has seen a lot of use. It is one that Mana would put candy in and then throw it during concerts. No candy this time. 

The tambourine has LED lights. I didn't notice if it was lit up during the concert.

While visitors were looking at everything, the items that got the most attention were these gloves, 

And this hat. Both items belonged to Kami. I had hoped they would have something of his that he wore, so it was amazing to see this.

Kami wearing the hat with the matching outfit.

Sadly I was not able to return later in the week when they put the costumes, that were worn during Deep Sanctuary VI, on display. I only had two days in which to visit the museum. And that was difficult because of what happened to my right leg at the concert. Still, I was not going to miss this. It was worth seeing. 

Deep Sanctuary VI MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary Special Part II

Image from Barks Magazine Twitter

If you read my previous post, this is the second part about the September 9th, 2018 Deep Sanctuary VI concert. It celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the band MALICE MIZER. Even though they stopped being active as a band in December, 2001, they still have many loyal fans even to this day. Along with new fans who discovered the band in the subsequent years. Many of them were in the Toyosu Pit venue that night. Some, like me, were able to purchase tickets provided by Mana through Moi-même-Moitié, the fashion company that Mana built. Some, like me, traveled a long way to be there. And this was the moment we all were waiting for. It was time for the onstage reunion of three founding members of MALICE MIZER.

We did not have long to wait. The curtains pulled back to reveal Yu~ki, Mana and Közi standing at the front of the stage. In their hands, a single red rose, while the music of "Saikai no Chi to Bara" (再会の血と薔薇; The Blood and Rose of Reunion) played. Recreating the opening of the legendary Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake (薔薇に彩られた悪意と悲劇の幕開け) concert, the image was astonishing. If I could pick one concert out of all of them that I could have been at, it was that concert. And now it was happening right before my eyes. I noticed each members' hands with the rose. Yu~ki's were still, Közi's were shaking a little and Mana's hands, were shaking a lot. This concert was his creation that he had been working on since Deep Sanctuary V, over two years ago. There was nothing to worry about, the moment was perfect.

Photo from Mana's Twitter

It wasn't just the image of the three of them standing together at the front of the stage. This was the first Deep Sanctuary event that they had new costumes created by long time MALICE MIZER designer Yukari Ohba. I will do a post later about the details of the costumes and a little bit about how they were created, but for now I just want to mention my impressions at the show. First was guitarist Mana's gorgeous crystal bead strewn regal outfit. I remember thinking how it combined both Mana's MALICE MIZER look with the current Moi dix Mois look. Watching Mana move in it was a joy to see. On Twitter Mana wrote that it was heavy, but I didn't see any problems. It was beautiful.

photo from Yu~ki's Twitter

Bassist Yu~ki's costume seemed to combine his favorite vampire looks with steam punk. Splashed with bright yellow paint on his coat and hat, it was like his yellow character exploded all over it. It too had the feeling of royalty and of an age long ago.

Photo from Közi's Twitter

Guitarist Közi's costume recalled his days wearing various harlequin outfits. Decorated with stiff ruffles which serpentined down the left side of his body, it had the appearance of half of the costume going crazy. All three costumes had a dark appearance and the use of black vinyl was reminiscent of some of the edgier MALICE MIZER costumes.

With the music of "Saikai no Chi to Bara" concluding, the three threw their roses into the audience and moved to their places on stage. Közi stage left, Yu~ki near the back and Mana stage right. Which is why I was so happy as to where my seat was. I realized that both Mana and Közi had their synth drums set up and I recognized the piano intro that began playing. The feelings I had overwhelmed me as I realized they were going to perform "Kyomu no Naka de no Yuugi" (虚無の中での遊戯; Amusement in Nihilism). Last year when Mana asked people on Twitter what songs they would like to be performed at Deep Sanctuary, most replied with popular songs like "Beast of Blood" and "Baroque". I had to be the odd ball and suggest "Kyomu no Naka de no Yuugi" but I also wrote that I knew it was impossible. Well, I am very happy to say that I was wrong. As much as I love MALICE MIZER's songs, this is the song I've admired since the first time I heard it years ago. I can not put into words how it makes me feel. So yes, I cried a bit when it began to play.

Mana and Közi hit their drums with riding crops while Yu~ki played bass. They moved about the stage recreating their moves from the Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake concert, including the posing and shining flashing spot lights on the audience. The high point for me was when Mana placed his arm on top of the microphone and repeated that line of the song, just as was done at that concert.

Photo from Sakura's Instagram.

The song ended and the special drummer for the night came on stage. Sakura was a mentor for Kami, MALICE MIZER's long time drummer. Kami passed away in 1999 and the band never replaced him. But for this show, they asked Sakura to play. Not only did that happen, but Sakura actively repaired and recreated Kami's drum kit. It sat up on a riser, in the manner that Kami was placed in the original MALICE MIZER concerts. Sakura came on stage and, if I remember correctly, said a few words with the band members. From what I could find online, he mentioned how he was just lending a physical body to Kami. He had also dyed his hair red to match Kami's long flowing locks. I noticed that during this moment, as at other points, background music from past MALICE MIZER shows played. This time I think it was music by Madredeus. 

Photo from Shuji's Twitter

The first of the guest vocalists was introduced as "De Memoire" played. Since the original vocalists were either too busy or not available to be contacted, three active singers were called on for the job. All three worked as MALICE MIZER roadies at one time. The first was Shuji, singer of cali≠gari and GOATBED. With a hairstyle reminiscent of first MALICE MIZER lead singer Tetsu, the much loved song "Kioku to Sora" (記憶と空, Memory and Sky) was performed. Shuji's vocals were spot on. 

Photo from Mana's Twitter

Following this was the song "Illuminati". Mana has mentioned on Twitter that a classic guitar would make an appearance. Sure enough, the Jeune fille II, that was used back when "Illuminati" was performed on stage, made an appearance. Mana brought it out and played it during the song. It has a unique appearance, almost fragile. Besides this, the dance poses performed at past concerts were also recreated. I could see from my angle that while Shuji appeared to be holding Mana, his hands were some distance from Mana. Same with the standing/kneeling poses. It still was a very effective rendition of the song and the crowd loved it.

Photo from Közi's Twitter

After the two songs Shuji was introduced by Közi and Yu~ki asked him to say something about his impressions of each member. He said that Yu~ki was so kind from the time they met. This made Yu~ki happy, he said thank you. Közi said that Shuji's impressions of Yuki and Kami were gentle, but what about him and Mana-chan? Shuji asked if he could talk with Mana, said he was getting nervous. That he heard the music Mana suggested and he liked it, that he made Mylene Farmer famous in Gunma. Meanwhile Közi continued trying to get Shuji to say something about him. There was a story about Közi inviting Shuji to go drink and then stay overnight, something about karaoke and Kami. He went on about Közi and Kami (and I guess him) going to a hot spring that had a slide inside it, and Kami hit the back of his head but everything ended okay. Közi thanked him for the story. 

Photo from Kamijo's Official Website

Shuji left the stage and "Apres Midi" (hide version)" began playing as Kamijo was introduced. Of the three singers, Kamijo is the most known, so the audience was very enthusiastic when he appeared. He attempted to get us to say "bonjour" a few times. He then sang "Apres Midi". Since I had a clear view of Mana, I couldn't help but laugh a little when Kamijo walked over, acted like he was hitting on Mana, and Mana responded by rolling his eyes.

Then Bel Air "Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka De~" (ヴェル・エール ～空白の瞬間ときの中で～; Within Moments of Nothingness) began. Really interesting video graphics played on the back screen, at one point, roses burned. The lighting and video really meshed well, the look with the performance and music was so vivid! I was quickly looking back and forth at Mana and Kozi, because it was amazing to see them play this together live. It is too bad no one ever did a split screen of them playing their dual guitar pieces. It would be wonderful to see this.

Introduced by Közi, Kamijo's talking part began. I was actually okay with these sections, it gave me a chance to sit down and massage where my right leg was injured. Kamijo said bonjour again and let's bring you all together with Paris tonight. Közi reminded him that they were in Toyosu. Kamijo said that it was Paris named Toyosu and that here you have Mana-sama. He then talked about his time with MALICE MIZER, when he was doing the loading as a roadie. He mentioned the car they used at that time, a white Toyota Hiace van. He went on about the name of the car and where everyone sat. Mana's seat was behind the driver, which Kamijo accidentally sat there once, not knowing that. Sadly he did not say if there was a penalty for this transgression. Yu~ki would sit with Mana. Kamijo ended up between Kami, who was driving, and Közi who was in the passenger seat. Since there wasn't much room to sit in the middle, Kamijo said he tried not to kill Közi by falling on him.

Kamijo then congratulated everyone on the 25th anniversary and all the fans. He said spoke why he chose "Apres Midi". That it was written by Közi and that he really liked Közi's pop and fashion sense. Sakura chimed in that he was working in radio at that time and Kami brought the song to him so he played it on air before others did. Kamijo said he chose "Bel Air" because it reflected the way Mana feels the darkness, but then you can see the light ahead of the darkness (or after?) That he loves Yu~ki's "Syunikiss" and wanted to do it also but this time he chose "Bel Air".

Photo from Hitomi's Twitter

Kamijo left the stage as "~Zenchō~" (～前兆～; Omen) began to play. The last vocalist of the night, Hitomi, appeared. While Hitomi might not be as well known as the other two singers, he has a wonderful voice and I really looked forward to hearing him sing. The first song was "Madrigal". It is a playful tune and Mana chose to have video of MALICE MIZER's Yokohama Arena performance concert footage play in the background on the big screen. As the video played, Mana moved around the stage doing the same actions as in the video, putting flowers in instruments and dancing with Hitomi. It was a lot of fun.

When the song ended Hitomi gave his congratulations and then said he was worried if he could speak since Shuji and Kamijo were talking a lot. Yu~ki told him that he was cute and that all he had to do was smile and he would be fine. Hitomi thanked him and then mentioned that he never gets angry except for once. He began talking about Winona Rider in "Edward Scissorhands". He said that Yu~ki didn't like her. Hitomi said he wondered why Winona was not good since she was also in Coppola's "Dracula". Mentioning that he loves movies, he talked about the one time Mana-sama asked him to find a movie called "Bloody Tombstone" (known outside of Japan as "Satan's Mask" or "Black Sunday" and may have been an inspiration for the mask sequence during the Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake concert). Hitomi could not find it. So he thought as a roadie he had to search for it but did not have any luck. He then asked if Mana had been able to find the movie? Mana then spoke into Yu~ki's ear, who spoke for him saying that he has the dvd (of course). Yu~ki then says that he saw the movie and that the picture was in color, it was beautiful! Mana then spoke to Yu~ki again. Yu~ki apologized and said that the film seemed to be black and white (it is).

Hitomi spoke about going to Mana's house and how it was really gothic. He refered to the white drapes over the stage. Hitomi then said he went to Közi's house and he also had white drapes like Mana. Hitomi wondered if everyone in MALICE MIZER was like that so he also put up white drapes. Next he said something about seeing Sakura at rehearsal and mentioned the crest or markings on his face. Sakura said that when MALICE MIZER started, Kami did it (Sakura appeared to have some sort of black markings on his face during the concert). Hitomi wanted to say something about Közi. About how he was loading a car with Közi, and he ended up stuck between a wall and the car when it backed up. They took him to a hospital but it was not a big deal. He ended by saying he chose "Madrigal" because he loves it. Then he and Közi introduced "N.p.s N.g.s" (N·p·s N·g·s; No Pains No Gains). 

The energy in the venue was high. The crowd was really into the song, shouting back "Die Game" along with Hitomi's singing. Mana would go up to the front playing guitar as everyone moved about the stage. Streams of fog shot up to the ceiling. This was vintage MALICE MIZER. The song ended and Hitomi and the band left the stage. But the concert wasn't over yet.

The big screen in the back lit up as Kami's song "Unmei no Deai" (運命の出会い; Meeting with Fate) began to play. Photos from Kami's days in MALICE MIZER were shown on the big screen. Many had not been seen before. Some were outtakes from known photo shoots, like one where Kami was laying in the road wearing the 60's styled outfit from this magazine. 

Then the band returned and began playing "Au Revoir". There was no vocalist. This was notable since it was at Deep Sanctuary V when the audience began singing the song as the instrumental version played at the end of the concert. I was there and it was amazing to hear. I had wondered if Közi, Yu~ki and Mana had heard us singing. Recently they did say that they had been in the stage wing listening. It was very emotional for them, and they realized they needed to try to have another concert. It was the inspiration for this anniversary show. So to honor that, they decided to play the song live and have us, the audience, be the singers. It was a wonderful feeling.

The three vocalists returned to the stage and sang "ma chérie 〜愛しい君へ〜". This song was previously covered by the three original MALICE MIZER singers at each period. So having Shuji, Kamijo and Hitomi sing the song together was a nod to the former singers and a bringing together of all parts of MALICE MIZER. At the end of the song colored streamers shot from canons on the stage. Cue mad scramble by the audience for these souvenirs. I had a lot fall around me, including the cap of one of the canons which ended up at my feet.

The instrumental version of "ma chérie 〜愛しい君へ〜" played as the singers and band members took their bows. At one point the audience yelled out for Kami. It was hard for me to look, I was sad that the concert was over. Finally the three, Közi, Yu~ki and Mana took their bows and walked off stage with Mana in the middle. He had his arms around both, but then he moved his arms and waved to the crowd as they left the stage.

Finally a message from MALICE MIZER was shown on the big screen at the back of the stage. Since it was in Japanese, for some of us, we were unable to read it. From what I could find online, the band wrote that they were delighted with the reunion with the fans. And that some day, somewhere... 

I don't know more than this. It would be great if this message could be put on the MALICE MIZER website so the overseas audience members could translate it.

Photo from Yu~ki's Twitter

Then the house lights came up with stage lights on Kami's drums and an announcement was made that people could take photos. For us in the front section, we were able to redeem the red ticket we were given when we first entered the venue. Part of the price of our ticket was for a special gift.

We were each handed a black bag. Inside the bag was a black box containing the wine goblet. Also inside the bag was a drink stirrer, soap, handkerchief and ticket. Sadly my soap was dented inside my suitcase during my flight home. The handkerchief is amusing because I had commented to Mana on Twitter that everyone will need to bring a handkerchief to the concerts because seeing Kami's drums will make us cry. As for the ticket, I wonder if there is a future use for it...

Photo from Mana's Twitter

As to summing up this concert, I can't. I had so many feelings during the show and after. Even now while I write this I feel emotional. It was one of those few times where it was a moment of overwhelming happiness and joy. And it was over too soon. But it was perfect.