Zachou Kouen Mizuki Nana Ooini Utau II

Held on 4 December 2010 in Nakano Sunplaza.

Official title 「中野サンプラザ座長公演 水樹奈々 大いに唄う 弐」
Nakano Sunplaza Zachou Kouen Mizuki Nana Ooini Utau II
(Chairman of Performance Mizuki Nana “Sings A Lot II” in Nakano Sunplaza)

Most people just call it “Zachou Kouen” so let’s do that too. ^^;

Commemoration event for NANA CLIPS 5 release. Just like Zachou Kouen 2 years ago for Trickster release, entrance was strictly limited to lottery winners from the coupon inside first-press packaging. Strict checking of 1) notice email, 2) lottery coupon, and 3) photo ID! Not even Nana’s FC event did that ^^;

2 similar shows on the same day, Day and Night starting at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. I decided to go for Faylan’s final live tour on the same day, so used my coupons for Day and won the entrance! Competition wasn’t too hard considering the item’s price, in fact I know some who won entrance for both events.

After passing all requirement checks, seat ticket was given at random. I got front center-rows of 2F! Probably better than back rows of 1F? Nakano Sunplaza is a proper hall with 2,222 seat capacity, so anywhere would be good. I actually like my seat since I could view the stage as a whole–it’s a stage play not concert. ^^;

Opening
Curtain still closed, King Records producer Mishi-P (yep Riripa IV MC dude) greeted us. He requested us to surprise Nana! Mishi-P will cue with 「2年連続」 2-nen renzoku (2 consecutive years ) and we should shout back 「紅白出場おめでとう！」 Kohaku shutsujou omedetou! (Congratulations for Kohaku appearance!). Mishi-P kinda whispered so Nana couldn’t hear us from backstage. Obviously can’t practice too, but roger!!

Part 1: Live
Right after Mishi-P left, curtain dropped!

1. 恋の抑止力 (Koi no Yokushiryoku)
Unexpectedly a dance song to start! I was disappointed not many people did the dance, or at least the parts she taught us in Impact Exciter DVD. Some who danced (ahem) did perfect full dance. Freaks. ^^;; Team YODA was the usual Mika, Yumeko, Shizuka, and Tomo!

2. PRIDE OF GLORY
Another dance song. It’s been a while after FEVER so I loved every second of this! Reminds me I need to learn this dance too ahaha if I ever have time.

Talk
Mishi-P back on stage. As you might know (read my stalking report if you don’t), Nana’s high school was Horikoshi Gakuen in Nakano’s area.

Nana: “My high school entrance and graduation ceremonies were held here!”
Mishi-P: “You still remember that ancient history?”
Ouch the age subject xD Everyone shouted “Kawaii yo~~”
Nana: “It’s not too long time ago!! I still remember clearly.. I was sitting there on first row in entrance ceremony!!” *points to right area*
Mishi-P: “Ah! The seating was in order of height?” LOLOLOL
Nana: “It’s not!! T__T”
Mishi-P: “Okay.. so where did you sit for graduation ceremony?”
Nana pointed to front rows of left side.
Mishi-P: “3 years in high school you only grew a few millimeters?!”
LOLOL Nana’s talk is always the best when she has someone to tease her! xD

Out of sudden Mishi-P cued, then everyone shouted the Kohaku omedeto surprise! Followed by A LOT of “Omedetoooo!!” shouts for like 1 full minute until…

…giant castella (sponge cake) enters stage!!! Being castella in relation to event goods.. more about it in next post. Advantage of being in 2F, I could see the top part! They lifted it up for 1F people to see, but seemed dangerous so Mishi-P asked Nana to blog it later. Glad I attended Day show, Nana’s genuinely surprised reaction for the cake and shouts wouldn’t exist in Night show! ^__^

Big announcement!!
Autobiography book she mentioned in Live Games will be released next year!! Out on Nana’s next birthday 21 January 2011, titled 深愛 (Shin’ai) just like the CD that was out on Nana’s birthday in 2009!!! Mishi-P said the book contains everything from 5 year-old enka-trainee growing up to the present Ero Shishou lolol so it’s now a custom to mention that special trait. xD

3. 想い (Omoi)
Before singing, Nana mentioned her 10-years career anniversary in 2 days, so nothing fits the mood better than her debut song. I believe this is the first time I heard Omoi live! About 700% better than CD version, with matured voice and polished skills. Some waved blue lights, but the rest just stared in awe, I know I did..

4. Young Alive!
Lifted up the mood!

Live section ended. One song less than the previous Zachou Kouen.. and I was hoping for more nostalgic songs, but Omoi was more than awesome!!

Curtains closed to become a projection screen. While Nana and staff were preparing for stage play, we got special preview of Live Games x Academy!!! A pretty long footage of LIVE GAMES, covered almost half of the setlist.

Part 2: Stage Performance
Stage opens with a background of old-style castle. Suddenly, someone ran from outside through audience seats to stage! Konishi wearing familiar blue-ish uniforms.. Tokugawa shogunate‘s elite force Shinsengumi!! Nazuka Kaori as Okita Soji (!!!!) and Yasumura as commander Kondo! Pretty intense samurai battle scene to start, Kaorin was damn cool!!! Can’t believe they’re doing real historical stuff!

Curtains closed for fancy video listing all casts/roles.
LOUD cheers for Nana’s role.. SAKAMOTO RYOMA!! Well-respected samurai in Bakumatsu period who had a big role in creating Meiji Restoration! Glad I read those. I’ll link stuff to wiki, if you’re interested in the actual history since Nana’s story was very loosely based. ^^;

Cast

Sakamoto Ryoma: Mizuki Nana
Nagaoka Shintaro: Sugita Tomokazu
Oryo: Kuwashima Houko (day) / Mizusawa Fumie (night)
Chiba Sanako*: Fukuen Misato
Kondo Isami: Yasumura Makoto
Hijitaka Toshizo: Konishi Katsuyuki
Okita Soji: Nazuka Kaori
Katsura Kogoro: Hayami Sho
Saigo Takamori: Matsumoto Yasunori
Narrator: Utsumi Kenji

*No English wiki for Chiba Sanako. She was a famous female samurai with both strength and beauty. Said to be Ryoma’s fiance.

The only cast change was Oryo, Ryoma’s wife (sadly not here lol). Half of them are from Nana’s seiyuu agency Sigma Seven (Fumie, Misato, Yasumura, Matsumoto). Besides Nana, it’s my first time seeing all of them in real life! Glad I got Houko instead of Fumie (performed with Nana in Live Games) since Houko’s one of my favorite seiyuu!

Curtain reopened. Okay I can’t remember the exact details… too many scenes and characters. More like if I could, that’d make me a total genius lol. ^^; I’ll try to write as I could.

Scene 1.
Shintaro (Sugitomo lolol) was quarreling with 2 samurai for dunno-what. After the 2 samurai left, Nana joined in as Ryoma wearing a brown traditional hakama!!!! Using her deeper masculine voice (imagine Minami Touma)!! Kyaaaaaa~~~~ The problem was that despite her efforts, she’s really short she ended up looking damn cute instead… ^^;;;

The idea of the stage play was .. Sakamoto Ryoma is actually female!!! With real name Sakamoto Nana…. lololololololol great excuse to sing enka songs later. ^^;;;

Scene 2.
Standing under separate spotlights were Choshu military leader Katsura Kogoro (Hayami) on very right and Satsuma military leader Takamori Saigo (Matsumoto) on very left.. serious negotiation scene! Mediators Ryoma and Shintaro had to run back and forth between them to convey their messages as mediators.. tiring job lol. Many anime inside-joke (Gintama at one point).

Takamori (Matsumoto), Katsura (Hayami)

Scene 3.
My fave part lol. Oryo (Houko) and Sanako (Misato) appeared!! No more manly Ryoma as those three was so excitedly kyakya-ing until Shintaro felt alienated. ^^;; In this story both are Sakamoto Nana’s old friends. Disappointed awww by those who had hoped for love triangle between those three. Also, loved Houko’s elegant kimono.. nice!

Oryo (Houko), Soji (Kaorin), Sanako (Misato).

With Nana and Houko there, we got….
Nana: “Daichi ni saku, Ichirin no hana! Cure Blossom!!”
Houko: “Hi no hikari ni abiru, Ichirin no hana! Cure Sunshine!!”
Nana & Houko: “Heart Catch!! Purikyuaaaaa!!!”
With pose too uhyyaaaa~~~ヾ( 〃∇〃)ﾂ

Shintaro teased Sanako that she’s been left out too now… buuut!!
Misato: “Hoken ni kanyuu o kentouchuu! Cure Arasaa!!”
Considering to join insurance!! Cure Arasaa!! (slang for “Around Thirty” lololol) complete with weird pose.. omg my stomach hurts from laughing. ^^;; For a stage play with such serious subject this has turned into a comedy…

Misato also did SHASSU calls to audience!! Smile Gang radio opening shouts! Everyone shouted back, and Nana also joined in. Both ended with “Kakatte ko~~i!!” Hmm, maybe I should start listening to it again. Never had time on weekends lol.

Scene 4.
Shinsengumi scene. They seemed to guess something fishy is up with Ryoma. But again comedy started since both Shinsengumi ended up teasing Soji (with Kaorin inside-jokes lol).

Scene 5.
Serious scene of Katsura and Takamori waiting for their mediator Ryoma to come for a serious negotiation. Both military forces were feudal enemies so Shintaro had to calm them down.. a.k.a Sugitomo’s stand-up comedy starts. ^^; A samurai out of nowhere (from backstage) gave him blue and UO lighsticks (4 in each hand) and he started otagei-ing to (full-stream of) Koi no Yokushiryoku. xD He walked around audience seats too! At one part he even sang in his usual Kyon voice LOL.

Finally Ryoma arrived…. in red full-fledged kimono!! This surprised both military leaders. Ryoma begged them to ally forces to overthrow Tokugawa shogunate.. but both weren’t convinced so Nana finally said, “Not as Sakamoto Ryoma, just as a Japanese. Please listen to my feelings.”

ENKA KITAAAAA—-!!!

5. 天城越え (Amagi Goe)
Most of you should’ve seen this infamous Youtube clip. Full version was just about thousand times better. Nana’s enka training is put in use for real here.. she hit low and high keys perfectly.. goosebumps!!

After the song, Katsura and Takamori hugged and with this Satcho Alliance were established!!! LOL okay not what exactly happened in history but at least they got the conclusion right. ^^;;;

Scene 6.
Somewhere in Kyoto, suddenly enemy attack!! Oryo and Sanako came to aid but they’re still way outnumbered and got in a pinch. Nana used a small pistol to save some colleague while trying to run away… they succeeded but Shintaro got a fatal wound.

Dramatic scene starts. Shintaro was dying on Ryoma/Nana’s lap..
Shintaro (coughing): “I, I h-have a last request..”
Ryoma/Nana (sobbing): “Anything..”
Shintaro: な、奈々って呼んでもいい？ C-can I.. call you Nana?
Ryoma/Nana: “Wth are you asking at this time..”
Shintaro’s coughing got worse.
Ryoma/Nana: “Okay you can..”
Shintaro (even worse coughs): “Na… Nana….”
Ryoma/Nana: “…yes…”
Shintaro (leaning): お前やっぱり可愛いなぁ As I thought you’re really cute.. *creepy laughs*
…and died.

LOL everyone laughed but I actually felt touched after Nana screamed Shintaro’s name for the last time which sounded really sad… ^^;; But anyway Sugitomo is GOD!! xD

Scene 7.
Sad and angry Ryoma/Nana confronted Shinsengumi for revenge alone. Soji (Kaorin) at first hinted it wasn’t Shinsengumi who attacked them, but Hijitaka (Konishi) stopped Soji and claimed it was really them.

Finally Nana’s real action scene!! There were like 10 underlings and Nana kicked their sorry asses awesomely!! Fight between Nana and Soji lasted a bit longer but Nana won afterall… lastly Nana vs Hijitaka. Just like history, Ryoma/Nana lost. Hijitaka’s sword was on Nana’s throat… but he pulled it back, not intending to kill Nana.

Desperate Nana quickly picked up her sword to re-attack Hijitaka but he was much faster, slashing the air in front of Nana’s eyes!
Hijitaka: “Sakamoto Ryoma is dead. Sorry but I don’t lay my sword on women.”
Uwaaaahhh too cool~~!! Especially with Konishi’s voice… (//A//)

Shinsengumi left. History is still on track with the death of “Ryoma”. Nana decided to start a journey to the world. Closing song….

6. 川の流れのように (Kawa no Nagare no you ni)
OMG I loooove this! Nana sang a part of it before in MusiG TV show, where she totally pwned Shokotan etc ^^;; (song at 6:20). Of course full version goes without saying.

Curtain closed.
Fans gave standing ovation until the curtain reopens with all casts on stage. Sugitomo wore white headband ala Japanese ghosts. ^^;;;; All casts properly bowed 3 times to all sides before curtain closing again.

Ending
Nana reappeared on stage with Mishi-P!! People who left, quickly went back to their seats. ^^;;

Last announcement!
Nana will appear on HIBARI 7 DAYS in Feb 18~27 2011!
Details of which day or what Nana would do aren’t fixed yet, but I will try to go! I listened to quite a number of enka legend Hibari Misora’s songs ever since I knew she’s Nana’s all-time favorite singer (she mentioned it years ago), so I’d probably enjoy this more than the average Music Japan lol.

..

Impressions.
Highlight was of course hearing Nana singing enka! Goosebumps!!

Nana’s acting got wayyy better from the last Zachou Kouen too! The problem with seiyuu is that while their voice acting is flawless, physical motion or facial expression is rather stiff since they’re not actors.. but this time they all performed pretty well!

Night cast with Fumie replacing Houko.

I exchanged stories with friends who attended Night show. Same songs, stories, and most jokes. Only cast change from Houko to Fumie (so they did Cure Marin instead). During the ending when DISCOTHEQUE instrumental version was playing, Nana sang 1 part in Night show only.. well that song gets repeated everywhere so it’s OK. I prefer Nana’s reaction to Kohaku surprise <3

..

Oh yeah, I made it to Faylan’s live in Shibuya, though I missed the first song since I changed to Faylan’s T-shirt first. Saw dudes in Nana shirts which is rude imo. I’ve many things to say about Faylan’s tour too, my drafts are piling up.. ;__;