119 replies to this topic

[fizz540]

First I’ll talk about the opening ceremony.

I didn’t even know there was supposed to be a red carpet arrival until some guy told me while I was waiting in line for my badge. Because it wasn’t actually posted, wasn’t sure if it would actually happen so I was kind of iffy about whether I wanted to get up an hour earlier and be there by 8:00 AM, pretty early for a red carpet event.

Anyway I got there close to 9:00 just as AKB48 emerged from the tent to walk the carpet. They shut down the four lane street between the Nokia Plaza and Staples Center. The street was shut down for the duration of AX so fans could easily walk back and forth between the convention center, which is on the other side of Staples, and Nokia Plaza where a lot of stuff was happening.

When I managed to finally get near AKB48, they were standing with their backs to the fans while facing a ton of press photographers. They spent a lot of time there so I had some time to find a place to shoot from the crowd. When they finally started moving I got within 8 feet of them and they kept pausing so I could get a long look at some of them but members that I can't even recall. I guess it’s not surprising but they look really small in person.

After they entered the Nokia Theater lobby, they had to pause again and this time I got a sort of clear view of members like Takamina. I was looking through tinted glass but I was right next to the glass and they were only about 8 feet away with nothing between me and them. They were lined up waiting, waving, maybe waving at me. I was too busy trying to quickly shoot video of them to notice if they were waving at me. Eventually I realized they were pausing almost uncomfortably long and I was the only one trying to shoot them and I was blocking the line of people waiting to get in to the lobby. Oh and I forgot to make sure that my camera was actually recording and it wasn’t so I didn’t capture any footage the entire time.

Anyway I was lucky enough to get probably as good a seat as I could possibly get. There was a VIP section at least in the center, center left front sections so regular people couldn’t sit any closer than the back end of the VIP. I got a seat right where the VIP seats ended in the center section.

The Nokia Theater is a fairly new world class venue. They hold the American Idol finals and the American Music Awards there. They have a giant stage and two great monitors set into both sides of the theater. There’s a huge space between the stage and the front row seats and there were a ton of photographers, videographers camped out there. At last year's opening ceremony I think there were maybe two or three guys shooting video/photos.

With the exception of AKB48, all the other guests of honor were sitting in the VIP section and as they were called they would walk up to the stage just like the kind of thing you see at an awards show. I think the Nokia Theater is more suited for award shows than concerts. I think it’s better to have fans closer to the stage so there isn’t such a divide between the performers and the fans. But they need the big space so TV cameras and hosts have plenty of room to move around.

They actually had the Consol of Japan give a short speech and then they had Miss California who’s half Japanese and a graduate of nearby USC give a short speech. Danny Choo, the website guy who lives in Tokyo and is famous for dancing around in the Tokyo streets wearing a Star Wars stormtrooper outfit, opened the show by what else dancing around in a stormtrooper outfit to some electronic music. He has a thick English accent. This opening ceremony was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. More crowded too.

Given everything I guess it’s not surprising that almost all the guests looked uncomfortable sitting up there. But last years opening ceremony was such a casual affair and all the guests looked happy and relaxed, except for maybe Reina and the goth band Moi dix Mois who sat there stone faced. Last year the opening ceremony was a less formal affair that took place in a convention hall where they kept the lights on around the periphery of the hall so the guests probably didn't feel like they were lit under a microscope with a vast dark audience staring at them. Also and this makes a difference last year the guests were elevated over the audience who sat on a flat floor. At the Nokia most of the audience looked down at the guests on stage. Or maybe last year’s guests were just a looser bunch. Musume were the only female guests of honor last year. This year they had four solo female performers, a female duo called RSP (who are pretty good) and AKB48.

Musume stuck around for the entire opening ceremony and it was funny to see Ai react like a fangirl to one of the voice actors who delivered a line from her favorite Final Fantasy. This year AKB had to leave immediately to prepare for their show later that day. They looked nervous when they came out on stage and I thought it odd that they went through the long process of each giving their individual introductions saying their age and stuff to a lot of people who could probably care less.

Here’s four short clips that I shot. The one unique thing I got was their actual entrance as they walk on stage if you think that's interesting to see. Although AKB long ago left the stage, the last clip is just to show you how crowded it got up there with all the guests. And three guests didn’t even make it to the opening ceremony.







http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mktWW0dqapo

Here’s footage from two guys who recorded AKB’s complete introduction.

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

Here's AKB’s red carpet arrival

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rMveYRTPns

[Jnas]

^
The first red carpet footage is mine. It was a lot longer but I had to edit it because of some really annoying who girl who kept screaming for the band Sophia. She even had the nerve to ask me to move from my awesome spot along the rail even though there was at least six feet of open space on either side of me. She backed off pretty quickly after I gave her the 'nobody gets between me and AKB48' look I decided to set up near the middle of the red carpet to get the best possible footage of the girls. Most of the AKB48 fans were set up at both ends of the carpet so it was pretty quiet around me. I was the only one really waving and calling out their names so I managed to get all of the girls attention. Of course my favorite moment had to be when I called out to Acchan as she passed by and she turned and gave me that awesome smile of hers The only bad thing is that most of the front girls were so busy with their tight schedule that we only got to see them at the opening ceremonies and at the concert itself.

[Mai17]

LOL


I just notice this pic LOL that's me turning off my phone LOL someone called me and I forgot to turn off my phone >_<

http://img222.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=88926_lakb027_122_922lo.jpg

[fizz540]

At last year’s Musume panel, I thought we would line up outside and wait for the previous panel audience to exit before entering. When I didn’t see a line forming, I realized that everyone must have gone in early for the voice actor panel that was scheduled right before the Musume panel. I thought I would try showing up early for the AKB panel but I’ve found that everything is inconsistent with AX and as you will see luck is necessary.

I showed up early to the Beni panel which came right before the AKB48 panel. I wanted to secure a good seat for AKB but I wanted to check out Beni as well. Thought it peculiar that few people were there. Since the Beni audience wasn’t growing dramatically larger, a guy warned me that there must be a big AKB48 line outside. I said I would stick around but sure enough they did kick us out at the end of the Beni panel. It’s only fair, you can’t have Musume or AKB fans hogging the front seats from fans of Beni or the voice actor. Although the upside of fans showing up early is the guest enjoys a good crowd.

The AKB line was outside the building exactly where the Musume line was for their AX concert. And just like the Musume concert line, the AX staff neglected to put a sign on an easel like they usually do saying something like AKB line is outside. The only way you would know is if you walk towards their area and they ask you why you’re here. So now I’m at least 50 yards from the front of the line but it turns out it isn’t a big deal because the panel room is huge, must hold 3000 people, and people don’t always want to sit up close, some people prefer to be centered rather than really close but off to the side a bit. So I actually ended up with an even better seat in the second row. I think the first row was reserved for press so second row was as close as you could get. Last year there wasn’t any press at the Musume panel, just a couple AX staff taking photos and the HP videographer.

Keeping up with my compare contrast Musume and AKB, last year we faced north for the Musume panel. This was odd because Musume had to enter from the east side of the room through what is actually the back entrance to the room, wave to the cheering crowd, hide behind the big monitor tucked in the left corner of the room while they showed the introductory video, and then re-emerge from that tiny space for their official introduction. So it was a like a double entrance to two rounds of cheering.

At AKB they moved panel stage to the south side of the room so now the left side monitor was right beside what is actually the main entrance on the east side of the room. They also pushed the stage area forward so now there was a big waiting area for the guests behind the monitor and stage. The guests could enter through one of the main entrance doors and go right to the waiting area. Since we were lined up outside, it also allowed AKB to enter the room before we entered the room. From where I was sitting I could actually see the tops of their heads behind the panel stage, it would have made for a funny photo.

Last year’s Musume panel was a fun, funny, rocking affair and it was long enough to satisfy. The AKB panel was not so fun, funny, or rocking and it seemed too short. Maybe the Musume panel was actually longer than one hour. Say what you will about the “Dragon Lady” moderator for Musume’s panel but she was mildly amusing, knew the group, knew what to ask and compared to the AKB moderator she was fantastic. The humorless AKB moderator would be an excellent host for the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Honestly it was a let down when all the principle members didn’t show up. The same group that probably showed up for the first autograph session also showed up for the panel. Sayaka was the only principle member and Aki Takajo (Akicha) was the only other member I could recognize. The other members were Rie Kitahara, Asuka Kuramochi, Rino Sashihara, Moeno Nito, Reina Fujie, Ami Maeda. All younger members but the more experienced fans were happy since they could recognize everyone.

The thing that dragged down this panel more than anything else was the presence of AKB’s “producer”. Not THE music producer of AKB, Yasushi Akimoto, but some other guy who may be the manager/director of AKB, sort of like Tsunku vs. an Up Front official. This guy spoke fluent English so he often served as the translator too. 90% of the panel was this guy talking. Naturally some questions were best answered by him, are you going to do shows in China? But eventually it got to a point where he was answering so many questions that the girls didn’t even hear the translations to the questions. Sometimes when the question was supposed to be lighthearted he would still interpret the question as needing a serious long answer.

My lone highlight of the panel. Sayaka was sitting on the far right so she was the closest member to me. The “producer” was sitting on the other side so I was always looking his way since he did most of the talking. While he was talking, I noticed something out of my peripheral vision so I glanced up at Sayaka and she was staring right at me with her usual pleasant face so I did what anyone would do – I quickly looked away because I’m not used to idols staring at me especially when I’m not doing anything special to attract their attention. In retrospect I know I should have waved and she would have waved and smiled back but the problem is that I haven’t entered the happy zone yet. I keep trying to enter but so far have not been allowed in and I know why. It’s because I don’t have a lot of idol stuff, a shrine in my room where I can enter the happy zone. I believe all big fans have this shrine, happy zone.

I talked to a guy in line who said his friend dared him to ask the question, “can I join the group?” I imagine it would have gone like this: “Can I join the group? (audience laughs) No. (audience laughs again). But he didn’t ask.

Just about all the questions at the Musume panel were basic or lame, just an excuse to get up there and talk to the girls but you would take that instead of the fairly serious discussion that we got at AKB. Also three of the questioners were senior citizens who asked fairly long serious questions and received extra long serious answers from the “producer” who would often take great pains to be diplomatic. The last question was just bad, the girls were probably better off not hearing a translation, and the “producer” had to figure out some way to interpret the question and give a long diplomatic answer.

For the Musume panel they handed out autograph tickets row by row starting with the first row. They also had people exit the room row by row starting with the first row, nobody could get up and leave until they said so. So not only do you sit up front to get an autograph ticket but you also sit up front to exit the room first so you can rush to the autograph line which is still first come first serve, a ticket doesn’t guarantee an autograph. This is why people bothered to line up for the AKB panel as early as possible. And with my second row seat I thought I was assured an autograph for once.

Well weirdly no autograph tickets were given out this time guaranteeing an even larger track meet than usual to the autograph line. And the staff always tells you don’t run. Just once I would like to see this track meet to the autograph line because I can’t figure how you guys run through that clogged up convention center with all the cosplayers posing, people taking photos.

The moderator always tells everyone to remain seated, don’t leave until you’re excused. Not only does he not excuse us row by row or front rows first but he never excused us at all. We waited, what’s he going to do, some already started leaving for a head start to the autograph line, can we go? Eventually everyone just started leaving and the moderator was looking down ignoring us. Maybe he saw people leaving early so he just said forget it, I don’t care. But then he could have stopped people by telling them to remain seated. The staff are unnecessarily strict in crowd control why be lax here? If I really wanted an autograph, got there super early, I would have been pissed or very disappointed. Did they not hand out tickets and not excuse us row by row to discourage people from lining up for panels early in the future? Hmmm. Regarding the strict staff, I think the crazy rush for Musume autograph tickets last year at the Japan Files booth turned AX staff into the LAPD.

AX can be such a pain in a## acting like the FBI hunting for terrorists or the Secret Service guarding the president. Last year Musume were in that one autograph room, same room that AKB used this year, then they were hidden in those makeshift autograph rooms in the exhibition hall draped behind black curtains. And if you got near the rooms security told you to move along. It wasn’t open and friendly like Japan Expo and every other convention where the autograph sessions are held in an open space where you can watch or photograph all you want and yell or wave at the members. Japan Expo provides the model for how an autograph session should look. Even if you don’t get an autograph you can still be happy just by being able to watch the proceedings. Although to be fair this year’s first AKB autograph session was so late the exhibition hall was already closed so they had to use that room.

But this year AX changed and held all the autograph sessions (except the first AKB) in an open place, same place in the exhibition hall as last year but not in little curtained rooms. Guests would emerge from a curtained area and sit at long elevated tables in full view of the people waiting in line but still not in full view for everyone to see like Musume at Japan Expo. The autograph lines were in front of the tables so the lines blocked the view for people not in line and staff kept you at a distance.

For AKB the line zig zagged back and forth horizonally within a rectangular space until you got to the front. The autograph table was right along side the line so when you were on the right side of the “rectangle” you were literally seven feet away from a member. Because the line barely moved, stopping for long periods, you had time to draw a member’s portrait if you wanted. If Musume fans had this kind of access, it would have been a scream/wave fest or at least a lot of us would have gotten in line just to get close. You can tell it takes them a fairly long time to sign one autograph because there’s a lot of chit chatting, no just rushing through like an assembly line. It’s obviously more enjoyable this way for both members and fans but if you’re stuck way back in line you want the assembly line.

Sayaka and Akicha, my two favorite members from the group that showed up, sat on the far end so all the time I was in line I was either near them or right next to them. Some Japanese fans yelled and waved at Sayaka and she smiled and waved back. You could have done this with every member but people were very tame as far as yelling or even looking. The way people were behaving in line you would have thought there wasn’t anything going on next to us. I still wasn’t in the happy zone so I didn’t wave or shout. It’s too bad because I think members or more comfortable if you wave at them. Or you could argue we were being respectful by trying not to deprive the autograph seeker of their moment. The girls made sure to give their full attention to the autograph seeker. There was one point when Sayaka had nothing to do and I was right in front of her, she was looking to her right, looking a little uncomfortable, I should have waved.

Other than Sayaka and Akicha the other members might as well be 14-15 years old. They look really young in person and Sayaka and Akicha look younger too. You always think everything is Photoshop but I’m telling you their skin actually looks that good. I was having a hard time telling some of the younger members a part. When it got to the end of AKB’s allotted one hour, they started clearing all of us remaining in line out of the area since we weren’t getting an autograph. We filed out through the front of the line and as we passed the younger members near the front would wave at us and say “sorry.” I finally waved to someone, I think it was Ami Maeda, the one with the eyebrows.

Here’s some video of the end of the autograph session. There’s just a few people remaining in line. You can only see Reina Fujie, Akicha, and Sayaka because the other members had already left. I tried to stand far enough away so they wouldn’t tell me to move or stop shooting.

[hello!projecthappiness]

Translated article of the members reactions to the concert.
Credits go to bloggingpig from STAGE48
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ＡＫＢ４８空席だらけのロス公演！初センター大島「まだまだだなあ」

AKB48's Los Angeles Concert Riddled With Empty Seats! Front-Center (girl) Oshima says "We've got a long way to go.."

2010年07月03日15時02分 / 提供：スポーツ報知
スポーツ報知

　【ロサンゼルス１日（日本時間２日）】アイドルグループ「ＡＫＢ４８」がアニメ博覧会「アニメ・エキスポ２０１０」に招待され、海外で５度目のライブを行った。

Los Angeles, July 1st (July 2nd in Japan). Idol group "AKB48" was invited to an anime convention, Anime Expo 2010, going to their 5th live concert abroad.

会場のノキア・シアターは約７０００人を収容するが、集まったファンは約３０００人。
The Nokia Theater is able to accomidate approximately 7000 people, however only approximately 3000 fans attended.

日本で行う大規模なコンサートでは、チケットが即日完売となる人気だが、海外では厳しい現実があらわになった。

In Japan, large, their live concert tickets are sold out the same day, but overseas, the harsh reality was evident.

悔しさをにじませるメンバーは「いつか（空席を）埋めたい」と気持ちを新たにした。
The AKB members were filled with frustration again and again as they thought, "When are we going to fill (these empty seats)??"

　ライブ最後の曲となった「ひこうき雲」。
Their last song was "hikoukikumo".

ステージの一番端に駆け上がった大島優子（２１）は懸命にタオルを振った。
Oshima Yuko (21) ran up the to the very front edge of the stage swinging her towel in hand with all her might/for all it was worth.

「座っている人ばかりだったので、盛り上げようと思ってアピールしまくりました。
Because there were only people sitting, I thought of livening them up by pumping up my appeal (?? shimakurimashita? difficult to translate...).

こういう気持ちにさせられたのは久しぶりだったので、うれしかったですね。
It's been a long time since I had felt this way (to do this), so I was happy.
(?? difficult to translate....)

（自分たちは）まだまだだなあと。かなり刺激になりました」
(As for ourselves/We thought) "We've still got a long way to go/lot to do. We'll have to stimulate them a lot/to really pump them up."

　ＡＫＢ４８としては北京、パリ、ニューヨーク、仏カンヌに続き５度目の海外公演。
For AKB48, this was their 5th overseas peformance following performances in Beijing, Paris, New York, and Cannes.

日本では人気絶頂のアイドルグループも、海外での認知度はまだまだだった。
While they're at the height of popularity in Japan, their recognition abroad still has a ways to go.

会場となったのは、ロスのダウンタウンにあるノキア・シアター。
The performance was at the Nokia Theater in Downtown Los Angeles.

昨年、米歌手マイケル・ジャクソンさん（享年５０歳）のドキュメント映画「ＴＨＩＳ　ＩＳ　ＩＴ」のワールドプレミアも行われた名門ホールだ。
Last year, the world premiere of the documentary movie, This is It, of American singer, Michael Jackson (50) was also held at this prestigeous hall.

　昨年のパリ、ニューヨーク公演では会場をほぼ満席にしたが、この日は約７０００人収容に対してファンは約３０００人。

Last year's Paris and New York performances were almost fully packed (full concerts/full house), but in sharp contrast to the 7000 person capacity (of Nokia Theater), today's concert (in LA) had only 3000 fans (show up).

厳しい現実を目の当たりにして、メンバーらの脳裏によぎったのは、２００５年１２月の初公演。観客７人からの船出だった。
The stark reality was right in front of their eyes, and memories of days past from their first performance in December 2005, when they embarked on their careers with only 7 fans (in appearance), entered/crossed their (AKB's) minds.

高橋みなみ（１９）は「悔しい時を知っているからこそ、（空席を）埋めたいという気持ちはありました」と前を向いた。
Takahashi Minami (19) said "Knowing the vexing/frustrating feeling from back then well, I had the same feeling of wanting to pack/fill those empty seats!"... (difficult to translate?? maeomukaita? literal would be turning to face foward, but does it mean: upon looking/reminiscing back?)

　それでも、オープニングセレモニー前にレッドカーペットを歩いた際は、アニメ声優やクリエイターらを制し、この日一番の声援を浴びた。
Still/nevertheless, before the Opening Ceremony, walking the red carpet, on this day, they were showered with the most cheering (?? while anime voice actors and creators ra o seisu?).

ライブでは、メンバー全員が英語で自己紹介。
During the live concert, everyone introduced themselves using English.

全１５曲のうち、「大声ダイヤモンド」など２曲を英語バージョンで披露した。
Among the 15 songs performed, Oogoe Diamond was one of two performed in English.

　最近、講師とのマンツーマンで英会話の勉強を始めた前田敦子（１８）は「言葉の壁は大きいなと思う。もっと語学を。まず言葉です」。
Nowadays, Maeda (18), who has begun studying English language one-on-one with a a visiting instructor, said "The language barrier is really big/great/large, I think. I'll need to study more. First, words...(I'll have to learn more words, first.)"

　６月の総選挙で１位になって以降、センターに立つ大島は「みんな集中力が足りないと思う。日頃から鍛えていかないといけない」と厳しい言葉を口にした。
After being picked as the #1 AKB48 girl in June's AKB48's General Election, the top/center/#1 Oshima said/mentioned in harsh words "Everyone's concentration level hasn't been enough (or has been lacking), I think. Everyone hasn't been training like they'd normally would. "

　ライブ後に行われた関係者との打ち上げ。
After the live concert took place, those involved with the concert wound up the tour/trip.

秋元才加（２１）はこう締めくくった。「今日はシアター（ＡＫＢ４８劇場）での初期の頃を思い出した。これからは『海外でも会いに行けるアイドル』になれるよう、頑張っていきたい」
Akimoto Sayaka (21) concluded by saying, "Today is similar to what I remember the early days of our own AKB48 Theater (in Tokyo) was like. From now on, I want to try our best to become 'idols even abroad'."
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Again credits go to bloggingpig from STAGE48!
I did NOT translate this.

[Radicalpatriot]

Also three of the questioners were senior citizens who asked fairly long, serious questions and received extra long serious answers from the “producer” who would often take great pains to be diplomatic.
Well weirdly no autograph tickets were given out this time.
AX can be such a pain in a## acting like the FBI hunting for terrorists or the Secret Service guarding the president.

A one of the "senior citizens" who did get to ask a question, I would have to agree with all your comments. Your comment about key members (Takahashi, Ereno, Atsuko to name three) not showing up is also valid. My question was originally geared up for Ereno and Atsuko, and I had to abruptly change everything and ended up asking a lame question that the "producer" easily intercepted (at least Sayaka was allowed to answer first).

One positive aspect was access for photos, something I did not have last year when Morning Musume visited. Some are in these reports:

http://bloggerparty....rld-needs-akb48

http://radicalpatrio...than-music.html

It was breathtaking to get that close to AKB48 at the red-carpet opening. I was literally inches from Takahashi, Haruna, Ono and Atsuko. Close-up, it is easy to see how how chiseled these singers are. They are, frankly, machines, in better shape than most Olympic athletes. It was astonishing to get this close. Thanks for reading these comments and for allowing me to post them.


Many of these AKB48 members at the redcarpet opening July 1 did not show at the forum the following Friday at Anime Expo 2010.

[Radicalpatriot]

会場のノキア・シアターは約７０００人を収容するが、集まったファンは約３０００人。
The Nokia Theater is able to accomidate approximately 7000 people, however only approximately 3000 fans attended.

日本で行う大規模なコンサートでは、チケットが即日完売となる人気だが、海外では厳しい現実があらわになった。

In Japan, large, their live concert tickets are sold out the same day, but overseas, the harsh reality was evident.

悔しさをにじませるメンバーは「いつか（空席を）埋めたい」と気持ちを新たにした。
The AKB members were filled with frustration again and again as they thought, "When are we going to fill (these empty seats)??"

I was told by AX 2010 management that the rows of empty seats were reserved to industry guests who simply did not show, or knew little about AKB48 and thought their appearance was so-what.

This is not surprising since AK48 is a standalone company and is not really connected to the anime industry directly. Last year's show with Morning Musume, which should have been in the Nokia instead of the barn they used, offered far more knowledgeable fans than did this year's AKB48 visit.

This is also partially the Japanese music industry's fault, as they restrict access to products, do not produce Region 1 DVDs, etc., and set many obstacles in the way of even seeing a group like AKB48. Keep in mind that even fans in Japan cannot see AKB48 because of the tiny theater and actually flew all the way out to L.A. just to go to this concert.

The Nokia should have been packed. I was immediately suspicious as it was way too easy to get a seat in the center, near the front, where I have never been, even in Japan. The U.S. and Japan both need to better promote these major, historic visits by such venerable groups such as Morning Musume and AKB48.

Despite all tbis, I thought the concert was stunning and showed a high level of excellence throughout. You can't get this by watching the DVDs since the video editors are too concerned with getting closeups of the girls' faces. Frankly, the show was unforgettable and one of the most astonishing events I have ever attended. It was a brief moment in heaven, despite the empty-headed spectators who just sat there, jaws dropping as they watched AKB48 set that place on fire.

We Americans must come off as both dull and ignorant, I guess.


AKB48 lines up early July 1 for Anime Expo 2010's opening ceremonies. (Photo by G.A. Carroll)

[bloggingpig]

This is also partially the Japanese music industry's fault, as they restrict access to products, do not produce Region 1

http://marumusic.com/nstore/akb48.html
AKB48 - Kamikyokutachi CD with Region 1 DVD

Ok, the only Region 1 out thus far from AKB48. Officially licensed by Maru Music. But yeah, pain since it's either Japanese versions at $$$ pricing, or HK licensed versions cheaper for DVDs.

---

yeah, last year's mm concert could have easily packed Nokia, but still it was nice being front row then =D
both had their points and loved seeing MM and AKB live at AX!

.....hmmm, maybe this AX 'crowd control' mess is nice? fewer fans = front row seating! lol.....


---

After reading about how the sound guy didn't adjust the volume in AKB's this year even though it was distorting the speakers in another blog/post however, I'd say MM last year was more enjoyable for the sound because they didn't blow them out. This year was a little like why, oh why is the sound guy asleep??

[mydnightzx]

^
^
You are obviously very enthuasthic to meet AKB48.

Anyway the link below is a very positive article of AKB48 visit to ANime Expo.

http://www.animenews...-l.a-with-akb48

Now, I have no idea if the article has been vetted by AKB management or Anime Expo but at least the writer understand the appeal of AKB.
And there is no mention of the supposedelly empty seats in the Nokia theatre.

Oh well, at least those that went had a great time.

[bloggingpig]

>You are obviously very enthuasthic to meet AKB48.

very, but not so over-the-top enthusiastic that I couldn't give the only Meet & Greet ticket we had to my girl Figure between the two of us, if she's already knows all the songs and dance moves by heart and I don't, well, go figure - who's da bigger fan?

used to buy everything under the sun (Speed years), but nowadays, more discerning and figure the money could go to watching more live concerts =D

Just found this today:
AKB48 - あなたがいてくれたから


OMG!!! if there was any Better sign from Above or AKB48 not to make them unhappy.... such a touching PV! teary eyed...

[Krusha]

As irritating it is to hear about AX having problems again, and to hear about empty seats, in a certain sense, it's positive.

It's positive because AKB48 have been through some immense hardships before, and knows that they can be overcome. So OK, they look at empty seats, and realizes there's still more to achieve here - that's a very good attitude to have.

They had two packed concerts in Paris Japan Expo last year, one mini concert in Cannes, and one concert in New York - so far this year one in Los Angeles, and one is announced for Milan (edit: plus Macau and Singapore..). It's a beginning and with proper management from both arrangers and AKS, it can only get better.

But these things aside, I am glad to hear fans having a good time.


bloggingpig,

First watched that PV yesterday, and it didn't take long before I melted. It's so simple, and yet so, so good - real well done.

[Tony Oguri]

It's good to hear that it was relatively easy for the American/Canadian fan to see AKB48 in LA. It was the same way in the beginning in Japan too. But there is a lot of differences. Mainly the distance. It's probably not feasible or even economically viable to have an "LA48". And that's a good thing. Let's keep the great things in Japan. Japan is like a Disney Land for adults. No sense making it common place and plebeian.

[Mr Ayu-Mania]

They had two packed concerts in Paris Japan Expo last year, one mini concert in Cannes, and one concert in New York - so far this year one in Los Angeles, and one is announced for Milan (edit: plus Macau and Singapore..). It's a beginning and with proper management from both arrangers and AKS, it can only get better.

Wait, what????????????

When is that? Is it a proper concert or an industry event like the one in Cannes?

And why Milan of all places?

[hello!projecthappiness]

[bloggingpig]

http://stage48.net/f...4...&start=1050
FYI: Page 43, update news article that I translated after minor corrections by my Japanese buddy.

[StevenLin]

Video of a news story done on AKB48...featuring clips from the concert and various shots of happenings around Anime Expo:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GSFCYG9J

Btw did anyone go to the second autograph session? What was the line up for that session?

[RTB]

They had two packed concerts in Paris Japan Expo last year, one mini concert in Cannes, and one concert in New York - so far this year one in Los Angeles, and one is announced for Milan (edit: plus Macau and Singapore..). It's a beginning and with proper management from both arrangers and AKS, it can only get better.

Wait, what????????????

When is that? Is it a proper concert or an industry event like the one in Cannes?

And why Milan of all places?

1. Italy was one of the countries that expressed interest in Aki-P's world domination (they want to create a local 48 group in italy besides from singapore, etc.)

2. Milan, a fashion capital, featured AKB48 girls in a Tokyo fashion event sometime 2009 with even an ad of AKB48 running in Fashion TV.


What i am not sure if there is an anime event or it's a fashion event that the girls will be holding their concert.

[Krusha]

I believe Karl Lagerfeld was present there as well.

[hello!projecthappiness]

More concert footage

[hello!projecthappiness]

More concert footage
Very good quality.