Moon Kana at Tune in Tokyo Live Report

Night 1

Making her first US appearance, gothic Lolita model and singer Moon Kana (ムーン香奈), along with guest artist DJ SiSeN, arrived for a signing at the Cure Shop in Little Tokyo, on April 1^st. Afterward from the signing event, both artist’s attended the Tune in Tokyo concert, the first J-pop, J-rock dance club in Los Angeles at the 2^nd Street Jazz bar in Little Tokyo.DJ SiSeN, marking his first time to perform solo for the dance club after making previous visits. On the following night, a concert at the Bootleg Theater, located at the Historic Filipino Town and home of the last played concert back in January by GPKISM and DJ SiSeN. All together, it made an interesting night full of firsts.

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Tune in Tokyo, the dance club I often went from time to time and when I first acknowledge that they would not hold an event on their traditional third week of the month, I was bewildered on why they would do that? There were many ideas I posed on what could make sense, but turns out that a there was going to be guest appearance from a Japanese singer, from Japan. Moon Kana, I vaguely recall that name during the time checking out the gothic Lolita scene, but I never heard her music. However, DJ SiSeN, I heard of him a few times and I am hoping that he will be as fun as he always was.

That night of April Fools’ Day, I headed out to Cure Shop in Little Tokyo. I arrived at my destination a little bit before 8pm and there were a few people scattered around the area and a few people making their way out from Anime Jungle.(Keep note that the Cure Shop is a section within Anime Jungle store) Checking back within the hour, more and more people were lining up and each of the fans lining up wore nice looking Lolita dresses and of course come cyberpunk. I thought it was very elegant that somehow cyberpunk style and Lolita style can be in one place in harmony. By 9pm, the line started to enter the Cure Shop to meet DJ SiSeN and Moon Kana.

Most of the merchandise being sold that night was Moon Kana’s. Only thing I could find from DJ SiSeN was the cute and colorful drawn picture version of him. For Moon Kana, most of her stuff consisted of her albums, including her new album MOON DRAGON, US Bunny LIVE sticker and button, Moon Usagi T-shirt and a poster of Moon Kana. Along with any purchase, you get a small poster of Moon Kana. While waiting in the line, Moon Kana’s previous album (月の兎) was playing through the speakers of the store. I got my first taste of her music and I really loved it. Even though I purchased her new album, I was considering on getting the previous one, maybe down the road I’ll buy it. Anyway, I was grooving to her music while waiting to meet both Moon Kana and DJ SiSeN when I saw Moon Kana appear and she was adorable! She looked like a human bunny in the bunny costume and I could not help but clutch my fist to my mouth to avoid yelling out something stupid.

When it was time for me to meet both artists, I knew I what I was going to say. I made my way to talk to DJ SiSeN and I was able to talk to him in Japanese. From what I recall, I said “Nice to meet you again” and “You are still cool guy.” However, when I faced Moon Kana, I lost on what I wanted to say and ended up saying “かわいい！” (Kawaii!) then faced SiSeN. There was more on what I wanted to say, but after messing up, I felt defeated on another attempt. After that, ended up thanking them for being here and left. I was a bit embarrassed, but I held my ground of not blushing to the extreme.

Afterward, I met with many of the fans, talking about their experience and about Moon Kana music. Of course no one can ignore SiSeN. This is his second appearance to the Cure Shop this year and I do hope that he shows up again, he is such a fun guy to hang out with. Later on, I headed my way to the Tune in Tokyo club and do what I do: hang out, talk, drink, and dance. I have discussed about Tune in Tokyo previously and even encouraged a few times on my blog about going there. This time, the music they played was really superb and I really must thank “Don’t feed the DJ” for her work. Most of the stuff she played was not hardcore Asian influenced music, but a whole variety of different music including a remix of the Super Mario Bros. Tune in Tokyo, by this point, cleverly played each song perfectly. It was like they knew which songs would complement each other and was planned ahead of time. Kudos!

12:40a.m., SiSeN arrives along with Moon Kana and still a group of people on the dance floor. I was not sure if I missed it earlier, but he was wearing a purple Teletubbie. By 12:49, SiSeN, with pants ever so low made his way to the DJ Table and began the night of his music blaring out of the speakers. But then, Moon Kana arrived on the stage and had something to say. In her ever cute voice, she spoke in English. She said: “Hi everyone!” and everyone said “Hi” back. She then continued “My name is Moon Kana. Tomorrow is my concert.” Crowd cheered. Moon Kana then said that she was happy to be here and thanked us. “See you tomorrow!” and yes, a lot of us will be there tomorrow. A little bit more of DJ SiSeN’s DJing, and he handed out candy to the audience while bumping to his beats. Then on, Tune in Tokyo ended another successful night. What’s left? Unless the night / day is still young, then head out and probably hit another bar or probably head over to a karaoke joint that would be open, but for me, it was time to head back and rest. The live later on and I needed to be energized so I can enjoy the concert.

Night 2

This is my first time to the Bootleg Theater after missing out from the previous concert of GPKISM and DJ SiSeN.. After getting lost a bit, I made my way there. What threw me off from getting there was the construction of the divider in the middle of the street. When I arrived, there was a group of devoted fans waiting in front of the theater. Out of all the venues I attended, when it comes to appearances from the outside, I would say that Bootleg Theatre was as impressive. Then again, the point of a venue is inside rather than outside. Past 10pm, doors opened. Looking inside the venue, it reminded me of a warehouse and somehow, gives me the strong impression and atmosphere of The Knitting Factory. Of course this is my second time of referencing The Knitting Factory, but this time, I mean it. Anyway, there was not much to see other than there was an abandon functional piano, a stage with DJ equipment and a toy bunny on the stage and lastly, a bar with the neon sign that reads “COCKTAILS.” Just like the line from the other night, Lolita dresses were seen all over the venue once again and a few cyberpunks made their appearance.

11:05pm, Bunny LIVE started and DJ SiSeN arrived on stage and started playing his music. He did not start with his hard stuff, but more of a great mix of electronic beat with mix of old school ’50 America mixes, it was awesome. DJ SiSeN is also known for giving out sweet candy and also some fan service. Tonight was mostly candy and sweet stuff from Japan. We danced to the beats and the fans right in the front of the stage sure has a ton of fan service. On the right side, two guys: one was a guy wearing short underwear and another guy wearing green wire, leaving his top expose. Other side were two females, one of which was Vamp Stars own sexy kitten and another sexy gal next to her. If that was not odd enough, SiSeN has been in front of the stage some of the time, “knighting” the fans by his staff of pinkish purple fluff. I thought it was a cleaning stick, but no matter. Candy thrown around, stage dancers showing off their moves, and somehow, Moon Kana, wearing her blue and white getup that can be recognized from her poster made her way up the stage. I didn’t know what was going on.

I heard earlier from some of the crew members that SiSeN and Kana will be alternating on the stage. When Kana arrived on stage, it still confused me, maybe a duet? Maybe Kana knows how to spin some beats? My head popped in full of ideas, but as lame as my ideas were, reality kicked in and before long, Moon Kana started her music and enlightened the audience.

Thankfully, I listen to her album before the concert and I had a firm grasp on the lyrics and style. I listened her music when I was in a car ride with a friend and while listening to it, he remarked that the music reminded of a little girl singing and we both agreed that her music is certainly for a specific audience. I thought I was used to her voice, but when she played her first music, instead of noting down the song, I was fully confident that I would remember since I wanted to join in the festivities. I apologize for not noting down the first song. Second song, Bunny Dragon, sweet and cute, but not as cute as the next song Neko Punch which really punched things along very well. I’m quite amazed on her performance. Although the songs beforehand were great, my personal favorite music from her was the next song, Dragon Matsuri. One thing that strikes me about Dragon Matsuri was that the song was cute and catchy, but the background was more of a mix of traditional Japanese music with sort of a dark sound. Also, she did some fan service as well.

Next up was SiSeN’s turn and when I thought the fan service was enough, the level was escalated to the point it would if a concert was held in a local house party and the parents were away; replace liquor with candy and stereo system with a live band. No nudity, but plenty fan service. Anyway, there was mouth to mouth candy sharing; candy shots from many body parts and plenty of fun in between. It was certainly an event to experience. I was standing on the right side of the stage where the male dancers were and this was one of the few times where my position in front of the stage was irritating mainly because I wanted to take candy body shots from one of the lovely stage dancing ladies. Although I missed my shot, I certainly had fun. Somehow, I caught a candy. If anyone recalls that live report of Polysics when I thought DJ SiSeN would have been better than the third band, I would stand corrected: it would have been hilarious! He played more electronic style more than hardcore that night. However, it was still splendid.

Switch the tables; it is Moon Kana’s turn again! She now comes up with the same getup that she had the night before at the Cure Shop: a nice while bunny costume that is way too adorable! Again, I tried so hard from yelling out something stupid, but there were a few audience members that yelled “かわいい” for me. Anyway, she played very well. In addition, we were introduced to the bunny on stage and the bunny’s name is “Dragon.” One thing that stood out the whole night was when she pulled her bunny skirt up to reveal what was supposed to be a bunny tail, but it was a bunny face! What a twist, right? What really made it stand out when she was singing to the lyrics, she posed her cute bunny face to the audience and sang “キスを” and if she wanted her bunny to be kissed! I was shocked and awed at the same time. Even typing out this live report or even listening to that track, I cannot think about that night without thinking about the “キスを.” I keep picturing that image. Before you know it, Greg went up to the stage, congratulated the attendees and then the concert ended and no encore played. Checking on the time, I can understand.

Prior to the concert, merchandise was on sale and still was after the concert. I wanted to purchase a bunny, but it cost $50 and I did not have the cash. Limited on the location and no knowledge of where the nearest ATM, I was unable to preorder one. I wanted in line to meet SiSeN and Kana again and had SiSeN sign my candy that I obtained earlier. I headed to Kana and got signed that small poster. I told her that Dragon Matsuri was by far my favorite song. She appreciated it. Then I ended up taking to various people including this biker guy wearing cat ears.

Earlier, this biker guy arrived at the Bootleg in a taxi. At first, I did know what to think of him mainly I often do not see “biker types” attending these types of events. Then he put on his pink cat ears and I was amazed. I was able to talk to him after the concert. His name Neil, proudly wearing a Sailor Moon shirt, resided in Northern California, arrived to this concert. He is quite a friendly fellow, attending cons and other festivities and a collector plus fan of Sailor Moon. Before heading out, he preordered a bunny from the catalog and taken a picture. I’m pretty sure that Kana reviews this night, he would be remembered. I said fare ware to him and soon after, I also left.

Overall, the experience was full of “firsts”: Tune in Tokyo changed their traditional schedule to accommodate a guest from Japan, which is a first which then assisted on the Cure Shop signing event and concert. For me, instead of arriving to the event and scanning through the line for people I know, I secretly headed to the back of the line, was able to talk to the guest artist in Japanese with less fumble than usual. Another first would be the fans. Going to concerts, both Asian and non-Asian, I see a lot of different people and usually it is a diverse crowd. On this concert, it seem to be more concentrated to the Lolita and SiSeN crowd at first glance, but when digging in, you see that it is still a various crowd and a few surprises. Later in the week, I went back to the Cure Shop and saw that all of Moon Kana’s albums are being sold which is autographed. It was all another adventure into the realm of J-rock goodness.