A-nation '04 Music celebration meets J-pop education
Rori Caffrey / Special to The Daily Yomiuri
For J-pop diehards--those fanatics able to name all eight girls who sing for Dream in order of birth date--the annual A-nation festival is like Christmas and a birthday rolled into one. When this showcase of Avex recording artists rolls through their town, they can see all their favorite stars playing all their biggest hits, all on one stage. For these fans, A-nation is more than another summer music festival--it's the only summer music festival.
But you're not one of these fans, are you? You can't name the eight members of Dream. In fact, a minute ago you didn't even know Dream was a group, and you're still a bit confused as to why one would require eight singers. You can't tell Every Little Thing from any other thing. You think TRF is a television network and Porno Graffiti is what's scribbled in stalls of truck stop restrooms. Relax. No need to worry. A-nation can help.
Though billed simply as a music festival, A-nation '04 can be much more. For anyone wanting to learn about the world of Japanese popular music, A-nation is an educational field trip; an invaluable single-day seminar. You truly won't find a more affordable or convenient way to see Japan's biggest hit-makers perform live. It stops in five cities--Toyama, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Kobe and Tokyo--with each concert falling conveniently on a weekend.
Avex, the music label behind A-nation, also has well-known rock groups (Oblivion Dust), rappers (Shakkazombie), deejays (Fantastic Plastic Machine) and ska bands (Gelugugu) in their stable. But it's their chart-friendly, million-selling, TV ad-compatible artists that have tagged Avex as the definitive name in J-pop, and A-Nation only strengthens that image. Its onstage lineup is basically a list of the biggest names on the pop chart--Ayumi Hamasaki, BoA, Do As Infinity, and many more.
Enticed? Eager to learn more? Here are quick stats on the performers sharing the A-nation '04 stage.
-- TRF: In the late '80s, iconic producer Tetsuya Komuro went to London in search of something new. Excited by rave and Eurobeat sounds, he returned to Japan and created TRF (Tetsuya Rave Factory). With their high-energy dance music and catch-phrase lyrics, TRF became the biggest pop act of the '90s. They haven't dropped a new single in years, but occasionally TRF appear live to prove they can still make butts move.
-- Ayumi Hamasaki: As the queen of J-pop, Hamasaki's reign extends over both the music and fashion of the streets. When a neon-lit minivan speeds by with a helium-treated voice pumping from its speakers, that's Hamasaki's music. When a gang of young ladies with Farrah Fawcett coifs and '70s shades strut past you, that's Hamasaki's look. Consider her performance a Royal Address, with back dancers.
-- Do As Infinity: You wouldn't know it by looking, but this rock-pop outfit is a trio. Founding member/songwriter Dai Nagao is too busy composing music to do trivial things like appear in promo shots or videos; he leaves that to vocalist Tomoko Van and guitarist Ryo Owatari. He is known, however, to poke his head out of the studio and play on stage from time to time.
-- Ai Otsuka: The newest face on the A-nation bill, Otsuka's debut single dropped less than a year ago. She may be fresh, but an unbroken string of punchy pop songs makes this Osaka girl one of the festival's most anticipated performers.
-- Hitomi: On her Web site, Hitomi lists De La Soul, Chicks on Speed and International Pony as some of her recent favorite listens. Could make for an interesting set by this fashion model turned rock star.
-- Kumi Koda: Known to wear outfits that would make J Lo blush, Koda is best known for theme songs she's provided for video game Final Fantasy X-2 and the movie Cutey Honey. Her next single, "Chase" will be the theme song for NHK's J.League coverage.
-- Dream: A gaggle of rosy-cheeked schoolgirls singing songs with titles like "I Love World." A bit of innocent fun for the underage set.
-- Road of Major: The only one of Avex's raw-voiced, guitar-and-drums rock bands to make the bill. Punk-inspired, but with enough pop-sensibility not to scare away any Dream fans.
-- BoA: A great voice, amazing dance moves and impeccable hipness has earned this 17-year-old South Korean the nickname "the Britney Spears of Asia."
-- Every Little Thing: A manifestation of Japan's obsession with the Carpenters. Contemporary pop as catchy as it is inoffensive.
-- Exile: R&B pop by two singers and four dancers, currently charting with their 15th single.
Throw in a fireworks display at the end of the night, and A-nation '04's 7,500 yen admission is a bargain, especially considering you'd drop almost that much to see some of the headlining performers on their own.
This year's A-nation has the distinction of being the first to feature non-Avex artists on the roster, each appearing at select locations. Pop-punk sensation Flow will get the crowds in Toyama, Fukuoka and Nagoya on their feet. Hanawa, the bass-playing comedian with the rhino-horn hairdo, brings the spirit of Saga Prefecture to Nagoya and Tokyo. TM Revolution will surely perform "Web of Night," his addition to the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack, to fans in Kobe and Tokyo. Valley girl Tommy February6 performs only in Tokyo, as do rock duo Porno Graffiti.
A-nation '04: Featuring TRF, Hitomi, Every Little Thing, Ayumi Hamasaki, Do As Infinity, Dream, Kumi Koda, BoA, Ai Otsuka, Road of Major and Exile. July 31 at Toyama Athletic Recreation Park in Toyama. (025) 245-5100; Aug. 7 at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park open-air stage in Fukuoka. (092) 715-8900; Aug. 14 at Port Messe Nagoya open-air stage in Nagoya. (052) 320-9100; Aug. 21-22 at Port Island 2nd Stage Mega Kobe open-air stage in Kobe. (06) 6233-8888; Aug. 28-29 at Showa Kinen Park open-air stage in Tachikawa, Tokyo. (03) 3498-9999. Or visit www.a-nation.net for more details.
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26th July 2004, 04:05 AM
[article] A-nation '04 Music celebration meets J-pop education
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