[Official Message] COUNTDOWN LIVE 2013-2014

[Earth_maiden]

Last year I went to the 29th with one of my close friends, then I went to the 31st alone. And I have to say, even though I had an amazing time at both concerts, it was a little bit more fun on the 29th being with someone else. On the 31st I sat next to this single Japanese man who was about 40, and he wouldn't stop screaming AYU!!! at every chance he got. I wanted to yell at him but I didn't want to be rude...

[Kouyou]

Here's a good question, how does one get home (or back to their place of stay) from the concert? Especially on New Year's? Won't the cabs be swamped?

[Earth_maiden]

^The trains run late on the 31st, because hundreds of thousands of Japanese are going to shrines to say their new year's prayers (called Hatsumode). I left the arena at 1am, was stuck in the crowds for at least 90 minutes, possibly 120 minutes, then caught the Yamanote line back to Ikebukuro. I didn't get to my hotel until nearly 4am. I've tried to block that part of the night out because it was pretty awful.

So my advice is, if you go to the 31st show, leave when the final song starts, or even before, so you're not stuck in sardine like conditions for 2 hours. Seriously, you'll be so squished against random people, its uncomfortable and embarrassing.

[HilaryDuffFanboy]

Originally Posted by Earth_maiden

^The trains run late on the 31st, because hundreds of thousands of Japanese are going to shrines to say their new year's prayers (called Hatsumode). I left the arena at 1am, was stuck in the crowds for at least 90 minutes, possibly 120 minutes, then caught the Yamanote line back to Ikebukuro. I didn't get to my hotel until nearly 4am. I've tried to block that part of the night out because it was pretty awful.

So my advice is, if you go to the 31st show, leave when the final song starts, or even before, so you're not stuck in sardine like conditions for 2 hours. Seriously, you'll be so squished against random people, its uncomfortable and embarrassing.

I've been to 3 CDLs on the 31st and it took me an hour to get home to the hotel from there, and I lived near Akihabara! The crowds are big for sure but you are always moving....

[SunshineSlayer]

Originally Posted by Earth_maiden

^The trains run late on the 31st, because hundreds of thousands of Japanese are going to shrines to say their new year's prayers (called Hatsumode). I left the arena at 1am, was stuck in the crowds for at least 90 minutes, possibly 120 minutes, then caught the Yamanote line back to Ikebukuro. I didn't get to my hotel until nearly 4am. I've tried to block that part of the night out because it was pretty awful.

So my advice is, if you go to the 31st show, leave when the final song starts, or even before, so you're not stuck in sardine like conditions for 2 hours. Seriously, you'll be so squished against random people, its uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Yep, that's one reason why I always go on the 29th or 30th. The 31st is too crazy. Even on a normal night, getting out of Yoyogi is a pain and can take a while. Where its situated is not ideal for crowds. And then considering one of the most famous temples in Japan is right across the street? Forget about it on New Years.

Here's a tip btw, if you walk the opposite direction, you will hit Shibuya station in about 10 minutes. That station is crowded too, but not as bad as Harajuku after a concert.

[TeamAyu2004]

Wish I could go!!!
Loved the concert I went to during the summer!

[owlflight]

I want to go! I have too much going on next month to plan any sort of trip. Maybe next year's CDL... who wants to go with me!

[Kouyou]

Oh man. Would it be better to go on the 29th or 30th then? Do the trains run late on those days?

[Earth_maiden]

^They don't, but the concert finishes around 10 or 10:30pm, and the trains usually stop around 1am I think, so you'd have plenty of time. On the 29th of CDL12-13 she sang Ivy, so if you go on the 29th you might get to hear something different to the final set list.

[panda♥]

Originally Posted by owlflight

I want to go! I have too much going on next month to plan any sort of trip. Maybe next year's CDL... who wants to go with me!

off topic, but another South Carolinian Ayu fan!
i never thought i'd see the day.

[truehappiness]

The 29th always seems to have one or two extra songs that get scrapped.

[YUKARI]

I remember that I went to karaoke after CDL's NY show. and stayed there until 6 am. at 6 am trains were absolutely free, so I didn't have any troubles. the thing is that my friends went to karaoke at 11 pm while I was at the concert so I just joined them.

[Chris85]

Originally Posted by YUKARI

I remember that I went to karaoke after CDL's NY show. and stayed there until 6 am. at 6 am trains were absolutely free, so I didn't have any troubles.

I did the exact same thing last year :-)))

[brener]

what do you guys think ayu will perform?
main tracks from LOVE again or other songs from that poll we voted?

[Livey~]

^ I don't know what to expect.
Three days like last year..
Uhm.. Maybe instead of singing a different song during encore this time she'll change parts of the setlist during the three shows?
Who knows.. It'd be cool, but.. knowing that, if that happens, we will never have the chance to see all the different performances, I feel bad.

[brener]

i think she'll only change the encore section...
i guess we'll have the singles from LOVE again (hopefully SAKURA and Ivy) and some tracks from that poll.

[Pieces_of_SEVEN]

Aren't the CDLs known for their setlists being out of the ordinary? So I think we'll be surprised.

[marty]

Yes, I love deeply her CDL tracklists! (I'm still not over the beautiful Disco-munication part from last year, genius) So, one thing I can say is that some songs won't disappear (SEASON, MY ALL, evolution/SURREAL, etc.), but she'll surprise with other stuff for sure!

[truehappiness]

I really hope ~Merry-go-round~ is the subtitle, haha.

[Gustavopc]

Originally Posted by truehappiness

I really hope ~Merry-go-round~ is the subtitle, haha.

Feel the love fits a subtitle even more, especially when it comes to ayu