Model Press: MEG 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY “Arrivée” live report (June 2012)

On the 23rd, singer and designer MEG held a live commemorating the tenth anniversary of her debut MEG 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY “Arrivée” at Shibuya-AX in Tokyo.

In 2010, MEG put her activities on hold and went to France. This was her first one-man live (or “party”) since the concert she performed at Sanrio Puroland before her hiatus a year and eight months ago.

Making her entrance in a sky blue docked dress reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and white pumps, MEG started things off with her new song “TRAP,” released on June 13th and composed by Okamura Yasuyuki. “My first ever one-man live since I debuted took place here at Shibuya-AX. […] A lot has gone on in these past ten years, but you’ve followed me through it all,” she said, filling the venue with loud cheers.

As the upbeat tunes continued throughout the opening, her famous black-costumed character Ikasumi-kun, known for the suction pads on its paws, showcased its dancing. In the MC afterwards, MEG called out, “Did you see that? Ikasumi-kun’s moves,” creating a relaxing mood.

The eighth song to be performed was her 2002 single “Ikenai Kotokai,” also penned by Okamura Yasuyuki, and played by the live band to its original arrangement. “This song is an important song to me, and I’ve come to understand those feelings singing it now. I believe this is a song you can hear as a young girl at around twenty and still relate to even ten years later,” she explained. “I think I’ll be singing it even ten more years from now, so please listen to it again at that time as well.”

The moment when she feels strongly about a man?

Towards the middle point of the concert, there was also a Q&A corner for the question forms fans had filled out beforehand at the entrance of the venue. When asked about things men do that leave an impression on her, MEG answered, “Someone who comes around from the driver’s seat and opens the car door for me. It catches me off-guard in a good way. I think it’s very gentlemanly and wonderful.” As well, she advised the male fans present at the concert, “The men here should definitely give it a try themselves!”

The mystery of her beauty revealed

“Your sense of style is great, your skin texture is fine, and you’re cute. What’s the key to keeping your cuteness?” asked another question. “I suppose so. I don’t do anything special, but I soak myself in the bathtub when I get up in the morning, and I take a bath before I go to sleep at night also,” she replied shyly, divulging the precious secrets behind her good looks.

For the encore, MEG performed the TOMCAT cover “TOUGH BOY” with surprise guest the telephones. Nakata Yasutaka’s fantastical tune “BEAUTIFUL” was saved for last with all the night’s performers lined up together on stage. “After being gone for two years, I worried about whether all of you would come, but thank you so much for being here,” MEG said of her new start. “My tenth anniversary is still going, after all. Let’s meet again next time!”

Dropping her long-awaited new album on October 3rd

During the concert, it was announced that MEG will release a new album on October 3rd. It’s also the very day of MEG’s own birthday. “I’ve started working on it now, so please wait a little longer,” she said, revealing the news of her current eager production with a smile.

As this day was something of a tenth anniversary memorial party, fans had come from Kobe, Okayama, and all over the country. When we asked the female fans around the venue about their feelings towards MEG, we got these responses and more: “She is the essence of youth. She’s given me so much strength up until this point, so I’d like to keep supporting her forever.” “She has many songs I hold dear to me. I’m grateful that she’s given us this live for the first time in a while. She’s my idol.” From these statements and others, we saw that MEG has many fans full of passionate adoration for their favorite singer.

MEG’s powered-up vocals and dancing were unmistakable proof of her perfect comeback. Further, with the stage sets and screen visuals, her well-known costumed characters, dancers, live band, etc., the packed stage heralded the splendid return of MEG’s particular worldview, and there’s no doubt that the audience was given a fresher experience than ever before. As MEG continues to celebrate her tenth anniversary this year, her next step will be something to look out for. (Model Press)

SETLIST

1. TRAP
2. Seventeen Rendezvous
3. MAGIC
4. I’m in LOVE
5. JOKER
6. NATALIE
7. LOVE LETTER
8. Ikenai Kotokai
9. SUPERSONIC
10. SEARCHLIGHT
11. OK
12. HEART
13. ROMANTIKA

ENCORE

14. TOUGH BOY (special guest: the telephones)
15. Amai Zeitaku
16. BEAUTIFUL

☆☆☆

Translated from the original Japanese by me. Please link back if you share this anywhere!