End of February

2005/02/28

Today was another day of rehearsals.
I hurried to the studio without bringing along any Giri Chocolates.... But, well, I mustn't gain weight anyway... (I'll leave it at that.)

Together with the band team, I talked about how things were going and learned about what all the other band members have been up to recently. Everyone is incredibly busy, it seems! I'm really glad... Now about the fashion statement of up-and-coming musicians... Whenever I see ikuo-chan, for some reason he always looks very cool (because of his fashion or because of something else...), and I think, 'Ah... I have to get start imitating his fashion sense.'
Because it's an important part of this job, right?

But first, today we'll bring you a shot of Imai-kun....

With My Voice Still on the Mend

2005/02/13

We didn't sing that many songs yesterdays for JAM, but I stretched myself a little too far and, on top of that, talked to much, so now with I'm entering tour rehearsals with my voice still on the mend.
Rehearsals usually take about 4-5 days now, and since it's just the first day and I haven't memorized any of the lyrics yet, I spent the day with the band going over some things.
Since we'll be using the same places as we did for 'ReBirth', I think I'd like to do more with the details (I want to change a few things), such as putting up a set where people enter the concert area, or putting up some sort of display... All of our staff members will be working together to make something.

At one of the 'Olive' events, I was told frankly, 'Um... Okui-san, lately all of the towel songs have been of 'Shuffle', so could you do something different now?', so I've changed it into something new.
Well... every now and then it's good to listen to some of the things that the fans say, right........... (^-^)/
For those of you who are coming, please put all of your heart into learning the moves.
Since, for this song, we'll be making special limited-edition towels...
(I think we'll be able to have a picture of it uploaded soon.)

....Now, if I reveal too many of the details of the live concert, then it'll become boring for those who are coming. I'll leave it at that for now.

Super Robo Fan Appreciation Party

2005/02/12

Today was the Super Robo event.
Since it seems that sales for the game have broken 10 million copies (I don't play video games that much, so I'm oblivious to how amazing that really must be), they decided to have an event for all the fans.
There was an increeeedibly extravagant stage set-up, didn't they.
It seems such a shame that the event is only one day long, I thought, but nevertheless we sang two extremely brand-new songs and our promised repertoire of songs, too.
The fun thing was singing with Aniki (Mizuki Ichirou-san). It was the first time that I and Fuku-chan were able to sing JAM songs with Aniki, so it was very meaningful. Something like, 'Aniki has a particular sound to him, doesn't he,' or something like that.
Long-time JAM fans must love 'this feeling', I think I've come to understand.

...So it was a full day 'HOT' with feelings.

Coming to a Close

2005/02/07

On Feb. 6, we finished the final round of examinations of our 'O-live' applications.
We had applicants from as far away as Kyushu, from high school students to adults, semi-professionals to many different types of raw talent.
Details will be discussed on air and other means, so I won't write it all here, but... Please keep your ears open for any upcoming announcements!
Good luck....

Public Recording Session for Radio Show 'O-live'!!

2005/02/06

It's set--we're going to be holding a public recording session for 'O-live'!! On March 20, 2005. The place will be Yakult Hall in Tokyo.
We're now open for ticket requests!!
Requests by postcard must be postmarked no later than Feb. 25, and requests by letter mail must be postmarked no later than Feb. 28. For more details, please look at the 'O-live' website:
http://www.animelo.tv/olive/

Oh! In a few days, Yonekura Chihiro-san will be coming!
(Not for the public recording.)
Please send us all your questions for Chihii.
We're accepting questions by e-mail on our website.

After that, I'll be guest-appearing, for the first time in a loooonnng while, on Hayashibara Megumi-san's radio show.
Feb. 12 (Sat.) - AM Kobe, 11PM ~ Heartful Station
Feb. 13 (Sun.) - TBS, 12AM ~ Tokyo Boogie Night
...are the times. Please tune in for these, too. (^-^)/

It's That Moment. Yay! Out for Sale.

2005/02/02

Today, 'Dragonfly' came out for sale.
We went through quite a few struggles in order to complete this album, so the emotions contained within are that much greater.
Please, do give it a listen. (^-^)/

A Nerve-Wracking Moment

2005/02/01

My my....
I'm so nervous right now...
Tomorrow is the day that the new album 'Dragonfly' goes out on sale.
There are some people who have already snatched up the album already. First and foremost, everyone, thank you.
That we've been gotten so far as to release an album on evolution is all thanks to you... And it's also thanks to the staff who've been working with me, and to Geneon for working to get it to the stores.... Truly, I'm so grateful.

My stomach is in knots, even more so than I remember it being during my debut. I guess I'm softer than I thought?

Well then, I wonder if you've received the Full-Beat version of the live concert DVD 'GIGS 2004 ReBirth' by now?
Because of my own issues, I made a lot of people worried, didn't I. I'm sorry. But, I'm glad.
Those of you who've watched it, and those of you who will hear 'Dragonfly', everyone please turn in your ticket for the bonus gift.

For some reason, right now I'm still in the middle of writing music.
As well as preparing for the live tour...
Oh..... The concert goodies are very cool.... (>o<)/