Here is my report of the Shonen Knife July 11 & 12 shows!
July 11 and 12 days were two happy days for me! I went to Shinsaibashi Quattro with my younger brother (Toru) at 18:00. Their new stock T-shirt was sold, and it was very crowded for the show in Osaka on the 11th and in Tokyo on the 12th, both. Even if Michie resigned (1999), Shonen Knife have gained many new young fans. They discovered Shonen Knife at Fuji Rock Festival last year, and on live broadcast with FM radio and became their fans. There were many men and women of all ages at the shows.
The July 11 opening bands were Keihan-Girl and Bloodthirsty Butchers. Both bands were playing well. Especially, I liked Keihan-Girl. Keihan means "Kyoto to Osaka". Two girls are high school students and a registrar at a golf center. Bassist girl had a term-end examination today, and their drummer was a support member. Their songs resemble old Shonen Knife, but their own originality has the way of Shonen Knife.
20:15. "Good morning, Shonen Knife Freaks!" When it was time for Shonen Knife to come on stage, first we could hear the "Shonen Knife" song from "712". They wore the new Mondrian costumes.
Set List: (I got the set list on the 12th which Mana used.)
1. Konnichiwa
2. Riding on the Rocket
3. A Map Master
4. Whatever
5. Mass Communication Breakdown
6. Messy Room
7. Wonderland
8. Walrus
9. Crossword
10. Top of the World
11. Concrete Animals
12. Bear Up Bison
13. Sushi Bar
14. E.S.P.
15. Banana Chips
16. Wild Life
17. A.A.A.
18. Orange-No-Taiyo
Encore 1:
19. Twist Barbie
20. Buttercup (I'm a Super Girl)
Encore 2:
21. Cobra vs. Mongoose
On the 12th, Tokyo - they did not play "Buttercup". But, Marty Friedman played guitar on "Cobra vs. Mongoose" in Tokyo. He is retired Megadeath guitarist, and lives in Tokyo. I always see him live.
The Knifequake happened in Osaka! It had been shaking there throughout the Live! Osaka is their home ground. It was better than Tokyo on the 12th. A professional baseball team is strong on their home ground... and Shonen Knife is, too!
I have been to their Live shows 30 times or more. It was as wonderful as I had been at their best 3. They and their audience were fine to the highest!
AFTER SHOW:
I and my younger brother had the Guest Pass, and remained there. He was very much impressed with Shonen Knife and said to me: "It was 10 times as wonderful as my anticipation! I love E.S.P., Walrus, Sushi Bar and A.A.A. You are great! It is (wonderful) that you can talk with such people! I have now understood why do you like them. I have not seen such a powerful female drummer before."
He respected me!
Naoko and Atsuko came out, and I introduced him to them. We took a photograph together. I gave them "Monkey Brand Oolong Tea". The store is located in Chinatown in Yokohama near my place of work. I often buy tea in the store. A true store name is "GOKU (Monkey Magic Tea House)", but pretty monkey illustration in there - it's "Monkey Brand".
I had asked Naoko by email:
Mamiko: "Have you been to the store, when you came to Yokohama by the Eikichi Yazawa event Live? I thought whether you were inspired by this store?"
Naoko: "No, my parents have bought it (Monkey Brand Oolong Tea) with their Hong Kong travel, as a souvenir. I don't know the store in Yokohama."
I thought that I had to give some to them. They were pleased with the "Monkey Brand Oolong Tea".
Next, we went to the back stage to meet Mana.
Mamiko: "This is my young brother. He lives in Takarazuka and is a fan of the Nippon-ham Fighters!"
Mana: "Oh! Our team (Hanshu Tigers) got a good player from your team by the trade. Thank you! Takarazuka... I went to Takarazuka last month by Hankyu line. I'd like to live in Hibarigaoka-hanayashiki, it's a nice name. A coffee was 700 yen at the teahouse in Takarazuka! All the ladies that came there had a nobble umbrella!" (My younger brother laughed big!) Mana has a sense of humor as well as Naoko and Atsuko. I took the photograph with her.
(Supplement):
1. Takarazuka is known as an upper-class residential area. However, it is not a high-class portion, on the side where my brother lives.
2. 700 yen=about 6 dollars! Shonen Knife fans, I have drunk 10 dollars coffee in the Ginza in Tokyo! Do you believe??!!"
More 2003 News soon!
jaa mata!
KAPPA EXpress report by:
Shonen Knife NeXus Japan Correspondent
PLKC Mamiko Nakagawa
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