The Narrative version of my trip to Japan for SayuGrad starts here! Unedited (meaning I didn’t check for typos =P) and raw from my brain to you! More to follow!



My Sayu Graduation Narrative

The Foreword and the Usual Disclaimers:

It’s been over a week since it all happened, and in that week it feels like the world has changed and yet is still the same. I asked people if they wanted to hear what I had to say and they have responded positively, waiting patiently for the story, perhaps story isn’t the right word at this point, more a taste of the experience I went through out there, facing the graduation of another of my beloved oshimen first hand. And so I tried for days to find the power to write, and the following will be that. If you’ve seen my writing before perhaps you know I do tend dip my toes into whimsy, a bit of a spark of the dramatic, and so in this writing you are going to read things written this way. I hope that by reading it in, you will feel even just a fraction of how I felt in that experience, and you can accept that response as a part of yourself.

The usual admittances and disclaimers apply: I am merely an overseas fan, a gaijin wota by nature. At the same time I am an aimless older graduate student, trying to find my place in the world. I don’t have a lot of money, nor am I a poor man. I am also sometimes a rather boring man (lol), but you asked for a report. I once again didn’t ask people for their names so I’ll try to avoid it if possible, but at the same time it would be to their discredit to not mention some of them for their generosity and good spirits, so I may mention them in some way or another.

If you’ve seen my Twitter, I did post a couple of randomly bad pictures (I am infamous for having no ability to take pictures) that go along with the story, if you want to take a look at those while you read it might provide some extra immersion. Now that I’ve rambled, let’s get on with the show huh?

Chapter 0: The Flight In

So unlike the trip to New York the plan for the trip was way more sterile. I had decided to hotel rather than try to find someone to stay with and having taken a trip to Japan once before (for GakiGrad -_-; ) I kind of already had a plan of action. Also unlike New York, the trip came with some extra nervousness as I was leaving during the week, and my obligations for work, even when given the clearance to go, was still hovering over my head. Still, regardless of the stress and anxiety I had made the declaration that I would be there for Sayu, it was a declaration I made a long time ago, even before GakiGrad, that I would make it to Sayu’s no matter what. Money saved up and ready to burn I had plan this trip out as best I could.

The trip was set to be a 3 (technically 4 depending on your brain slant with the time zones and what not) day venture, unfortunately it was the only amount of time I could spare, and if it were not for Thanksgiving being a holiday in the United States that Thursday I don’t know how I would’ve worked it out. I left from my good ol’ Hawaiian home on Monday, catching a morning plane to get to Japan by the late afternoon Tuesday. My single bag for convenience and saving money packed with clothes and the minimal reliable Sayu-gear I could spare room for, it was no trouble getting to the Airport and onto the plane.

Plane rides aren’t really a big deal for me, so it ran smoothly. Luckily the airline I was on provided free entertainment, and my position on the plane allotted me enough room to turn slightly to my side to sleep when needed. A long 9 hour flight became noting more than a couple of movies and some naps as we landed in Narita. Filling out the necessary forms to get the necessary tourist Visa and other paperwork I was out of the landing area rather quickly. I had set up in advance getting a WiFi point to use for this trip and had it delivered to the Post Office. The WiFi access anyway is always welcome on a trip, as it allows access to so much more than I have on average, and lets me communicate with other people in times of crisis.

It took an hour plus train ride into my hotel in Yotsuya, the ride through the every coming darkness allowed me time to reflect on the upcoming events. Sure I talked with some people online with my internet connection but it was still in the quiet silence of the world around me. The N’EX train a very secure and at this point rather empty train, it felt very clear just how alone trips like these are when you don’t have a companion with you to keep away the solitude. It takes a transfer off the N’EX’s stop in Shibuya to get on a train to Yotsuya, the lady at the counter who helped me suggested I do that to get to Yotsuya though it was neither the most efficient nor the quickest by comparison of other routes but I cannot deny that it got me to my location. Since I already had a Suica card handy from my last trip to Japan, it took mere moments to charge it up with some cash and ride the train to my destination.

I picked the hotel based not only on the ease of getting to my main destination for the trip and the low price, but I make sure that a conbini is close by for my needs. After checking into the hotel and seeing their “vending machine” area bare except for a beer/coffee machine, I found myself using the family mart right next door as my comfort for these days. It was already late, unfortunately the Hello!Project Store was set to close soon, so any plans to do something adventurous after checking in were dashed, and my survival instinct to secure food, drink, and make sure I could pass out from jet lag safely went into effect.

Family Mart had the basic necessities, I took note of the very large and cheap water they had for purchase, as well as the foods I knew my stomach would not reject for both that night’s dinner and the on-coming day after. I pass by the refrigerated displays to notice the Kagome vegetable juice boxes in a line on the shelf. Noticing the side was indeed adorn with Momusu, I looked through to see what choices they had: Oda, Ikuta, and Sayu! I quickly grabbed a couple of Sayu boxes based simply on instinct. Going to the other drink section I knew I needed something with some carbonation and caffeine to keep myself going. I always kind of enjoy trying things that we don’t have in the States, so seeing Orange Coke I couldn’t help but grab one to try. Swinging back around I grab a couple of onigiri from the case before buying it all up to take back to my room.

It took me a moment to realize that while the Sayu images are intact on the Kagome boxes, they don’t have any codes to enter. It was a moment before I realized the promo probably ended and upon checking the app itself realized they released the basic set was released for free and I didn’t have to worry about it at all. Kagome vegetable juice is quite nice to drink though, fruitier in taste than vegetable-y so it didn’t matter either way. Onigiri, or the regional name we use in Hawaii: Musubi, are a staple quick food so that’s no problem, though I always enjoy the shake fish inside the one’s in Japan. Hawaii tends to go with things like spam on top so fish is a nice contrast. In either case, I eventually I knock out on the mini couch in my room while setting up things instead of the bed (go figure). Wake up after a couple of hours, set my alarm and go to sleep, the next day is going to be a killer.

Chapter 1: The Trip to Yokohama! (a.k.a. Being Forgetful Costs)



Waking up to an unfamiliar ceiling is something you get use to in travel, but waking up for the first time to the Kagome alarm is a little jarring. It didn’t help that one of my devices doesn’t properly register the kind of shaking it wants to turn off the wake up part. So after what felt like a rage testing game to turn off the alarm (and then the smart thought to just go into my task manager and close it). In any case I drank one of the veggie juice boxes and got ready for the day rather quickly. Checking over my schedule I found a pretty fast (but not super-fast) cheap way to get to Yokohama from my hotel. The goal was to get to Yokohama Arena before noon, that way I could ensure my place in line for goods, probably my final opportunity for some good Momusu Sayu goods. But first, supplies.

Walking down to the Family Mart it was clear that the weather was less than favorable that day. It was gloomy yes, I could see that from the window of my room, but walking out you could see the damp ground and drizzle causing the people in the streets to keep their umbrellas out and open. I made sure to get a big bottle of water and a small one so I could transfer water if I ended up using a lot while in line. In addition I pick up another Orange Coke and some onigiri for breakfast/lunch. Knowing my stomach any attempt at getting anything other than onigiri or baked goods would result in unneeded stomach issues, and with the plan to stand in line, bathroom antics are not welcome. Ducking back under the overhang to my hotel I stashed the purchased goods into my backpack, and began my trek to the metro, my trip to Yokohama commences.

The Metro, unlike the JR Line and some of the other lines in the city does not use the Suica card system, instead using just the Pasmo card or actual money purchase. Consulting my tablet I made sure that I had the money set into easy intervals for fast passage, this trip would require a transfer and I didn’t want to slow myself down any if possible. The first train ride was nice and empty, a ride out to Shibuya station to transfer. Walking to the next ticket stand I walk up to the terminal and queue up the list of terminals to transfer to. My mind races, punching in the listing I had seen on google I couldn’t find the station on the list. I tried to look at the directions on google again, thinking maybe I made a mistake or something. “No connection what just happened?” It hit me hard when I realized I left my WiFI point back at my hotel. A sigh and a grumble later, I was on the way back to my hotel, money and time squandered on a silly mistake. The train ride back to the hotel when in the general traffic direction for the morning meaning I was now on a crowded train waiting to get back out.

After the disappointing trip back to the hotel and acquiring my WiFi point I continue on my trip. Looking up the necessary information I find out the line I would need to take converts to a local train and that’s why I couldn’t find the station at the terminal machine. Extra unfortunate is that the rapid version of that train had already gone and the next train coming would be the local slow line. Now not only behind by the return back but by the train schedule I find myself now hitting the point of arriving at Yokohama Arena by noon. I swallow my disappointment and focus on the prize, the slow train ride not helping prevent me from stewing in my own stupidity.

Kikuna station was my stopping point, a walk out from there left me in the town area of Yokohama, a short walk to the arena. Pulling up the map and making sure I was facing the right direction I began my walk through the light rain to my destination. It should be noted that I don’t have a problem with rainy and cold weather, honestly it’s a delight to be in weather where sweating isn’t really an issue anymore. I was equipped in my signature blue vest (converted into jacket mode for the sake of keeping dry) and a pair of long pants, plenty enough to stand the weather in NY, it wasn’t a problem standing up to the autumn to winter weather of Yokohama, even with some light rain. Still grumbling over my own stupidity I couldn’t help but admire the quiet peaceful nature of the town area. I took passing by houses for families named Tanaka and Takahashi as small little gifts to my attitude (Even though both names not only fairly common in Japan but also in Hawaii ^^;). I arrived at the Arena where the rain seemed to pick up, I could feel the moisture on my jacket go beyond my jackets ability to repel into beads as the water turns into sheets on me. At least I had made it to the arena in one piece.

Chapter 2: The Line (a.k.a. How I learned something I should have known before)

The corner of Yokohama Arena immediately stuck me in shock, I had expected a line of people, but the line of people stretched and coiled in a puzzling formation beyond my imagination. I could not see where the line began or ended, merely people facing in various directions, bundled up in warm clothes with umbrellas overhead. As I towards the line, my focus is clear, I just need to find the end of it before it gets any longer. I walk in the opposite direction of where the outmost point of the line was facing till I read a point where I see a man holding a sign up. My brain already frazzled by the earlier happenings I barely get out the necessary words in Japanese to inquire about the line. The man simply says “Goods” and points to the end up the line, to which I give him a courteous bow before joining my place in line.

I was lucky to get there when I did, in the following moments a small flood of people arrived, taking their place behind me. No doubt these people were in from the main train that comes from Shin-Yokohama Station, all traveling at the same time to the destination. Looking back at it now it would of course make sense that every time the line expanded it was in sets, since almost everyone uses the trains to get around Japan. Even then the line was still several hours long, and it was still around 40 minutes until the goods line was set to open, it was truly going to be a long wait.

With 5pm being the opening time for the door, and 6pm being the start time for the concert, there wasn’t an immediate concern over the long line, but at the same time standing there at the outer rim there was no certainty in how long the line went. It wasn’t until walking the line for as long as I did that I found the layout shown above. It was a long process standing there, and one that certain puts your mental energies to the test.

For one thing not having an umbrella was a big disadvantage in this situation. I never had a problem being without an umbrella before, but the level of rain was just big enough my jacket was having problems, and not big enough where in things would just wash off me. Overtime I found myself just sitting in a layer of water around me, and with the slow drip of water not just from the sky but from the trees and umbrellas from nearby people prevented a lot of my electronic use to bare minimum. I found myself alone in a line next to people who looked rather reserved for quite a while. I really should have brought an umbrella! (lol)

I had been in contact with some other English speaking people there for the SayuGrad as well, but we were stretched out, separated in this long line as the hours passed. The lines movement was in waves, as sets of people were given access to the inside, the outside moved a bit, and the wave through to the other the end took several minutes, it created a strange disconnect in line as parts of lines moved while other parts just next to them did not. I found myself entertained by these distinct levels to the line, which at the time were the outside loop, the upstairs, the inside loop, the second upstairs, and then inside. It became a little game to me as I stood in line, occasionally drinking my Orange Coke and checking my devices. Part way through the line I decided to eat my food to ensure that I wouldn’t lose my resolve in the line.

Near the first upstairs portion of the line, after taking the first corner I could feel my body affected by the weather a little. My legs were getting fatigued quicker than I remembered from earlier trips, and my hands began to feel the numbness of the cold. Unfazed by the weather shift I warmed my hands in my pockets occasionally and took the time to stretch my legs as well waited. I took enjoyment in being able to see my breath for the first time in my adult life, as each yawn from fatigue let out a cloud in front of my face.

It was around hour 2 in the upstairs portion that I finally broke the ice a bit with the people around me. As we entered an overhang area upstairs everyone began closing their umbrellas, finding it a relaxing break from the rain I lowered my hood and wiped my brow. My hands wet from the umbrella splash of a person next to me I felt the cold wet touch of my hand on my head and let out an audible “ugh,” in response. A girl behind me asked if I was okay and I responded I was fine. She gave me a smile as we took a step forward near the glass doors in the area. We could hear sounds coming from inside, music, though it wasn’t recognizable. We both leaned in to try to hear it, and I mentioned you can’t really hear anything. She nodded, saying you can hear something but it’s not recognizable. We had a short talk about how the weather was as well, noting that it was colder than expected cause of the rain. She confirmed as we continued down the line.

Another hour later and we were back down on the ground level, walking another step to the line. The line started taking some interesting turns to accommodate all the people, a small glimmer of hope as we approached the people heading up stairs to finally enter the goods line, through at the time we were still awaiting an unknown amount of walking before we would turn around and be them ourselves. During that time I ran into one of the English speaking fans in the line during one of the big turns into it. We talked a little while we were near each other. She heard rumors that things were selling out in spades, Sayu goods especially, and that the line was still more than 3 hours out. My mind began to race, “Was it too late to get the goods I wanted? Could not having screwed up this morning prevent this from happening to me?” I couldn’t think of what to do. The groups of people who told me this said they might just cut out now and find a place to warm up before the concert really started. I wished them luck before the line moved out of range of them and once again found myself alone.

I tried to contact the Hello!Base crew, who I had talked with a bit online and upon my arrival hoping we could have some fun at some point during my trip, but with the line and weather being as crazy, they weren’t responding to my attempts at contact. In a bit of panic, I reached out to Turbos, my friend from Jicchan.com, while he wasn’t in Japan any longer if anyone was able to find out anything it’d be him. Talking with him resulted in no significant news about goods being gone, other than those tweeted by the one person on twitter for a couple of choice pictures. I sighed as the rumors could or could not be true at this point, but I was determined to make the most of my so far 3 hours in line. I held fast knowing I could be walking in for nothing, but not willing to leave empty handed.

During this time on the final ground floor portion the girl behind me had disappeared, though the girl behind her and her friend also heard us talking and decided to talk with me. Turns out they were from Hong Kong and like me had come in just for the SayuGrad. It was nice to talk with someone and use some English without worrying about what I was saying as much, and it indeed helped cut down on the stress and worry in the line. We talked off and on until we finally approached upstairs and stood very near the door. The space before entering passed by the open door, the warmth from inside Yokohama Arena was comforting though fleeting as we rounded the turn to be near but not in front of the door. We waited patiently for this part to open, not exactly sure of how things would go inside.

The path inside was warm, and while it provided a little more space to move as we went in we were still basically in line going into the next portion. It was a brisk, faster walk them outside until we arrived at the goods room itself. Once inside I felt comfort in seeing the familiar line formation and mapping to the final goods stand. A clock the wall showed the time, the doors to the concert were already opening, and I was several minutes away from the goods line!

Messages started coming in from people. Icey from Hello!Base confirmed there were still goods which was confirmed from the listing in the goods room, and my friend, Z who had my ticket to the concert was waiting for me outside. I stressed my proximity to the goods front and asked him to wait. We were both frantic with how close I was cutting it but I couldn’t stop now, I was too close to give in now. It was moments of wait, another set into the line. The workers in the area were asking for people who just wanted to pictures to come forward, giving them express access to that area since transactions there were going quicker than the general goods line. With resolve I waited, watching the minutes get closer to the starting time. Z continues to message me, I missed a couple from him as the internet inside with my WiFi doesn’t refresh quickly.

Finally arriving at the line I step into the nearest shortest line I can get into, determined to get my goods. I quickly call out what I wanted, my mind still racing from the prior events, I quickly point out anything taking my interest, beyond my intended purchases. I point to glowsticks, and microfiber towels, buy myself the Sayu Graduation book, dvd, and the finale shirt. The staff member quickly totals up the goods, hesitating and starting over, and then once more to confirm the number. I quickly take out the closest amount of bills I have, pay for my goods, get my change and walk away, hugging my goods.

I couldn’t let it end there, I had intended to test my luck with the collection pin-up sets. The random luck of the draw always appealed to me both in the ability to press my luck, and the opportunity to trade or at least show what I got to others. I walk into the next line quickly, impatient as I get more messages from Z about needing to show up. I quickly purchase four pin-ups, an easy two bills worth, so I could quickly hand over the money and walk out. Walking quickly I worked my way outside as directly. Unfortunately the directions I followed let me back to where the line began, clearly the wrong side from the concert opening!

Not knowing which direction led to the front I made a quick dash around the side I had stood for several hours before. Looking at my messages Z tells me to meet him around a clock, with no idea of where that is I continue my dash forward. My legs begin to buckle as I run, 5+ hours of standing in a line with barely any movement, my muscle are both sore and stiff in different places, but I can’t give up so close to the prize. It’s already almost 6, the concert is about to begin, and it’s truly no time to be lagging now, I push forward, meeting my friend as the line he’s in begins to move in, luckily his stature makes in easily visible in a crowd. I rush to him as he declare I made it just in time. A sigh of relief washes over me, though we are still working our way into the venue

Reaching the door we show our bags do not have cameras or anything dangerous, and walk quickly to the stairs. Our seats are far up in the stands, and my legs are already burning from the run but we can’t stop. Already the opening act has finished and the concerts about to begin, we hurry up the stairs following our way to the seats. We are literally in the furthest reaches of the 2nd floor stands, our backs literally against the wall as we get there. I quickly plant my bag in my seat as I quickly convert my jacket back to its vest form, take out my Sayu gear and shift into form. Glow sticks, both my old pink ones from before, and my new Sayu and Evolution Glowsticks in hand, and Sayu shirt over NY shirt and under my blue vest, I turned and leaned on the arm of the chair for a moment, chugged down some water and talked with Z a bit about his binoculars for use during the concert, as the lights begin to dim, the lasers begin to burn and the show begins. This was it, the Sayupocolypse, the end of an era, a dream I didn’t want to face in the conditions at the time, but one I had to. And so the concert began.

—–

Like the story so far? There’s still the concert itself, the aftermath, and the conclusion all coming up in part 2! For now be sure to let me know you like it and comment on anything you might want to know about the adventure. I haven’t talked about it but maybe you want to know how much I spent? Or maybe just want to comment on how careless I was to forget my WiFi? Feedback helps!