Justis

I first attended Justis’s hip hop class on Vesak Day (31 May). Ever since William took leave from February, I have not been attending the classes at B branch. I saw Justis’s name on the schedule sometime in May. I thought “so he is the one who replace William.” Anyway, I gave it a try and attended Justis’s class.

I was a bit taken back when I first saw Justis. He is tall! I think he has a height of about 1.8m. I wonder how his dancing skill is. I have not seen a tall guy (except Keita) dance. My impression of tall guy is that he will not dance well.

To my surprise Justis dances well and he is very lively in class. I really appreciate the fact that he teaches us basic like popping, isolation and even locking. These are the basics that I do not have a chance to learn at Patrick’s classes.

I suspected that Justis is Patrick’s student ever since the first day. Because the warm up he does is same as Patrick. At last I got the chance to talk to him recently and confirmed that he is my 先輩. I started to ask him whether he is teaching at any dance school and where he learnt his dance from. He told me he learnt from everywhere and the one who influenced him most is Patrick (who is also his mentor). He was a bit surprised when I replied “no wonder….” I guess he does not expect me to be Patrick’s student as well. He thought I am in the advance class. Haha. So honored! He asked me how I feel of his class. Of course he is happy that I like his class, but he also expressed concern that some participants feedback that his class is slow. I gave him my piece of advice and he seemed to appreciate it. It was nice chatting with Justis.

Ever since Vesak Day lesson, I have been attending Justis’s class every week. I am glad that he teaches us some basic dance skills in every lesson. I have kind of become his fan. I am also William’s fan. They are my favorite GX.

I was very surprised when Eileen told me that Justis is one of the members in the band who took part in a competition. I did not watch the competition. An unfortunate incident happened to one of the band members recently. No wonder I can sense that Justis is rather depressed recently. Although he is cheerful and creates laugher in class, I can sense that he is unhappy. I started to search for information about him and his band today. I have never thought that he has been through so much since last year. I admire Justis’s will to pursue his dream in the arts, although he knows that he has to sacrifice and become penniless.

I hope Justis will pull through this hurdle and realize his dream. Life has to go on, no matter what happens. Good Luck to you, Justis!

Hip Hop Workshops

西野　武


西田健二

I attend 3 hip hop workshops organized by People’s Association (PA) for these 2 years. Two by Japanese dancers and one by a Korean dancer.

The following is the workshop I attended:

1) 西野　武

The first workshop I attended in 2005 is by 西野さん. Reason for me signing up this workshop was because 西野さん is the choreographer for w-inds song 「キレイだ」 （＾。＾）

The workshop started by showing two videos of w-inds 「キレイだ」and　安室奈美恵　「Say the Word」 (I hope this is the correct song). 西野さん choreographed the dances for these two songs.

西野さん did about half an hour warm up with us and taught us the choreography of his dance. 西野さん is a very patient person. Despite the communication barrier, he tried his best to communicate and teach us. I like his choreography and enjoyed the workshop so much.

At the end of the workshop, 西野さん did a solo dance. Wow, so fantastic!

西野さん was so surprised when Rさん and I know Japanese. We approached him at the end of the workshop and I asked him who dance best in w-inds. He replied 涼平　and 龍一. I asked him further if compare the two of them? He replied龍一! Both Rさん and I looked at each other responded “Yeah!” with a V sign at the same time. It was so funny. 西野さん laughed. Rさん and I did not expect that we will have the same response. I told 西野さん that we attended w-inds concert in Taipei and asked if he will be taking part in w-inds 2006 concerts. Too bad he said no.

西野さん came to Singapore to conduct workshop again in April this year. I could not attend because I was at Japan then. I hope he will come again soon!

2) A workshop by a Korean dancer
I can’t recall his name or the workshop. I remember that he taught us “isolation.” I did not enjoy the workshop though!

3) 西田健二

This is the recent workshop I attended. 西田さん did an hour of warm up with us. Oh gosh, I cannot believe it. His choreography is abit tough and I do not like it as compared to 西野さん choreography. I was rather disappointed that he spent only a short time with us to go through his choreography. I guess it was because he was tired. He has another workshop before us.
　
西田さん was rather responsive in replying to my questions. I can sense that he is quite mischievous. When one of the participants asked whether he can show us his dance skills, the PA staff immediately rejected giving reason that he is too tired. He knew the request from his translator (a quite handsome young man from Japan, looks like mixed blood) and started dancing by only moving a bit of his body and asked what dance we want to see. I popped out the word “ブレキンーグ” (Breaking). He immediately did “breaking.” I think he must be cursing me at heart that I said that. 　

After the workshop I talked to him and asked him what musical he is doing now and whether there is any homepage. He will be doing a musical called Elizabeth next year. This will be the second running for this musical.

I am glad that PA brings in dancers from overseas to conduct workshops. I hope they will continue with this. I will definitely take part in such workshops whenver I can. Looking forward to the next workshop!

17 April – 心斎橋、大阪

Spiderman at 心斎橋


Went to Shinsaibashi today. I wanted to relax today and take my time, so I set off at 11am.

I went to Johnny shop again.. Haha. Just for fun, since I passed by. Aiyo, only few people in the shop! Imagine I got to queue at Tokyo (><) Anyway, bought few photos again.. see if Rose wants it, and also to sell some away and earn pocket money.

I found my way to America Mura (american village). The clothes there are really US style. I like those checked clothes. Very nice.Tempted to buy one but it's a guy shirt. In fact I like guys to wear checked clothes. I think it makes them look natural. I so am very happy that Masha`s wore a checked shirt for this new single.

First time i went to a muscial instrument shop.. I was attracted by the guitars. This shop sells new and used guitars.. wah those electric guitars are so beautiful and attractive. Unlike the ones that Spore has. And the picks they sell, so colorful. It is probably a luxury for music lovers to live in Japan.. so many choices!

I walked around, sightseeing. Ate Takoyaki (delicious) for my lunch, Sat in the small park at America Mura. Quite relax, though got pigeons around me.. haha.

I found a shop (few storeys) selling second hand cds and walked into it. To my surprise, they also sell used concert phamplets and magazines. I started to search for my favourite Masha and w-inds. Wah, they sell Masha`s 3 past concert phamplets and quite alot of BROS newsletters. Well, I have them all anyway.. just want to try my luck to find the old newsletters. Then , I saw Naohito Fujiki 2003 concert phamplet selling at 800yen. Just bought it for Rose and consider about my luggage weight later.

Walked to Dontoburi and found 松竹座. This concert hall held stage plays and concerts. Kan Jani 8 hold their concerts there before. The building is of european structure, quite prominent among all the buildings in Dontoburi. I would like to attend concert here one day.

Went to my favourite Tatsuya and saw display of Masha`s singles and Tokyo Tower novels and relevant books when I stepped in. So happy... I can see him and hear his new song almost everywhere. Then I saw Keita`s pictorial book!!!! Suppose to be out on 19 April. Anyway, just bought it.. it is heavy.. hmm I walked around, looking at cds, listened to Mr Children`s album Home. Decided to buy it. I like Mr Children` s music.. but do not like Sakurai`s voice though.. I had my tea break at Starbucks inside Tsutaya. Ate New York Cheese cake and drank Moca. Chose a seat where I can see Masha`s PV and hear his song.. it was relax to just have a tea break there. Too bad S'pore do not have such an environment. Though Borders have it.. It only have English books and play English songs I suppose.The Moca and Cheese cake are delicious. I do not know why.. it just taste different from the ones in S'pore.. or is it my psychological thinking??

I went to the shop selling idol photos opposite Tsutaya (saw it from Tsutaya). It was located at the 4th floor of the building. The lift was damn old. Anyway, I managed to find Masha`s concert photos there!!! To my surprise! And the press conference photos of the Kose products and other photos as well. When the shop owner told me few of the photos I picked are sold out, I asked him to get from the display shelf. He said Masha is really 人気　and alot of fans come to his shop when he has concerts in Osaka . I told him I am from Singapore, went to his concerts at Matsuyama and have supported him for 12 years. He was shocked! Haha. He asked me whether Masha is famous in S'pore etc. And he was so excited and asked me to wait. Then he brought out a whole basket of Masha`s photos for me to chose. Those photos are not displayed for sale. He only showed to die hard fans like me. Oh gosh, there are photos where Masha played guitar, talked in MC, etc... these photos are taken continuously during concert, so must chose carefully.. only have slight difference. Shall not disclose how much I paid for all the photos.. anyway, I am satisfied and happy with what I bought. 店長　asked me to come to his shop again when Masha has concerts. Haha. He is kind of friendly, unlike the ones at Tokyo. I do not know why, just feel that Kansai people are more friendly, Kanto people are very cold.. er, this exclude my friends at Kanto. Sorry folks if I have offended you.

Shopped for a while before I return to Umeda. Wanted to have my phone charged at the charger boxes at Yodavashi. While my phone is charging, I want to go UNIQLO. And to my horror, I found Jump Shop!!!! Jump is the comic publisher that publishes all the popular comics like slam dunk, dragon ball, prince of tennis, Reborn, Death Notes, One Piece etc. And I found Reborn goods! Different from the ones at Animate. Oh they have the t-shirts and even Tusna`s school uniform and the necklace that identify the Vongola Family. I bought 2 items only. hehe. And friends who like Prince of Tennis, I bet you will get crazy when you enter this shop! So many goods and nice posters. I stayed in the shop for about 30 minutes! Wah, got to collect my mobile phone.

Went for dinner at the same shop called めしや. Got to purchase coupons for the food you want to eat. I like the sanma set and ate it again. Stayed in Kinki Hotel for past 2 times and did not realise this shop sells delicious food till this time round. Bought Mr Children`s album at Tsutaya near hotel and just came back hotel.

Got to take shower and start packing. Time really flies.. my 15 days trip is going to end tomorrow. This is my longest trip so far. I thought I would be homesick, but none at all. My parents got mad at me and　called me last Saturday why I did not call home or email to Wai. Well, dad said need not call them if nothing happen. I am really surprise that I did not miss home at all. Did not think about my dad`s cooking, my bed etc.. and of course work. Well, guess I am really enjoying myself.

I think my trip will not be so fruitful without my friends. Thanks to(name not in order) - Miho and Su for taking your time to meet me, Thanks Miho for lending me the coat and sweater.. Thanks Maki for coming all the way from Saitama and your omiyage, please say big thanks to your mum for Masha`s poster (this poster is really fabulous- travel from Saitama, to Tokyo, to Shikoku, to Osaka, to Spore!), Thanks Noriko san for getting w-inds FC ticket for me and attending the event with me, Thanks Mami for attending Masha`s concerts with me all the way Kobe, getting the tickets for me, chatting with me.. Thanks Nakayama san and Tomoko san for bringing me to see sakura and giving me treats, Tomoko san for lending me the wool jacket, Thanks Kato san for coming all the way from Chiba to meet me and accompany to buy digital dictionary, Thanks Aoki san for chatting with me on the way back to Kochi city, waiting the bus with me, Thanks Sato san and wife for taking care of me when I was at the hostel... Thanks to those whom I have met and talked to unintentionally during the trip...

Thanks to Ryuichi for showing me how good your dance is and giving me the power to continue learning dancing, Thanks Ryohei for showing me how good your dance skills is now and Thanks Keita for your superb singing.

Most important of all, Macho Thanks to Masha who is so thoughtful and asked about overseas fans and said Thanks and Hello to me. Thanks for the fabulous concerts! You have given me good memories that I will never forget! I hope to see you again soon.

Though my this trip ends tomorrow, I am not sad about it and instead bringing with me good memories which I have never experienced before. I am looking forward to the next journey... in Summer - w-inds has announced that they will have concerts starting in July! So Japan, see you again!

16 April – 大阪

Jellyfish
Whale shark caught at Kochi coast
大阪海遊館

I woke up at 6am.. worried that I will miss the 8.11am train..it was drizzling when I left Matsuyama. I do not know if I will come to Matsuyama again, but it has given me good memories. I

t was also drizzling in Osaka. I went to the acquariam, it was good.. but I enjoyed the one at Nagoya more.. maybe coz I like to watch whales and dolphines.. for this one at Osaka, I saw whale shark, which is 5 metres in length!

I was really tired.. shopped at Tempozan. then came back to Osaka. Charged my phone at Yodabshi camera (got to pay!) and went for dinner. I managed to finish the whole bento, boy, I am really hungry. Looked around at Tatsuya and came back hotel at 8.10pm. Catched the first episode of Yama P new drama and SMAPxSMAP. Today SMAP got taiwan F4.. Started writing diary from 11.35pm.. now is 1.45am... I got to sleep....good night!

15 April (Part 2) - 福山雅治コンサート

Masha's concert goods

Message by Masha after the concert


Ah.. the final day has come.. the concert is supposed to start at 5pm. Suzuki Talking FM (Masha`s radio program) was played at the hall.. as usual, I was excited and keep on perspiring before the concert.. I do not know why.. but good coz I need not go toilet.

The concert started at 5.15pm. Before it started, we started doing the big wave on our own. I really like all the audience, everyone is so co-operative. We did it three times and I felt touched!!!

This time, we used my ticket, sat at 22 row, but directly facing the stage.. so I could see Masha more clearly. Oh my god!!!!! I went crazy again.. coz this is is the finale, just use up all my energy!

Masha started to ask about his audience again.. wah, got Hokkaido fans.. and then he asked `日本以外`? I jumped and shouted again “はい~~” with all my energy!! Masha looked at me again and said he did not expect it.. guess what he said then.. `Hello!Hello!` and mumbled something like "Where do you come from?" I replied back `hello.` Oh gosh, I almost fainted!!!

Masha showed us the new photos he took today at Matsuyama city. Around 10plus am, he went to a Udon shop and of coz showed us the photos he took eating the udon. Then within walking distance of about 30second, another udon shop popped up. He ate the same type of udon, tasty. But he said this shop sell it 10yen more expensive than previous one. (^.^)

During the talk, we did that again, same like yesterday - when Masha said “立ち,” we all replied 　“ちょっと,ちょっと,ちょっと” (this is a famous phrase by two twin brother who are comedians ) and did the sign by moving our hands up and down. This is a famous line by one twin comedians. Today we did three times. Masha was impressed how good we did it. Yesterday he was impressed that we know about this. Very funny!

During encore, we did the big waves again, about 3 times. Masha did it with us and he said the wave was beautiful when he looked at it on stage.. I wondered which other fans of other artists will do that?

As usual, there is a photo taking session at the finale concert. Masha took with the band, with the arena audience as backdrop, haha. Then 南スタント audience and 北スタント audience。

Masha thanked the band, the lighting crew, the sound crew etc.　He was worried that he forgot to thank which other crew and asked the staff at the backstage while he stood at the stage. He tried so hard to listen to what the staff said but we shouted his name. So in the end, he said of course there is no need to say that should thank him as well, with a proud look. (^.^) Of course he said it jokingly.

We started clapping and shouting name non-stop. Masha started to feel in a difficult position and asked aren’t we hungry? Tired? Do not want to go home? We simply replied “No.” (^.^)/ He then asked what time it was.. coz he was worried that we will miss the train. In the end, he could not resist us and sang 桜坂. when he did the intro with his guitar, he was so concentrated on it. One child sang something quite loudly, all of us laughed.Masha then realised something happened and asked us what happened, with a blur and worried look. Haha.. we all said “大丈夫”　and assured him. He asked if he can play the guitar and sing the song! Of course we said “Ok” and he did the intro again, and finally sang the last song for us. Before he went off, he blow all of us 3 big kisses to each side of the audience (yesterday only once at arena).　

Oh yesterday concert ended around 9.50pm (6.15-9.50, 3 hour 35min). Today, it ended at 9pm (3hour 45min). It was long, but fun. I cant bear to see him go as do not know when I will see him again. But I am sure Masha will be singing for us for quite sometime. He did mentioned that it was really good for him to do this job, feeling the support from his fans, although he has not thought that he will stay in this job for long. I am really grateful to Masha for bringing such nice songs.. if without him, I do not know what does talent means.. and I would not have realised how it is to like a person for such a long time.. Thanks Masha!

Mami has to rush for train and she has to worked on the next day. I took the last train instead. It was fantastic that JR actually implemented more trains to cater for this concert. When I walked at the shopping streets, I could see people holding Masha`s concert bags, I could hear his songs everywhere...his new single posters, displayed along the streets.. it was a 祭り　as what Masha has mentioned.

I passed a memo to the staff for him to pass to Masha, I hope he reads it. Lucky me, I got to write the memo on the blank sheet given by the staff and took photo of it. Though it did not appear on the staff blog, I think Masha will read all the memos from the fans.

It was great to attend Masha`s concerts.. he is someone who is in my heart for 12 years.　Unbelievable！Ｔhe feeling for him will still continue... See you again, Masha!

Song list for concert
1. 虹
2. IN MY HEART
3. MESSAGE
4. 美しき花
5. IN THE CITY
6. COOL
7. 東京
8. milk tea
9. BEAUTIFUL DAY
10. あの夏も 海も 空も
11. Sandy
12. FREEDOM
13. Peach!!
14. HEAVEN
15. 追憶の雨の中
16. LOVE TRAIN
17. THE EDGE OF CHAOS ～愛の一撃～
18. RED×BLUE
19. 東京にもあったんだ

En1. もっとそばにきて
En2. 無敵のキミ
En3. HELLO

Special アンコール
約束の丘
桜坂（アコースティックVer.）

15 April (Part 1) – 道後温泉

道後温泉

Today is Mami`s birthday... Happy Birthday!

We went to 道後温泉 the oldest onsen in Japan. The place is rather commercialised I feel.. quite ok though..the onsen was relax.. but too relax that I felt so sleepy after it.

We wanted to search for the shop “Duet” but cannot find it. In the end, we ate “Chanpon” in one small restaurant, It was differnt from Nagaski Chanpon, but nice.. I like the vegetables. I still prefer Nagasaki chanpon though. We went back to hotel to wash my face before concert. Too sleepy!

14 April (Part 2) - 福山雅治のコンサート

愛媛県武道館

Today we used Mami's tickets. We sat at the left side of the stage, 18 row. It was a bit far from the stage though...

All the audience started clapping at 6pm. The concert is supposed to start at 6pm, but it started at 6.15pm instead. The clapping continued for 15min, till the concert started.

Masha finally came out, and started singing 虹　(Niji - theme song for drama Waterboys) Oh my gosh, this is the first time I see Masha clearly on stage... of coz I went bonkers!

After singing a few songs, Masha started his talk. He first asked, as usual, where did the audience came from. Shikoku, Kanto, Kyushu etc.. and I did not expect him to ask overseas.. but his question.. 海外? popped up. I immediately jumped, waved and shouted `はい～. Oh god, the whole hall is full of my voice. The hall is so unique that it has a unique structure like a house and the echo is super big (it was meant to build for sports event like judo competition etc). There is only about 5500 audiences in the hall. The arena seats only about 2500 - 3000 seats. This is the smallest hall Masha has for this concert tour. Masha was surprised and looked at me and said ありがとう (thank you). He said he did not expect it... Oh gosh, this was a dream.. a dream that has lasted for 12 years... I cannot believe this has happened to me...

Masha started to sing again. His voice is super good now, that he has quitted smoking few years back. The way he played guitar, reminds me of Eric Clapton. Masha enjoyed so much on stage. And I am really happy to see that!

Masha asked again about the audience, who came for his concert first time and who came before. Then he said he is very 優しい and the lights when dim and spot light shine on him, before he asked which age group his audiences were from. He asked 十代,　二十代 (age group of 20plus) and then he said..ok, should stop here. (^.^)

Masha showed us photos taken at his tour around Matsuyama. He went to Laforet Harajuku Matsuyama (he does not understand why there is a Harajuku name in this building) and went to Tower Record to check his cds. Then he went to bookshop to check his photo book. And found... in front of his books (10 books in total), Tacky and Tsubasa’s calender was displayed!!! Hahaha.. we all laughed like mad. I saw this at the bookshop yesterday, but too bad did not meet him. He also went to a restaurant called “Duet”, and ate spaghetti. Of course he showed us the spaghetti was delicious, by showing a photo taken of his facial expression how good the spagetti tasted. Surprising the woman who sat in the next table did not realised it was him. He said only those who are interested in him are at the hall right now. So to conclude, he promotes his single again and his books.. he said we should buy his book so that TnT calender will not be displayed in front of his book (coz number decrease, it cannot hold the TnT calender).

I really enjoyed Masha`s concert.. clapped, danced and sang along with him.

During his talk, we did the big wave.. Masha gave us the instructions which side to start first. We did it three times and during encore did it again and even sang “Heart” along with the music (this music is always played at the end of his concerts) Of course the clapping continued again and again.. non stopped. Masha was touched. When he asked aren’t our hands painful, we replied no. When he said our voice are really loud coz of the echo, we shouted more..(^.^) He enjoyed this kind of conversation with us, and we enjoyed too!

When Masha sang [東京にもあったんだ] I tried to control my tears. I was really touched to hear him sang “live”. Songs like `Sandy` and `Freedom` were written because of the sad news he heard happening around the world. I am really impressed by the way how he could write his lyrics so heart warming and touching... 

Before the double encore started, the music of 'Heart' was broadcasted. The audience started to sing 'Heart' along with the music! I joined in too. Masha was touched and can see his eyes a bit teary. He said something like "you all didn't sing properly, I will do it." And he sang 'Heart' in the encore. 

Although Masha said there is still another concert tomorrow, we simply do not care and went crazy! All the shouts of his name “Masha”, claps, big waves.. It was tremendous. Masha`s fans are simply incredible. We do not need pen lights nor any other things, just to show him our love for him by cheering for him. He asked are we always that 元気 or just because of him that we are元気. He said is not that 元気　normally, only on stage... Ah, tomorrow is the finale.. one more day to enjoy with Masha!

Mami and I rushed back to hotel, wanted to catch “All Night Nippon.” Luckily we managed to tune to it. But both Mami and I fell asleep almost in the half part of the programme. We were just too tired.

I managed to catch a programme where Masha appeared. He sang a few songs and had a short interview. Lucky! Although sleepy but I managed t to watch the whole program. So did Mami!
Song list at concert
1. 虹
2. IN MY HEART
3. MESSAGE
4. 美しき花
5. IN THE CITY
6. COOL
7. 東京
8. milk tea
9. BEAUTIFUL DAY
10. あの夏も 海も 空も
11. Sandy
12. FREEDOM
13. Peach!!
14. HEAVEN
15. 追憶の雨の中
16. LOVE TRAIN
17. THE EDGE OF CHAOS ～愛の一撃～
18. RED×BLUE
19. 東京にもあったんだ

En1. もっとそばにきて
En2. 無敵のキミ
En3. HELLO

Special アンコール
HEART
桜坂（アコースティックVer.）

14 April (Part 1) - 松山城

松山城

I am so glad to meet Mami again. She came all the way from Kobe for Masha`s concerts. We went to 松山城　(Matsuyama castle). The sky today was so so blue. I have never seen such a beautiful sky! The weather was cool. ああ、気持ち！

Oh ya, we took the cable to松山城. The cable is just a chair by itself and it moves uphill. It was exciting to take the cable!

Mami and I chatted at the small park/area outside the castle. It was the first time we had such a long chat, of our jobs, our views of life etc.. We enjoyed the castle tour too. One funny incident was when I asked a Caucasian to take photo for us, he said I speak good English. Haha. I told him I am not an Japanese. Finally... the big moment has come.. Masha`s concert.