The magical night of July 6 at Microsoft Theater, in Los Angeles, was filled with joyful moments as four exceptional artists brought out their best on the second night of Anisong World Matsuri. This was the day where the Japan Super Live set performed, consisting of May’n, Sanketsu-girl Sayuri, Aimer, and Yuki Kajiura who were capable of gluing the gazes of the fans, as well as leaving their bellies with butterflies by the end of the show. We will focus on the two bittersweet artists that made our hearts flutter the most, Aimer, and Sayuri.
Sanketsu-girl Sayuri
May’n was first on stage who gave an energetic pop, rock performance before Sayuri entered the stage. Sayuri always kept up a unique look, covering herself in a poncho with eye-catching patterns, and to no surprise, this is exactly how she stepped on the stage, barefoot, a big acoustic guitar, and in a dark blue poncho covered with pink geometrical shapes.
Photo by: Anisong World Matsuri
Without much delay—but enough for the audience to give a big cheer—Sayuri started her show with the speedy song Heikousen which generated a flashy light show by the crowd who waved their light sticks. After the quick warm-up, Sayuri gave a few words explaining how this was her first time outside Asia and encourage the fans to enjoy the remaining four songs. The lights went down, and the notes from the melancholic A-moll chord introduced the song, Sore wa Chiisana Hikari no youna from the anime ERASED.
The show continued with dramatic Tsuki to Hanataba, the gloomy Furaregai Girl, and with the final song being Mikazuki—an emotionally empowering song.
Photo by: Anisong World Matsuri
During the performance, Sayuri didn’t offer much movement on stage, but that was however not a downer in any way. Sayuri’s powerful yet delicate voice, combined with expressive facial expressions did more than enough to convey her genuine feelings and the significance of her lyrics. At the end of the show, Sayuri thanked the fans and mentioned how she would like to come back again, making room for the next artist, Aimer.
Aimer
Like Sayuri, Aimer is also an artist that conveys her feelings almost purely by affectionate vocals, but with her own unique trait, a husky voice. The fans could enjoy climactic piano accompanying Aimer’s powerful voice for the first song, StarRingChild, out of the praised mecha anime Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. The song which is composed by the skillful composer, Hiroyuki Sawano, offered a delightful dynamic listening experience with both intense and calm parts.
Photo by: Anisong World Matsuri
With Aimer seated on a four-legged stool, she was able to capture the relaxing acoustic sensation that evoked a sense of exclusivity for those who were close-up. With her next song Brave Shine, from anime Fate/ Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works, the heat of the theater got turned up a notch as this is one of Aimer’s more dramatic songs in her arsenal.
Once the song Ref:rain came on, the entire stage turned bright pink, replicating the color of the main character’s umbrella from the romance anime Koi Wa Ameagari no You ni—which Ref:rain is featured in. The scenery made even more beautiful by the glowing and waving lightsticks by the audience that followed suit in terms of color.
Photo by: Anisong World Matsuri
Aimer continued with a brief interval to express herself in English.
Moments like this make me grateful, music has always been in my life, I hope I can live with you through music.
After finishing the melodramatic broKen NIGHT, Aimer decided to end on her most powerful song for the day, LAST STARDUST! Not only was this the last song, but also as captivating as stardust itself, with Aimer completing the song on a high sustained note that produced an impressive chain reaction from the cheering audience!
Setlist
Sanketsu-girl Sayuri
- Heikousen (Scum’s Wish)
- Sore wa Chiisana Hikari no youna (Erased)
- Tsuki to Hanataba (Fate/Extra: Last Encore)
- Furaregai Girl
- Mikazuki (Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace)
Aimer
- StarRingChild (Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn)
- Brave Shine (Fate/ Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works)
- Ref:rain (Koi Wa Ameagari no You ni)
- broKen NIGHT (Fate/hollow ataraxia)
- LAST STARDUST (Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works)
Sanketsu-girl Sayuri:
Official Website
Twitter
Instagram
Aimer:
Official Website
YouTube (Japan)
YouTube (International)
Twitter
Google+
Anisong World Matsuri:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram