Finally, here is my post on Kamijo's 20th Anniversary Live in London - I'm hesitant to say report as it's more of a personal entry. I know the concert was over 6 weeks ago now, but for various reasons I really couldn't post this any earlier. Thank you for your understanding.
***
I had risen early that day, in order to have sufficient time to get ready. I needed enough time to make myself beautiful.
Would three hours be enough?
Haha. Well, I do not think I spent quite that long in reality. But I always make sure to allow myself extra time before big events, incase of any mishaps. As they are wont to happen when all must be perfect.
Perfection. Was that all I sought? Well truly, I must confess that in others I find perfection in their flaws. But as for myself...
All must be beautiful.
My hair took about 1 hour to fully curl. My make-up, about 25 minutes. I'm not sure. I had done the full face, eyelashes, glitter and a touch of red on the lips. Of course I wore lolita. But since I was going to a concert, I didn't want to wear my brand, for fear of it getting spoiled. I donned a handmade dress that I had finished a few days before. Red of course. It is my favourite colour if you didn't know already.
And then it was off to the train station.
We arrived at the concert venue sometime before the doors were to open. I can't remember exactly when, but my mother says it was just after three, so I'll go with that. We spent the wait talking with other fans. I think I seemed much younger than my years to others. Especially because I was there with my mother. I am used to this, but sometimes it creates a troubling situation. I know I cannot be helped, but still...
Frustrating.
I was glad to talk to other fans. All were so sweet and kind, thank you. I think that day I met those who may be some of the most loveliest people.
We were let into the venue in groups of no more than 25. There were just under 100 of us in all. My mother and I were in the second group. When all 'VIP' ticket-holders were safely inside the venue, his lordship (or perhaps now I should say 'his grace' xD) entered near the stage.
Simply beautiful.
When the first set of fans went to meet him, I went to the merchandise. I was glad that there was a nice variety of goods. I bought a t-shirt.
Yes, that is the guitar pick of the darling I am always holding close. Matches well with Sunshine don't you think?
And then it was time to meet Prince. I had for him a present, and a letter written in Japanese. My Japanese is still not great but it was all my own words and my own heart. I was prepared. I was ready. I WAS, until a staff member told me I needed to be quick.
Now, I already knew beforehand that my time with Kamijo would be very limited. But being told something that was already very obvious and apparent knowledge, did not add to my experience in the slightest. I felt rushed and unsettled by these words and thus I forfeited all hope of behaving in a way as that befits the nature of a lady. I left all grace and eloquence behind. I even think my kindness, which I have only just enough of at the best of times, was scant.
It does not matter what I did or said, only that I acted as a foolish half-wit, and those virtues I had left in the dirt were returned tenfold by Sunshine.
I confess that I was somewhat tearful that evening. Not in front of Kamijo, for I did not loose all sense of propriety as to do that. It was important that he did not see my tears. I do not want any cause for him to be unhappy.
I was really silly for crying. I had met Prince, that must be happiness enough. I can not permit myself such selfishness. But being greeted with such beauty makes the wait for the other so much more unbearable. Does not the goodness of one give hope that the same goodness will be found in the other? I think so. I know so. I hope so. And back then in March I had no comfort in knowing what I would be doing at the end of May.
With my whole heart I wish for their happiness. And verily, I will not forsake them. Not now. Not ever.
If I look back, I am lost.
By the time the concert came to start I had mostly regained my composure. What was left of me collected and I feel I had enough of the Princess Adélaide within me to behave at least respectfully, if a little quiet.
As for the live itself, well I do not remember exactly what Kamijo sung and when, sorry. Perhaps I should have made a better note of it. I do not pay much attention to technicalities such as set lists I'm afraid. But I do know that he sung with such passion, his voice being both powerful and beautiful. I really think he performs his music and does not simply just sing it. He is quite the artist, flowing from one song to the other, and it was nice to see how he transforms to suit the different feelings of each song, yet still retains his fair spirit. Ever the theatrical, it made me smile to see him dancing about the stage, and he took the time to make eye contact with everyone, his performance filled with such joy. Joy, yes there was much joy in it. His performance is so full of love, that one cannot help enjoying theirselves.
The setup of the stage meant the drummer, Maoki, was off-centre, which meant I was able to see his cuteness very well indeed. Meku is very talented and I was very glad to see Masashi. I think someone else was glad he was there too. I feel all three played very well indeed.
Thank you for coming to London dear Prince. I'll see you again soon.
But for now...
I have a Princess to get to.
Take care dear roses.
