… Otherwise known as the reason why I’ll have post-con depression for the next forty-eight days.
Following in the footsteps of conquering New York, the lovely Special Ambassadors of AKB48 were ready to conquer yet another American region. This time: Los Angeles, California. “AKB 48” the crowd yelled as the group was introduced during their July 1st performance at the Nokie Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday. While the concert may not have been as intimate as the heavily in-demand live shows in Japan, it was easily something that both the girls and their fans wouldn’t soon forget – and I won’t either any time soon.
Pulling from a number of their albums including, their recently released album Kamikyouku Tachi and their newest single Ponytail to Shushu, the group opened up with their familiar opening theme River which was an awesome, yet totally expected treat. After all, it is the song that they’re hoping that will appeal to American fans; and if their autograph lines were any indication, then they’ve succeeded.
At the panel, the group managed to pack the rather large Petree Hall on Day Two of Expo, much to the excitement of both their fans and the group members themselves. After showing a video with a brief explanation on the girls’ background in Japan, along with a few words by AKB producer Akimoto Yasushi that the group is hoping to be accepted worldwide, they partook in a series of Q and As with their fans.
The strongest question that resonated the most with me? “What helps you remember specific attendees?” Their answer: “If they (the audience) come a couple of times, then there’s a big chance of them remembering or if the person has something it’s really easy for them to remember their identity.” As someone who interviewed them in addition to recording their panel/concert, I can attest to this as Team K leader, Sayaka Akimoto, immediately noticed me when I was in line for their signature.
あなたもかわいいです～
On behalf of the entire SPJA and AKB48 fans everywhere, I would like to thank the girls for coming to Los Angeles and wish them luck in all of their future endeavors! I certainly hope you enjoyed your stay here in Los Angeles, and I’ll see you gals around….whenever you come back to America!
