Dempagumi.inc at HYPER JAPAN

Akihabara “otaku” idols Dempagumi.inc are probably one of the more trendy idol groups of Japan, alongside Momoiro Clover Z and AKB48. They made their debut in a little bar called Dear Stage, located really close to Don Quijote in Akihabara, where the theater—or “temple” as fans would call it—of AKB48 is. To be truly “otaku” is one of the mottos of all Dempagumi.inc members, and they bridge the gap between mainstream and underground idol music with their “moe kyun”—or “Dempa-style”— songs.

As part of their world tour, Dempagumi.inc was invited to HYPER JAPAN in London for three days from July 10th to 12th. London was their third overseas stop, after Jakarta in June and Paris just a week before.

Fans came from all over Europe to see them, with girls dressed in cute cosplay uniforms. Cyalume light sticks and glow sticks, the brand of any J-pop live and, particularly, idol live, were aplenty among the crowd. A group of hardcore Japanese fans were there as well, giving the whole live experience on July 11th a more Japanese feel.

The live started on a really high note with DenDen Passion’s speedy melody and electronic sound, which are characteristic of Dempagumi.inc’s songs and Akihabara pop. Shortly after, there was a MC in English where the girls briefly introduced themselves. The true presentation came immediately after with WWD, during which the girls told of their stories before they joined the group.

The atmosphere then heated up further with songs like NEO Japonism and Kira Kira tune, which probably are a better mix and reflection of what Dempagumi.inc songs and idol performances are. They feature “wotagei”, which refers to fan-made choreography, call-and-response as well as “kakegoe”, a kind of cheer or lyrics sung by fans during instrumental parts of songs. The performance then reached the climax with Chururichuririra.

The atmosphere became more relaxed during the next song, Kuchizuke kibonnu, allowing the girls and audience to catch their breath. After that, Dempagumi.inc finally brought the show to a close with their latest single, Otsukare Summer ! With a towel performance and great interaction with the crowd, the girls explained what to do during the chorus.

Dempagumi.inc offered their foreign fans a true Dempa performance at HYPER JAPAN, similar to the lives held in Japan, with a mix of old songs like Kuchizuke kinbonnu, new ones like NEO Japonism with moshing during the chorus, or the towel song Otsukare Summer ! that reached third place on the Oricon Charts during its first release week.

Seeing how the girls’ performance for the closing of HYPER JAPAN on Sunday went, which according to attendees was even better than Saturday’s live, it is perhaps fair to conclude that Dempagumi.inc’s gigs at HYPER JAPAN were a success.

Set list

01. DenDenPassion
02. WWD
03. NEO Japonism
04. Kira kira tune
05. Chururichururira
06. Kuchizuke kibonnu
07. Otsukare Summer !