I went to both concerts. Spent the 2 days in Yokohama soaking up the atmosphere. It was stinking, stinking hot. I don't know how Toshi manages to get around in all that garb in this kind of weather. He really is changing his style. Looking more and more like a Christmas tree! I like his style about 2 years ago. Anyway, that's neither here nor there.
Just a few observations...
The lighting effects were brilliant. Just so pretty. As the concerts started at 5.30pm it was still light but as the night progressed the lighting got better and better. Watching the audience with all their pen lights was so lovely.
When Yoshiki and Toshi appeared from the pyramid it was a wonderful surprise. Unexpected. The second night it was no surprise to see Yoshiki pop up there as we knew it would happen!
There was quite clearly less hide presence than ever before...apart from, however, the number of hide cosplayers. They were out in force as usual.
I enjoyed Toshi on the drums. Quite funny (I thought he was quite good but I'm no musician so who knows).
Personally, I was disappointed that the concerts began with Jade only because I like the "traditional" openers (for eg, Rusty Nail, World Anthem, Prologue...). But, they need to progress so I can accept it.
As great as the concerts were (and they were) I still enjoyed last year's concerts at Tokyo Dome more. Perhaps that's because they were my first X Japan concerts.
Oh, and they had the new pachinko machines in the foyer areas. Hmmm, hard to see as people were milled around them. They looked kind of funny....very gimmicky. They didn't do anything much for me.
I wish X Japan continuing success and hope that all goes well on their upcoming US tour.
