[Breaking News] The Saiin Fes 2017 “Rikuo” Live Report

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• Festival-loving girlMizuki Imae
  I got totally hooked on BUMP OF CHICKEN after my best friend introduced them to me in junior high, and that’s when I woke up to music. In high school, a senior led me into the world of melodic hardcore, and I fell for it completely. Heavily influenced by the boyfriend I was dating back then, I’ve been a huge fan of 10-FEET from then until now. After graduating from my days as a hairstylist—spent staring down wigs every day—I now work staff for studios, live houses, and wedding sound, spending my days hunting for new bands. Despite being out at festivals and shows all year round, I’m still a hopeless kid who can’t even do a two-step.

The Saiin Festival 2017 “Rikuo” Live Report

Rolling Piano Man

By the time it had completely grown dark outside, the final act to take the stage—his second set of the day—was Rikuo.

This year marks the 27th anniversary of their major debut.

It was the only live performance with piano accompaniment among those I reported on today.

The entire venue had been eagerly waiting for Rikuo, who had come for the sound check.

A huge cheer rang out for Rikuo, who returned after finishing the sound check and changing costumes.

The atmosphere at the venue is relaxed and laid-back, with a warm, friendly mood.

Laughter and clapping broke out at Rikuo’s “Everybody! Snap your fingers!” and, keeping that momentum, three songs finished in a row.

Gradient World-Soul

Around the time they launched into the fourth song, they unveiled a new track that was still only partially arranged.

They say the title will be “Gradient Worldsoul.”

Despite its clean and bright melody, it was a song whose lyrics drew me in and made me think.

The heartfelt cries unfolding in the middle section as words—might they not have resonated within the audience members present?

A live performance that engulfs the entire venue

Rikuo’s live performance is so soothing that I can’t help but get lost in it.

It was the kind of live show that made me think, 'I want to keep listening forever.'

As the live show approached its final stages, the sixth song was “Happy day.”

The venue is enveloped by the voices of the audience along with “Oh Happy Day.”

The loud applause seamlessly turned into clapping in rhythm, and the seventh song was an homage.

You could hear The Blue Hearts as the eighth song, but it was performed.

The entire venue became one as everyone sang, “Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.”

It’s truly a live performance that leaves no one behind, one that sweeps up everyone in the venue.

Encore

At the end of the eighth song, they stepped away from the piano to sing at the front of the stage, spread their arms wide, then returned to the piano to express their thanks.

With the words, “And now, it’s time for the autograph session!”, the excitement in the venue reached its peak.

Amid unending applause, as Rikuo left the stage with a beer in hand, the crowd called for an encore.

A big round of applause is once again given to Rikuo as he appears again.

The audience was amazed by the shocking but delightful news: “I’m moving to Kyoto in October!”

Amid the warm words, “Welcome back!”, what began was paradise.

The customer’s gaze was fixed straight on Rikuo.

Rikuo finished the song while weaving in various famous quotes and an episode about a promise with his mother, then once again raised his beer high and left the venue.

An absolutely stunning 50 minutes.

It was truly an amazing live show.

A quick word after the show!

https://twitter.

com/studiorag/status/893792852135641089

Rikuo profile

Rikuo Official Website

Rikuo Official Twitter

Rikuo Official Facebook

https://youtu.

be/mGwzGhdEmww

https://youtu.

be/fQSDkUfCEFo

The Saiin Fes

Sun 11/23 The Saiin Fest

saifes.net

Saiin Fes is a free (tip-based) music festival held around Saiin in Kyoto. Since 2017, it has been held in spring, summer, and autumn. Not only live music venues but also cafes and shrines throughout the Saiin area become stages, filling the town with music for two days.