I’d planned to skip concerts, but my buddy Nao had a birthday show, so I grabbed a last-minute ticket. As I lined up, I met some friends, and the first session kicked off with Naochi, covering Lynch songs. I’m not familiar with them, but I did recognize Hivari from Ars Nova—I’d seen him two years ago. He has a really striking face, and it felt like he glanced my way a few times. Frits was on guitar, and after their set, he popped up at the merch booth, so I went to grab my chekis.
I headed to the bar for a beer and returned in time for Nao Sea’s set. I only recognized Nao on drums and Haruka, who was channeling Sugizo with his cosplay. I’m not well-versed with Luna Sea either, but I caught one familiar song and could tell they were having a great time. Afterward, Frits found me for a 2Shot, and we shared a fun, lighthearted conversation. He even complimented my Japanese with, “Isn’t your Japanese, like, super jouzu?”
After that, I returned to my friends and decided to pick up some Zeke merch.
Next up was Kakeru Japan, and as an X Japan fan, I was thrilled to see them for the first time. I knew all the songs, and my friend and I jumped enthusiastically to every “X.” We sang happy birthday to Nao, and Kakeru Japan even gave him a gift. The funniest moment was when Nao “collapsed” onstage, and the other band members playfully “sandwiched” him, then carried him off backstage.
We hit the bar afterward and tried some xialongbao recommended by a Bara no Kyuuden flyer at the entrance—it was delicious! As we enjoyed the food, Gertena started playing, so we listened from outside with a few other band members and fans who were casually hanging out.
After Gertena’s set, we headed back inside, and Kakeru approached us. He seemed surprised to see me, given I’d sworn off Zeke concerts due to some intense fans. He handed us a flyer for their third anniversary show, and then we bumped into each other again near the bathroom. We talked for a bit about X Japan’s power, and as he thanked me, he cheekily bowed with his hair brushing my face on purpose. He refreshed his makeup for more 2Shots, and I went back to my friends.
While we waited to take a 2Shot, Haruka spotted me through a gap and started exchanging little secret gestures with me. When it was my turn with Kakeru, I thanked him again, and he did the same hair-bowing move that left everyone laughing when I jokingly said “Oh no, hair in my face!” . At the end I did a heart gesture for Haruka again and Haruka and Maya replied with the same.