Live Expedition Report Part 2: 'Sambomaster Everyone Wins VICTORY25 "Everyone Wins Parade Tour ~Everyone Wins Deciding Series~"' Impressions—The night the show started 3 minutes late, but I still barely made it

The merchandise line was relentless until the very end.
I kept checking my watch while deciding what to buy.

I'll go with the towel, the 'Shine Shine Happiness Flower,' and the stickers.
I decided to buy a set that included items for my companion as well.

I had intended to get both the tour towel and the 'Everyone Wins' towel.

—Just before that, they sold out.

'Well, I already have an 'Everyone Wins' towel I bought a long time ago, so that's fine.'

I told myself that and finished the transaction.

I checked the time. 4:03 PM.
The show had started 3 minutes ago.

I ran.

When I entered the venue, the opening video was playing.
I could still make it.

I slid into my seat and caught my breath.

At that moment, the three of them walked out onto the stage.

It was Sambomaster.

From the very first song, I was already overwhelmed.

'Utsukushiki Ningen no Hibi' (Beautiful Days of Humanity).

How many times have I heard this song live?
Yet every time, it tugs at my heart in the same place.

I can't explain it well, but
I feel like I'm being told, 'It's okay even like that.'

As the songs progressed, the heat in the venue rose.
Around 'Kagayaki Dashite Hashitte Yuku,' I was completely switched on.

Before I knew it, both those around me and I were shouting at the top of our lungs.

The talk was the same as always.
Straightforward, a little clumsy, but incredibly piercing.

"Live your life properly."
"It's okay to just be yourself."

They throw those words at you head-on.

Honestly, I think some people might find it cheesy.
But I think that's exactly what I need.

Toward the end, they played "Sekai wa Sore o Ai to Yobundaze".

Even though I've heard it so many times, it still got to me.
Before I knew it, I was crying.

I can't explain the reason very well.

It's just that the songs I've listened to during tough times
were being played right in front of me.

That alone was enough.

Including the encore, it was a performance where they gave it their all.

Whether it was "Dekikko Nai o Yaranakucha"
or "Rock 'n' Roll Is Not Dead",
I was just shouting without thinking about anything else.

——In the end, I cried again.

Even though I've been to dozens of their shows, it's the same every time.

But I think that's fine.

I'm probably a negative person by nature.
That's exactly why I've been saved so many times by music that is this straightforward.

It's not about forcing myself to be positive,
but I feel like I come here to be told that "it's okay to be just as you are."

This time, too, I received the energy to keep on living.