An Cafe Dazzles in Amsterdam

An Cafe, the embodiment of oshare kei, is not only immensely popular in Japan, but also a well-known phenomenon amongst European and American fans. With their “Nyappy” style they conquer many a fan’s heart, heavily utilizing the abundance of sing-along lyrics, colorful outfits and easily executable hand gestures and dances. On November 9, the long wait for Dutch Caffeko to finally see An Cafe in their little country finally ended.

Over 300 fans showed up for the concert at the Melkweg, which started almost half an hour earlier than was planned. The reason for this was not clear, but perhaps it was due to the fans waiting in anticipation. For a short moment there was some confusion, since all the lights stayed on while the show was already starting. Then, a staff member quickly ran up the stairs in the back of the room; the lights had not been adjusted for an early start. An Cafe was not thrown back by this and commenced the concert with a characteristic number in their usual up-tempo style. The first notes of Maple Gunman exited the speakers, and not a second later, the whole band was dancing and jumping about, dragging the audience along in their jolly view on the world of music.

Dressed in matching t-shirts, vests and colorful, wide sweatpants, the band was in good form as a whole. This was especially noticeable for two entertainers of the group: Miku and, behind his keyboard, Yu-ki. While continuing to sing mostly clearly into his diamond-studded microphone, Miku jumped and danced feverously across the stage, smiling from ear to ear, joining his fans in synchronous hand gestures. As for Yu-ki, regardless of his position in the back of the stage, he still managed to excite the crowd with his moves and sporadic fan service.

Completely devoted, the ecstatically shouting fans copied all the movements, clapping along, and were most of all encouraged to sing along with the songs. Each song’s end was met with loud applause, especially after the quiet and emotional Jibun setsumeisho, in which Miku did have trouble reaching some notes.

Finally came the time for the always popular MC. Each member introduced himself briefly, and Takuya even attempted to speak some Dutch, successfully saying, “Are you guys having fun?!” Miku closed the MC with a touching apology for his English while expressing in Japanese his gratitude and joy for this evening and the continued support of their fans. The concert then continued with the same vigor immediately, this time with Yu-ki’s rap skills to back up Miku’s singing.

With a short but energetic encore, the concert ended and the usual distributing of plectrums and water bottles took place after. Subsequently, a few words of gratitude were voiced, a picture was taken of the band with the audience, and as the definitive closing of the concert, Yu-ki gave the crowd some last fan service, lifting Teruki up and swirling him around in a tight embrace. The fans realized the concert was truly over when the shirtless Miku finally walked off the stage.

An Cafe is an energetic, enthusiastic band in which the band members work well together and play their role in the music wholeheartedly. If you like a cheerful mix of rock, rap and pop to fiercely dance around on, then the next concert is truly recommended, since Miku’s last comment announced a promise that the band would definitely return to the Netherlands next year.

Set list:
1. Maple gunman
2. Kakusei heroism
-MC-
3. Tekusuta kousen
4. Wagamama koushinkyoku
5. Escapism
-MC-
6. Jibun setsumeisho
7. Takaido -during MC-
8. NYAPPY in the world 4
9. Amazing blue
10. Snow scene
11. Cherry saku yuuki

Encore
12. Bonds ~kizuna~
13. Smile ichiban ii onna