[Review] JAM Project Live in Yokohama Arena

Anime music is an expending section in the ever growing entertainment industry. Especially in Japan, the hub of animation capital. “AniSong” exist in a genre of its own here. I would dare say most, if not all children who grew up in Japan would have at least one song from this genre playing in the back of their mind. 

JAM Project Members (Photo Cred: Wikipedia)

Though I lack knowledge in this genre but even I have heard of JAM Project. JAM stands for Japan Animation-song Makers, and that being said most of their songs were made for animation production. Prior to this I have only heard the name of JAM Projects and might have heard a few of their song with out knowing (though the songs that I knew was not played during the gig, so it seems) and with further search, I got to know that one of the band member is Yoshiki Fukuyama. 

Yes my friends, I am very familiar with the work of art made from that man’s voice. Though I know of the voice, the face was a different story. So on with the concert itself. 

The concert started off with a predictable pyro effect and a surprising loud popping before the beginning of the second song. Admittedly the pyro was fun, but the popping also came with a blindingly bright light as well. One thing that lack in many Japanese production is prior warning. Especially when there are disable access. Just a little experience I had in the past with lasers and blinking lights with epilepsy patients, that is all. The use of laser show is fun, but it would be nice to have a little warning before hand.

For a two hours show, the pace was great. Besides, keeping the interest of a stadium full of all type of audience is not always easy. A two hours show is not easy and these men and a woman are all past their 40s mark. They were full of energy from the start to the end, the setlist arrangement was nothing less than great. They kept the audience on their toes and wanting more. 

The sound production team was just proper amazing. The sound balance in the stadium was great. Playing a mix of ballad, rock and pop sound especially in mid-size stadium is a challenge in itself. That being said, it was apparent enough to know that the performers do perform live. Or if they were not, the sound team know how to make them seem like it. Though, I was positive that JAM Project members sang live. As annoying as it is, but moving that much and balancing the sound as well as trying to catch their voice when the microphone is a mile (exaggeration much) away from the mouth can be tricky and those little shrills you get from microphone is usually the tell that the microphone is live. That and the fact that the performers shamelessly forget their lyrics on stage. It is fun to see the reaction of other members and some super fans when the performers get it wrong sometimes. 

They are humans. Humans make mistakes. I am okay with that. I am in fact happy to see that. Because it shows the hard work and the sweet pain that even seasoned performers face on stage. They were great. I have been to a few concerts in Japan, and to compare this one to those that I have seen (which are boybands) is just hilarious. JAM Project members are in a universe of their own compared to those I have seen before. Their presence on stage is just amazing. As I mentioned earlier, I was not aware of who’s who in the band before I came to the concert, but the guy Fuku-chan (Yoshiki Fukuyama as it turned out to be) was clearly very comfortable and relaxed on stage, if he is not he is good at faking it. He is funny as well. I would pay to watch him do a stand-up someday. If he would do it. In fact, all of them were great on stage, even the new addition from Brazil, Ricardo Cruz. He might not have the same stage time as the others, but his voice was polished and his presence was certainly felt. 

Lights are one of the most important part of the show as well. It intensify the drama of each song and the light direction could have been a little tighter. The spot handler was off by a million miles (again slight exaggeration) at times and was spot on the other times. And the rhythmic flow of lasers were fun and all but a little warning would be nice. This is an Anisong genre and though I did not see any young children around, but it would be safer when using any form or lasers, strobing and pyro effect, a waring sign should be put up. 

As for the songs, oh the song. I am now in love with anisong. I sat listening to their older singles for hours the next day as they accompany me doing my research and keeping me awake. Though I said the setlist was great, but I think there are some other music that should have made on that did not make it. From the concert though, my favourite song would be the Garo Medley and Crush Gear Fighter. 

Would definitely be looking out for their next project. Great voice, pitch problems are the least of their concern because they are cool like that and it shows. Superb stage presence and amazing, just amazing crowd pleaser. I would, in fact I did recommend their songs to a few friends. Definitely a treat for concert goers and a gift for anime lovers.  

Love and kisses,

GWRL