Inazuma Rock Festival - Day 1

On September 19th, 2009, the first day of the autumn vacation, the weather was fine and clear for the first big outdoor rock event for Shiga, the Inazuma Rock Festival.

Many may wonder why this live was held in Shiga as opposed to Tokyo or Osaka. With a population of about 1.4 million people, Shiga is often overlooked due to its close proximity to other cultural centers such as Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. However, Shiga boasts a long cultural heritage, and is home to Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa (Biwako), and on its border with Kyoto is Mount Hiei (Hieizan), known for its famous Buddhist temple Enryakuji. The main organizer of the event, vocalist of T.M.Revolution, Nishikawa Takanori, was raised in Shiga Prefecture, as were many of the other performers scheduled to play in the event.

One music fan commented, "I’m from Osaka, but I took some time off and came to Shiga for the first time. It's great that I could come to the festival and also make some great memories visiting Shiga as well as Osaka and Kyoto." Others, who were born here and had spent most of their lives here, were delighted that music had attracted so many people from near and far to the event. For many of them it was probably a time to really think about what and where Shiga is.

The driving force behind this event is probably the producer Nishikawa Takanori, who is well-known by most Japanese and happens to be an ambassador for promoting the prefecture. There must have been many hurdles in getting the event here, but everyone involved with the event, from bus drivers to stage staff, were all extremely enthusiastic about it.

The event's main theme was "Taking care of the environment." In the name of ecology many stands were set up, one with Antarctic ice that you could actually touch. Others promoted merchandise and varied goods made or invented in Shiga prefecture including food and drinks, character goods and of course artist merchandise. Fans waiting for the fun to begin had lots to do and see, and some just enjoyed the nice weather, sitting on the grass talking to old or even new friends. It was a very festive mood, even though the music had not yet started.

Then with the words "We are very honored to be the opening act!" UNISON SQUARE GARDEN signaled the beginning of the festival. They heated up the venue with their soft gentle style, singing four numbers. They finished, saying, "Enjoy today!"

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. The screens on the sides of the stage lit up with the face of Shiga Prefecture's Governor. After thanking everyone for coming and for Mr. Nishikawa's continued support of the prefecture, she officially began the concert.

The concert started with a "Let’s go Shiga! I-NA-ZU-MA!" from 175R, and everyone punched their fists in the air and cheered. It was like summer all over again. Some began to dance while drinking, others didn’t move at all, but everyone was high with excitement. After six songs, Fumidou and HOME MADE Kazoku made their entrances and began playing to the crowd, which was certainly enjoying the show and with each song played, more and more were drawn to the stage area. You could move freely about the venue and this really added to the overall mood of the event. Everyone enjoyed the sound in their own unique way.

Next was UVERworld, moving us all to tears with their sound. They addressed the audience: "As a band that comes from Shiga, we have made it this far without ever forgetting our dreams. We are really happy to be here today!" Everyone who participated in the event was surely thinking the same thing.

Just as it was growing dark with the sunset, the screams from the audience became louder, and abingdon boys school (who have just released a new single) appeared in a blaze of light on stage, telling the crowd, "We wanted to see you here in Inazuma! We've come back to make this place rock!" After singing twelve songs, two of which were an encore for the screaming fans, the band talked about their feelings for Shiga Prefecture, saying, "It's important for us all to always have a good time at live concerts, but what is also important is to show that Shiga is a great place, not only to Japan but also to the world! I used to hate the Shiga that had nothing.... but I am really pleased to be able to sing in front of all of these people I love at an event like this."


Set list:

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

1. Free color program
2. MR.Andy
3. Clover
4. Master volume

175R

1. Happy life
2. new world
3. Refrain~Seishun bakayarou~
4. GLORY DAYS
5. Party
6. Sora ni utaeba

Fumidou

1. Nakimushi no uta
2. Aishiteru
3. LAST SONG
4. Karada to karada
5. Hirusagari no Ballerine
6. Yura yura

HOME MADE Kazoku

1. Thank you!!
2. Ai kotoba
3. Live On Direct
4. Salvia no tsubomi
5. Mukai kaze
6. Manatsu no dance call

UVERworld

1 .GO-ON
2. Hakanaku mo towa no kanashi
3. earthy world
4. 99/100 Damashi no tetsu
5. the truth
6. Yasashisa no rei
7. CHANCE！
8. UNKNOWN ORCHESTRA
9. Roots
10. Hadou (4 count)

abingdon boys school

1. STRENGTH.
2. Freedom
3. HOWLING
4. LOST REASON-feat.MICRO
5. INNOCENT SORROW
6. -SOUEN- -feat.TAKUYA∞
7. Fre@K ＄HoW
8. Valkyrie
9. JAP
10. Kimi no uta
EN　From Dusk Till Dawn
W-EN Atena