Koda Kumi Live Tour 2013 -Japonesque-

Before I start on the concert itself, I'd like to say that from the moment I received it, I was really impressed. The packaging is FAR MORE GORGEOUS than any photos you will see of it online. The quality is also fantastic. Even the slip cover is a pure joy worth owning. Speaking of HQ, DON'T settle for the DVD version. With the Bluray, the FULL concert is only 1 Bluray while the DVD it's spread out over 2 disks. Also, the audio & video quality is SO MUCH MORE gorgeously crisp and clear. You can actually see the clear details of her name and logo on the chopsticks in her hair during the first couple performances. Onto the show itself, Kuu brings her usual sexy, tough, charming and sweet sides to the stage with some great vocals and dances. However, this time I feel this tour lacks something. It doesn't have those entertaining unique interlude movies, some costumes don't fit the performance & while some people may not miss it, the show also lacks her usual sugary pop cutesy sections that are normally in EVERY concert. Has her step into motherhood made her want to come out and be more mature? Another big surprise is (while I'm convinced they cut it) the show lacks much of her multiple usual endless talking sessions except one rather emotional one just after LaLaLaLaLa. The enormously long track list may appear exciting, but it leaves the show feeling rushed much of the time. She tries to pack 2 albums & a couple recent singles all into a regular concert, which unfortunately doesn't really work out the greatest. Despite the flaws though she still keeps the show fun, catchy & energetic. Plus, it still does have a few memorable moments like her playing the drums during No Man's Land & moving beams of light with her hands during Be My Baby just to name a couple. Also the opening reminds me of what she might have done for the opening to her Second Session 06-07 concert if she had of been just as popular during that time. Another quick mention is the performance of All For You really got to me. It was very simplistic & despite my Japanese skills still need work, I could really feel Kuu's feelings she was trying to express towards all her fans. Over all, a very nice addition to any fan's collection. It seems she just had a bit of a rough 2013 after returning to music, but 2014's a new year. Next comes her new album Bon Voyage which I'm super excited for, as always. <3