Yuki Kajiura LIVE vol.#21 - 60 Songs (July 26 - August 24, 2025)

[CloisteredFlame]

Now EMIKO is the definition of performer.

She sure is! She loves being on stage, in fact I would imagine she toned down her energy a lot of the time.

i think Joelle did a better job than Yuriko in vol4

MC.... Junna has weird hairstyle for sure

She'd been going with some edgy styles, but recently she's picked one that really brought out her cuteness.

nowhere is nowhere. However i prefer Hikaru than Junna on the main vocal.

Hikaru would bring more hype and really contrast her high energy with ASCA's smooth style.

LISA saying "Kajiura-san!!" like Mitsuri in KnY, i wonder if it was intentional :3

I wonder

This was a nice live. The setlist was ok but the energy and performances were a breath of fresh air. I love Emiko and the presence she brings to the performance. She does a great job emoting and singing which is something that has been sorely missing from yk live. I’d love to see her join as a fixed member, but even if she doesn’t, I hope she has opened the door for Kajiura to bring in more collaborations that change up the dynamic and vibe

Emiko's presence is her freedom and playful/prankster personality. It rubbed off on the others who usually present more of a classy vibe. It's Kaori that had more of that free personality when she was younger (being called "Dark Kaori" by Revo, and her stage freedom in YKL#2).

I think Emiko is sparking an excitement in Kajiura that may just help bring out some of her old experimentation. I mean she's already showed that with her vocal arrangement for this live- a resurgence of her ability to go beyond the safe and expected order of singers, which she had been locked into virtually since the beginning (having 4 main singers - Wakana, Yuriko, Kaida, Kaori for 2 decades).

I am still shocked at the main vocalists introduction in this YKL#21 live! This is a sea change in the openness of the singers on stage. Kajiura didn't have as long monologues as she tends to usually have in her lives (I recently watched my beloved Kanagawa YKL20 again so it's still fresh), so there was more time for the ladies to also speak.

 

[CloisteredFlame]

梶浦由記 Yuki Kajiura
@Fion0806

Beyond Time's Illusory Sky
In this version, Yukina is particularly fond of the sweetness in Joelle-san's B-melody, and the dignified, tragic resolve of the chorus. (A confession)
#YKL_10hours
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12:39 PM · Nov 2, 2025
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Joelle
@Joellevoice
·
Nov 2
Oh my gosh thank you!! I love singing these parts tooooooo

~ I can imagine Joelle blushing at Kajiura's praise at her "dignified, tragic resolve of the chorus" ~

 

[Saber]

(I swear this isn't me bring contrarian) but Emiko's energy stood out a little too much for my liking. Is she a great performer? Yes. Does she have great stage presence? Also yes. Is it fine to do what she does if she's the lead featured singer? Yes. But she spent more time acting as a Keiko replacement than a featured vocalist in this concert (let's be real, she was more of a FJ member than a guest vocalist, hell, she had more backup parts and screentime than LINO LEIA who is meant to be a permanent member of the FJ lineup) and you're supposed to match the energy of the other members when you're in an ensemble, not draw attention entirely to yourself.

I'm glad Kajiura found someone who can take over lower harmonies, because that's a rare skill and mezzos who can go that low with a dark timbre in Japan are even rarer (I still prefer the warmth of Keiko's voice overall over Emiko's power). I'll forever be a Keiko stan (not sorry) and it'll probably take me some time to warm up to Emiko in that role, but I can see a world where she becomes a part of the permanent FJ lineup, and I wouldn't be upset about it. This live did make me realise that my enthusiasm for YK lives have dropped off a cliff now that Keiko's gone. Yuriko as always is sidelined to high harmonies and even Joelle had only one leading song this entire concert (Parade), being relegated to backup in the majority of the live.

It is funny to me that FJ Yuuka songs have become the de facto guest vocalist songs though.

 

[grunty]

you're supposed to match the energy of the other members when you're in an ensemble, not draw attention entirely to yourself

I'm gonna need examples 'cause from skipping around I ain't seeing it.

Where in Hikidashide or lighthouse or Parade or Homura does Emiko do too much for you and distract from the lead singer? To me it's actually amazing how composed she (and her voice) is compared to her lead songs.

Where in eternal blue does she distract from Kaori more than the others (or Keiko in the past)? Did Keiko not extend her arms when singing? I see Emiko squatted once - too much? Oh sorry, she got excited more in the final refrain. Did Keiko never bend her legs or do sharp movements?

Where does she not match the energy when she's doing just backing vocals?

edit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_O_4aF6_Sk
lol come on

 

[grunty]

I am still shocked at the main vocalists introduction in this YKL#21 live! This is a sea change in the openness of the singers on stage.

Yea, it was all very good vibes.

Kajiura didn't have as long monologues as she tends to usually have in her lives (...)

No band introductions in this TV cut either but maybe that's in the MC before Hikidashide that got cut like "Honoh no Tobira" (maybe they didn't want to cut around YK talking about that song or YUUKA any more so they just cut the whole MC v( '')v ).

But I guess it could also be that the band never got the time in this particular live due to the amount of guests.

 

[CloisteredFlame]

But she spent more time acting as a Keiko replacement than a featured vocalist in this concert (let's be real, she was more of a FJ member than a guest vocalist, hell, she had more backup parts and screentime than LINO LEIA who is meant to be a permanent member of the FJ lineup)

Come on! How do you mean, "acting as a Keiko replacement"? She was given a role to play and she played it quite well. It's like how people back in ancient times said Joelle acting like Wakana's or taking her place or something. It's obvious range-wise that Emiko can sing the lowest among all the ladies, comparable to 90% of Keiko's range.

Even with the delightful fact that Joelle and Kaori (and even LINO LEIA) got to sing low harmony for extended periods you just have to look at the notes they were singing in those songs. Emiko sang the lowest and fullest "Keiko-range" notes during the live because she was the one who could do so, no matter how hard the others tried. That's basic voice type. She's the only true low mezzo/light contralto voice in that group.

Low notes are low notes and someone's got to sing them. Emiko's personality and energy made the performances her own - she wasn't acting as anyone.

This live did make me realise that my enthusiasm for YK lives have dropped off a cliff now that Keiko's gone.

Of course, that's expected. Anyone who is a specific fan of Wakana or Keiko would feel their absence more than most, since the focus tends to be more on the specific singer than on the particular musical performance happening in the moment.

I personally think Yuki Kajiura can perform anything she has composed with anyone currently available to her, and with any arrangement. I for one would like to hear Emiko lead "Magia" (more so than JUNNA), even though Hikaru is my OG favourite Kala-lady.

 

[grunty]

v( '')v
Keiko did get replaced in a lot of songs so I don't see any big deal about the word.

 

[CloisteredFlame]

v( '')v
Keiko did get replaced in a lot of songs so I don't see any big deal about the word.

Yeah, I have previously defended the word "replaced" myself while responding to complaints about Joelle filling Wakana's place, so, yes, I'm also not criticizing the word itself. It's the implication of "acting" like her replacement - as if she's attempting something she's not able to do (even while she's actively doing it). Emiko did an excellent job, different from Keiko.

I am also thinking about the changes in mixing/effects that would have been needed for the different voice types. I am curious about that. For example, I know that Wakana had a lighter, quieter voice than Kaori for example, so the mixing would be different for blending both those voices. I also feel that Emiko has a louder natural voice than Keiko, so even if they were to both sing together, the mixing would also not be identical.

 

[grunty]

but I believe Saber's comment there was that Emiko was doing more than just popping in for a solo song like the other guests... hence the "acting as a Keiko replacement" and not a guest...

I mean, you can take it as an intentional diss if you want... or unfortunate wording or ??? I guess I don't see anything wrong there, lul.

Now the rest of the post with Emiko being too distracting for Saber... that I don't get.

 

[george1234]

but I believe Saber's comment there was that Emiko was doing more than just popping in for a solo song like the other guests... hence the "acting as a Keiko replacement" and not a guest...

I mean, you can take it as an intentional diss if you want... or unfortunate wording or ??? I guess I don't see anything wrong there, lul.

Now the rest of the post with Emiko being too distracting for Saber... that I don't get.

Like Cloistered said she was probably sad her fav member was out, but they didnt kick her it was her that left, so nothing can be done unless she decides to be back. As a result the new vocalist stands out too much to her.

About Yuriko, dont forget that she was sick and hospitalised last summer which is why she probably got limited song parts.

I do remember that in one of the previous Lives people complained Joelle sing too much. Maybe its what happens when Kajiura gets excited with a new vocalist

About guest vocalists (as was Emiko) they re always on the spotlight in all YKLs, so nothing surprising about that.

 

[wat11]

I have yet to watch the whole thing but I think Emiko standing out may be because of the contrast of her energy with Keiko. Keiko was much more subdued (like lack of making fists and yaiyyyaeeying at the end of a song ? ) - I can't give specific second by second examples, but Keiko seems calmer overall.

I... can prefer Keiko's warmth over Emiko's power as well. I cannot speak for Saber but the contrast is what they may be reacting to. From the footage I've seen Emiko does not stand out by "acting" "flaunting" or whatever.

Does Emiko's presence draw too much attention compared to Keiko's memory? Possibly.

Can I warm up to Emiko's power? Yes! She is a breath of fresh air, damn awesome singer. It's different but good vibes.

 

[grunty]

I think this thread will help me gain levels in not caring about trying to at least see where others are coming from.

 

[maha_gnosis]

agree with George. I also think when Emiko has sang enough, her role could be "reduced". I feel like it has happened with Keiko too, in seventh heaven and red moon, she had more "leads" songs.
And Wakana? well aside from Hikaru and Keiko, who else can sing in more versatile range? so wakana got more role. Lol.

I feel like Keiko got a lot of die hard fans because she is such a cutie which a deep contrasting voice. lol. which is a legit reason too. Her voice is dark and warm, but like someone has already said. She could be very shouty for "power" voice. That role is better for Emiko. Cant stand Keiko in Houseki, first part of mune no yukue.

I would like to hear Emiko in slow or dramatic ballad.

And why is Joelle's Honoo no Tobira got cut?????? I was looking forward to it

 

[grunty]

While I still care a bit about understanding people, I hope someone gives me a few examples where they think Emiko does not adhere to Saber's "you're supposed to match the energy of the other members when you're in an ensemble, not draw attention entirely to yourself."

I had assumed Saber was talking about songs where Emiko is not in the lead (because "she spent more time acting as a Keiko replacement than a featured vocalist in this concert ") but how the heck should I know now with those responses above.

Edit: before anyone fixates on the "acting as a Keiko replacement" part, as far as I'm concerned, Saber directly implies doing the alto parts/backing vocals here, not replacing Keiko as a person. I see no issues regarding the wording here.

I'd like to see specific examples to understand.
Is it Emiko's vocal performance, voice color, movements, personality, body language or attitude...? Where exactly is the issue for you?
Or maybe it's not a specific but general thing? Maybe even just a case of "not-Keiko"? (which I could understand but not relate in this live)

Please don't leave me hangin' just yet. A still inquiring mind wants to know more.

Spoiler: for Saber's full post that I selectively quoted in the body of my post

(I swear this isn't me bring contrarian) but Emiko's energy stood out a little too much for my liking. Is she a great performer? Yes. Does she have great stage presence? Also yes. Is it fine to do what she does if she's the lead featured singer? Yes. But she spent more time acting as a Keiko replacement than a featured vocalist in this concert (let's be real, she was more of a FJ member than a guest vocalist, hell, she had more backup parts and screentime than LINO LEIA who is meant to be a permanent member of the FJ lineup) and you're supposed to match the energy of the other members when you're in an ensemble, not draw attention entirely to yourself.

I'm glad Kajiura found someone who can take over lower harmonies, because that's a rare skill and mezzos who can go that low with a dark timbre in Japan are even rarer (I still prefer the warmth of Keiko's voice overall over Emiko's power). I'll forever be a Keiko stan (not sorry) and it'll probably take me some time to warm up to Emiko in that role, but I can see a world where she becomes a part of the permanent FJ lineup, and I wouldn't be upset about it. This live did make me realise that my enthusiasm for YK lives have dropped off a cliff now that Keiko's gone. Yuriko as always is sidelined to high harmonies and even Joelle had only one leading song this entire concert (Parade), being relegated to backup in the majority of the live.

It is funny to me that FJ Yuuka songs have become the de facto guest vocalist songs though.

 

[wat11]

^ I read Saber's comment as both Keiko being replaced by Emiko (in all that this entails: presence on stage, energy, singing time, gestures etc.) and the vocal back up.

Personally, any reaction to Emiko's part would be due to Keiko's memory. It's more psychology than anything else.

I would say the operational (e.g. physical) variable of the replacement question could be for example, Emiko upstaging someone, like standing in front of Kaori (hypothetical! - I haven't seen such thing) or shouting at the end of a song more forcefully (e.g. destination).

I need to watch the entire thing lol

 

[grunty]

but destination is clearly treated as a solo Yuuka/Emiko song with backing vocals. You'd have an argument on destination if Kaori or Yuriko were the rowdy ones for you there...

As for comparisons to Keiko specifically, I'm sure others would find cases of Keiko doing 2much much faster than me - shouting, singing happily when the lead singer is more emotive in a different direction, making sharp body turns when singing backing, kicking her legs. Like it feels there's some fantasy of Keiko being this ethereal creature that can do no wrong and is always composed (and sure, she does come across that way in MCs but definitely not always when performing).

Singling out Emiko now feels ???
How is she not matching the energy of people she's on stage with now? Gib examples. ;p
And I'm not asking to be rude, I'm trying to understand what's so out of the norm _now_.

Like, I feel like I'm in some crazy world where we might be leading up to saying that Emiko singing very naturally (regardless of what you think of the color of her voice) and standing still in "Parade" exudes too much charisma for her to be palatable in YKL setting. lol.

 

[CloisteredFlame]

I mean, you can take it as an intentional diss if you want... or unfortunate wording or ??? I guess I don't see anything wrong there, lul.

I have yet to watch the whole thing but I think Emiko standing out may be because of the contrast of her energy with Keiko. Keiko was much more subdued

true.

Can I warm up to Emiko's power? Yes! She is a breath of fresh air, damn awesome singer. It's different but good vibes.

YES!!!

Her voice is dark and warm, but like someone has already said. She could be very shouty for "power" voice. That role is better for Emiko.

I would like to hear Emiko in slow or dramatic ballad.

She has done some of these in her personal/solo work. Which Kajiura songs would you like to hear her sing?

Edit: before anyone fixates on the "acting as a Keiko replacement" part, as far as I'm concerned, Saber directly implies doing the alto parts/backing vocals here, not replacing Keiko as a person. I see no issues regarding the wording here.

but destination is clearly treated as a solo Yuuka/Emiko song with backing vocals. You'd have an argument on destination if Kaori or Yuriko were the rowdy ones for you there...

As for comparisons to Keiko specifically, I'm sure others would find cases of Keiko doing 2much much faster than me - shouting, singing happily when the lead singer is more emotive in a different direction, making sharp body turns when singing backing, kicking her legs. Like it feels there's some fantasy of Keiko being this ethereal creature that can do no wrong and is always composed (and sure, she does come across that way in MCs but definitely not always when performing).

Singling out Emiko now feels ???
How is she not matching the energy of people she's on stage with now? Gib examples. ;p
And I'm not asking to be rude, I'm trying to understand what's so out of the norm _now_.

Like, I feel like I'm in some crazy world where we might be leading up to saying that Emiko singing very naturally (regardless of what you think of the color of her voice) and standing still in "Parade" exudes too much charisma for her to be palatable in YKL setting. lol.

My first watching of Kajiura-anything was the Kalafina 10th anniversary concert, and while still being absolutely mesmerized by the inrcredible/novel music (Kajiura warudo) and the beauty, choreography and voices of the ladies, I felt even way back then that Keiko went a bit too extra for the end of the "Lirica" mysterious solo (maybe caught up in the moment/vibe) and lost her vocal stability. opting to go for a big physical movement instead of doing the dramatic ending only with her voice (changing resonance, doing a glissando, anything else).
https://youtu.be/3wvu2WIesNM?si=LrIA3F7pVwgJGly8&t=187

Just an aside, but I feel it's remiss when we also don't appreciate all the surrounding elements that made a special moment (such as this EPIC Keiko kajiurago part) - the prior musical build-up/set up, the subdued electrical instrumentation for that section, consistent hi-hat work, the strings, etc., high soprano kajiurago chants ( a counterpoint to Keiko's low rumble).

It was one of Keiko's most memorable, shining contralto moments, vocally and charisma-wise. Also notice how her ending led into Hikaru and Wakana doing almost an answer to that section, then leading into the guitar solo, cooldown, and back to the ending verse.

 

[CloisteredFlame]

 

[george1234]

Is that yours ? :D Tbh on the first pose she seems a bit drunk because her face isnt showing haha but i like the 2nd one.

 

[CloisteredFlame]

Is that yours ? :D Tbh on the first pose she seems a bit drunk because her face isnt showing haha but i like the 2nd one.

Oh not at all!

Haven't drawn seriously in so many years.

I posted the X link on Emiko's forum page.