Fanime 2004 Report

by Suzanne



When we arrived we already noticed a huge line and were like o_O! We checked the board and saw they had changed the panel from 2pm to 1pm! We hope Roxanne and Little Kristin would get back soon but until then we got the card signed by as many people as possible and then met up with some old and new BLOOD fans.
Right before the panel began Roxanne and Little Kristin run in and I hand them the cards and the rose bearers (Roxanne, Little Kristin, and Becky) run up there to give them the roses.
Probably one of the highlights of the evening was watching all of the members (especially Kaede's!) faces light up as they realized the roses were for them. It was also very funny when the microphones and nameplates all fell over at once XD. * thumbs up to the rose bearers *.

I didn't really like the idea of how to they made you ask questions for the Q&A (mostly because I am not a big public speaker ^^). The process basically was standing up and asking your questions to BLOOD who would then answer you and then the translator would say the English version of their anwser.
As for the questions at first people seemed to not know what to say. (Do I see a trend in panels here? ). Then Roxanne got up first to ask about their new song BLIND and if, since Kiwamu wrote the music, and Fu-ki wrote the lyrics, did they have to make any changes to the music or lyrics to get them to go together. They answered they had not. Someone had also asked what influenced their style and pretty much the general statement from all of them were various movie and books and that they had a unified theme to their style. Roxanne got up and asked another question this time "If you had one wish what would it be?" Kiwamu replied for all of their CDs to sell out so we can go home, Fu~ki I believe said that everyone buy their new BLOOD single, and Kaede said that they have a lot of fun at the live ^_^. Next Little Kristin got up and asked what they had done on the plane. Kiwamu said he read a book, Fu~ki said he drank and Kaede said they slept. Someone asked what type of music they liked. Kiwamu replied he actually doesn't like Japanese music but likes mostly European and American music. Fu~ki said he liked metal music and Kiwamu said in English "He likes very HARD music." I believe Kaede lastly answered anime music. Someone had asked Kiwamu why he liked a certain style of music and Kiwamu had began to explain then suddenly realized he could not in English so replied "I am sorry I cannot explain in English. I am sorry." He looked very sad and was a bit quiet after that poor guy, at least he tries (^_^; ).
Around this time the odd questions started to roll in; some from this guy who I will now dub "The Odd Questionteer". They were asked what type of underwear they wore and I believe Kiwamu was the only one to answer and he stated I'm not wearing any" (Knowledge of undergarments or lack of I'd prefer to lack of this knowledge x_X ). A large roar of laughter went up XD! Then probably one of the greatest questions asked was "which came first the chicken or the egg?" Fu~ki promptly answered "I made them both!".

After the Q&A BLOOD was given some sharpies and each a pad of paper. They were instructed to draw each other. Kiwamu drew Fu~ki. Fu~ki drew Kaede. Kaede drew Kiwamu. Kiwamu was the first to get done so decided to do a lot of glancing at the audience then proceeded to read his cards. After Kaede and Fu~ki were done they all held up their pictures. Of the three I would definitely have to say Kaede gets the artistic merit. Kiwamu gets the best caricature merit, and Fu~ki get the cutest picture merit XD!

Next BLOOD were given balloons and told to make balloon animals with them. Kaede was first to receive a green balloon. As he was twisting it you could tell he seemed scared of the balloon popping (hah don't blame him those things are scary >_<; ). Eventually he was able to twist it into a dog with a really long neck. Kiwamu had received a yellow balloon but was unable to make anything with it because the person had put too much air in it, so he randomly gave it to someone in the audience. It was funny watching him twist it then look shocked when it popped back into a long stick. Fu~ki was equally shocked as he was right next to Kiwamu. Kiwamu and Fu~ki (>_>!) {} (<_<!!)
Kiwamu was really content with his balloon and wanted to give it right away to someone but he was told they were going to raffle them off so he looked a bit sad but he dealt. Then the raffle began and they said the first three were for the 1 with BLOOD thing. However, Kiwamu decided he wanted to do the pictures first. I was picked second and got Fu~ki's picture of Kaede (^_______^!). This turned out to be a better deal than the hour session, which later the session turned out to be a disaster anyway. Kaede sometime in the middle jumped up and dug in the box as if to say "OOOO ME TOO ME TOO!!!"

Then BLOOD announced they were heading to sell their CDs in the dealers room!
Roxanne parted with us to go grab her photography equipment. Everyone headed over to the dealer's room and clustered around the table. I got up by Shelly and checked the finished product of the posters I had done graphics for. I was pleased with the outcome and got my set and Calla a set. Then I was trying to figure out where to pay for my stuff, and I somehow ended up on the side next to Kiwamu who seemed to be taking money for people purchasing CDs. I eventually got his attention and handed him the CD and the money. He looked at me and smiled then mumbled something. Then just as I think he's going to take the money for my CDs he pets me (<_>)! My smile sunk as I was totally confused as to what just happened all the while Kristin was laughing her head off. She said the look on his face was priceless. Arg that it was...
Kiwamu: :D!!! *pet pet *
Suz: :/…
Sometime after that Roxanne showed up and I moved aside so she could talk to Kiwamu.
Finally I asked Shelly where to pay for my stuff and they directed me to a line where I paid for my CDs ^^v. I got 3. The BLIND single for me and 2 for my brother as a birthday gift (since he's a really big BLOOD fan too XD…).
After I got everything I got my posters out and was able to ask Fu~ki if he would sign them for me. When he handed them back to me I told him "arigato".
Later everyone was getting their pictures taken with BLOOD. Kristin got one and Little Kristin got one. Becky got one and it was funny watching Kiwamu put his head on hers. Roxanne had asked for one as well and Kaede placed both of his hands on her head. I was thinking about it but I stood back until Little Kristin grabbed me and flung me into Kiwamu and Kaede X_x!!! The whole time I was screaming "No NO It's okay NO!" As I back up Kiwamu swings his arm around me in a half hung type thing then Kaede sees and jumps in too and swings his arm around me. I finally decided "Eh what the hell!" and put my arms around both of them. I was so sad when Little Kristin said the picture came out blurry (;_;), but when I looked at it I was wildly amused you could still see Kiwamu grinning like he had at Fanime 2003 when I asked for a hug XD!

That some how provoked the idea of the movie poster I did with Kiwamu's grin, and yelled to Roxanne and Little Kristin "Finding Nemo" . They both started laughing and Little Kristin says "Oh you should show that to him!" I go "NO NONONONO!" but before she could hear me she yells "Kiwamu! Suz has something to show you!". Kiwamu turns and looks at me (o.o)?. My first reaction is "Holy %#$*..................". Then I try to explain "let me get out my computer to show you". Unfortunately it came out "Le..uhle…melu copu uh le get shole uh eh yu…one sec". I was so embarrassed (-.-);. I eventually dig out my laptop and turn it on and show him the picture. He bends over to look at it for a few seconds then establishes what is and starts laughing XD! He points to the fish on the screen and says "What is this?" I say "This is Finding Nemo do you know of it?" (dear God I said a whole sentence O_O! ). He smile and nodded. Then Little Kristin gets Fu~ki's attention to show him too. Fu~ki looks at it and starts laughing then points to it and says "UGLYYYY!" XD. Don't worry Fu~ki I have a very "beautiful" picture of you from the panel. Fu~ki then says "Kaede-san Kaede-san!" to get Kaede's attention. Kaede comes over to see it too and he laughs as well. I'm so glad I showed them even if I was taken by surprise (X_x;).Sometime while I'm putting my computer away. Kiwamu goes over by Shelly and points to me (I look up wondering why I'm being pointed at ) and I thought I heard him say "Who is that?" Then I distinctly hear Shelly say "That is Suzanne." I guess he must have recognized me from previous conventions o_o;. Next con I guess I better introduce myself formally XD.
Back to our regularly scheduled BLOOD program:

We then went back to where BLOOD was to find Roxanne, Little Kristin, and Becky. Which we had found Roxanne and Little Kristin bought swords. It was really funny watching Kiwamu poke Fu~ki in the butt with the sword. Then the two played "samurai". Later we headed out to catch our 4pm panel.

BLOOD Live
BLOOD had the great honor of going last! Going last is a good thing because it's the last impression people are left with for the concert and the most memorable. It not only is great for the band but also represents the music fest for their choice of closing acts >_>!
I was really ready to hear the new line up and especially the new vocalist Fu~ki. By this time I was really worn out from all the screaming and jumping! Little Kristin had also come out to watch the show with us. Becky, I and Little Kristin pretty much snagged front row (actually I got pushed back to around second until the fans pushed me all the way to front row o_O…Front row is good though…more oxygen!) I had my BLOOD sign up and ready to wave around!

Music wise their new BLIND single is just amazing! I really like the new lyrics to Morphine Trans mix. Fu~ki's English skills are so poetically beautiful in that song. The lyrics to BLIND are equally as wonderful!

Fu~ki's voice is ungodly amazing. A lot of people have described it as "melting", and I think I'll quote that as well! As for the guitar and bass it's amazing. Kiwamu and Kaede never cease to amaze me with their skills! And the mixing was masterfully done too.

Personally I like how the 3rd period seems to have a bit of a flair gothic feel from their 1st period. (2nd period was a bit more techno pop I'd say ^_^; ) but at the same time they have made it a harder if not rigid sound. It has a lot more personality to it from the previous periods. I'm really excited to see what other songs they are going to be creating in this wonderful line up!

When BLOOD came out you could tell they were really tired but it was amazing that they had matchable energy to the previous bands and still managed to get every tired fan to scream jump and dance! These guys are wonderful performers!

There was twice as much fan service this time and might I say very hardcore o_O;... from what I'm use to. Anyone who knows me knows I don't really care for fan service (it's seriously not my thing). Every time they did something I ended up looking down or at the member that wasn't doing fan service.
Oh and they had changed the Para Para which was really confusing to me. I was trying to do the Para Para I had learned from 2nd period but they start doing different ones so I'm trying to learn the new version.

At the beginning Kiwamu knelt down and Fu~ki gets behind him and places his hands over Kiwamu's mouth. He then snaps back his hands and fake blood literally comes pouring out of Kiwamu's mouth all over the audience. (I'm so glad I wasn't on that side! But it was really cool to watch from my side XD! )

Fu~ki dear god has some awesome charisma. He really got the crowd going and he was extremely energetic! And did I mention his vocals are just "melting"...?
Kaede threw candy at the crowd, which was a very interesting idea and a "sweet" one XD! Kaede was so smiley this live. I mean he was literally glowing it was unbelievable! Kiwamu did stage diving a few times but the human barricade kept trying to hold him back. During part of the concert he swung his guitar around in circles. I was a bit afraid he was going to fling it in the crowd but thank god he didn't. Fu~ki kept kneeling near the crowd getting them to scream.

Towards the end Kiwamu really had all the fans worried because after * trying * to stage dive for the last time he acted as if he had gotten hurt then crawled up the stairs and laid down on the crowd (what really had me worried was his irregular breathing but anyone who's seen their lives knows he's a terrific actor! ). Fu~ki came out and said "I'm sorry, he's dead." Fu~ki went over and knelt beside him and Kaede came rushing out from backstage and picked up Kiwamu's head. Kiwamu then sprung back to life with a "hahahaha I fooled you all!!" look. He then bounced around on stage screaming "Do you want an encore" (I swear to god if I ever hear him say "Ya'll want an encore!" I'll pass out from shock XD ). Unfortunately by then the stage hands were shooing us out and Fu~ki came out to say "I'm sorry, no encore. I'm sorry."
I was really sad that I couldn't see them give an encore like I had the past two times but oh well ^_^;.

There were a lot of technical difficulties but well not every live is great! However, I was really disappointed this year in how Fanime handled music fest especially with how they handled BLOOD.
A lot of technical difficulties happened during this years Fanime, especially for BLOOD. And in my opinion shouldn't have even happened to this extent (also there was a lot of scheduling conflicts that I won't even begin to get into ). Many times the guitar amps were turned up and down eventually Kiwamu's were turned completely off which made the prerecorded background music really feeling like it was missing something. Kiwamu must have been trying mighty hard to make his guitar play because he ended up breaking 2 of his guitar strings which he didn't have time to fix since Music Fest was already running 2 hours over... Fu~ki's microphone was also acting up and being turned down. I think at one point they even turned it off o_O;. Kaede left for about a whole song at the end looking extremely frustrated. Actually I felt a lot of frustration in the air! I was even getting frustrated myself at the drastic changes in the sound waves ><;. (I'm extremely sensitive to sound >_>; ).

Honestly what they were thinking I don't know, because the closing act is suppose to be the grandest of all and really show what music fest is all about ^_^!



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