Shopping Guide
On April 21, there was no mistaking that the live house Twin Box Akihabara became one of Japan’s “hot spots.” Loud music reverberated through the venue, and people were dancing, jumping, and, at times, shouting. With the audience’s glow sticks swaying like a wave, the barrier between the DJs and the audience was demolished as everyone sang in chorus. Those in attendance may have differed in age and gender, but they all shared one common point: They were all huge fans of anime songs (anison).
On March 20, a CD was released that took the anison world by storm. That CD is “J-Anison Kamikyoku Matsuri~Legend~[DJ Kazu in No.1 Fumetsu Mix]” by DJ Kazu, who skillfully selected anime songs spanning the history of anime and arranged them into one long mix packed with nostalgia and excitement. In commemoration of the CD’s release, a DJ club event was held on April 21 in Akihabara.
The event featured an ensemble of equally talented DJs in the anison world. First up was DJ Otou-chan who warmed up the crowd with catchy tunes such as the theme song to PreCure. Next was DJ Ikki who firmly grabbed the attention of the core anime fans in the audience with a mix of anime songs from the ’90s. Appearing as if she jumped straight out of an anime, Minami Momochi appeared next with a weaving mix of anime songs and idol songs. Her dancing and performance really heated up the crowd. DJ Goto Osama took the stage next, mainly playing songs compiled on the “Fumetsu Mix” CD, effectively passing the baton to the star of the evening: DJ Kazu.
Just when everyone thought DJ Kazu would finally appear, a huge surprise guest was introduced. Masaaki Endoh, a legendary singer in the world of anison, appeared on stage, and the excitement of the crowd shot through the roof. Masaaki sang various songs that would be instantly recognizable to any anison fan, ending with the theme song to King of Braves GaoGaiGar, “Yushao Tanjo!,” which sent the audience over the edge into a state of delirium.
Four and a half hours into the event, DJ Kazu finally appeared to mix up the turntables. Already being wrapped in a state of perfectly attuned excitement, the audience was electrified when DJ Kazu upped the ante even more, going above what they thought was possible. Unphased by those who went before him, DJ Kazu unleashed a 30 minute mix of anime songs that powerfully pierced everyone in the audience. We couldn’t help but move our bodies, jump around, and maddeningly wave our glow sticks along with everyone else. In that moment, DJ Kazu made everyone feel the profoundly powerful impact of anime and anime songs.
For those of you reading this, there are surely some who have been profoundly impacted by anime. However, many may not have the chance to share this excitement with friends. What’s more, events like this one are usually limited to Japan. However, fear not! DJ Kazu’s new CD “J-Anison Kamikyoku Matsuri~Legend~[DJ Kazu in No.1 Fumetsu Mix]” and his previous CD “J-Anison Kamikyoku Matsuri~Legend~[DJ Kazu in No.1 Muneatsu Mix]” have a combined total of 90 anime songs. When you listen to these CDs with friends, you won’t help but strike up a conversation about your passionate feelings toward anime. What’s more, there’s a good chance you will come across anime songs you’ve never heard before. These CDs are a must-buy for both those overseas and those who want to further complete their experience of this live event!
That’s not all! We have even more good news to share! From here on out, DJ Kazu will be periodically writing an anime song column on TokyoOtakuMode. The first article will be coming soon, so look forward to it!
DJ Kazu’s Official Site:
http://www.j-popper.jp/index.html (Japanese)
CD Series “J-Anison Kamikyoku Matsuri” Official Site:
http://www.kamikyokumatsuri.jp (Japanese)
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This is a TokyoOtakuMode original article.
