On August 4th, I went to see Hitchcock live in Gunma! They're currently on tour after the release of their mini album 「サリドマイド」. This was actually my fourth or fifth time seeing Hitchcock live! I'm still a brand new fan lol
I was extra pumped because it's been a long time since I've traveled outside Tokyo for a band. The last live I attended outside Tokyo was actually in Gunma as well, but for the GazettE!
I started my day at 8 am, as my original plan was to arrive in Maebashi at around 1 pm, but ended up meeting my friend, Peru, in Ikebukuro so that we could go to the venue together! So after getting ready, I was able to relax for a little while, as we were planning to arrive around 2 pm instead. It was really fun having someone to ensei (traveling far to see a band) with. There’s absolutely nothing in the area, so there wasn't any need to arrive super early to sightsee. It was so inaka that we had to press the “open/close” buttons on the train doors! 😂 We took local trains from Ikebukuro to Takasaki, then from Takasaki to Maebashi. It was just a one-day trip to Gunma!
During the commute we spoke a lot and just diiiiiiied in the heat. I know this was terrible of me, but I barely had any food. I did pack two bottled drinks, a donut from famima (Family Mart), and a granola bar…but I only ate the donut. Luckily, once we had arrived at the venue, there was a 7-Eleven right next door, so we dropped in to cool down and buy smoothies!
Ten minutes before doors opened, we were waiting around in front of the venue entrance. On the wall was the venue’s August schedule! Hitchcock would be performing a one-man at 3 pm and then Matilda would be performing afterwards, at 7 pm. Once I went inside, I found a spot at center-kamite for the bassist Yoi. Yes, you read that correctly. Kamite for a bassist!!! (Kamite means right side of the stage, and shimote means left side. Generally the lead guitarist would be on kamite and the bassist would be on shimote, while center is obviously the vocalist.)
At Gunma DYVER, there was a lot of space at the very end of both shimote and kamite, but large speakers were in the way that blocked your view. Here's a drawing of what I mean.
I didn't want to risk standing too far at kamite, which was why I stood more towards the center. Thankfully, I had a perfect view of everyone!
The live itself was really fun!! But I was definitely exhausted from the heat and lack of food. The venue got sooo hot; I was sweating like crazy! Especially after they played 高速ばばあ (kosoku babaa)! Omg. It was my first time hearing this song live!! I was always curious about it ‘cause the furi is wild, but fun.
During this song, they make you do squats and run. If you don't want to run from kamite to shimote, then you have to go hide in the back or the sides of the venue, thenreturn to your original spot when it finishes. But it's super fun!!!! Each time we had to run, I kept laughing and I could barely look at the members. It was basically like the pacer test in gym class in the US. Or however you call it in your area lmao
There were two instances where Yoi came to the very edge of the stage and held onto the speakers. It looked like he had at least one foot on the saizen barricade too, but I couldn't really see. He looked like he almost lost his balance, so after trying once more he stopped coming to the edge LMAO. Thank goodness, ‘cause I was actually worried he'd fall.
During Karasu's MC, he asked who came from Tokyo and whether or not anyone came from Gunma. Most people were from Tokyo, and maybe 3-5 people were from Gunma? I saw 2-3 girls raise their hands from the side, but I couldn't see behind me. But given Karasu's reaction, I know the number was very, very low. I couldn't understand the rest of his MCs, unfortunately. But he did get Yoi involved. That man's smile and voice are so 😭😭😭 but man, was he confused at whatever Karasu was asking of him LOL.
Overall, the members looked fantastic and the setlist was great. Unfortunately, they didn't play an encore, so once the announcement was made everyone quickly gathered their belongings to get ready for satsueikai (photo session/M&G.) I brushed my tangled hair, fixed my makeup, and then stood in line for Yoi.
My time with him was super, super quick! I attempted to teach him some old slang before rushing out, but I was a bit frazzled. 😂 I'll have to try again next time. He did his best trying to pronounce the word though.
Peru and I returned to Shinjuku after a 2.5 hour train ride and got a quick bite before parting ways. This was my last live show for a while since I'll be visiting my family next week. But I'll be able to see Hitchcock and Jigsaw the moment I return to Japan!!!
August will be an exciting month.
Until next time… ✌️
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