@m(Vo_oV)m I didn't see anyone with your blue Reina shirt on. Were you wearing a jacket on top of it? From your photos you must've gotten to the tent early.
I got to the tent after 11 AM and there was already a throng of people there. Apparently they were a little disorganized about the queueing and numbering system and some who came early who should've gotten one of the 50 CDs didn't. I was fortunate enough to make it, but kinda felt bad for those behind me who missed out.
I got out the CD booklet to be signed by the girls. I greeted the girls by confirming their names and after they signed it I gave each one a small box of chocolate. I was relieved that I got their names right, as I only memorized it a few hours before! They weren't expecting it, so it was nice to see their faces light up. When it came to Reina, it got a little interesting.
Reina: (signs and hands it to me)
Me: "For 10 years at Morning Musume, thank you for the hard work." (Then I pull out the largest box of chocolates for her. She was all smiles.)
Me: "I have one favor to ask..."
Reina: ...
Me: (I pull out another large box of the same chocolate.) "Can you give this to Sayu?"
Reina: "Sayu?"
Me: "Yes, Sayu" (I also handed a letter to give to Sayumi.)
Reina: (All smiles and thanks me.)
Flashback the night before:
It would be nice if I can give something to Reina since it'll be her first time to San Francisco and with her band, I thought. So I decided to give her some chocolates. Since all girls like chocolates.
Flashback to 2 hours before the autograph signing:
Wait, if I only give Reina the other girls will feel left out. I should give them something, too, I thought to myself. So I made sure all of them got something.
1 hour later:
Hold on a second, I'm sure Reina is still in touch with Sayu. I should give her something, too. While I'm at it, I should write her a letter as well. (Hastily writes a short fan letter while constantly glancing at the clock. Doesn't seem like I'll make it on time. )
Then I dash to SF Japantown and with some luck on my side, still managed to grab a CD and autograph.
Had lunch near the food trucks and later went to the Pagoda area to watch the shows lined up for the day. Enjoyed the fashion show with the various Harajuku themes, the karaoke competition, as well as performances from Kylee, Akabane Vulgars, Sweety and of course, Lovendor. Despite the sun hiding itself making it even more chilly than usual for SF, it was a blast. You even got some folks doing wotagei on one side near the stage.
I got a good spot just behind the metal barrier in front of the stage, so it was pretty close. They walked onto the stage and everyone roared. They started singing but stopped suddenly because of the technical difficulties with the mic. After this was fixed, they continued their performance and rocked the crowd. A few songs later, still another mishap occurred, this time with Reina's shoelaces and she almost stumbled. After this was sorted, she remarked it was the first time that she had so many troubles at an overseas show, so there's always a first time for everything. But she handled it like a pro, as expected from a 10-year veteran of MM. The show continued without a hitch, and everyone got on the chants and wotagei as they worked the crowd. Yuki got some extra cheers whenever she moved center stage. They rocked.
I must say that I haven't seen a live show from any H!P group or veteran so it was quite memorable. I really had a great time.
They'll be performing again at Union Square along with the other J-Pop artists. Unfortunately I won't be there, but hope those who missed the shows today can catch them live. Have fun!