So another thing I thought I’d go over - and that’s artists I’d recommend to go see.
In vague order of crowd size:
Luna Sea - the couple of times that I’ve seen them live, they certainly haven’t disappointed. I’m not sure how many album specific lives they’ll have in the future, but the show I saw last year had a pretty fair mix of songs throughout their career.
Dir en Grey - the experience of seeing them live in Japan is captivating, really. I know the AI stuff going on in the background isn’t for everyone, but it goes a lot deeper than that. The whole air feels different, I suppose, especially when it comes to Kyo’s powerful vocal delivery. There are some songs that they’ve been repeating a lot, so I’d double check setlists before you sign up to see them multiple times.
Pierrot - these sets really took me back. If you guys have a chance to catch them in February, do so. It’s unknown though whether they’ll change the Setlist up from Androgynous, though. Here’s hoping to some later stuff.
真天地開闢集団 Zigzag - Was pleasantly surprised by their set at Dream Festival, which inspired me to start listening to them more. Amazing song selection to introduce people to them. And, their full length bath towel gave me the most utility out of any piece of band merch all trip.
MUCC - what else can I say but that they put on a great show. Even if you’re a bigger fan of their older stuff, their newer stuff that they often play live is much better experienced in person than over earphones. And the closer you are, the better.
An Cafe - Another act getting more active after they reunited a while ago. Their Setlist choice at LuV Together was perfection, what can I say? Looking forward to seeing if they’ll stream April’s concert.
Plastic Tree - Their Peep Plastic Partition series seems to be starting up again next year, which was really great last year. Sumin’yaku on February 15th and Alone, Again Wonderful World on April 11th. For those unfamiliar, it’s where they build a themed Setlist around one of their songs, initially started as a streaming project during Covid, the setlists lengthened and live shows began when they could.
I will say that when they do have a regular tour, there isn’t a lot of variation in the setlists so once per tour is really enough for most people. Ryutaro’s voice has been doing better lately, and you can at least be sure that he doesn’t use a bunch of backing tracks to sound identical to his recordings.
Dezert - While I didn’t see them for a full Setlist this time around, I did manage to do that for earlier this year. While I had to step out for the Encore MC and some of the older songs afterwards just because it was so cramped in there, they put on a hefty Setlist. And there are definitely a few older songs in there for people worried that they became too pop rock in 2018.
Merry - They have a lot of variety in their setlists, so fans of any given set of albums will probably leave a live show satisfied. The major downside - the merch is pretty expensive. 3000¥ per cheki? 1000¥ for a Gacha pull that will probably just be a couple stickers or cheap hair tie armband?
Cali≠Gari - Really fun live, the sound of the newer albums works really well for a live show, and they definitely don’t skimp out on their one man sets based off of the Setlist reports from past lives.
Deadman and adjacent acts: I managed to see all three related acts for smaller sets this time around, but the award still goes to when I saw deadman for a oneman this May. The quality of the music is honestly enough for me to recommend seeing them.
D=Out - If for no other reason than the fact that their newest album is really good, and will probably be featured a lot in upcoming shows even when they do release new music. Adding the koto into some songs does help keep it fresh and Kouki is a great frontman.
Dexcore - The guitarist always likes keeping people entertained, and the raw energy of their performances can appeal to both VK and metalcore crowds very effectively. Bonus points if seeing them at a mixed event where we could get a pit going.
Kane to Juusei - They always keep the performances fun, regardless if it’s a Taiban, regular one man, concept live, etc. Reasonably priced two shots, and other chances to interact with the guys as well.
Leetspeak Monsters - Good length setlists, super fun songs, Yoshi’meer and D13’s stage presence, all combines to make them a good bet whether it’s a Taiban or oneman.
The Madna - * big asterisk here to clarify that the best bet is to see them for a two man, or, Taiban. Because their two man sets are actually about as long as their oneman sets. Very fun, but seeing them standalone is just not worth what you get for most shows.
Nazare - Passionate performance, particularly from Mio. Everyone should try to get out and see them at least once.
Hitchcock - These guys never perform the same live twice. I’ve seen them four times now, and every time they change up what they do on stage, add skits, do different concepts, etc. You can also get a real Polaroid 2shot for only 3000¥, which is a really good deal. The vocalist has amazing stage presence, and the other members are still plenty charismatic both on and off stage. (Slight asterisk though - as I’ve heard reports that sometimes Karasu can engage in SH on stage, maybe not as frequently as Senketsu Akochan, but it can happen)
Zeke Deux - Of course, I’m going to mention my guys. The members are definitely newb-friendly and open to talking to people in public, particularly during larger events like Kansai Rock Summit. Best experienced up close, as the band does sometimes toss stuff to the audience. There is also a chance that you might get to buy merch directly from one of the members, as they don’t always have a staff doing that.
The Gallo - Ah, I wish they hadn’t announced their dates so late so that I could have tried to make time to see them again. If going to go see them, consider bringing a spoon and buying a plate to use during furi. I always forget, but luckily they always send paper plates down the way. Furi is pretty unique and JoJo is always great to watch.
Fukuro - Yoshiatsu is always giving it his all, whether vocally or in flirting with the audience on stage. Doesn’t hurt that they’re pretty nice guys off stage too. I have to admit, I enjoyed getting buzzed with them my first week.
Tzkwym - The legend, Tsuzuku.
Divers Croix - Gotta appreciate the old school vibes, and any band that has a relaxed opinion on some pictures/short videos is cool in my book.
Karasu - small live, but an absolute blast. Loved being literally launched into the back of the guitarist.
Check out my Spotify playlist in honour of my trip:
Cudos to you!
So just thank you for sharing this amazing experience with us, it has been super interesting reading this!