EXILE

EXILE

Third row from left to right: Akira, Makidai, Usa
Second row from left to right: Hiro and Matsu
First row from left to right: Atsushi and Takahiro

I watched EXILE 2007 concert “Evolution” past few days and gosh, I enjoyed it so much! I was so happy that I bought the concert dvd.

Despite of Shun’s departure, Atsushi’s operation and Matsu’s eye condition worsen in 2006, EXILE is still so powerful. With the two new members – Akira and Takahiro, the new EXILE projects a stronger charisma.

EXILE hold a “EXILE Vocal Battle Audition” in 2006 to find a vocalist to replace Shun. The audition was so popular and attracted over 10 thousand people to take part in the competition. Takahiro won the battle and I wondered why EXILE members chose him because his image does not fit into the usual EXILE. After watching the concert, I realized the reason. Takahiro has his own style and managed to blend and shine within EXILE. I kind of like Takahiro after watching the concert and a few variety programs. He is a straight forward guy, a typical 九州男児 (Takahiro is born in 長崎).

I started to like EXILE in early 2005. That was after I bought their "Single Best" album. I was attracted to their songs when I watched their best album CM in Japan. My dad actually commented that all EXILE members looked like gangsters. >-< I defended them by saying their songs and voices are good.

I simply love Atsushi’s voice. Masha’s voice is the number one in my heart, and then followed by Atsushi’s voice. Atsushi has such good voice and singing skills. Atsushi actually took part in “ASAYAN” competition but he did not win it (Both Chemistry won the competition). Hiro spotted Atsushi and invited him to join EXILE. I am so glad that Atsushi joined EXILE. Atsushi はやっぱりEXILEの感じですね .

Although Atsushi looks is not outstanding, and even look like a gangster, I simply cannot resist to his charm. I was rather shocked to see Atsushi cried in EXILE 2005 concert and in a program when he talked about his worries of being a burden to EXILE because of his voice pulp operation in 2006. Atsushi is so considerate and 優しい.

I like the new EXILE and I hope they will continue to shine. I really wish that I can attend their concert one day. I will wait for that day to come…

おめてどう！

I read from news today that 青木さやかさん (34) has got married! Congratulations! Her husband is a 31 year old dancer and they got together for half a year before they decided to get married.

青木さん’s comments on her marriage「私と生涯を共にしようと思ってくれた奇特な方を大切にしなくてはと思っています。一言でいうならば、『ラッキー』です。できるかぎり、持続させるよう頑張ります」(It doesn’t need any special way to spend the rest of my life with me. One way to say is that “Lucky.” I will do my best to maintain this marriage.)

Both 青木さん and I have the same birthdate! I like青木さん and her style of hosting the programme has attracted me. It is very difficult for a Japan female comedian to get married. I felt happy for青木さん.

「青木さん, お結婚はおめてどうございます！お幸せに！」

東野圭吾 - 『探偵ガリレオ』

I spent about 3 weeks to finish reading 『探偵ガリレオ』 novel. The novel consists of the following chapters/stories:

第一章
燃える(もえる)

第二章
転写る(うつる)

第三章
壊死る(くわる)

第四章
爆ぜる(はぜる)

第五章
離脱る(ぬける)

This is the first time I read a Japanese novel. I enjoyed reading this novel so much and I like the lead 湯川学. I have begin to like 東野圭吾さん's works. To my surprise, I can understand most of the words in the novel, even some of the physics term. This is of course with the some help from my electronic dictionary.

The chapters I enjoyed most are燃える, 壞 死る and 爆ぜる. The most difficult to understand chapter is 転写る. Mainly is because of the physics theory in the explanation of the case.

Actually if not because of Masha, I will not have read this novel. Masha is playing the role of 湯川学 and this ガリレオ drama is showing this autumn (started yesterday, 15 Oct).

I have bought the next 探偵ガリレオ series 『予知夢』(よちむ) and have started reading it. I am looking forward to finish this novel and watch Masha’s drama.
　

傷

I wonder why I was so bad luck yesterday. I sprained my wrist while I did bodypump yesterday because of a wrong posture. I sprained my ankle by stepping into a hole while I cross the road. Arghh... Both areas are still painful today. Especially my ankle.

I have to probably skip my hip hop lesson tomorrow. Need to rest so that I can take the lesson on Friday. Sob sob.

13 October 2007 - First medclub outing

Medclub members

Our first medclub outing was held last Saturday. We started our photo outing around 9.10am and went to LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Arts Museum. We spent sometime at LASALLE and the sky was dark. It started drizzling, and in the end raining heavily.

We went to a eatery house to take shelter and the rest took their breakfast. We chatted and joked. The rain finally stopped after raining for almost half an hour. When we started to proceed to our next destination, it rained heavily again. So we took cover outside one small hotel. We were so bored that some of them took pictures and chatted. In the end we ran under the rain to the Arts Museum and spent an hour or so to take photos there.

I was tired by almost 12 noon. I guess tired of waiting and I did not have the mood to take photos. I prefer to take photos while on overseas trip and probably alone.

This outing was fun though. We have the chance to talk and share views. So I will still look forward to the next outing.

9 September 2007 - Shopping!!!

Our shabu-shabu lunch at Shinsaibashi


Oceanlane's songs are nice

Today we just spent our whole day shopping. First went Shinsaibashi. I went to Johnny shop to help friends to buy photos while Perina shopped on her own. Oh gosh, the place is under renovation and the photos were displayed in a small area. It was so crowded and everyone just squeezed like sardine, including me. I was wondering, what the hack am I there since I do not even like any of the artists. Sigh... choosing the photos for friends become a burden to me at that moment. Worse still is I forgot that I got to fill up one form for each group of artists. So imagine I got to fill up the form again, searching for the right photo again.... arghhh. This is a stupid system, they should just use different numbers for all the artists instead of using same number. I wonder why I cannot remember this rule.. perhaps coz not my favourite artists. Anyway, I will feel satisfied when friends complimented me on the photos I chose. That is the only satisfaction I got.

Met up with Perina again, after the 1.5 hour photo buying, then went to Tatsuya to shop on our own again. I managed to buy one album by Oceanlane. Actually I do not know this group at all. The vocal is a Japanese but sing good English, and band members are caucasians but speak good japanese. They sing in English. The songs are rather nice, just like Beatles songs.

Then I went to the uncle shop that sells artists photos opposite Tatsuya. Uncle recognised me but said Masha photos taken at All Night Nippon concert only arrives on 22 Sep!!! Sob sob. He apologies and asked me to come again next year, if I come Osaka again. He thanked me for visiting his shop again. I really like his sincerity. I managed to buy Ryuichi and Ryohei photos. Also bought some other artists photos for friends.

Met up with Perina again, walked around at Shinsaibashi for a while before we head to Namba coz I want to make spectacles at Zoff. Finally found Zoff after some searching, got to make specs. Quite satisfied with what I want. Came back to Umeda again, shopped at ABC mart to get shoes for dancing. And I bought 2! New Balance and Adiddas! Oh gosh, it is the first time I bought Addidas. Anyway, I like the color and I of course like my NB shoes.

Then went to Jump again, Yodabashi camera and Comme Ca. Tried out the baby G and think I will buy it tomorrow.

Took our dinner at a conveyer belt sushi and just came back to hotel. Got to start calling friends and packing. And drink my sake and beer before I leave for Singapore tomorrow.

By the way, I forgot to add: Perina bought a magazine on host on the day we arrive in Osaka. Haha. The auntie at the shop looked at her when she bought it. The magazine was cheap, just that she is curious to look at it. The hosts photos are really so so. Not fantastic at all.

Yesterday w-inds concert ended at 7.10pm. Very early! I am still thinking about the concert.... I can see them so closely and it did not seem real to me.

Today is the almost end of my trip this time. Time really flies. I am glad that I have experienced som many different things this time. Thanks to all my friends, not in particular order - Noriko san, Mami, Miho, Maki, Su and Naemura san, 橘舞 . Thanks to 梅林さん and all the staff at ばんらい. Those whom I have spoken to during my trip...

Of course I must thank w-inds for their great performance. Thanks Ryuichi for showing me his guitar skill, his talks, his charisma... thanks Ryohei for his good dance, his interesting talk at Budokan. Thanks Keita for his superb singing, showing off his body. Haha. I really hope to see the 3 of them in Taipei in November. All the best to your concert on 9/24 at Budokan,.

Most important of all, thanks Masha! Thank you for having the photo exhibition at Tottori so that I can escape from the typhoon. Thank you for the good photos and the good memory that I have at Yonago andTottori. Please do take care and do not tired yourself too much. Hope to see you in your concert probably next year.

Well, I think I will come back to Japan next year... Japan, see you again next year then. じゃ,またね!

8 September 2007- w-inds concert at 大阪城ホール

We went Comme Ca and Yodabayashi camera to get some stuff before meeting Mami for lunch. It was nice meeting Mami again, after a 4mth break. She looks same, but tired. I hope she can rest well and relax more.

Reached 大阪城ホール around 3.30pm. A taiwan girl, 橘舞 whom I know from her blog called me. We finally managed to meet up, after talking on the phone and trying to locate each other. We were just standing near to each other.Haha.

Entered concert hall and rested for a while. Went toliet luckily no queue, then I did some stretching. Felt better after the stretch.

The concert was supposed to start at 5pm but started at 5.20pm instead, I sat at the left side of the stage, really the left, so I could only see w-inds side view. But I sat at 10th row, so I can see them really close, especially they walked to the walk way to my side. To me, it is ok not to see them perform from the centre since I have seen it twice before. But am still shocked at the seat I got. Anyway, I could see them really clearly, except sometimes the curtains blocked my view when they were at the second floor.

Ryuichi tried to talk lively at the concert. During the MC, he wanted Keita to talk, but Keita and Ryohei just drink water at the stage and ignore him. Ryuichi has to walked back to the centre of the stage and started to talk coz no one is on stage. Poor Ryu chan. Ryuichi talked about him eating yakiniku at Osaka, though nothing associated with Osaka. Talked about curry, he liked to eat hokkaido curry. I got to hear from 橘舞 that Ryuichi said he eat curry and then passed out at the same time. Haha.

The 3 of them looked so tired. Seems like they reached Osaka today, from Tokyo. So they didn’t talked much today. Though Ryuichi tried so hard to crack jokes. He even imitate King Kong dance steps. The 3 of them. Keita even imitate the opera singer and sang the song again. But stopped by Ryuichi as he said this is not the right time. They tried so hard but seems like the audience do not appreciate it. Ryuichi gave up and said they should just start to sing again. There was even a time when the 3 of them said they should stop and just took a deep breath, and tried to act serious. Perhaps Osaka fans do not find their talks funny. But when it come to singing, all the fans actually sing loudly. Like singing the song Devil - heart is complicated I am guilty etc. So loud. I can really hear it clearly. Ryohei was so pleased and smiled when dancing.

The MC today was really short! They did not talk as much in Tokyo. Only promote their vol. work 6. Though can see they are in high tension. Ryuichi even took the camera and filmed the audiences. He played the guitar again when singing Fire flower. Even took the spot light to shine on the audience. He even tried to pull out the guitar wire. Ryohei did the breaking, back turn in the walkway at my side. So cool! Keita even went down to the stage and ran to the audience at first row, put the mic in the air, and let the fans sing. He ran to the right hand side of stage and then ran back, with his hands showing out, and tapped to the fans hands. Wow! Some fans who sat at the first row of both sides even shook hand with him. Really near!

Oh there was a scene when Keita was singing, facing the audience. Ryuichi stood behind facing the stage and Ryohei. Ryohei stood in front of Ryuichi. Ryuichi just showed the expression that he wanted to kiss Ryohei! Hahaha. I guess not many people see it. It was not captured on screen. Luckily I sat at side and got to see it.

On the whole, I enjoyed today concert too,... but just that it was too short. Mami and Perina enjoyed too. I left a message to Ryuichi, Ryohei and Keita. wrote on the box that store their presents by fans. Hope to see Ryuichi in Taipei.

Met up with 橘舞 after bidding goodbye to Mami.橘舞 was with another Taiwan girl, they happened to sat beside each other during the concert. We chatted at the station for about 1 hour! So much things to talk. Hope to see 橘舞 again in Taipei this November, she is leaving for Taipei tomorrow morning.

Got to listen to Masha radio programme. Tomorrow is a busy day for me, shopping!

7 September 2007 - Universal Studio Japan

We reached USJ around 10plus. It was a very hot day.

Our first ride is Terminator. Luckily, we only waited for 20min. It is just watching a 3D effect and some performance, taken from part of the movie.

We managed to finish all the rides we want - Spiderman, Jurrasic Park, Jaws, Back to the Future. Wanted to go Waterworld but it was closed during the evening time. We were lucky that waiting time for our ride was at maximum 70min. The day was hot and we got tired!

One interesting thing is that we sat in front of the boat during the Jurrassic Park ride. I did not see the rain coat distributed free and Perina saw it and did not take it. So, we were completely wet after the ride. Oh gosh! Luckily my clothes do not absorb the water easily but my buttock was all wet! Arghhh... Perina shirt got wet and she got to buy another t-shirt. Haha.

This is the most tiring day of this trip... I just want to take a good rest and sleep! Tommorow to take it easy and conserve energy for the concert!

6 September 2007 - Go to Osaka

We went back to ばんらい for ramen lunch and　梅林さん and rest of his staff were so happy to see us again. When I asked 梅林さん how big 倉吉駅 is （we only have 5 min to change the train） and he was not sure, he even called up to JR train station to ask them and informed them to help us when we alight from train. It was really nice of him. I was so touched. He invited us to come back to his shop if we have the chance. Of course I would like to go back again.. but dont know when...

We paid about 1700yen extra to take the train as the route now different from the one we took earlier - just to have a different scenery. The train ride was not that comfortable, toilet smell was unbearable. I did not manage to rest/sleep but the scenery was good.

We reached Osaka around 4pm, cloudy. I contacted なえむらさん　and we met for dinner. He gave us a sumptous treat at izagaya and we went to a cafe to sit and chit chat. なえむらさん looked so lonely. He is too troubled. I hope he can enjoy his life more.

Luckily we left 東京 early. There is typhoon in Kanto and it includes長野 . We have initially planned to go 長野. I am very grateful to Masha. If not for him - his photo exhibition, we would have gone there and be stuck there. Thanks Masha!
　

5 September 2007 - ばんらい (part 2)

We returned to hotel, rested for a while and went to Santy (shopping centre) for shopping again. We shopped from 5 pm plus to 8 plus. Tried jeans, make-up, bought hat, earrings... I was so tired! I rushed to buy w-inds works volume 6 when the shop almost closed! Saw a big standing life sized poster of Hero movie and Perina hugged Abe Hiroshi to take the photo! (there is a cinema at Santy).

We went back to the same Izagaya - ばんらい for dinner. The same chief 梅林さん was so happy to see us again. Seems like our present caused a commotion in the ばんらい. The waitresses and clients know we 2 are from Spore! 梅林さん is the 二代目 ofばんらい. His dad was a chief and they just opened ばんらい4 months ago. Previously he worked in Osaka etc to learn cooking. He loves cooking so much. We started chatting while eating. 梅林さん is so frank. He told us that he was married 3 times and this current wife is 22 years old this year. Wow! He has a 7 year old kid but do not stay with him anymore. He said himself is a 馬鹿. He is now 34 years old and was surprised to know of Perina and my age. He though I am from Okinawa and Perina is a normal Japanese girl and though we are students (even his dad thinks so).

When I asked him the egg we ate, he said it is prawn eggs and even showed me the prawn with the eggs in it. 梅林さん also give us recommendations on which dishes to eat and invited us to come back next day for ramen during lunch if we have the time.

I took his photo and he looked so shy. Of course also showed his mischievious side and tried to act cool. haha. I like his backview when he worked, and his expression when grilling the food. It showed how determine and his love for cooking. One of the waitresses even asked me if I am a cameraman.

Perina drank one glass of beer and got abit drunk! Oh gosh, I was worried she cannot walked back to hotel. She walked the wrong direction back to hotel. Aiyo!

We went back to hotel around 11pm. I listened to Oguri Shun`s radio programme at 1pm. He sounded so different in the air. His starting sentence really sounded like Masha. Listeners wrote in and he wanted to repeat but cant have the same effect and kept on laughing. Anyway his voice sounded deeper and lower on radio.

I slept about 2.40am! Too tired to finished listening Shun`s programme. I drank 1 glass of beer at izagaya, 1 bottle of tottori beer and 1 bottle of sake at hotel. Arghhh, so sleepy!

5 September 2007 - 植田正治写真美術館 (part 1)

I wanted to go to 植田正治写真美術館 couple of years back and this time I have to chance to go all because of Masha`s photo exhibition PHOTO STAGEⅡ～
出逢いの記憶～. I have missed Masha`s photo exhibition so many times. So this time I do not want to miss it anymore.

We reached the 岸本駅 around 9 am plus. Tried to walk to 植田正治写真美術館. It will take about 3min by car but 30minues by walk. The weather was hot! We walked for about 3 min, stopped at an intersection trying to figure out the way. An uncle drove by and asked us where we would like to go and offered a ride to us. The uncle asked us where we are from and was surprised when I told him we are from S`pore. He thought we are students! I guess he must be wondering why 2 S`poreans want to come to such a place.

I cannot believed that I reached 植田正治写真美術館. To me, it is a dream to come here. To be in a place where Masha has been to and has a great importance in his life. He purposely went all the way from Tokyo just to have press conference there to promote this exhibition. This exhibition was intended to give tribute to 植田正治 (Ueda Shoji).

The museum faces 大山　and the scenery is beautiful. The architecture is unique, grey color and there are pools in it. I guess having the pool to have the reflection of 大山 . It was so beautiful to see 大山 and its reflection in the building itself. There is a photo taken by Masha which is hanged in outside the building, I really love the photo, a photo of an eagle flying in the sky, with mountains behind it. This photo was taken in Switzerland. I really love the feeling of this photo - freedom.

The entrance fee is 1000yen, and BROS member need to pay only 800yen. The first floor consist of gallery D, When I first entered the gallery, I can see a big photo of Masha taking Ueda san`s photo. I can see that they are really very close from this photo. Then there are display of Masha`s photos taken by Ueda san - cover of Hello single, Heaven single etc. This gallery consists of photos taken by Ueda san. The photos were taken way back in the 1930s. I must say that his photos were really way in advance and shocking to those photos in that era.

Before we went up the staircase to second floor, there is a short description of Ueda sanand Masha`s message for this exhibition. Masha said that Ueda san had told him that　才能があるからいい写真と撮ります (because Masha has talent, that is why he can take good photos) and he encouraged Masha to take photos and have photo exhibition. Masha thought Ueda san was joking and he never expects himself to be influenced by Ueda san and took up photography. Ueda san always said that he himeself is an amateur - to have this feeling in whatever he does. This really influenced Masha in life and his thinking. Masha hopes that everyone who comes for this exhibition can feel the feelings he and other photographers have through their photos.


When you reach the second floor, you can see there is a seating area ( with chairs), where you can view 大山. I took photos there, it was cloudy at first and I could not see 大山 clearly. Luckily I managed to see the clear side of 大山 later and kept taking so many photos. No wonder Masha likes that spot so much! It is a great spot for taking photo.

Then there is a display TV which shows Masha and Ueda san`s interview. Masha talked about his view on Ueda`s san. There are 2 messages written by Goofy Mori (Masha`s producer) and Ueda san`s son. Goofy Mori wrote that when he was undecisive on Masha`s Hello single cover, someone pointed out that since he is a fan of Ueda san, why not invite Ueda san to take Masha`s photo. So he contacted Ueda san`s son and they started this collaboration. Seems like Masha`s works which photos were taken by Ueda san all sold well, - Hello, Heaven, Fukumania dvd.( I did not know that Peach did not sold well and Masha received bad comments at that time!) When Masha was at his career peak in 1995, he was rather tired and felt lost. Ueda san took his photo for Fukumania dvd and he managed to capture Masha`s expression at the right time and commented いい顔だ (nice/good face). Masha was rather shocked at that time and he finally realised that he should take a break and reconsider his direction in life/work. Because of what Ueda san, Masha took a 2 year break. I am grateful to what Ueda san had said to Masha. If not for Ueda san, probably Masha will not be what he is today. When Ueda san passed away, Masha`s only comment was Ueda san is always 一番でした (always the best). This comment by Masha really touched Ueda san`s son.

Then there is display of Masha`s works - which some are in his pictorial book (eg. photo of kissing couple, New York World Trade Centre, donkey etc). The feeling from looking at these real photos is different from the pictorial book.

There is also a cafe in second floor, where you can drink coffee and admire the scenery.

Works by other photographers (all Ueda san`s fans) are displayed in third storey. These are Masha`s photos taken by them. The photos are taken back in 1993 till recent. 1 of them is Ueda san`s assistant at that time (when shot Hello single photos) and treated Masha as `rival` as both started to take photos at that time.

We spent about 3 hours in the museum and I really feel my heart in peace when I am there. I hope to visit there again! I bought goods and the receptionist even gave me information in English as she knows that I am a foreigner. I cannot bear to leave the place but no choice, have to rush for train as there are only about 4 trains in a day.

On our way back to the station, we walked for about 2 min and heard a car horn. A woman kindly offered us a ride. She asked where we are from and is Ueda san famous. She asked me about my view on his photos and said that locals cannot understand or appreciate his photos. Ueda san was born in 坂港 and wonder why his muesum is in　岸本. Perhaps it is because it faces the mountain. I asked her for eatery place and she kindly gave her recommendation and drove us to the place after she picked her friend at the petrol station (she told him we are from spore). .

4 September 2007 -鳥取砂丘

I finally got the chance to go 鳥取砂丘 after so many years!

The weather was fine today. Sunny and abit cloudy. We reached 鳥取砂丘 around 1pm. I got emotional when I first saw 鳥取砂丘 on the bus.. and when I reached there, I could not believe that I was really there!

Perina started to run around as she was excited too. Imagine a sand dune next to the sea, and in a part of the city. It is unbelievable. I started to take photos happily and... started to cry uncontrollably while taking photos. I was really happy and touched to be in the place that changed Masha. Standing in the same place as him, and this place meant alot to him. This is the place where he was touched by Shoji Ueda`s enthusasim for photography and started to learn photography. If not for 鳥取砂丘 and Shoji Ueda, Masha would not have been a pro now. Probably if not for Masha, I would not have the determination to start photography.

The sand is very fine and soft. It was nice walking on the sand dune. Perina and I were happy, excited, and acted like kids. We sat and slept on the sand dune to take photos. It was fun climbing up to the top of the sand dune, and when we looked down from the top, we saw a big ocean. The scenery is breathtaking, so beautiful and peaceful. We sat at the top of the sand dune (just like a small hill), drank coffee, took photos. The sun was strong but I simply do not care and did not bother to put on sunblock. To me, having sunlight is important for taking photos.

I spotted a teenage boy who sat near us. He has a natural and nice smile, though not consider handsome. He was waiting for his friends, who went down to the ocean. I took a few photos of him secretly. When he realised it, he tried to look away. I then asked him if I can take his photos and he said いいよ (ok), and はつかし (felt ashame) when I started to take his photos. I just told him 自然でいいですよ (just be natural) and he felt at ease and I took a good shot of him. When his friends returned, he was so proud and told them he is モテル　(popular). Haha! I asked him to take photo with me and at the same time, I invited his friends to join us. I guess this photo (with me in the photo) is the one that I like so far at the trip. It was fun to take photo with them!

I started to go down the sand dune, it was steep but quite easy to go down as the sand is so soft, you do not have to worry that you will hurt yourself even though you fall. I climbed up again halfway, and wanted to take camera. I suggested to Perina to go down too. She was lazy at first and said ok then. So she walked down, as it was too tiring for her. I told her, just roll yourself down (one guy did that just now). So she did it and she was really enjoying herself. I could not roll down as I wore a bit of low cut shirt, unlike her, wore a t-shirt.

We walked along the coast of the ocean, admiring the scenery. It took us quite long to walk around the sand dune. I took photos when I can, or rather when there is sunlight. Sometimes it got cloudy. We went back to the same spot at the top of the sand dune again. Yes, we climbed up again! We wanted to take a rest there. I spotted a couple and took their photos. Along the way, I spotted another one young couple and took their backview. It was such a natural shot. I like it! And the funny thing was I took the backview of a guy who is having suntan! He is not muscular but I just feel like taking it. I took photos of a small boy too, who came with his parents. He realised that I took his photos and hide at his dad`s backside. I guess I have become a paparazzi photographer today. Haha.

There was a pool of water at the bottom of the sand dune hill. The water came from a certain source along the sand dune. Both Perina and I tasted the water and it was tasteless. The pool of water is very clear, so no worries about getting poisoned.

We went back to the bus terminal around 4pm. Bought some stuff,ice cream, milk. By this time, I realised that I got sunburn! My whole arms were red. But it is ok, I like to get tanned. We reached the station and bought some stuff before we board the train back to 米子。 It took us about an hour journey by rapid train. I am glad we stayed at 米子. Although 米子 is a smaller town than 鳥取 (there is Daimaru, and other shops), 米子 is peaceful and quiet.

We went to Santy again to buy water, shopped around. Then we had a quick delicious dinner (fried rice and ramen) and rushed back to hotel because I wanted to watch Hanakimi e. It showed the 10th episode just now. Arghhh, cannot watch the final episode next week.

Anyway, I was kind of satisfied that I got to go to the sand dune. This is one of the places in Japan which I really wanted to go. I do not know when I will go to sand dune again, maybe I never will. But I will never forget my feelings when I stepped my foot at sand dune and cried while taking photos. I have not thought of whether going to the sand dune will change me. But having been there today, I am more determined to continue photography.. even though I am still poor in it. Thanks Shoji Ueda san and Masha for bringing me to the photography world.

Tomorrow, no, today (0:02 am now), I will be going to Masha`s photo exhibition at Shoji Ueda`s museum. Looking forward to it!

3 September 2007 - 境港

We went to 境港 (sakaiminato). the hometown of 水木しげる, author げげげ鬼太朗.

We spent almost one day here! Walking along the street, going to the temple, museum. The streets was filled with the statues created by 水木しげ る. It was quiet but interesting. The weather was cloudy and raining, though only certain times is sunny. Quite relax but we really walked alot!

We bought alot of stuff too! Especially me! Though I am not really a fan of げげげ鬼太朗. But I really admire 水木しげる talent and his will to continue the life of a comic creator. He is now 80 plus years old!

While on way back, I spotted a cool guy on the train. He resembles Oguri Shun. I wanted to ask him if I can take a pic of him but he walked so fast and went to the next platform. Too far for my camera to focus on him!

Ate at a Izagaya. Chatted with the chief coz we sat at counter (I requested for it). It was nice! He knows where is Singapore and said this town is countryside. I asked him if they speak a certain 弁 here and he said they speak 米子弁. It is like 鳥取弁, which is different from 島根弁. But luckily I understand his Japanese. He was really surprised that I can speak Japanese.

We had a sumptous meal at the izagaya and it only cost us 4260yen! Wah! We then went to Santy again to buy stuff and came back to watch Hey Hey Hey. I missed the Arashi part (nevermind! haha, but sorry Leo, I cannot update you on this!) but I caught Kinki`s part.

I have been checking website and writing diary for almost 2 hours now. Got to rest and take shower. Tomorrow got to go to sand dune. Oh god, please give me sunny weather! Please please please!

2 September 2007 - 米子

We took the 9.15am shinkansen. Changed a few lines and then reached 米子 around 4pm! Along the way bought peach and fish cakes at Okayama. Anyway we just eat and eat. Perina simply likes to eat!

Cleared some mails when reached hotel. then went to Santy, the biggest shopping around here. It was only 4 storey. Sunday but quiet. Both of us managed to buy clothes. Funny!

Did not do much, just go around seeing the shops, then went to supermarket to stock up our fridge. Ate Italian food at one restaurant. I ate the squid pasta while Perina ate the fried chicken with goose liver. Delicious!!!!

Watched Domoto brothers at 11pm and in the end slept around 1plus again. Sigh! But I managed to drink my beer and sake. hehe! must have enough rest to go around the next few days. Nothing special about today.

1 September 2007 - Tokyo

I met Perina at Shingawa, reserved our Shinkansen tickets and went to hotel to put her stuff. Met Su, Maki and Miho for lunch at Oimachi. It was nice to see them again! Maki and Miho are both pregnant. Congrats! I have known them for so long and is happy for them that they are now having their kids.

Met Noriko san at cafe again and had rest and teabreak before going to buy goods. Our seats are now at 2nd floor (which is actually third floor. Budokan has arena, first and second floor). Abit far though but am contented to be able to attend their concerts.

Noriko san came back from toilet and was so happy and told us she saw Keita`s elder brother and younger sister( who is a model). Perina and I went down the stairs to see the VIP seat from our side using my binoculars. Oh gosh, I spotted a guy, who wear red color shirt and black tie, he looked exactly like Keita! Keita`s younger sis, whom I saw last year, wore a white hat and sat behind with few friends. Oh gosh, Keita`s brother really kakkoii, like Keita.

The concert started at 5.20 pm (yesterday started at 6.50pm, ended 8.50pm). I started to go crazy again and I know that my voice are fading and coughing non stop. Hack care man!

After singing the first few songs, first MC started and the lights were lighted up. Both Perina and I hold the board today. I saw Ryuichi looking around the hall. I think he saw us! He said `thank you to fans who came from out of Tokyo to attend their concert!` Oh!!!!! There should be HK fans who hold the board but not sure where they sat. As for Taiwan fans, I do not see anyone holding the board yesterday, though I know the fans did went. Anyway, I am happy that as long as Ryuichi and the two of them know that they have fans from Singapore.

They also mentioned about ANA con again and tried to compare our response with ANA audiences. When Keita asked us to sing Boogie Woogie 66, we did not sing loudly and not in tune. So Ryohei said we are about the same as ANA audiences. Of coz we did really well at the seond time!

In second MC, Ryohei promoted w-inds Volume Work 6, which will be out on 5 sep and asked fans to order coz will sold out soon. Keita said no no. Ryohei then fight back and said his hometown (Hokkaido) sold out very fast, unlike Keita`s hometown! Haha. Think a fan shouted she got it already? Ryohei was surprised and asked did you do it yourself? Ryuichi added in and said some comments. Ryohei then made a annoyed and angry look. Keita said でた！(appeared!) seems like Ryohei likes to make this expression recently.

MC3 - Ryuichi announced that they will have concerts at Taipei Dome on Oct or Nov 10 (confirmed it is Nov 10 and 11)!!! I immediately shouted 行く！ Haha. other fans also shouted the same thing. Ryohei and Ryuichi asked 行くの？(going?) They started to practise their Chinese by saying how are you? is everyone High? Everyone please High with us. Fans were amazed! Ryohei and Ryuichi did a questioned expression and fold up their arms, showing doubts from the fans if their Chinese is correct. They assured it was correct (ya, it was).

Ryuichi mentioned that he lost his passport and doubt if he can go to Taiwan! Funny guy. Ryohei asked him to better apply for a new passport soon. They are excited about Taiwan Dome concert and said will bring Japan power over to Taiwan.

MC- Keita mentioned that website forum said w-inds are homo. He denied but Ryuichi said そじゃなくて (not true) by denying to Keita`s deny! We were all shouted ええ！！！

Last MC - Ryuichi thanked fans and said he never thought that winds will last till now when they were formed. Ryohei was in tears and just said Thank you. We all shouted said ええ！！！Again, hoping he could say more. Oh gosh, I was touched. Ryohei thanked us and said winds will improve and do an even better performance in future. He asked us to come back for their concerts again next year. Keita just said Thank You!

Ryuichi was really funny. He likes to do funny expressions at concerts. There was once when he danced a wrong step, he just did a funny expression and looked at the rest. When sang Feel the fate, he did not catch that Keita asked him to sing a few sentences so he just sang as if he was singing as back up to blend into Keita`s singing. Keita gave him a look then he realised and laughed! Ryohei and him did free style dancing when sang Firefly. Ryohei did Breaking again! I really enjoyed watching their performance!

After concert we rushed to ANA, but waited till 10pm and Masha did not appear! We gave up! When I heard him on radio, he sounded very tired. He just woke up and said おはよございます. He was tired of filming the drama. I do not want him to get too tired!

The funny thing we noticed was the Peninsula Hotel next to ANA actually employed about 6 guards to ensure people do not crowd around the hotel, ensure the cars come in order etc. Do they really need to waste manpower?

31 August 2007 - Tokyo (part 2)

I reached Budokan about 3.30pm to buy concert goods. Long queue! w-inds were having rehersal at that time and I managed to hear Keita sang Hanamuke. Noriko san and I went to a nearby cafe to rest and ate cakes, drank coffee. At the same time did the necklace for the concert. I am really thankful to Noriko san for helping out with doing the necklaces.

I was really nervous then, coz our seats are at arena. When I reached the seat, I almost fainted. We were seated at 11th row, right side of the stage (facing the stage). We were at the first row of the second block, so there is a big space for me to dance and put up the Singaporu board. Oh gosh. It was so near. The stage was designed in way that it has a second floor and there are stairs at the side to link to the main stage. There were also two poles, just like fireman poles. There are walkway from the stage that stretched to both sides of the stage, which ensure fans at the side can see them. The concert started at 6.50pm instead of 6.30pm. There were long queues, probably that was why it started late.

A big ballon bursted and w-inds came out! I was shouting like crazy then. They started singing It is our show. Oh gosh, the dance was cool, the atmosphere was good. They had chosen really high tension songs for the opening, which make fans go crazy. There was a point where Ryohei and Ryuichi then slided down from the poles to the main stage. So cool!

In the first MC, they started to say Thank you for fans for coming to their concert. Keita mentioned that he overslept today! Ryuichi blamed him for causing the concert to start late! Haha. Noriko san helped me to hold the board when MC started. I heard from Noriko san that Keita actually looked at us for a while. All I could remember was I think I saw Keita looking at us for a while, coz my focus was on Ryuichi only!

I was very high during the dance bridge. Keita appeared on stage with about 4 dancers first and danced, just like those veteran hip hop dancers. He dressed in tank top showing off his muscles. And till a part, he tore off his tank top and showed his bare body. Oh, all the fans went wild! I was surprised to see the wild side of him. I went crazy when Ryuichi appeared on the second floor with 2 dancers. He danced in a faster beat music. His moves were excellent and showed his style. The dancers left and left him alone dancing. He did back turn. All I could say is he is really a talented dancer. Ryohei came out with one dancer. Both took turns to do Breaking. So cool, Ryohei`s breaking has improved again!

When Keita sang Is that you. I was surprised. This song was not sing in other concerts. He put on a hat, dressed in suit, and played with the microphone stand. Just like a jazz singer. He is now a grown man!

In second MC, they talked about their recent performance at All Night Nippon 40th anniversary conert at 武道館. There were other artists at the ANA con and they felt uneasy coz not all the audiences were their fans.

In third MC, after singing 遠い記憶 which they did alot of dancing, Ryuichi tried to catch his breath. He asked fans to wait while he turned back to catch his breath. Then he suddenly turned back and faced the audience, and did a funny face. Keita and Ryohei went to drink water! Ryohei then talked about their acceptance of the MTV student Voice Award 2007- Best student voice group last night (or last 2 nights). He then promoted their additional concert at Budokan on 9/24. He was happy to have the additional con. Ryohei said he is nervous when talking. Ryuichi joined in and asked him to just talk like in their radio. They started to talk funny and invited Keita to join in. But Keita just stood beside and kept laughing at them. He just find them funny. Ryohei then said Keita should not joined them in the talk as fans would not want to see him talk funny. Ryuichi agreed and said yaya. Keita laughed and said he only said one sentence so far! They are just in so good terms that they can talk so naturally and funny.

They then talked about watching previous videos of themselves. Keita suddenly pointed at the VIP seats, we all looked behind and I saw 2 members of FLAME. One is one of the twin brother, the other I think is Yuisuke? They continued with their talk and Ryuichi said the differences he saw was Keita`s height and Ryohei`s goaty beard. Keita then said Ryuichi always keep long hair, no change from past.

When they sang Try Your Emotion, the ribbons bursted out! I gone crazy already! I jumped and sang the chorus. Keita, Ryohei and Ryuichi walked to our side separately. I think I saw Keita and Ryohei looking at us, and of coz other fans. Noriko was also jumping at that time! I think they must be surprised to see me, a crazy tall girl jumping like mad. I am not sure if Ryuichi saw us though. I was too tired at that time, and just used up my energy. I jumped til my w-inds pendant moved to the back. Wow, all the force I used. Actually my mind was quite stoned. I remembered I did kick at the guard, who sat down beside us. Haha! I acted nothing happened.

During the encore, there was this jackpot scene with winds mark. The 2nd last one was a Ryuichi`s cartoon picture which show him making a funny and angry look. When the 3 w-inds marks appeared, they appeared on stage again. They started to sing Feel the Fate and acted as if pushing each other. Keita let Ryohei sang a few lines of the song. Then Ryuichi`s turn. Keita wanted all of us to sing louder. Ryuichi even flipped up his tshirt, pointed the microphone to his stomach and showed us to use the dantian(chinese word) to sing (singing skill). Oh gosh, his stomach is now 6 packs?

w-inds started to do that 小島よしお move in 「そんなの関係ねぇ」 during キ
レイだ (check out youtube!-move is to punch your right hand down and stomp your right leg at the same time) They like to imitate people. This is the fun side of them! And I did the same action too. Haha!

I was surprised that my tears started to flow uncontrollably when I heard w-inds sang Forever Memories. This is their debut song. I did not know why I cried. I guess it was because it was the first time I heard them sing this song live and felt touched. This is so far the only song that I can remember the whole song lyrics. All I could remember was I tried to control myself and I saw Ryohei standing at our side and looking at fans while singing the song and he was smiling at that time. Just find that he is really 優しい at that moment...

When singing Fireflower, they started to throw towel at the audience. Ryohei throwed to our side but Noriko san did not get it. It reached the person who seated a few seats away. Keita even used the towel to wipe his face so hard before throwing it! Ryuichi took the electric guitar from the band member and started to play it for a while. I went bonkers again as I finally see him play guitar. The wild and cool Ryuichi playing guitar!

Ryuichi then said he can die with no regrets, he is so happy to sing for us that day. Ryohei thanked all the fans and said hope to have concerts at Budokan next year. Keita thanked the fan for making his childhood dream to be a singer turned to reality. They then went to each side of the stage to thank all the fans. Ah, it was so good to see them clearly again.

Ryuichi highlighted his hair blonde, hair now stretch to his shoulder. He tied a princess hairstyle, quite cool but I still prefer his hair in black. Ryohei trimmed his hair and looked better. Keita`s hair is getting shorter and shorter! But his muscles are growing!

This is the song list:

w-inds. Live Tour 2007 "Journey" 2007.08.31@武道館

THIS IS OUR SHOW ブギウギ66 NEW PARADISE

MC

Another Days Top Secret Crazy for You Devil

Dance Bridge

Is that you

MC

ハナムケ
メッセージ
TRIAL
遠い記憶

MC

LOVE IS THE GREATEST THING
IT'S　IN　THE　STARS
Try your emotion


アンコール

Feel The Fate
キレイだ
Forever Memories
Fire Flower

MC

*I was a bit surprised that they sang It's In The Stars and Is that you and did not sang Milky Way. I was looking forward to hearing Milky way actually.

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After the concert I met up with Su and have dinner with him. I was starving then. Zero energy. It was nice chatting with Su, but not much time to chat. In the end I slept at 2am in the morning!

31 Aug 2007 - Tokyo (part 1)

I reached Narita Airport at 7.30am. Took a shower at the airport to make myself fresher and board Narita Express to Tokyo. I was rather tired and sleepy, had abit of headache and took the painkiller on the train.

Upon arrival at 大井町(Oimachi), I went straight to イドヨカト( Idoyokato) to buy DHC products. Need to stock up my stuff. Put my luggage and went to buy hairclips. Then went to Softbank to get the charger and prepaid phone card. Went to 原宿 (Harajuku) and tried to search for w-inds concert photos but I cannot find it at all! Anyway, was glad I bought Masha`s concert photos.

While I was at a photoshop, I heard a small girl asking her mum “あ、瑞稀だ．佐野はどうこ?”(ah, Mizuki da. Sano wah doko?) Muzuki is the name of the role that 堀北真希　played in “花ざかりの君たちへ “ 佐野 is casted by 小栗旬. Oh gosh, she is only about 4 years old and she is obsessed with the show!

I saw a big poster of a musician (whom I do not know who) displayed at GAP, 表参道 (Omotesando). The photos of all the spokespersons of GAP, including Wanatabe Ken were all in black and white. And this photo really caught my attention. I just stopped by and take a photo of it. I have not been taking photos since I arrived. The weather was cloudy and it was hard to take good photo. No mood anyway.

I then went to 武道館 (Budokan) to meet のりこさん (Noriko san) for w-inds concert....

落語

I attended a 落語 performance by 桂福団治落語会, which is organized by the Japan Association for the Japan Cultural Festival on 4 October 2007, Thursday. I first got to know about 落語 from the drama Tiger and Dragon. I find 落語 interesting and want to take this opportunity to attend the performance. It is conversed all in Japanese. I am glad that I can understand most of it.

There are two normal 落語 performances and also 手話落語 performances. For 手話落語 performances, the performer uses sign and body languages to perform 落語, and there is a narrator during the performance. I admire these two performers. They are handicapped but yet able to find a way to show their potentials.

On the whole, I find the performance interesting. I really hope to attend 落語 performance again.