Yuki Kajiura Live vol.#20 (June 2-Aug 3) & ～Asia Tour 20th Special SETLIST～ (Nov 2024)

[grunty]

I'm glad you guys had fun!

I'm not going to get into the discussion of "they sounded flawless at the venue, the live streams are just poorly mixed", because no - something may not sound pleasant or blended in live stream mixes, but if the performance is bad, it's bad, sorry.

But yes, @Saber is absolutely right saying little vocal hiccups are not the end of the world and I'm sure a lot of it was great (as evidenced by the bootlegs from China). And Saber is also absolutely right that listening to a recording and being at the venue is a completely different experience - I don't think anyone would argue that.

 

[Kagaribi no Hanabira]

My flight was 2.5 hours late… it’s a disaster! I arrived Bangkok around 7.30 pm and the live started at 8.00 pm…;w;. Rushing to the live, I kept mourning that I couldn’t watch Konno’s violin at the beginning of The World, as I arrived the venue around 8.20 pm.

When I went in, they were performing My Long Forgotten Cloistered Sleep, and then…. Konno was playing Violin in front of meeeeee!!! I bought VIP ticket, getting the 2nd row seat for his sake!! I mainly looked at him in this live and rarely looked at the singers…lol. Then Rie started flute solo in front of me….;w;….OMG….so close TwT….

As the setlist mostly overlaps with KajiFes and Live 20 that I’ve reviewed before, I skipped the details a lot.

My Long Forgotten Cloistered Sleep: It’s Joelle, Yuriko and Keiko. I was drawn to violin and flute sounds, and Joelle was so awesome! She’s the main character of the first half in this live.

I Swear: With Keiko as the lead. It’s good. Though I prefer the one at SWU in summer. Her singing was so sweet <3.

Fiction: Joelle was in the lead. Her singing was so emotional and feminine. Really a girl in the song! Rie had the flute solo at the center stage.

I Reach for the Sun: Rito came in place of Kaori. Keiko and Yuriko duet during Kajiurago bridge is sooooo sweet! They also asked the audience to clap along. And yes… it’s Thai fans! We’re proud of our over-the-top energy…lol.

The Garden of Sinners: We have only Joelle and Keiko in this song. Joelle voice is HEAVENLY!! Omggg!!! The fan sitting next to me cried out a lot. I believed that many fans are KnK/Kalafina fans as they gave a loud cheer and applaud when the song started.

Aria: Hikaru appeared at the center stage, and fans gave the loud cheer. I didn’t think I’d cry again after I passed live 20 in Summer without tears…, but I ended up crying a lot during Aria ;___;. (Kuga couldn’t mock me this time because the fan sitting next to me cried earlier&longer than me!) Hikaru’s voice was really rough. It’s even worse than KajiFes last year, but I think I’m fine with the energy she put in the song. She still maintained her power in singing and expressed the emotion so well, those are always her strong points.

Magia: Yuriko came in at Kaori’s place. Hikaru walked down to the front stage. People were really hyped up. But I was just immersed in Konno’s solo as it’s the first time that I can see him playing violin this close….;w;. Yuriko added a high twist at the Ye He He in the end. I doubt that it’s in the original live performance.

As my first Kalafina’s live experience was KajiFes in 2013, when Yuriko and Hanae accompanied them for their original parts in the recordings, I always feel that Kalafina alone at live is kinda lack of sth…. Yes… I need Yuriko for Kalafina songs! (Only for the songs that she participated in the recordings, of course. It isn’t that I want them to add more permanent member or so.)

Talk 2: Kajiura tried to talk in English a lot. She talked about the first Thai dinner, saying that she really enjoyed Thai food. She said she loves Thai food, and even said A-Roi which is ‘delicious’ in Thai. She loves the sweet chilli dipping sauce she had at the dinner, and asked for a recommended brand from the audience.

Kimi no Gin Niwa: Joelle and Yuriko sang really cutely!! As Yuriko stood in front of Rie, I couldn’t see her, and only heard her flute solo. It’s a bit sad…;w;.

Ring Your Bell: Yuriko and Joelle left, and Lino came in. She did better than the Fate event, sounds smoother and fuller.

To the Beginning: Lino left and Yuriko came in. Joelle was really great in this song.

Talk 3: Kajiura introduced the musicians and talk about how Obawo made the bird sound at the beginning of In the Garden of Sinners.

Yasashii Yoake: It’s Joelle and Yuriko duet. Joelle sounds a bit weak at the beginning, but her singing was so emotional. I couldn’t have enough Rie’s flute… it shone brilliantly in this song, and her duet with Konno’s violin was really lovely as well.

Obsession: Konno’s violin at the start was really catching. Lino appeared at the center stage, only Joelle and Keiko did the chorus. The girl improved A LOT from last year. Her Obsession in KajiFes was a big NO for me, but she did it marvelously this time! I think it’s really the style that matches her, much more than FJY songs. Please keep her singing the song in this style! Rie’s flute was also really awesome.

Senya Ichiya: Rito came to the center stage, with Yuriko and Keiko on chorus. Rito always did well for the cover, though she’s a bit too piercing near the end. Konno’s solo at the end was also amazing..love it!

The Main Theme of L.O.R.D.: Joelle was at the center stage. On the front row, it’s Rito, Yuriko, Keiko, and Lino, from left to right. Joelle was the star of the night! Lino did well in chorus, but the harmonization during the bridge wasn’t that good overall.

Absolute Configuration: Joelle came down from the center stage and stood between Rito and Yuriko. Five of them sang together with Yuriko leading the main part. Konno’s violin was so crazy… it’s crazily good… someone help me!!

Luminous Sword: Joelle leaded the song. I really love her and Konno’s violin solo. Lino was fine in chorus. (She stood the closest to me among all singers, so I heard her singing clearer.)

Another note for this session… as I said before that it seems like a bulk of Thai fans are Kalafina fans from KnK era. They’re really quiet during this session. Especially, for Obsession that has just been performed just last year in KajiFes, and L.O.R.D. theme that isn’t from an anime. I think they’re quite quiet during the English session as well, but the contrast of their reactions in the previous Kalafina session and this one looks more obvious. Seems like only a few know the songs… I and a friend who’s just a few years younger than me complained that we can feel the age gap… Are .hack (and later, Xenosaga) too old for the crowd…? ;w;

Talk 4: She recalled the names of all songs performed in order til now. She also said ‘let meet again next time’ in Thai (แล้วเจอกันใหม่นะคะ)

Sokyuu no Fanfare: I love the 5 vocal version. Joelle, Yuriko and Keiko were definitely great, but I think Lino did really well today too, taking Kaori’s part. Rito wasn’t that outstanding in this song.

Encore

The Image Theme of Xenosaga II: My favourite of the night! Joelle was the lead and the others did well. Rito and Lino roles were very limited, the same as in summer Live. It’s very energetic!

Nowhere: It was really fun! Everyone stood and danced… dunno they also sang like me or not… I can’t help singing along Yuuka song…even my voice was already exhausted now…..lol. Hikaru interacted with the other singers a lot.

Hikaru did Nowhere better than Kalafina’s song….lol. IMO, the song matches her vocal range and energetic&deep voice more than Yuuka whose voice has higher range and more girlish. We may have lower expectation because it’s just a cover, not her own song.

Talk 5: Kajiura said ‘let meet again next time’ in Thai again, and she kept saying ‘delicious’ in Thai. It seems that she really loves Thai food…lol. She said that so often that at some point, she added that Thai fans are nice as well….lol. We, the fans, are a supplementary part of her Thailand impression…the main character is, definitely, Thai food! LoL

Into the world: They stood in two rows. The front were Joelle, Hikaru, Keiko and Yuriko from left to right. The back row have two people: Rito was between Joelle and Hikaru, then Lino stood between Keiko and Yuriko. Keiko, Joelle and Yuriko singing kajiurago before the last part was very nice. I love the moment when they splitted into two groups, the left and the right trios. Those in the same group faced each other and harmonized the last part together, it’s so beautiful….;w;.

 

[grunty]

I'm sorry to read your flight was late. :(

 

[Kagaribi no Hanabira]

I was at the Bangkok live. It was so good. I was at the front row! It was so funny. Everyone was so shy to stand and I felt the urge to stand up. I remember Yuki Kajiura saying to enjoy the live in a way you wanna enjoy it. So I stood up and I was jumping looking at the audience inviting them to stand up also. The singers were laughing. We weren’t just standing up and jumping, we were dancing especially at the encore music, Nowhere. It was so fun. We weren’t just standing at the front so we were like leading the crowd with the handmovements and stuff. Yuki Kajiura gave me a heart sign using her hands. I was so inlove Rito and I shared a laugh when I was joking around with her at my seat. They were so fun. Yuriko gave me the sweetest smile and a finger heart. Keiko was having fun with us. Joelle was so sweet. Lino Leia made me wanna dance. The live version of Obsession was different than Kajifes and I loved it so much. Hikaru was so engaging to the audience

Serious note. Hikaru definitely sounded so different. I got so used to her 2008 -2014 voice. Rito today sounded like Hikaru of 2008. I feel sad that some parts of Hikaru were given to Joelle ( I mean Joelle sounded good. I love her in the chorus of Aria. ) I was sad because Hikaru cannot pull it off anymore. I wish Hikaru the best. She sounded so good though if she sings songs that are in mid range like Nowhere. I do miss that metalic pipe-like sound of Hikaru like in 2008.
Next, Joelle is so versatile. Sadly, more than Wakana. I miss Wakana. But Joelle can pull off vocal techniques than Wakana can. That doesn’t mean I don’t want Wakana. She is the best suited voice for Yuki Kajiura but Joelle stood her ground well and she can do some stuffs better. She has more stability and control in live performances.
Keiko is perfect as always. She knows how to control the crowd and she continues to improve.
Lino Leia is doing so well. She is catching up among the seniors. She can handle the crowd well. I enjoyed Ring Your Bell to be honest. She sounded good with the house mix. The Fate concert had a bad mixing. Understandable because it’s a live stream. They can’t adjust it that much during a live stream. But believe me, she sounded good.
Rito needs more lead. She is so good. Well done to our girls.

I loved every moment of it. And I will strive to watch more of their lives and I will keep supporting everyone even with the solo careers of our Kalafina girls.
It was a fun moment.
Kajiura joked a lot using Thai words. Yuriko was the funniest tho. She wrote a cheat sheet using her hands and when she can’t help it, she broke character and read from her hands
Yuki Kajiura used English in the majority of the live.
We can’t record because it was so strict. Even if we were allowed to record I will still be enjoying her music and cry to the point I can’t even think of recording

I am not Thai. But to all people in Thailand, let me express that I love you all. You are all so kind and hospitable. The food is amazing. I am moving to Thailand one day for sure. Please do add me in facebook to get to know you
You guys are the best !!!!!!!!!! Thank you Thailand for the best experience ever.

https://www.facebook.com/rsolquillo?mibextid=LQQJ4d

I think you’re Sai’s Filipino friend sitting in the front row? Saw her talking with some Thai&foreign fans in the front, but I didn’t join the group as I was rushing to my Thai&Chinese friends..lol. I’m happy that you love Thai food…^^. I’m also a fan of Filipino food~, but it’s a bit hard to find them in Thailand…;w;.

 

[Saber]

Another note for this session… as I said before that it seems like a bulk of Thai fans are Kalafina fans from KnK era. They’re really quiet during this session. Especially, for Obsession that has just been performed just last year in KajiFes, and L.O.R.D. theme that isn’t from an anime. I think they’re quite quiet during the English session as well, but the contrast of their reactions in the previous Kalafina session and this one looks more obvious. Seems like only a few know the songs… I and a friend who’s just a few years younger than me complained that we can feel the age gap… Are .hack (and later, Xenosaga) too old for the crowd…? ;w;

That's surprising to me. No matter the song or singer, the entire Malaysia audience went ballistic. The whole audience, whether they were Kalafina or FJ fans, whether knew the song or not, was completely entranced and every song was met with loud cheering and clapping.

The audience went the most crazy for Hikaru. Seems they were also Kalafans but also went nuts (if not slightly lower) for Yuriko and Joelle. For good reason I'd say, because Hikaru knew how to completely captivate the audience. She looked at every audience member and nodded and smiled. When we sent hearts, she would respond in kind.

 

[Kagaribi no Hanabira]

I'm sorry to read your flight was late. :(

I didn't expect 2.5 hours late…TT. Likely all airlines were delayed because of the bad weather in Bangkok. It’s raining a lot during the weekend. Korenaga tweeted that their flight from Thailand to Malaysia was delayed as well.

That's surprising to me. No matter the song or singer, the entire Malaysia audience went ballistic. The whole audience, whether they were Kalafina or FJ fans, whether knew the song or not, was completely entranced and every song was met with loud cheering and clapping.

The audience went the most crazy for Hikaru. Seems they were also Kalafans but also went nuts (if not slightly lower) for Yuriko and Joelle.

They still clapped for the performer when the song ended, but there’re not much reactions compared to the Kalafina session… As if they became Japanese fans during that session…lol. I and my friend from the same era feel so lonely then…we’re too old…Orz.

 

[george1234]

I am not Thai. But to all people in Thailand, let me express that I love you all. You are all so kind and hospitable. The food is amazing. I am moving to Thailand one day for sure. Please do add me in facebook to get to know you
You guys are the best !!!!!!!!!! Thank you Thailand for the best experience ever.

Try to send that fb link in private convo https://forum.canta-per-me.net/direct-messages/add cause you dont know what unknown forum guest might add you as well

I read the reports, it really sounds so fun *_*

 

[Dchang2510]

It's really not the same recorded. The atmosphere, energy and interaction is absolutely different live and I regret every concert I wasn't able to attend until now. Little vocal hiccups are completely not noticeable in a live setting because you're enjoying the performances so much that it doesn't matter. Everyone enjoyed it, performers and audience alike.

Totally agree.

The show got delayed for almost 1 hour because of production issues but i bet nobody really remembers/got mad once the concert ends.
Got a good seat but since it was towards the side, it feels like having a crush they wont look at you & only to the front
Aria almost give me heart attack because of the sudden start.
Almost cried during I swear.
Nowhere is good to make audience participate but I prefer Zodiacal Sign (or maybe Ongaku)
Was hoping for surprise extra song since it was the finale of tour but got disappointed lmao.

They still clapped for the performer when the song ended, but there’re not much reactions compared to the Kalafina session… As if they became Japanese fans during that session…lol. I and my friend from the same era feel so lonely then…we’re too old…Orz.

The japanese fans beside me didn't stand but they waved most of the time. I also followed during certain part, but most of the time just doing finger drum on my lap XD

Spoiler: boot

Also now i present..another bootleg

 

[Kugayama]

Set lists: https://fictionjunction.com/live/11686/

 

[KONIcchi]

I absolutely have so much fun! I cried when Kajiura and the uta Hines entered the venue . So majestic
Rito surprised me. I like her more now.

Thanks for the bootleg recording Now I can go have a look with other bootleg too. Holding myself from listening to any of it before KL hehe.

 

[toshiroukajiura]

I think you’re Sai’s Filipino friend sitting in the front row? Saw her talking with some Thai&foreign fans in the front, but I didn’t join the group as I was rushing to my Thai&Chinese friends..lol. I’m happy that you love Thai food…^^. I’m also a fan of Filipino food~, but it’s a bit hard to find them in Thailand…;w;.

I was in the VIP 1 row. I was waving my arms and dancing around especially during the encore I wasn’t able to see Sai because everyone wasnso busy but I expressed online my love and appreciation to everything she has done. I also went and talked to Sarah from Vienna. She’s one of the top Kalafina fan and blogger. And she gave me a chocolate. So beautiful and kind. Glad that Sai and her friends was able to keep her company. I spent that day with newfound Thai friends whom I met for the first time but we all talked and laughed like we are best friends forever. I had the best time. I will definitely go back and might even move in Thailand

 

[Saber]

Totally agree.

The show got delayed for almost 1 hour because of production issues but i bet nobody really remembers/got mad once the concert ends.
Got a good seat but since it was towards the side, it feels like having a crush they wont look at you & only to the front
Aria almost give me heart attack because of the sudden start.

Yes it was really frustrating in the beginning with how disorganised the venue staff was. The humidity and heat didn't help either. But all that went away when the first song started, and by the end, no one even cared that it was delayed.

I had an amazing view smack dab in the middle in the front of the CAT1 section. Hikaru, Keiko, Joelle and Yuriko all glanced at me at one time or another. Was mouthing along to all the lyrics (including the Kajiurago) which looked like it helped put Joelle at ease especially during the slower portions, to see at least someone was paying complete attention to them. I mouthed "daisuki" to Keiko and she nodded back. <3

 

[CloisteredFlame]

Next, Joelle is so versatile. Sadly, more than Wakana. I miss Wakana. But Joelle can pull off vocal techniques than Wakana can. That doesn’t mean I don’t want Wakana. She is the best suited voice for Yuki Kajiura but Joelle stood her ground well and she can do some stuffs better. She has more stability and control in live performances.

I liked the balanced view on both singers.

Yuki Kajiura gave me a heart sign using her hands. I was so inlove

That's great! You were so lucky!

Yuki got a standing ovation at the end, which is the highest honour anyone can give an artist. Smiles all around.

For good reason I'd say, because Hikaru knew how to completely captivate the audience. She looked at every audience member and nodded and smiled. When we sent hearts, she would respond in kind.

That's my girl! Hikaru's always shyness seems to go away when she's performing (except in some Kalafina lives you see her ALWAYS smiling anytime the monitor shows her face in camera).

Rito surprised me. I like her more now.

I'm glad to hear that. More rito converts please. She has potential.

Really cool to see the multiple live reports - musical and atmospheric - about the Asia shows! You guys are blessed.

 

[CloisteredFlame]

More photos from Joelle's Threads.

These are from Guangzhou...

And from Kuala Lumpur...

 

[Nguyen Trong]

More photos from Joelle's Threads.

These are from Guangzhou...
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And from Kuala Lumpur...

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JoeRiko's charisma is just....

 

[CloisteredFlame]

JoeRiko's charisma is just....

There's a burgeoning sisterhood between them and it seems that they are quite free with each other.

Look at how brightly Yuriko smiles at Joelle when they turn to each other in the verses of "I Reach for the Sun". It's like she's turning to a friend much more than just a colleague/co-singer.