The Night When the Woman with the Voice of a Diva Became a True Diva: May’n Artist Interview [1/3]

In the center of Tokyo, in the leafy shade that surrounds the Imperial Palace, lies the Nippon Budoukan. Though the arena takes its name from it's long and established history as a center for budou, or martial arts, it is also a widely respected concert hall in which all musicians strive to one day perform. To them, it is sacred ground comparable in status to New York's Carnegie Hall or Madison Square Garden. We recently had the opportunity to go to this holy place to meet with a young female artist. While we say "meet," it was really an encounter from the perspective of an audience member, but it was a pleasant and satisfying experience nonetheless due to the close proximity that the Budoukan offers over most other venues.

The tenderness and affection of the night’s performance was provided by vocalist May'n. She is the voice behind the songstress Sheryl Nome from the Macross anime series' Macross Frontier, which has maintained its popularity for 30 years. Now, after being granted the chance to hear her unparalleled voice, it is apparent that this renowned performer has completed her transformation into "May'n the diva."

With dimmed lighting, May'n begins the opening song alone. The stage curtain falls to the ground revealing an extravagant 20-piece string orchestra and lined up behind them a large chorus of what seems like 50 people. May'n stands at the front, unfazed by the stirring crowd's excitement and addresses the audience in her usual friendly tone. "When I suddenly saw this beautiful blue sight you created, I was about to cry right off the bat!" she exclaims as fans wave in a sea of blue glow sticks.

A thrilling string progression starts off a heavy and fast number with clever phrasing and a progressive melody line. The string section and chorus do not go for visual impact, but develop on their own arrangements to their liking. May'n’s experience with performing many anime theme songs came through as she paid tribute to the different worlds linked to each piece seamlessly in a way that resembled a theater performance more than a concert. You could call it a "one woman musical."

"Tonight is my first individual performance in quite some time," she says. "On my recent Rock Your Beats world tour, I traveled to many different countries so I'm curious: Is there anybody here who came from abroad to see me tonight?" she asks and receives a several loud shouts of "Yes! I did!" in reply from various fans in the audience. This sense of unity is one thing that makes May'n's live performances so great.

After exiting for a while, the string section returns to the stage to perform “Rock Your Beats,” a new song from her first and extensive world tour in 2012. The piece really showcases the band's potential. Next, the mood changes to the calmer "As you wish" featuring a special string arrangement, after which all band members exit except for the pianist. At just 23 years of age, May'n is able to provide a satisfying flow with her concerts that give a sense of hospitality which even veteran performers can only hope to attain. Praised for her knowledgeability and talent since she debuted as a teenager, May'n’s performances are not just full of energy and vigor, but her skilled stage presence draws a kind of excitement from the crowd that gives her the air of an already established big name star. May'n is certainly not just a J-Pop idol; she has made a name for herself in the mainstream pop scene in Japan as well.

The second encore comes to an end as the lights of the concert hall flicker on and illuminate the stands. At this point in a typical concert, one would not expect to see the artist take the stage again, but as for tonight's performance, the highlight is just around the corner. As each area of the hall becomes brighter and the faces of the fans become visible, May'n appears, moving around the second and third story wings on either side of the stage, checking in and talking with the fans. This goes on for about 15 minutes. None of the fans go home. They all wait intently until the performer is satisfied and retires to her dressing room. It seems that to the fans, as members of May'n’s "Live Club" it would be unthinkable to leave before their leader.

By the way, she also makes a point of addressing the press section as well, so it's hard to complain. May'n, you never cease to amaze.

Set List from May'n Special Concert 2013 "Mic-A-Mania" at Nippon Budoukan, March 2, 2013
1. Blue Sky (Aozora)
2. Jewels
3. Welcome To My Fan Club’s Night! -Styles Ver.-
4. Scarlet Ballet
5. Giant Step –May’n Ver.-
6. Ane (Anemone)
7. Hero
8. Brain Diver
9. Rock Your Beats
10. Illegal Elixir (Kindan no Elixir)
11. As You Wish (Moshimo Kimi ga Negaunara) -Mic-A-Mania Special Ver.-
12. Northern Cross
13. Sagittarius 9PM Don’t be late (Iteza☆Gogokuji Don't be late)
14. XYZ
15. Dolce
16. Paranoia
17. My Teens, My Tears
18. Lion
19. Mr. Super Future Star
20. Chase the world

First Encore:
1. Romance (Koi)
2. When We're Apart (Aenai Toki)
3. Kimi Shinitamo Koto Nakare -Acoustic Ver.-

Second Encore:
1. Love Is a Falling Star (Ai wa Huruhoshi no Gotoku)

May'n’s Official Site
May’n Community 『May’n Space』
May’n Official Facebook
May’n Official YouTube Channel

This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.