【ZONE☆REPORT】ZONE Akasaka BLITZ Live Report 8/15 (COMPLETE)【zone吧】

来自海外饭

Sorry I made a second thread. The report is too long and I forgot reserve the next post so I had to make a new topic.
Ok, I will do my best with this live report from start to finish. I haven't slept much lately and it's been so humid here in Tokyo. The setlist is at the bottom. I'm sure I will forget to include some things but I will update if I remember anything else. Plus, it's hard to remember everything that happened and in the correct order. So if you get the DVD and find out some of my info is inaccurate, forgive me! Plus, I'm tired and this report is gonna have errors in grammar and spelling. Sorry!
I'm going to go ahead and post what I do have already since it's gonna be long. This is from the pre-live to the opening song.
Pre-live:
I tried to sleep as much as I could (which was from 1-2 hours) since I was kept awake by some people. Woke up later than I wanted and I was concerned about whether I could get the live goods in time. I was at BLITZ yesterday and the lines were crazy. Anyway, I got there around 4 hour at least before the live. I lined up immediately before the day before they cut the line in half since there wasn't enough time before the live. I sat in like for like an hour and a half in line. As I moved forward in the line, more and more goods were getting sold out. The towels were sold out, the glow sticks were sold out, the M-size T-shirt was getting sold out and so was a photo book. I got Miyu's single and an L-size T-shirt. The guy in front of me bought 4 copies of each Miyu's and Maiko's CD. Satisfied, I walked around for a bit and by the time I came back they started to make the line for donations for the March 11th disaster. I hesitated getting in line at first because I thought that the line may have been too great to get to the donation box before they closed it. But to make a long story short, I got to see ZONE face to face as I donated. We couldn't shake their hands but they kept bowing to all of those who donated. It went by so quickly I could only catch a glimpse of them. I'm not sure if they remembered me--I was wearing the white ZONE T-shirt that I got in Sapporo and as far as I know I was the only one wearing it--I remember that Tomoka's eyes literally sparkled. I kid you not.
Next part was really interesting. There was a group of avid ZONE fans who were filmed by the media saying, "ZONE saikeisei arigatou gozaimasu!" or something along those lines. And they were also the same ones who had organized something special for the ZONE members. They held up a sign trying to get people to write special messages on several thick, white boards. They bought all colors of markers and everything--they even had people form lines to sign it! Amazing stuff. I wrote something along the lines of "All of the ZONE fans from around the world, thank you from the bottom of our hearts" Signed my name and of course zonefan.com. I think it was in bright blue on the top middle of one of the large cards. I'm not sure what they were planning on doing with them, but surely they will try to get them to ZONE. Keep an eye out for it in case it does!

If you are interested in the next part, then read on! If not, it's ok to skip this part. I just waited in line for the live. I will say that somebody was handing out small colored sheets of paper to make into paper airplanes. I took one but I have no idea on how to fold a paper airplane. I had somebody else fold the one Soul of ZONE sent me with the messages from the fans. I tried to put it in my back pack so it wouldn't get messed up but it got banged up a little bit on the way somehow. I got worried about whether it would fly or not...It did well during the test flight but the real thing is what matters.
Before the live, we were given a pamplet with a sheet for another paper airplane! I tried to do but I couldn't. I even looked at our paper airplane to figure out how to fold it but I just gave up seeing there was no way I could do it, haha. I was supposed to be on the 2nd floor...BUT, I got lucky. I couldn't find the way to get to the 2nd floor so I walked into the first floor entrance and looking for the 2nd floor entrance. Since it was crowded anyway I decide just to stay there. I gave up figuring out how to get to the next floor. It was a bit stuffy where I was at so I moved more toward to left...and I'm glad I did. Because a staff member said that there was more room up front and said it was OK to move closer to the stage. So I did and I'm really glad. I ended up from being supposed to be on the 2nd floor to being in life the 7th row on the left side of the stage which was Tomoka's side.
Now for the live. I will tell you in advance--the setlist was mixed with solo songs and ZONE songs but mostly ZONE songs. I will get to what I think about that later.
The lights turned off. There was a large white curtain in front of the stage. The piano version of Secret Base began playing as a projector began showing clips of the last live where they were walking up their stairs after the live was finished. It was also showing clips from the making of various PVs. If you have any of the ZONE clips DVDs you will know what I'm talking about. It was beautiful. It was so well done and I found tears coming to my eyes. At last, they showed the BEGINNING of the final live where they were about to descend the stairs before they started to perform GOOD DAYS. Actually, it looked like they were setting up for GOOD DAYS but actually...they were not. At the end of the piano version of Secret Base, Secret Base started to play as Miyu's shadow took form in the curtain. She began to sing none other then Secret Base~Kimi ga Kureta Mono. The curtain rose up revealing Tomoka on the left with the acoustic guitar, Miyu in the middle and Maiko to the right. Perfect start to the live! At the first live they performed GOOD DAYS first but it became obvious that they changed it up this time. A sea of glow sticks seemed to float as they performed the long version of Secret Base. There isn't much to say because it's...Secret Base! I do remember being rocked by Maiko's bass.
Next was an MC. ZONE yelled out, "TADAIMA!" as we did gave them a welcoming cheer. I don't remember what was said in this MC but it wasn't long. I believe this is when they first acknowledged those around Japan watching them live on the big screen as well as their announcement that this live will go to DVD. We were pretty close to Tomoka so me and this crazy ZONE fan beside me waved to her. She waved back to us. In a similar fashion to the Final Live, they played the album version of Yume no Kakera. The lights were even moving about like the last time they played it. This song means a lot of me so I was glad that they played it. Of course, it was wonderful. And their voices were better than ever. This song easily evoked memories of the final live version. Especially because of Miyu's solo vocals in the middle and end of the song.

Next up, AKASHI! And it began with smoke coming out from the front of the stage. The place went wild and the members already started to sing before the smoke began to clear. there was so much smoke that we could only hear their voices and their guitars. Tomoka looked like she may have gotten too close to where the smoke was shooting out from but seemed pretty much unaffected. It was amazing seeing Miyu's solo for Akashi again and her solo vocals at before the last chorus. This is Akashi. Need I say more?
Next was Jack&Queen. Even though many people expect this to be a pure ZONE live, it wasn't. I won't complain. I have heard these songs before (I think) and they are pretty good. The guitarist is insane and you'll see that at the live. Maiko looked awesome. Her voice was really good with the new songs. I really enjoyed the first song. I can't say much. You guys will be able to see and hear Jack&Queen on the DVD. But we did get to hear their own version of Salaryman. It was just Maiko singing but it's Salaryman--one of my favorite ZONE songs. It was good. I prefer the ZONE version but it was interesting to hear another version. She introduced the members as well as emphasized how much her friends from her band (and ZONE) are to her.
Next up, TOMOKA! She really knows how to pump up the crowed. And it was ROCKING! As you know, this song has been made a staple for ZONE lives and Tomoka lives. I think the stage was bathed in red like last time. I can't say much about ROCKING. You guys know how awesome this song is so I don't know how to do it justice. Next song was a new one. It was fun and upbeat. I thought she was going to play this one song that I really enjoyed at the April live but she didn't. I was looking forward to hearing it again. Why hasn't she got her own CD's yet? She would easily be just as good as Maiko and Miyu, from the songs I have heard. Next was Kuusou! This really pumped up the crowd. It was as if Tomoka was born for these kind of songs. Again, this song needs no explanation. We really enjoyed Tomoka's short performance.
Next up, we had Reina and Sacchin on stage dancing. They both got a great reception from the audience. Reina was on my side while Sacchin was to the left. I was glad that Reina was on our side. She tried to wave at our side quite a bit and really got into the performance. Reina smiled a lot and seemed really happy to be there. Quick note: in the book of Miyu's Lips single it lists her dancer team as: "Ring is SACHI,Ray". New names for Miyu's new dance unit? Miyu came out and performed a medley of some of her songs with Reina and Sacchin dancing with her. I don't remember Miyu's song order so please bare with me. I think she performed lips next. It has a very R&B feel to it, which was exactly what they were going for when they made the song. It was nice. She then performed REAL along with Reina and Sacchin. The crowd really seemed to appreciate this. It goes along well with Miyu's set of songs. After that, she took the time to teach us the dance to her next song--which was written and composed by Miyu herself--and had us practice several times before the real thing. You guys will see it in the DVD. Hopefully you won't see me making a fool of myself. Let me say, I was anticipating this song and I was really looking forward to it. I was SO glad to hear it again. Love this song! She had us dance to the chorus and shout out the "CRAZY" part when she sang, "Datte datte datte CRAZY!". So much fun.

Next was a big surprise for us. I never thought ZONE would performance this but after a brief intermission, Tomoka, Miyu, Maiko, Sacchin and Reina all came out and performed Renren! This, in my opinion, is the perfect dance team. It was great and we all loved it. No one has seen Tomoka dance either so that is a first. She did well but Tomoka is more comfortable on the guitar, I think. After that, to the crowd's pleasure, they performed Sekai no Honno Katasumi kara. This song has become sort of symbolic since the earthquake. It feels like the perform it for the victims of the March earthquake. The lyrics are good for that situation. Since I knew that this song was used as one of the last songs for yesterday's live, I was curious as to what they would play later on.
ZONE then left the stage. A white screen was lowered down and a a short movie was then projected on it. In the background, the vocal-less Ocean version of HANABI was playing. Clips of ZONE rehearsing were being shown while Maiko (maybe the others as well. I don't remember) was narrating. It was sort of poetic, saying things along the lines of, "More than one or two people, three people can gather at least a little more strength and send it out to everyone". I don't remember everything that was said but basically they were touching on why there reforming and how they are acting a ZONE to help the people of Japan, since they can probably do more with that as ZONE than individually. Anyway, it was a really humble speech and I really enjoyed it. Right the bridge in the ocean version of HANABI, the song flowed into the rock version of HANABI as the members were playing it during the rehearsal. During that time, it showed them celebrating the success of the rehearsal and showed them having a cookout.
Af the end of the song and video, fireworks appeared on the screen and at that moment ZONE appeared and immediately started to rock HANABI~Kimi ga Ita Natsu. This time, they were wearing more colorful clothing. The ocean version of HANABI from the start of the movie making the transition to the rehearsed version of HANABI and then finally to the live version that were watching was pure gold. This has got to be one of the highlights of the live. I can only say that this was such an amazing performance of HANABI, possibly their best. Tomoka was really getting into it and going crazy in this song. I believe that Maiko even came to our side of the stage and was rocking it on her bass. Tomoka's solo was awesome as she played it in the front-middle of the stage (I think).
After this, (immediately, I think) performed True Blue. And of course, this being a fan-favorite, we all went absolutely nuts. I was really happy to be a part of this live and cheering ZONE on as I was hearing one of their most encouraging songs. I remember myself thinking of some of the bad times in my life and how ZONE was always there for me in spirit as well as being there for the rest of the world and Japan. Actually, it was like that for me several times throughout the live. Needless to say, the atmosphere was perfect and nothing but smiles.
After the song, it was an MC, I believe. I don't remember everything they talked about during this MC, so I will just save it for the live DVD. They were saying something along the lines of, "as for our next song, it's really important to us. And it was our last single". At that point I could hear the crowed express their excitement as we all knew was coming coming up next. Miyu then said, "Egao Biyori..." and the crowed cheering. With Tomoka's powerful, "Kokoro saku..." the others joined in as shiny, gold confetti-like gold things shot up from the sides and floated down to the people watching. I was unable to get my hands on one, though. Anyways, the song was perfect and a lot of fun. Again, Egao Biyori needs no explanation, as it was just awesome.

继续换个号继续发。。。。没想到分了这么多楼= =

After that song, the next MC was one of their longest ones. I don't remember all that was being said but they pretty told us what they were doing and how they felt after ZONE broke-up until now. It was really interesting but I'm going to wait until the DVD to explain. I remember a few things, though. For example, it was really difficult for all of them. Miyu was still a high school student and the thought of not being able to sing anymore was really hard on her and she considered having a normal life after that. As we know, Maiko continued with Maiko but she said that her heart was broken not once but twice since she lost her 2nd band. And Tomoka mentioned that she entered a technical school for a while but soon got back into the music business. It was much much more detailed than that but I simply can't remember everything. We gotta wait until the DVD. Anyways, everyone seemed glad and relieved that they shed some light about what was going on these last 6 years. After Tomoka spoke, she frowned and was like, "But I'm worried about Maiko" since she was sitting their silently during Miyu's and Tomoka's long MC. Maiko goes, "Is it OK if I talk now?" and laughs. After her MC, Miyu and Tomoka were having a conversation and during that, Maiko accidentely his a string on her bass guitar and the other two were saying something jokingly like, "Maiko! You're terrible! What are you doing!?" And Maiko replies, "Sorry! Sorry!" I don't remember the exact words but we all had a good laugh at that.
Finally, they told us that this will be the last song and the audience expressed their discontentment with that (in a light-hearted way). My expectations were correct when Miyu said, Glory Color~Kaze no Tobira. Of course, being the sentimental song it was, it was really touching to all of us, I'm sure. During a great deal of the song I was trying to make sure the paper airplane that Soul of ZONE made with all of the other ZONE fans from around the world would fly. I was trying to get out the dents and what-not. I tried to put it as neatly as possible in my back pocket and I was constantly checking it to make sure it didn't fall out since I was jumping quite a bit. The moment came and I thought that I really had to try to make this fly. I waiting just a couple of seconds after everyone else flew their planes and then I let ours fly. I'm glad I did. My heart rate doubled as it got closer and closer to Tomoka. 'Would it hit her?', I thought. Well, it almost did! It was pretty noticable as opposed to the other plans. A lot of them were small but this one was pretty big so the ZONE fans from around the world including myself hope it gets to ZONE somehow. It came just inches from Tomoka's right leg. I thought it was going to hit her for a moment but I was relieved that it didn't. Satisfied, I enjoyed the rest of the song and couldn't wait until I could tell the others about that. I would also like the mention that it looked like Tomoka was getting choked up during this song. After that, the members give us their thanks and walk off the stage. During the wait until the encore performances, we all kept chanting, "ZONE! ZONE! ZONE!". I thought that this was amazing. I could only amazing the intensity of the Final Live.

As for the encore performances and what happened during that time, that part of the live is the hardest to remember. The main problem is that I may have the sequence of events and songs wrong. So I will do my best with that. A few special things happened during this time during the MCs and some nice interaction between ZONE and the crowd, so I think I'll save those things until the DVD is out. Sorry guys!
After waiting for a little while, the members came back dressed in the tour T-shirts and long towels. Since I am saving some of the parts between the songs as surprises, I'm going to get to the music. I was so happy they performed this next song. This song is special to me and ZONE fans alike. It's gotten me through a lot of tough times. And there I was, singing it with ZONE. It was ONCE AGAIN. They got everyone into it and had everyone dancing and singing along with them. They did it the same way as they did at the final live and had let everyone chant the chorus. The only difference was that since the venue was smaller than Budokan, they were putting the microphones into the faces of the front row fans so they could along up close. Made me wish I was in the front row. Beautiful and touching performance.
After another MC, they hit us with another surprise: and that was the next song. It was Album. I LOVE this song! So I, for one, was really pleased with the choice to include Album. The girls' vocals in this song was spot-on. I always thought that the vocals of the recorded version were really good but their voices have improved since 6-7 years ago. So this was a really impressive performance. I can't wait to hear it again when the DVD comes out. All of their voices were really powerful and they put a lot into it. If they decide to stick around, I hope that they will be performing this song more often. They left the stage once again and we all chanting "ZONE!" once again until they came back out.
After they came back out, they talked for a bit more and told us that the next song might make everyone cry and that it's a really touching song. After all of the clues, I said knew what it was going to be. Miyu then told us what was coming next: "Kiite kudasai, Issho ni itakatta". They performed without their instruments but they performed it well. Bring such a sentimental and emotion song, this song touched me perhaps more than any other song during this live. I kept thinking of how hard it was form them to finish this song at the final live and some of the hard times in my life as they performed it live in front of all of us. I used to play this song during hard times so it was such an amazing moment to see them and hear them perform it so close to where I was standing. At the end of the song, Miyu started to cry. Everyone noticed, including Tomoka and Maiko and they started to tease her because of that. Miyu sort of laughed but started to cry even more and had to stop a moment to recuperate. After turning her head away and wiping her eyes with a towel, she finally said, "That was hard...", referring to the performance. They talked for a while and unfortunately, I can't remember what they said exactly. But their wording led us to understand what the next song was. That said that this next song really IS the last song. Before, they said the "this is the last song" a couple of times but they seem to do that to tease the audience. Even though the audience knew that the next song was going to be the last one of the show, everyone expressed that they didn't want it to end. They asked us how we liked the new song and the new best album. Everyone said it was "yokatta", "sugoi" and "saikou". The white screen came down again as the members grabbed instruments and prepared for the next song. It was Yokusoku~August 10 years later~. I think it was the PV to Yakusoku but I've never seen it before so I wasn't sure. It was nice and totally suited the atmosphere and song. With Tomoka's opening riff, the song started. I didn't know the lyrics well but this was the most enjoyable performance of the song that I've heard. I would even say that this live version is better than the recorded version. The song ended with the Secret Base twist at the end and everyone cheered after the music stopped. They put down their instruments and went to every side of the stage and yelled out, "Arigatou gozaimashita!" like how they did at the final live. At this point they were all in tears and it was obvious that they were all so happy to be back on stage as ZONE. They waved at us and we all waved back as the fans (including myself) were

yelling out "ARIGATOU!" until they left the stage. "ZONE" was being chanted a little bit longer before we had to go.
On the way out, something random happened. Do you guys remember the band that was doing ZONE covers called Nana Carrot? On the way to the station there was somebody handing out a sample CD from Nana Carrot. I grabbed a copy without even looking at what it was and I haven't listened to it yet but I was pleasantly surprised.
Final Thoughts:
I can't tell you how amazing the performance was. I remember saying a silent prayer years ago after watching the final live to let me see ZONE in concert--I didn't think it would actually happen. As for the live itself, this didn't feel like a reunion as much as it felt like a come back live. The way the live was set up and how the live began the way the Final Live ended just raises the question, "Are they really back and here to stay?" That's the feeling I get. The way they spoke and how they carried themselves just makes it look like this isn't really just a reunion. I think that they might not be telling us everything just yet. By the end of the year we will see. As for the the members themselves, their skills on vocals and guitars have improved since last time. This will be evident in the DVD. They are very comfortable on stage as well. Not only that, they still possess everything we love about them and I could see that at the live. They did not carry themselves as "stars" but as humble individuals. Since I was on Tomoka's side of the stage, I can say more about her, I think. It seemd that she was always trying to smile and wave personally to the fans when she got the chance. Same with the others. They carried themselves like they were on the same level as everyone else. Sincerity at its best. I can to say the same about Reina and Sacchin as well. Overall, this performance and the girls themselves easily captured the spirit of ZONE we love. Hope the DVD will be out in time for the holidays.
So what do you guys think? Is ZONE really back and here to stay? How will they incorporate their solo careers with ZONE? This style of live could be what they will do if they do stay. And that is to mix ZONE with J&Q, Miyu solo and Tomoka solo. Speaking of solo careers, what will become of them? It is obvious that they want to stay in the music business according to what they said at the live and because of the fact they are pushing hard to promote their solo works. WIll Reina and Sacchin be a permanent part of team Miyu? What about the other members of MARIA?
Thank you for reading and sorry for the mistakes!
《SET LIST》
01.Secret Base~Kimi ga Kureta Mono
02.Yume no Kakera
03.Akashi
04.LOVEGAME(Jack&Queen)
05.YESorNO(Jack&Queen)
06.Sarariiman(Jack&Queen)
07.GOOD SHOW(Jack&Queen)
08.ROCKING(TOMOKA solo)
09.New Song(TOMOKA solo)
10.Kuusou to Genjitsu no Yoake(TOMOKA solo)
11.Just 4 your Luv～Hitori bocchi to Tsuki～snowy love(MIYU Medley)
12.LIPS(MIYU solo)
13.REAL(MIYU solo)
14.CRAZY(MIYU solo)
15.Renren
16.Sekai no Honno Katasumi Kara
17.HANABI~Kimi ga Ita Natsu
18.True Blue
19.Egao Biyori
20.Glory Colors~Kaze no Tobira
～ENCORE Ⅰ～
01.ONCE AGAIN
02.Album
～ENCORE Ⅱ～
01.Issho ni Itakatta
02.Yakusoku~August 10 Years Later
以上请大家耐心的看完吧。。。。