#you had to have expected that i was going to include at least one wowaka song

[iersei]

Miku Mix Playlist

Track 10: Rolling Girl - Wowaka

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[calwingjapan]

9月2日ーマジカルミライ

Back in May I booked bus tickets and passes for Hatsune Miku: Magical Mirai 2019. I suppose it will serve as a good distraction. Oddly enough, a part of me didn’t really WANT to go. I meant to get just one ticket, but the lottery system had messed up English and as a result I had to pay for a two day pass. The only reason I decided to go was to indulge in my 19/20 year old self in going to a Vocaloid concert. In the past 5 years, I’ve not been a huge fan, but knew that at the very least I could still have a little fun, right?

Now...I have plans of going every year. It was beyond entertaining from start to finish and the exhibit floor was a lot like anime cons back home...only it was all Vocaloid. What’s more, the event actually had English support (and Chinese). Industry guests were there, including a few big name vocaloid music producers doing autographs. Any clothing, accessory, music tech, or figurine company that had partnership with Crypton and Hatsune Miku was there with their merchandise. Starting out producers had a fan-works marketplace selling their own CDs and fanart. Early demo play of the new Project DIVA and Miku VR was available! There were also changing rooms for cosplayers, and a storage space for those traveling will luggage to put away. So I’ll be sure to cosplay next year, for sure, too! I’ve  been wanting to be KAITO for years, so this seems like the perfect place to do it.

Tho, I think the nicest aspect of it was just how friendly all the attendees were. There were people from all over the world. Japan. China. Korea. Philippines. America. Europe. Yet, no matter the language barrier, everyone was having fun singing their favorite songs in impulsive karaoke, dancing, taking photos together, and so on. Even the most hardcore fans were good people. They didn’t try to one-up anyone or assert authority of any kind. If anyone was seen alone, they were just collected into groups with other fans. If someone didn’t have a glow wand during the concerts then fans would share (the most excited fans had anywhere from 3-5 wands of their own. They had plenty to loan to friends). I ended up meeting a few people from America and other foreigners in the country who go every year but sadly they all lived in different corners. We’ll keep in touch on LINE, I’m sure.

I just cried during the first song. I didn’t even know what song it was (or half of the songs of the whole show), but I didn’t care. I think it was mainly just the energy of the moment and how entertaining it was. Even a few old favorites were played in memory of the late wowaka, who passed away this April. A different song of his was played at every show, the two I got to see was World’s End Dancehall (my favorite) and Rolling Girl (his first big hit). Those were really emotional numbers even if they were very high energy. Megurine Luka was also celebrating her 10th anniversary so she got an extended set, and her own corner at the exhibit hall. One guy I ended up sitting next to during the final concert (someone from America), he and I both ugly cried when Romeo and Cinderella happened.

On the last day I did one last sweep of the exhibit hall and while walking past the industry booths, I saw a staff member holding up a sign with 「八王子Ｐ」written on it. Next thing I knew...he was right there, signing autographs. I didn’t know who’d be there, nor did I expect it to be possible to meet anyone. Yet...one of my favorite producers was not but 10 feet away from me and all I had to do was...buy his newest EP, and I could get his autograph. Not only did I get his autograph, I got lucky when I drew my lottery ticket and was allowed to shake his hand. I was so starstruck that I forgot my Japanese and had to use Google translate to tell him how happy his music has always made me, and partly why I now live in Japan. He...just laughed and kept saying thank you as he shook my hand. I cried in the bathroom right after.

I really met Hachioji-P. It’s not called Magical Mirai for nothing, I guess.

Part of me thinks it was such an emotional weekend because of the news with my grandfather, and me having trouble expressing any sorrow over it. When the stage teased that one wowaka’s songs was next with the video screen, the crowd didn’t chant for Miku or Rin or Luka, or anyone else. Everyone in unison just kept screaming “WO! WA! KA! WO! WA! KA! WO! WA! KA!” He’s gone...but his music has been so impactful to thousands, if not millions of people all over the world. I only hope that he was able to hear us, from all 5 shows, screaming his name. It couldn’t be helped, me thinking of my grandfather in that moment. I want to remember Buddy the same way all those fans remember wowaka.

I called Luis after the first day and talked my feelings out about my grandfather with him. There...wasn’t much to be said, but it was nice (and surprising) when he told me how he went through the same emotions a few years ago when his own grandfather died a few years ago...while we were all at MomoCon together. I can’t imagine how he felt during that weekend after he got the message from his family. Still, knowing that someone at least understands why I’m feeling (or rather, not feeling) does provide some reassurance. 

There is no solution to this, I know, but...Luis offered me a bit of comforting words in knowing that he’s about to be going somewhere where he won’t be hurting anymore- no more cancer, aching bones, or fluid bags, or anything at all. He’ll be somewhere where he has his voice again! He’ll be able to go swimming without the worry of water getting caught in his throat hole. He’ll have all his hair, again! I know I can’t follow him there, not right now, anyway. But for the moment...that’s how I’m trying to cope with this situation.

Justin/Logy and his girlfriend, Jasper, are planning to be in Japan for Christmas next year. Thanks to the Olympics, the Tokyo dates for Magical Mirari 2020 had to be moved from summer time to right before Christmas. When I passed the news along to them, they immediately agreed that we’d all go together at least for one day, in cosplay. The magic continues….