We had the opportunity to attend Fanime's MusicFest, a one-night event across from the convention center in San Jose, where the main events of the weekend were taking place. The convention ran from Friday to the following Monday, but Igaguri Chiba and co graced the stage only once at the venue, about 7:30 PM on Saturday night. The event was extremely well-attended; the line had snaked around the entire block, chock full of fans who had waited for hours.

While fans filtered in and clustered against the barricade, two huge screens flanking the stage played music videos and messages from Fanime's guests of honor, vendors, and musical guests. Fans cheered for each personalized announcement until the lights dimmed in preparation for the opening act, voice actress Mai Aizawa. Although she was heralded by no effects, no backdrop, and no electronics other than her mic and the flashing lights, Mai put on a performance that captured the audience – no tricks needed. She had an unforgivingly powerful voice, both unwavering and feminine, even during the longest and highest of notes. First up was Kaburenbo, then kimi ni todoke - both were recognized and adored by fans, if the cheers and in-synch jumping was and indication. Between the two songs, she introduced herself, breathless from singing – this made what she had to say in English all the more difficult for her, and the audience sympathized with her efforts and cheered her on. Although the set was very short, Mai performed well and certainly made a mark on her loving audience.

A mere few minutes after Mai Aizawa had disappeared backstage, the headliner assembled on stage amidst rolling fog and flashing lights; three men wearing only thongs and handkerchiefs – Igaguri Chiba had arrived.

The shockingly loud electronic music started once the three men were assembled, Chiba between the two others, and the trio launched into the distinctive, 8-bit sounding Gira Gira Boys. This was followed by a hilarious MC, during which Chiba showed off his talents in English:

“Hellooooo, San Jose! Genki da? I am from Japan!”

The crowd laughed, calling gleefully back to him as he shuffled through his notes.

“My name is Chiba-San. How do I look? I am Pikachu!”

This was no joke; he was indeed Pikachu – Chiba wasn't wearing much, but the yellow thong, yellow headscarf, and painted on Pikachu features (including back stripes!) were hard to miss. He spoke with an air of feigned difficulty and mimed shrugging and giving up a few times; the crowd cheered and laughed, hanging on his every word. After the MC came Summer Rageiton, hatsukou shisunki, and the curiously named fuffu.

What made the performance really stand out was the lack of a backdrop, as well as the instruments – there weren't any. The music was done by playback, as it was all electronic anyway, and Chiba's voice, as hilariously on-purpose-bad as it was, stood out as the only organic element of the music. The other organic element, of course, was the lively synchronized dancing that the group did non-stop throughout each song.

“Chotto, chotto,” Chiba panted after fuffu, addressing the crowd as he caught his breath. “I bring you Sendai Komatsu!”

The crowd went wild as Chiba joked around with both the dancers and the crowd, half in Japanese and half in English. His last statement of the MC seemed to be adorably mistranslated: “Let's eat Sendai together!” This was explained when the left-most dancer went backstage and retrieved a bag full of candy, presumably from Sendai, Japan, and threw it piece by piece into the crowd as the 5th song began – Gohan desu yo. This was followed by the much heavier but equally fast and crazy DEATH, during which the dancers led the crowd in exaggerated headbanging.

After this series of songs, there was one titled expressly after Chiba himself – Chiba Sun. Amazingly, although the show was 8 songs in, the crowd neither diminished nor slowed; people clapped, cheered, and returned the love during Chiba's call and response MCs. The next song was just as representative of the band as the very first one, Giga Giga Men had been – it was Rock Men, and the crowd could not have loved it more.

As always, the dancers flanking Chiba kept in tireless synchronization and waved the occasional handkerchief or fan during the last song of the night, Piisu Maru, then threw it to the crowd when the song was done. Chiba joked around some more and thanked the fans, his dancers bowed and waved, and as the exited, the lights came on and the crowd broke up.

A lot of fans went home happy that night, having properly experienced the peculiar brand of humor that Chiba exhibits. The group operates almost more like a comedy trio rather than a band, and seemed to enjoy themselves just as much as the fans did.

Since Nightmare's hiatus, Sendai Kamotsu has been the focus of Chiba's musical activity, with the exception of his recent solo project. Look out for his upcoming album, titled Chiba no ana vol 1, on the 13th of June.



SETLIST

Mai Aizawa

1. Kaburenbo

2. Kimi ni todoke

Igaguri Chiba

1. Gira Gira Boys

2. Summer Rageiton

3. Hatsukoi Shisunki

4. Fuffu

5. Gohan desu yo

6. Death

7. Hittote Inna

8. Chiba Sun

9. Rock Men

10. Piisu Maru