113. to melt into

After getting back from Nagoya last Thursday, I had to rush off to meet Elaine to get my tickets to see THE NOVEMBERS. In the end, I went alone because she actually lost one of the tickets and wanted to see Sir Paul Mccartney instead. I don't blame her, come on, it's one quarter of The freakin' Beatles.

So, I went to meet her near her office and went off to Shibuya to get a quick dinner and got to FEVER 30 minutes before the show started. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect because indie music and its' culture is so different from my usual rock/metal shows. I was actually curious to see what the fans were like. She was already telling me beforehand what to expect.

So, when I arrived, there were already so many people waiting outside FEVER. I was amazed by the number of guys that were at the show, I would say almost half of them were guys. Some of them, you could totally tell were trying to be Takamatsu or Kobayashi wannabes. But to be honest, I like the vibe more at indie shows because everyone is so chill and I love the way most of them dressed. I'm such a simple person when it comes to dressing, I just like it all black, plain and layering - which most of them were decked out like this. The only thing that made me stood out was because I was wearing my DEATHGAZE shirt, I had no choice though, I didn't have time to go back and change.

The girls were also not bitchy at all. These girls next to me were so cute, they were talking among themselves but I could hear them, they were saying how I was a "bijin" and how the guys probably would talk to me. But really, they didn't. Some guys just kept staring which I found annoying to be honest. I always get this in Japan.

The ticket number Elaine gave me was like a priority number kinda thing, so I got in really fast and managed to stand in the third row infront of Kobayashi. I was happy because I like him the most out of the band.

It didn't take long to start, I thought I was over them because I really am not into their recent stuff, but when they took the stage I was sooooooo happy. It's a different kind of happy compared to lynch., but THE NOVEMBERS are also my favorite band. I always had a habit of loving two bands at a time, one heavy and one softer.

They opened to melt, and it was so dreamy and everything I felt all the time listening to them was just right in front of me. They sounded so good live too, even if the sound system sucked. Kobayashi's voice is so much more dreamier live than on the cds. I thought I would be bored at their live but when they got to the faster songs, like 永遠の複製, 彼岸で散る青, was fun to sway to them.

Elaine was telling me earlier how all the girls like Takamatsu and I just couldn't see why, because she's also one of those girls. But when I saw him coming on to the stage, I was surprised because he looks so much cuter in real life and like a typical indie prince. So you can tell why all the girls like him. Really, photos don't do him any justice.

I thought they were good for an indie band because all the indie bands I've seen are boring as hell. They don't move at all, but THE NOVEMBERS did move and you can tell how much Kobayashi and Kengo were into the music. They did a covers of dip and Nirvana. During some of their songs, especially 再生の朝, I actually closed my eyes and just listened to them. I felt like I was floating on a cloud, in my dreams. They played for exactly 2 hours, since they were only playing songs from (Two) into holy and To (melt into), I was happy they played my favorites and am even happier they played these albums because it was around this era that I fell in love with them.

-setlist-
1.melt
2.瓦礫の上で
3.37.2°
4.はじまりの教会
5.小声は此岸に響いて
6.夢のあと
7.human flow(dip cover)
8.天井と管
9.日々の剥製
10.STAY AWAY(NIRVANA cover)
11.Louder Than War (2019)
12.永遠の複製
13.ニールの灰に
14.彼岸で散る青
15.終わらない境界
16.holy
17再生の朝

Photo by Daisuke Miyashita

And actually I can see myself in the photo! Haha. After the show, I kind of rushed out of the venue because my back was killing me. I had been carrying all my clothes and stuff I got from Nagoya for the whole day and felt like I was about to drop at any second. I hurried to buy some merch and I'm so happy with them because I've always wanted NOVEMBERS pins/badges for the longest time. Luckily, Shindaita Station is not that far from Shibuya, so I got home quite quickly. Took a hot bath and dropped dead on my bed till the next morning.

I really want to see THE NOVEMBERS again but it's always so hard for me to.

112. until i die

After wanting this tattoo for such a long time, I'm so fuckin' happy I finally have it and got it done in Nagoya. It's funny because I actually dreamt of getting this tattoo months ago and it just made so much sense to me when I woke up from that dream. That was when I told myself, I have to have it.

In my dream, I was actually talking about tattoos to someone, I can't see his face, in dreams everything is always a blur. But we were talking about Hazuki's Until I Die tattoo. The person in my dream told me that Hazuki got his tattoo particularly on his neck because it is  near his throat, and in Until I Die, the song by lynch., he sings :

I'm leaving for the last time,

However I will be singing, 

Yes, until the day I die 

So it made sense to me that he tattooed it near his throat because he sings I will be singing until the day that I die. Still in my dream, I said to myself I want to tattoo until i die on the lower part of my right arm where I can see it all the time. Also because I use my right hand to draw. I always tell my sister " I will draw and paint until the day I die."

When I woke up, it made so much sense to me and I really wanted to get it done because I need to keep reminding myself to never give up on myself and my dreams and to do art until the day I die. Nothing else. There is nothing more I want in this world but to draw for days and paint for nights. Nothing makes me happier, and if I could live off just my art - which I definitely will one day, it would be a dream. 

I've been trying to find a good tattoo studio in Tokyo since the last time I was here in August but I couldn't locate it. But I am happy I didn't get it done last time. I'm even happier now getting it done in Nagoya because it means so much more, and since lynch. is from Nagoya, it only makes sense (to me at least). On top of it, it was such a good way to commemorate my trip to Nagoya with Yuri because it was such a good trip and the happiest I've been in a long time. Honestly, there is no one else I'd rather be with than her in Nagoya.

Plus, I met one of the members from lynch. (AK), so it was also good to remember it. Here, I leave you with one of my favorite songs of all time. I will never stop loving this band more and more.

111. proof, nagoya iii

On Thursday, it was our last day in Nagoya. We got up early because we had to check out at 10am and also because my appointment was at 10.30am. We didn't have time to go anywhere to have breakfast, so we just grabbed some orange juice and onigiri at a nearby conbini and made our way to 8 Ball Tattoo.

When we arrived, Yashin wasn't there yet. The guy that helped us the day before was nice and tried talking to us but we couldn't understand his accent again. I felt so bad. All I could understand was "Nagoya" and "Sakae". Soon, the sound of the motorcycle was getting louder and closer to us, so I thought it must be Yashin and true enough, it was. I like his bike though, it's one of those badass cruiser motorbikes. I can't wait till baby sis gets her license!

He came in and apologised for being late but I really didn't care that much. It was so early (well early for me) in the morning, I excuse almost anyone for being late in the morning because I can never get up early for anything. His hands were numb from riding too fast and it was also cold outside, so we waited a while more till his hands defrosted.

Yuri and I were looking at the tattoo magazines, and there were some with yakuza in them. When Yuri told him about the yakuza, he said it wasn't a real one and took out another book from his studio and said that one had a real one. I thought it was cool. Then Yuri was telling him about how her parents hates tattoos and I said my dad did too and he asked if it was really okay to get the tattoo. And I'm like, argh, I just don't care.

He showed me three designs he did for my tattoo and I was surprised because I got to choose! Yuri and I agreed the third design was nicest, so I stuck to that. After that, he told us to go into his studio. Being in his studio made me miss art college, because everyone had their own studio and we obviously decorated it with things we love. His studio was cool, I love the tiny motorbikes on his computer and almost everything he hanged on the wall. Especially love that he had a bookshelf full of tattoo books from different countries. His bookshelf is similar to mine and made me miss my room back home.

I just love looking at artists' studios. Being an artist myself, I pride myself in decorating my room/studio. I love how much character there is in every artists' studio, for mine it's mostly band logos, musicians, cute things and some of my favorite artists' work. I just love artists' studios. He set up everything and was ready to get started.

Honestly I was a little worried and scared because it was my first tattoo but both Yuri and Yashin told me it wouldn't hurt that much.

It was really quick, like only 10 minutes. I was less painful than I expected it to be. I was really happy with the outcome! <3 When he was done, he was joking about tattoo-ing "Gomenasai Otosan" under my tattoo. lol After that, we just hung around his studio because he said the tattoo would bleed a bit so we had to wait for it before he cleans it off. We were just talking about tattoos in general and he was showing  us books of tattoos from different countries. Yuri told him that I was an artist and showed him some of my work which he said was kawaii but honestly, what do you even expect him to think of it when he does all these yakuza, oni, tattoos? lol I loved the fact that he knew it must have taken me forever to draw all my girls' hair! Everyone always just thinks it so fuckin' easy but it really isn't. I take days sometimes to get it done.

After more talking, we left and said goodbye to Yashin. He told us to come back when we can. I would go back to get another tattoo from him! He's really nice. We went to get some food after because we were starving. We had no idea what to get so we just went to Komeda's. I ended up getting the teriyaki sandwich and Yuri got the burger I had the day before! The teriyaki sandwich was so good! The chicken was cooked nicely and it was so smooth.

After our meal, I ordered a coffee shake just because I wanted to take a picture of how cute the "cup" was, but the coffee shake was soooo goood too. Even Yuri who doesn't like coffee said it was good. It was more milky and sweet rather than bitter usual taste. The shake was so fuckin' smooth. I love it. I'm gonna bring little sis to the one in Tokyo when she comes.

We went straight to the shinkansen because I needed to get to THE NOVEMBERS live at Shimokitazawa, which was at 7pm. We were sad to be leaving Nagoya, and didn't want to actually. The train ride back to Tokyo was much faster than it was to Nagoya weirdly. Yuri ordered some matcha ice-cream and let's say she was really funny about it (inside joke). Haha.

I really really like Nagoya and I'm not being biased because all my favorite bands are from there. It's so different from Tokyo. It's way less crowded and more chill. Also, it's easier to get around Nagoya because everything is less complicated and closer to each other. Sometimes I really feel like I'm wasting so much time travelling around Tokyo. I love the fact that Nagoya really reminds me of Melbourne. I just feel at peace and comfortable there.

Yuri and I are planning on moving to Nagoya in the near future. I hope we really can. Seriously, what is more perfect for me? A little Melbourne in a country I love, Japan? Yes please. 

And as Yuri has already said on her blog, everyone always asks us "What's in Nagoya?!" The honest answer - everything. Well, everything important to me at least.

Mount Fuji on the way back. T'was a lovely day.

110. in the sky with diamonds, nagoya ii

On Wednesday, Yuri and I woke up early and went to get breakfast at Komeda's Coffee. I didn't know anything about Komeda's but Yuri was telling me about how EYA goes there all the time and she wanted to try it while in Nagoya because it originated from there.

It was surprisingly good! I ordered a normal burger and cinnamon coffee. I love cinnamon, so. Haha. We also shared a coffee jelly parfait, that was good too. 

After breakfast, we went to find 8Ball Tattoo studio since I wanted to get a tattoo for such a long time, I thought Nagoya would be a good place to start since my tattoo is lynch. - related and they are from here. Yuri was already telling me about tattoo artists from Nagoya when we were still in Tokyo, so I decided to look them up before we arrived here.

It didn't take too long to find the studio and once we got there, we immediately felt awkward when one of the guys was trying to help us. It didn't help that we couldn't understand his accent either, haha. To be perfectly honest, I was always scared to go to a tattoo studio on my own because the guys look intimidating but I was happy Yuri was with me because one of the tattoos artists, named Yashin who Yuri follows on instagram recognised her and came out from his studio to talk to us. 

He was really friendly and nice and already knew we were just gonna be in Nagoya for a few days, so Yuri was helping me explain the tattoo I wanted and he managed to fit me into his schedule for the next morning, since my tattoo was small. 

After that, since I can't speak Japanese that well, he chatted with Yuri for a bit. He was giving us his business cards and stickers! I love stickers so I was glad he gave us some, haha. He asked us what we were planning to do and we told him we wanted to go to Nabana No Sato, and he told us it was really pretty over there but soooo cold. And erm, Yuri and I were wearing sleeveless dresses and we looked at each other and showed Yashin that what we were wearing and he was so funny, and freaked out for us. Haha. 

After some more small talk, we left the tattoo studio and got on the train to Kuwana from Nagoya Station. It took about 40 minutes to get to Kuwana, but I love the scenery on the way there, since we were heading to a rural area.

Once arriving in Kuwana, we took a cab to Nabana No Sato. We were thinking if we should take a bus because it'll be cheaper but gave up on that idea because we were scared to get lost. It didn't take long to get there, about 10 minutes. Once we got there, we were greeted with the trees ready for fall. They were so pretty! The ones in Tokyo have yet to change color, so I was really happy seeing these.

The sky was so pretty that day too, the clouds were all pink and fluffy like marshmallows.  After walking around for a bit, we were getting hungry so Yuri decided to get a meat bun since we saw people walking around with it. I didn't get anything in the end since I wasn't really that hungry just yet. We were just sitting around waiting for the sun to set. 

When it got dark, all the lights literally looked like diamonds twinkling in the sky. It was sooooo pretty and magical, I was happy that I went with Yuri because she was the one that found this place online. 

While walking through the light tunnel, I decided to take out my polaroid camera since it was so bright in there. We were happily taking taking photos on my camera until I ran out of film. I'm glad I brought my polaroid camera along, if not I would be totally kicking myself. 

We walked around for an hour or so when it was dark. They even had an onsen at Nabana No Sato because it's actually a resort in Nagashima island. I really wanted Yuri to try the feet onsen but we couldn't find it on our way out. So we just left because it was getting so cold and my fingers were so numb after all the walking.

We took a cab back again to Kuwana Station and arrived in Nagoya at about 7ish. We went to get cake and sweets at Nagoya Station! 

I got this cute ducky and I had no idea what it is. But it was so good. It's like a sponge cake but filled with pudding <3 and the little things that make the ducky's face were milk chocolate. After our sweets, we headed back to Sakae Station since Yuri was going to meet up with one of her friends in Nagoya. 

I headed back to the hotel and had a warm bath because I felt like I was falling sick. I couldn't stop sneezing and my throat was really hurting. So I stuffed orange juice down my throat and tried to sleep before she got back, but alas, me and insomnia. Insomnia is my really good friend.

109. an illusion, nagoya

On Tuesday, Yuri and I left for Nagoya. It was such a relief to get out of busy and crowded Tokyo. I know I have said so many times that I love Tokyo but staying here is another thing. I love coming to Tokyo on a holiday but I don't think I could live here forever, it would probably drive me insane or to my grave.

We left Shinagawa Station close to 12 in the afternoon and arrived in Nagoya at about 2-ish and we passed by Mount Fuji on the way. It was nice to see it with snow unlike the last time I went. -___- Once we arrived in Nagoya, we immediately went to Sakae Station to check into our hotel. Also, after checking in, we (almost) immediately headed to Kamimaezu Station to get to Club Zion. We didn't want to get lost and not find the show's venue.

Club Zion was too easy to find, once you get out of the station's exit, it's right in front of it. We went to walk around and decided to get pizza since Yuri knew of this place near the venue with good pizza. It was located in an alley way but when we found it, it was closed. So we settled for Taco rice since I was craving it last week! There were so many vintage toy shops and old record/music shops in the alley I thought was cool because it really reminded me of Melbourne.

Surprisingly, the Taco rice in Nagoya was so cheap and it was so good.

After our meal, we went to wander around the alley ways where I went into a few of the vintage toy shops but Yuri got freaked out. Hahaha, I don't blame her, most people do. I honestly find the toys creepy too but I love looking at them. We went around until it was almost time to get into the show's venue. 

I thought the fans in Nagoya would be different but they are the same as in Tokyo. -__- And with DEATHGAZE being a heavier sounding band (they are metal), I thought there would be more guys but no, there wasn't even that many guys at the live. I loved the fact that they were playing Pantera before the bands took the stage. Mouth of War will always remind me of lynch. Because the very first time I saw them, that was their opening SE.

I thought EAT YOU ALIVE would take the stage first but it ended up being DEATHGAZE and I was kind of bummed out standing in the back but thankfully, the venue was small so I could see the band clearly.

They played most of the stuff I loved like RING THE DEATH KNELL, killing floor, paranoid parade, domestic pig #1013 and リヒトゾイレ. I got kind of annoyed that I fell down during one of the songs because I had sprained my ankle before even getting to the train station in the morning and it was hurting so bad after I fell, I decided to not headbang anymore. 

Ai's voice is sooo good live. He sounded so good and I love the energy they had on stage, and I thought he was so funny spitting water on the fans. Literally, he aimed at a person and just continued spitting, like wtf. I'm so glad I didn't stand in front because honestly, to be covered in Ai's spit? No. 

They played for an hour and after they ended my whole head was dying. So Yuri and I left the stage area for a while and took a smoke before getting back in. 

EAT YOU ALIVE took the stage at about close to 8pm. I was impressed with them this time around because they were especially good at this live. And I love how much the fans were enjoying themselves and into the music, the fans in Nagoya are definitely more hardcore than the ones in Tokyo. They only made me enjoy the music more. Ai came out to sing with Hiro near the ending of the show. I didn't know some songs since I've stopped listening to them after Sick.

After EYA ended, Yuri and I rushed out of the venue because we didn't want to squeeze with other people to get our stuff and getting out of the venue. I got a DEATHGAZE shirt too, I'm so happy with it because I love their album art for DECADE.

Once outside, we had a smoke and DEATHGAZE's crew was loading their equipment onto the van. EYA walked out of the venue after that, and to my fucking surprise, AK was with Ryohei. AK, like fucking AK bassist of my fucking favorite band, lynch. 

I was freaking out and contemplating if I should go up to talk to him because I told myself I would never want to meet lynch. (long story). After getting some encouragement from Yuri, I went up to AK and actually talked to him. He was so nice and he bent over to hear what I was trying to tell him and he was smiling the entire time. I wasn't that nervous until I couldn't convey what I wanted to say since my Japanese isn't that good and it doesn't help that Ryohei was staring at me. I got even more nervous with Ryohei staring, my Japanese literally flew out of the window and I called Yuri to helped me.

AK was nice enough to wait for her to come over and she helped me tell him what I wanted to and he was so sweet saying thank you and stuff like that. I just thought he was so cute in person. I already think he's cute but he's even cuter in person (not on stage) and never in a million years would I think I would be able to meet anyone from lynch. 

After he left, I was freaking out and hugging Yuri because I couldn't even believe what just happened. After a few more smokes, we decided to get back to Sakae Station. It was still too early and so we decided to get some food and walked around for a bit. I'm was so happy I felt like I was annoying because I couldn't stop talking about AK. ><

Even though it was really cold out that night, we decided to get ice-cream to end our day. We got berry cheesecake ice cream at this little place near our hotel where we talked some more, mostly about guys and life. I never talk to anyone about guys because they don't get me but I love Yuri because she totally understands how I feel about things. I'm just so glad she was with me.

After ice cream, we were still talking in her room until 3am. When I got back to my room, I still couldn't sleep. I guess I was too happy. The entire time before getting to Nagoya, I was hoping for a tiny miracle (nothing to do with bands or whatsoever, just for myself). But just as I thought I needed another miracle, lynch. and Yuri are already my tiny miracles.

108. invincible

Yesterday was a rainy day, most of the time when it rains, I get so moody but I even with the rain hitting the ground and with myself trying to calm down, I just couldn't because I was going to see fucking lynch. again! <3

I got out of my place close to 2pm and went straight to Shibuya's Tower Records Cafe to get lunch, but I couldn't even finish half of it because I'm always like this before lynch. lives, I get a massive "butterflies in your tummy" sickness and I just can't swallow anything. So I decided to just let myself calm down at the cafe and read my Haruki Murakami book I brought. Still... couldn't calm down because there were lynch. fans sitting next to me and they were talking about them and only made me more excited.

So, I decided to forget about calming down and went straight to SHIBUYA-AX under the rain. Luckily when I arrived, they were already selling merch so I got the Freaks Addict tour Beyond shirt that I wanted ever since they posted pictures of it online. After that I went to put stuff in the lockers (last time I didn't and my bag was a pain in the ass). I didn't know how to use the lockers but these 2 lynch. fans were so nice and helped me. (That's why I love lynch. so much, their fans are the best)

And waited at Starbucks till it was time to doors open. My number was B164 so I didn't bother about getting there on time. I went back at about 4.45pm and they were already calling B100s so I got in pretty fast, without much waiting.

Once I got in, I went straight to the mosh pit and was lucky enough to be at the 10th row already. The show was suppose to start at 5.30pm but they started at 5pm instead and had an additional act - 彼女 in the display or KID. They were pretty good. I thought the keyboardist was cute because he looks like Jun. And the drummer was so funny, he flashed his butt to the crowd, haha. Reo came out to while they were playing! I think the bassist of MERRY too. So it was nice to see them! I enjoyed their set, will start listening to them once I get back home.

After KID, was DIAURA which was a visual kei band. Honestly, I really don't fancy visual kei bands. I only like a select few, and when I say few, I mean very few. Argh, I was so annoyed during their set because... I hate their getup and their music was cliche visual kei. The only highlight was Hazuki and Yusuke came out during their set. Oh god, they were my saving grace! I loved when Hazuki screamed "Fuck the people!" though I know it's part of DIAURA's song. So after my two babies left the stage, I had a hard and painful time waiting for them to be over. I didn't even move during their entire set, but I noticed the girl next to me wasn't too and her face looked annoyed lol. So I wasn't the only one.

After DIAURA was done, it was defspiral's turn. I knew some of defspiral's songs so it was more fun! I think they were pretty good and I really liked Taka's clothes. Gara came out to sing with Taka! Argh, you could really feel the crowd get pumped up when Gara or Hazuki came out because most of them were MERRY or lynch. fans. They only played for half an hour and I felt like it went by too fast... but it's okay because next up was lynch.!!!! I managed to squeeze my way to the fifth row and was directly infront of AK :P I'm such a fan girl for them, I don't even fucking care.

When the curtains were drawn, before they even got on stage, I was already jumping in excitement (like I said I'm only like this for lynch.). And slowly, Reo, Asanao, Akinori and Yusuke walked out and after that Hazuki! They opened to I'm sick, b'cuz luv u. Ahhh! I went crazy headbanging once again. They continued with the whole of EXODUS EP in order except for BE STRONG and NIGHT. I think Hazuki went off pitch while singing EXODUS lol. I had so much fun during VANISH. They would sing "VANISH OUT!" and there will be a "yeah" and that was when everyone jumped. It was so fun, and headbanging to it. I was so happy because I could sing to the songs for once lol, since it was in english.

After that was INVINCIBLE, which was my favorite from EXODUS EP. Omg the headbanging, my neck almost died. At this point, I was already getting dizzy so I decided to stop for a while, haha. INVINCIBLE was so fun because we all shouted with the band "Get the fuck up!" while pointing the middle finger, haha.

When INVINCIBLE was over, lynch. covered a song, so Gara and Nero came out to perform with them! Gara and Hazuki were so cute singing to each other. Nero and Asanao were even cuter playing the drums together, I was actually looking at them instead of Hazuki for once. And then, I saw Nero hit AK's head and AK was so cute when he smiled ><

MIRRORS was nice, and once again, the headbanging. Though when MIRRORS was playing, all I could think about was baby sis because MIRRORS was her favorite song. So, I was like fuck it, I'm going to have fun for the both of us. After MIRRORS was either -273.15 or New Psycho Paralyze. I'm so bad at telling those songs apart T__T Thankfully, they continued with a slower song if not, I think my neck would have died. They continued with The Fatal Hour Has Come, whenever they play this song, I always remember Hazuki forgetting the lyrics. Probably because the first time I saw them, he forgot this, haha.

When The Fatal Hour Has Come was over, they all stopped and faced Asanao and started playing pulse_!!! Here comes the even more hardcore headbanging and jumping! I love pulse_ so much but I wished they played unknown lost a beauty again, it's my absolute favorite. But I could feel myself getting more violent with the headbanging during pulse_, haha. As usual. When they finished pulse_, I was already sweating and Hazuki talked a bit before ending their set with NIGHT.

It was fun because this time, the fans already knew what to do, of course. I had even more fun singing along to it, I only wished little sis was with me because I remember ourselves getting lost in this song the last time and we were so happy. I really enjoyed the last part after Hazuki singing and when the fans did the hand gestures, fist pumping and said "OI OI OI", it was so fun.

And with that, lynch.'s set ended, and Hazuki was so funny joking as he was walking off the stage. He's such an idiot but so cute. Argh. Asanao was the last one to get off the stage, throwing bottles into the crowd.

SETLIST:
- I'm sick, b'cuz luv u.
- EXODUS
- ASHES
- VANISH
- INVINCIBLE
- cover song
- MIRRORS
- New Psycho Paralyze
- The Fatal Hour Has Come
- pulse_
- NIGHT

At this point, I was so tired and drained, that I went out of the concert hall to the smoking area when I realised I left my cigarettes in the locker -___- So I just stood around to catch some air before returning to the mosh pit to see MERRY.

I decided to not be in the front area, so I stood somewhere in the middle. MERRY's set was cute because Gara's stage box had an owl on it. I didn't know he performs barefooted as well. They opened to two slow songs while Nero was playing percussions instead of the drums. MERRY covered one of my favorite lynch.'s song. They didn't sing the whole song, but just the chorus of anemone (from THE AVOIDED SUN), I really loved the way Gara sang it, they made it slower and more mellow. I don't think I would ever get the chance to see lynch. play it, ever.

After that, they started playing faster songs. I was relieved because they played most of the songs I knew. Mostly from their Beautiful Freaks album. I thought Gara was really good with interacting with the crowd and making them pumped up. Half way through, he poured splashed water on everyone and poured the rest of the bucket of water on himself, lol. I really enjoyed their set a lot, especially 消毒. He was fucking amazing during that song. They played for close to 45 minutes, I was sad when it was over honestly. I would definitely want to see them again. The live I didn't realise lasted for almost 4 hours!

I didn't do much after the live, I just went to get a drink and saw the keyboardist of KID at their merch table. I still think he's cute. Not long after standing around, I left straight home because I was so tired. And still I couldn't sleep till 4am last night because I was so happy! I can't wait till I get to see my babies again in December.

Honestly, I never thought I would enjoy myself so much alone seeing a band. lynch. has changed me in so many ways. Argh, I can never say this enough but I really really really really do love them. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be this happy.

from ( x )

So in short, I had so much fun at their Freaks Addict tour Beyond final in Tokyo! I only love the guy in the center, and I like the rest except for the one wearing a mask. <3 One month left in Tokyo! With that, I end with post-concert deafness on my left ear and an aching neck and back. God, I do love lynch.

107. dreaming dreams

Yesterday Yuri and I went to Odaiba again. Odaiba is one of my favorite places in Tokyo, wait... I think it's my favorite. We met up at Starbucks in Shinagawa Station first since Yuri needed to get her ticket to Nagoya! We're officially going next week! I'm so excited! Finally I get to see DEATHGAZE!

After that, we slowly made our way down to Odaiba and went to get ramen, after lunch-dinner (?) we slowly walked to Palette Town and Venus Fort. It was pretty empty since it was a weekday! So we could take a lot of photos without being annoyed with people, haha.

Can't wait for lynch.'s Zepp tour! :3

We decided to get on the Ferris Wheel since I've been to Odaiba so many times but never got on it. -__- Yuri chose to take a transparent/see-through gondola which made me a little nervous since I am afraid of heights. But it was still fun, since we were playing SiM while it was going up, haha. Anything seems a littler less scarier when you have music. It was nice to see the port high up, you could see Yokohama?, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and of course the Gundam statue that is at DiverCity. It took about 20 minutes to go a round. 

After getting off the Ferris Wheel, we went to Venus Fort. Strange Love! I thought the shop assistant was so nice, she remembered Yuri and I and my little sister even if she wasn't there. I bought a tooth ring, it's so cute and she gave us vintage stickers, she's so sweet. I still love Strange Love so much. After that, we went to the Lego shop again but failed to make band names this time because SiM was difficult to make but I'm happy with the coldrain and lynch. one we made last time!

Of course, we went to walk around Venus Fort and the winter illuminations were pretty!

Hahaha, I thought this was hilarious.

Since there was nothing much left to see at Venus Fort, we left for Divercity!

After taking millions of photos of the Gundam statue, we decided to go look for winter clothes at Divercity but there wasn't much stuff to look at. :/ So we left again not long after and went to Aquacity. Again, there wasn't much stuff to see at Aquacity, so we decided to go to the beach even if it was freezing, lol.

After going to the beach, we were hungry... again. So we went to Burger King. I really am craving for the mushroom swiss burger they have back in Singapore. Sadly, they don't have it here, so I settled for bacon. We slowly walked back to the train station after that. I thought it was funny how we were talking about the guys we like. Seriously, I think I could only talk about love/dating with Yuri because all my other friends are just... I just find it hard to talk to them about this kind of things.

So right now, I am eating edamame and waiting for tomorrow and Friday! I get to see my babies and Hazuki on Friday again. So excited and happy and jfbeirfbijkern thinking about it. :)

106. maze

Last weekend, Design Festa vol.38 was happening over at Tokyo Big Sight. Initially, I wanted to go on Saturday but I woke up too late, so I went on Sunday. I had free tickets and didn't want to waste them so I went out on my own. It was easy to get to Hamamatsucho of course, but walking to Hinode Pier from the train station was kind of a hassle because it was about 2km away and I wasn't sure where I was going most of the time.

But somehow, after following the signs, I arrived at the passenger terminal and got my tickets for the ferry. I decided to go by ferry since I've never travelled on water in Tokyo before. It was 360yen one way, so 720yen for a round trip. It was kinda nice to experience something new since I've been here so many times.

And... I didn't know you could take a ferry to Odaiba and Palette town as well!

Venus Fort!

It took about half an hour to get to Big Sight, and again, I just followed the signs to the convention hall. I was amazed at how big Design Festa was! There were two storeys, and an outdoor stage, theatre stage and indoor stage. 

These were some murals at the event, it took me about 2 hours to completely look through everything. Of course, I didn't look at every single damn thing. It was interesting because there was a booth that was selling knives but instead of blades, they put in marble instead. The guy that was buying the "knives" had a cool sense of style, tons of piercings, leather jacket, shaved sides but still, tying his hair in a ponytail. I love going to art conventions because you always see interesting people. Probably why I enjoyed going to art college until it got boring, haha.

Also, at some booths, you aren't allowed to take photos. I saw a guy making really cool animal skull jewellery - and mainly, the jewellery was more of my style, silver, detailed patterns. So I ended up talking to him for a bit. He could speak English a little so I was happy, because he was kinda cute with his long hair tied back, wearing an apron doing his craft. Next to him was a more ~visual~ booth, the guys dressed up in visual kei. 

In the end, the stuff I bought were mostly art pieces. But I was happy since it was cute when some of the girls were really trying to explain to me things in English. I need to brush up my Japanese -_-

Basically, they had art, craft, fashion, sculpture and photography at the event. So I did enjoy myself even if I was alone and lost in a sea of people. It was nice talking to new people and getting some inspiration.

After looking around for over 2 hours, I decided to leave because my legs were getting tired. So, I went to walk around outside the convention halls and saw this!

Pretty cool though, and the bikes and scooters were cute as well. I slowly made my way back to Ariake Terminal to get back to Hamamatsucho. Luckily, I left at the right time, once I stepped onto the platform, the ferry arrived. If I missed it, I would have to wait another hour.

I went straight to Shibuya once arriving at Hamamatsucho, I was craving pasta, so I went to Silkream :), after that it was spending some time at Tower Records and going to 109 men's to get some industrial piercing jewellery. And slowly walked to down to Harajuku because I wanted to get the cardigan at LAD Musician. 

Once I arrived at LAD, I was pretty intimated to even walk in because it was filled with guys. I mean I know already it's a clothing store for guys... so. I walked around for a bit more and just told myself "fuck it" and finally went into the store. The piece that I wanted was still there! I was worried because their A/W line had just came in. The staff was nice enough to help me try on the cardigan that I wanted but actually it's a cape like thing. I love it and the staff that helped me was cute, haha. So I finally decided to buy it since it was the last piece. T__T Why is everything I want always the last piece?

The guy was talking to me about some stuff since he could speak english really well, and he gave me some free stuff too! Yay for free stuff! After that, I walked around Harajuku a little more. I was lazy to go into LaForet and the other shops so I just left for Ikebukuro.

At Ikebukuro, all I wanted to do was go to animate to check out the Shingeki No Kyojin/Attack on Titan merch that baby sis wants. Apparently, all the cute Levi and Mikasa stuff was sold out -__- So, I ended up getting nothing. Plus it was really crowded, so I just decided to go back to my apartment since there was nothing else left to do.

Walking out of animate to the intersection, I bumped into this guy that I thought was cute at the Design Festa. He turned towards my direction as well and saw me while I was walking. I didn't know what to do because I'm such an awkward penguin when it comes to situations like this. >< But in the end, he tapped on my shoulder and started speaking to me in Japanese and I got even more confused and told him I'm not Japanese. I was getting ready to see him walk away when he started speaking english T__T It's not that fluent but I give him credit for trying. So we were at the side of the road talking for a bit about the Design Festa and he's also a struggling artist like me. Haha. So, he asked for my line id and added me and now he's been talking to me about art stuff since Sunday.

It's weird though,  I really don't meet anyone back in Singapore, but here, I feel like I can meet a lot of people. And what are the odds of seeing him at Tokyo Big Sight hours ago and being so far away and bumping into him again at Ikebukuro, later on the same day? I don't know what my life is trying to do to me while I'm in Japan but I'm really enjoying it so far.