Juka VS HIZAKI Grace Project: FIGHT!

To celebrate Juka's birthday, a concert was held at F.A.B. with HIZAKI Grace Project, which featured Juka filling in the role of vocalist.

Some time before the small venue opened, a vast amount of fans were already waiting outside, most of the girls choosing to dress in the Gothic Lolita style. As soon as the doors opened, a small group of fans threw themselves at the barrier to ensure their place closest to the musicians. The need to be so close to the artists was also fuelled by their desire to arrange the heart-shaped balloons that they had bought with them for later in the show.

The girls spent a good twenty minutes inflating the balloons and scribbling messages onto them and even decorated the barriers with garlands of roses. Finally, everything was prepared by the fans in order to celebrate this event to its fullest. Aside from these dedicated few, several other fans opted to practise their arm movements to the songs that were played in the venue before the show was due to begin.

With the first set beginning with an introduction of classical music, the drummer, bassist and guitarist walked out onto the stage. Greeted with the cries of the crowd, it was Juka's entrance that appeared all the more theatrical as he captured the audience's attention with the wide spread of his arms, encouraged by the first few rows of audience already beginning to headbang. Fixing his gaze upon the audience, Juka's theatrics were greatly improved since his previous performances. His voice had developed in maturity and power, managing to capture the audience in such a powerful hold, that they couldn't seem to take their eyes from him.

Unfortunately, at the beginning of one song, an introductory track halted after a few seconds. This surprised the audience and also the group itself! Juka handled the situation skilfully and joked that it was a new song which didn’t even last three seconds. The crowd broke out into laughter, until a few minutes later the concert was allowed to continue. Where as some audiences would lose some enthusiasm following a minor glitch, the opposite appeared to occur. The atmosphere between Juka and his fans appeared to grow stronger, creating a sense of closeness between them.

The set proceeded, with songs being performed in quick succession and during Jewel -todokanai omoi-, the bassist played the bass line with quiet confidence. Watching the performance, you could uncover a different side to Juka's album, which conveyed a great sense of grandeur. Jewel -todokanai omoi- concluded with the artist on his knees with an enthusiastic expression on his face.

The concert then continued in a different vein with the band members leaving the stage and Juka proceeding with a beautiful solo accompanied by piano. The audience remained entranced and remained quiet and still, respecting the intimate atmosphere that had befallen the venue. It almost felt like a declaration of love to the audience and several fans were so moved that they were in tears at its end.

There then followed a brief interlude, Juka taking the opportunity to converse with the crowd, saying that he was particularly enjoying the concert and felt a certain bond with the audience. Juka then called his band out onto the stage for one final song and offered each member individual thanks for their contribution. During this last song, the entire group edged closer to the front of stage to engage with the crowd. The lights, which created an ambient and warm glow for such a small venue, seemed befitting of the celebratory atmosphere. The first set then concluded and the curtain fell before a rather worn out audience.

Juka had executed the show perfectly with the aid of his band. His solo career may be on hold, but he demonstrated with this performance that he deserved to progress from an indies artist to that of major status.

During the interlude, members of the audience touched up their make-up and the level of excitement sky-rocketed at the prospect of seeing HIZAKI Grace Project and being able to celebrate Juka's birthday.

Suddenly, the curtain was slowly inched up, accompanied by the sound of classical music filling the venue. HIZAKI walked onto the stage alone and delivered a magnificent solo, pushing himself to the extreme and performing a guitar solo that outshone several others in the industry as well as creating an out-of-this-world atmosphere. The resulting sound could only surprise and enrapture, even if you weren't particularly fond of his music. HIZAKI performed on the ever familiar ESP brand of guitar and the sounds he produced from the instrument were exceptional. Following the abrupt conclusion of his solo, he exited the stage to riotous applause that resounded from the front to the back of the venue.

After some time, the entire HIZAKI Grace Project walked onstage, the guitarist carrying a parasol with him before the second set began. Juka returned to the stage to provide vocals for the evening and with the help of his fellow musicians, assisted the audience in moving their arms to the beat of the song. The bond between the musicians and the audience was almost tangible, the participation offered by both a clear indication of their closeness.

Juka paused for a moment in order to converse with the audience, playfully sharing a kiss with Jasmine who fell to the stage. Once again, the crowd screamed and their energy levels appeared to soar.

The show continued once again and appeared beautifully theatrical, with the members twirling around one another despite the small performance area. Choosing to perform a variety of fast and slow paced songs, Juka led the group playfully onward, dipping into his "death voice" every once in awhile. Even the fans adorned in their expensive clothing dropped their elegant façade, creating a frenzy of head banging and from the back of the hall, all one could see was a haze of swirling hair.

The group finished their last song and regrettably announced the conclusion of the concert. However, this allowed Juka the chance to hold a miniature show for his birthday. Streamers were thrown from the first few rows, surprising Juka with the careful preparation taken by his fans. Then the members of HIZAKI Grace Project offered him their own little speeches of congratulations, moving the singer to tears. Several people began to cry alongside him and threw the heart-shaped balloons onto the stage for his amusement.

For the encore, the band regrouped in order to perform Everlasting Dream. Juka took center stage, singing the song in a cappella, which created a truly emotional atmosphere. The audience joined him in chorus, harmonising with the artist perfectly. Toward the end of the song, Mikage interrupted the audience in order to hand Juka a bouquet of flowers.

Then, once again, another surprise came to light. KAMIJO had recorded a private message for Juka, which the artist thanked him for before continuing to sing. After several bars, the other musicians joined him in chorus and Juka began to cry again, his emotions getting the best of him after the gifts given to him. The performance then concluded, the group leaving the stage amidst wild applause from the audience.

Several fans attempted to gain another encore for a good twenty minutes, but the curtain remained down despite their attempts. The evening had displayed a truly touching exchange between Juka and his fans in honour of his birthday as well as a true camaraderie between the members of HIZAKI Grace Project.

JaME would like to thank Mayumi Kojima and HIZAKI Grace Project.