Anisong World Matsuri Rocks Anime Expo 2017 with Two Amazing Concert Experiences

Anime Expo really outdid themselves with the musical guests for 2017. Anisong World Matsuri was this year's stand-out event and it alone had ten musical guests for attendees to enjoy with concerts that were spread over two days. According to their website, Anisong World Matsuri operates “with a goal of delivering Japan’s anisong concerts worldwide in the highest quality” and is produced by “Japan’s leading entertainment companies”. Let's see if they met that goal!

DAY ONE Japan Kawaii Live

June 31st was the first part of the Anisong World Matsuri, the Japan Kawaii Live. The concert lineup included Aquors, JUNNA and Minori Suzuki from Walküre, THE IDOL M@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS, and Wake Up, Girls!. These groups all consist of the voice actresses of characters in idol anime who perform the songs live as well, which is always a treat to see.

The first artists on stage were the voice actresses for THE iDOLM@STER: CINDERELLA GIRLS, which is based off of a game with the same name from THE iDOLM@STER series. The girls started the night of right with “Star!!”, “Goin’!!”, “Yumeiro Harmony”, “Yes! Party Time!!”, and “Onegai! Cinderella”. This was a powerful opening to what was going to be an experience that those who attended wouldn't soon forget.

Next up was the voice actresses for Wake Up, Girls!, which will be getting a much anticipated second season this fall. They sang “Tachiagare!”, “Shoujo Koukyou Kyoku”, “Koi? De Ai? De Boukun Desu!”, “Beyond the Bottom”, “7 Girls War”, and “Gokujo Smile”. Arguably the least well-known performers in the night's line-up, the group definitely won over many new fans this night.

Although the whole group couldn’t be there, JUNNA and Minori Suzuki from Walküre (Macross Δ) were next and were wonderful performing “Koi! Halation THE WAR”, “Ikenai Borderline”, “Bokura no Senjo”, Ichido dake no Koi nara”, and “Run ga Pikato Hikattara”. Even lacking the full lineup, the duo rocked the Microsoft Theater.

Last of the night was Aquors, from the extremely popular Love Live! franchise, in this case representing Love Live! Sunshine. Some members of this group held a special panel event at Anime Expo 2016 and it we were pleased to see them get a full performance this time around. The group performed “Aozora Jumping Heart”, “Kimi no Kokoro wa Kagayaiteirukai?”, “Koi ni Naritai AQUARIUM”, “MIRAI TICKET”, and “Yume Kataruyori Yume Utaou”. They closed the night, but Anisong World Matsuri was far from over!

DAY TWO Japan Super Live

July 1st was the second night of the Anisong World Matsuri, Japan Super Live at Anime Expo 2017. The lineup for this show included ALI PROJECT, angela, GARNiDELiA, Konomi Suzuki, Mashiro Ayano, and Minori Chihara. A wonderful mix of artists that everyone is sure to find a favorite amongst.

The show began with a collaboration between angela and Konomi Suzuki performing “Cruel Angel’s Thesis” (from Neon Genesis Evangelion), which is arguably one of the most iconic anime songs around. Konomi continued her set, which included some of her most popular anime theme songs “This Game” (No Game No Life), “Redo” (Re:Zero) and “Blow Out” (Akashic Records of the Bastard Magic Instructor).

The next artist on stage was Mashiro Ayano, a relative newcomer who performed “Vanilla Sky” (GUNSLINGER STRATOS), “NEWLOOK” (Re:CREATORS), and “Ideal White” (from Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works). While she is arguably the underdog of this show she wowed the audience and the next time she comes to the US she will definitely have many more fans.

Next up was GARNiDELiA who wowed the crowd with “ambiguous” (Kill la Kill), followed by “Grilletto” (The Irregular at Magic High School), “SPEED STAR” (The Irregular at Magic High School The Movie), and “Yakusoku -Promise code-“ (Qualidea Code). MARiA, the singer of GARNiDELiA, then invited Mashiro Ayano back to the stage to perform “Sorairo Days” (Gurren Lagann) together. A-to-J Connections have had the pleasure to see GARNiDELiA live many times over the past and it was great seeing them once again!

ALI PROJECT, and their gothic appeal, was next with “Boukoku Kakusei Katharsis” (.hack//Roots), “Yukyou Seishunka” (CODE GEASS Lelouch of the Rebellion), “Seishoujo Ryouiki” (Rozen Maiden), and “Rara Eve Shinseiki (SORA kake GIRL). Seeing ALI PROJECT was great and they brought the audience to their feet. Here's hoping this leads to more overseas performances!

Minori Chihara began the second half of the concert and performed “Paradise Lost” (Ga-rei -Zero-), “TERMINATED” (Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere), and “Beyond the Boundary” (Beyond the Boundary). Arika from ALI PROJECT then came back to the stage to join Minori in singing “Celestial Diva” (CHAOS RINGS II). Minori then sang the theme for the show many know her for “Bouken Desho Desho” (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya) followed by her popular single “Freedom Dreamer”.

The last performer of the knight was angela, whose singer was wearing an adorable lion romper, they performed “Boku wa Boku de Atte” (Ajin: Demi-Human), “Asu he no brilliant road” (Stellvia), “Sidonia (KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA), “KINGS” (K), AND “Shangri-La” (Fafner in the Azure).

After all of the performances, the artists all came to the stage to greet the audience. They all seemed to agree that they were amazed at the energy and excitement the fans brought to the concert.  

Overall, Anisong World Matsuri at Anime Expo 2017 was explosive. Two nights of high energy performances from both veteran and up-and-coming artists in the anisong and idol worlds and it was an amazing opportunity that this author sure hopes happens again soon. 

Anisong World Matsuri will be in Shanghai July 22nd and Washington DC (Otakon) on August 11th and 12th with varied set lists.

-Molly Ring

For More Information:
Anime Expo's Website: http://www.anime-expo.org/
Anisong World Matsuri Website: http://anisongworldmatsuri.com
Anisong World Matsuri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnisongWorldMatsuri
Anisong World Matsuri Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnisongWorld
Anisong World Matsuri YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/anisongworldmatsuri

Look forward to more coverage from Anime Expo 2017 from A-to-J Connections very soon!