When it was announced the KAMIJO would appear at the Japan Expo the day before his solo debut concert for a mini “conference” and for a signing session, I had to quickly rearrange my schedule to adjust. Fortunately for that day my hotel was very close to the venue of the convention, Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord-Villepinte and I was able to get to the venue easily. What a nice coincidence! Japan Expo is the largest convention celebrating Japanese culture and entertainment in Europe. It is a yearly event hosting a variety of artists from Japan.
http://www.japan-expo-paris.com/
My first impression upon arriving was the large snaking lines we had to negotiate to enter the queue. It’s hard to adequately describe in words. The first few minutes of the video below will give you an idea of the lines and how large the event is. If you are interested to see more of the event watch until around 5:00 and you will see the signing area which is where KAMIJO signed autographs. In accordance with the etiquette involved with visual artists, photography and video is prohibited unless it is announced by the artist or staff. Otherwise to take photographs without permission is considered rude and disrespectful. This is why I have no actual photos or video of KAMIJO at the event. It had already been announced that to take photos or video at the concert the following day would result in being expelled from the venue. So I took photos to tell my story indirectly.
(credits KAMIJO North America)
After negotiating the lines and entering the building we had to find the queue to submit our names to the signing lottery. This was accomplished by waiting in line and having your info entered into a computer. I did not understand how it could be a true “lottery” if the results were given and not everyone had submitted their names. But the results were given to your immediately. I did not win but my two friends did and I was happy for them. They were given pieces of paper with their names and a personal photograph on it. This was ensure people did not swap and give the winning places to someone other than themselves. Above is a photo I took of the signs overhead as we waited in line. It says “KAMIJO Chanteur”, “chanteur” is French for singer.
(credits KAMIJO North America)
I also went by the Vyper booth to buy shirts and posters. For those who won the signing lottery, it was necessary to have official merchandise to be signed. The KAMIJO poster specific to the live the next day was displayed .
On the table they had the poster, as well photos and shirts, which were available in both red and black. I did not want our posters damaged so I had brought a small rolling suitcase so I could carry them and the shirts. These photos were taken with the permission of the Vyper staff.
(credits KAMIJO North America)
We needed to wait for the signing session, so we found the area of the mini conference and secured good seats. I waited impatiently to see what he would wear. I was hoping it would be one of the stage costumes from “Louis” or “Symphony of the Vampire”.
(credits KAMIJO North America)
And he appeared wearing the “Symphony of the Vampire” costume! During the conference, he took questions from fans and replied through an interpreter. The event was very short- only 16 minutes. After the conference KAMIJO, thanked us all by saying “Merci” (thank you in French) three times and bowed down to one knee before us. It really looked stunning as he did this wearing the Symphony of the Vampire costume!
Here are some highlights of his responses to fans:
- This year will be the 20th anniversary of Lareine and he wants to do something like a concert, a release, or something, but he doesn't know what yet.
- He likes to use words in French on his songs although he can't speak much French.
- Then he said his first concert as solo artist will be in Paris, he is looking forward for it and he hopes everybody to go.
- He said all his works as solo, since Louis, Symphony of the Vampire, Moulin Rouge and Yamiyo no Lion, all are special.
- A girl said she was his fan since Lareine and Versailles and wanted to know when will Versailles return. He said he also loves Versailles and they will return the day everybody need roses.
- He is working on earrings and necklaces again with Artemis Classic.
- He likes macaroons and something else. (Sorry the word was unfamiliar to me)
- How did he decide upon the idea of use a cane during Moulin Rouge? He said he saw it in a dream.
- Why did he become a musician? His family are musicians, his mother was teacher of electric organ, his grandmother was teacher of piano, his grandfather played the violin, and he started with the guitar, after that he started training his voice to sing.
- He would like to work with Within Temptation and Takamizawa-san.
- His last words were that he was very happy to be there in France with everybody. After that there will be a session of meet & greet and signing for all. And the next day will be his concert and wished to see them all.
Now we moved over to the signing area. My friends went to join the signing queue and I found a place up close where I could watch KAMIJO sign autographs. He seemed very happy smiling at fans. Towards the end of the signing session a Japan Expo staff approached me and asked if I had official merchandise. I replied, yes I did. She then said I could join the queue since they had extra time and were opening it to fans who did not win the lottery! I was thrilled! I rushed to grab my poster from the suitcase and joined the line.
(credits KAMIJO North America)
I was very excited to see KAMIJO again up close after such a long time. He was still wearing the Symphony of the Vampire costume from the mini conference. I had never had the opportunity to see his stage costumes up close so I was a bit blinded by the exquisite details of embroidery and sequins. He signed my poster right across the “cross emblem” he has used since the start of his solo career. He was wearing all the “Queen’s Nail Rings” on his fingers so when he moved is hands his fingertip flashed with silver! He said “Thank you very much” in perfect English and then extended his hand to shake mine. He is very gracious and elegant in person, just as one would expect. We stayed until he had signed the last item for fans . He seemed very energetic, happy and in a playful mood which was very cute! At one point he looked over at us and raised his eyebrow several times, smiled and waved to us. I was glad to see he was having such a fun and positive experience for his solo debut.
© 2014 KAMIJO North America. All rights reserved.
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