[Live Report] ukka 1st mini album "T.O.N.E" Release Event at Seibuen Keirin Stadium

I attended the release event for the ukka 1st mini album "T.O.N.E" on July 24, 2021.
The venue was the Cycle Theater at Seibuen Keirin Stadium in Saitama.
According to the MC, "Usually, this is where the status of keirin races from various regions is monitored, and where losing betting tickets (like horse racing tickets) are tossed around." Haha.

It was a two-part event, and advance registration was required. The system involved paying 500 yen per part on the day to exchange for a numbered ticket, which I think is a very friendly setup for people who might just be thinking, "I'll go take a look."
I believe both parts were sold out by the day before the live.

The image is from the official Twitter. As you can see, the seating was arranged in a semi-circle with an incline, and since it was assigned seating, it seemed very easy to see even from the back rows.
I wonder if it holds about 450 seats at full capacity?
This time, the first two rows were blocked off, and with one seat left empty between people, they issued tickets up to about number 200.

This is the view from the third row, which was effectively the front row.
Since the third and fourth rows were the women-only area, I was able to enjoy both parts from a seat in the front row on the stage-left side.
The hand visible on the left of the photo belongs to the MC, signaling, "Photography is prohibited once the members appear, but you can take pictures now." For some reason, they had white masking tape wrapped around their arm the whole time.

Setlist

[Part 1]
00. overture
01. Lindbergh
02. Onegai yo
03. Mishite Kashite Sawarashite
MC
04. Party goes on.
05. WINGS
MC

[Part 2]
00. overture
01. WINGS
02. Mawaru Mawaru Mawaru
MC
03. Fanfare
04. Sore wa Getsuyoubi no 9-ji no you ni
05. Shining City Lights
MC

Morning Story

Before my thoughts on the live, a story from that morning.
When I arrived at the venue, the line to exchange for numbered tickets was quite long, extending out of the building and into the walkway.
While waiting at the end of the line, I saw the members entering the building below the walkway.
Ayame-chan had half-twintails and Riju-chan had a side ponytail, so I thought, "Their hairstyles for Part 1 will probably be like this."
Sora-chan was wearing theglasses she wore during the talk showand since I couldn't go to the talk show, I was super excited to see her in them here!
It was the best seeing Sora-chan look up at the fans in the walkway and laugh out loud.
That alone made my morning a win.

Part 1 Live Report

A little before Part 1 started, the door behind the PA desk was slightly open, and I caught a glimpse of the members passing by.
After that, I also briefly saw Ayame-chan checking her choreography through the reflection in the glass window, and I wondered, "Wait, what song was that choreography for?"

At the scheduled time, the overture played, and the members appeared from the stage-right side.
Just as I saw in the morning, Ayame-chan had half-twintails and Riju-chan had a high side ponytail.
Moa-chan had her hair down with curls, and Sora-chan had her hair straight.

Since there were no official photos of Part 1, I'll post someone else's two-shot photo (unauthorized -> post-facto consent).

During the overture, Moa-chan was standing right in front of me, and when she suddenly looked up, our eyes met perfectly.
I apologize to the Moa-chan fans, but I was the first person she made eye contact with during today's live.
My heart skipped a beat at her straightforward gaze.

It's not just because our eyes met first, but there were several scenes today where Moa-chan caught my attention.
Her lively expression and the way she was clearly enjoying the live show in a relaxed manner were wonderful.
And that was also reflected in her singing, especially in the early solo part of "Lindbergh"

Fingertips touching the darkness, illuminated by strobe lights
Running through in the blink of an eye, that girl is in slow motion

She nailed both the low and high notes perfectly, and it was such a good performance that I groaned "Whoa!" inside my mask.

And then, in the second verse

Tell me, what is my name
Before this world falls apart

It was so cute how Moa-chan smiled happily when she heard the claps that replaced the name call during her part.
Moa-chan is so cute when she's happy to have her name called out~~

The stage at the Cycle Theater was a bit small for four people to dance on, and since they've been on larger stages like Zepp Tokyo and NATSUZOME recently, the formation changes looked a bit cramped.
Perhaps because she was trying to use her whole body to move even in that space, there were a few times Sora-chan looked like she was about to trip.
It was cute how she'd regain her balance with an "Oops!" and give a shy smile.

There were many other cute moments during the movements, like Moa-chan marking time on the spot to adjust her timing so they wouldn't bump into each other, Sora-chan trying to obstruct Moa-chan's path, Moa-chan nimbly dodging her, or Sora-chan trying to avoid a collision with Ayame-chan but failing and ending up in a fit of giggles.
(I happen to only remember Sora-chan and Moa-chan, but all four of them were being considerate of each other while moving through the formations, which was cute.)

Also, when there was choreography where the members had to crouch, they were careful not to step on or snag the long parts of their new costumes' skirts.
Since there are quite a few sitting poses in songs like "Lindbergh" and "WINGS," I was impressed once again that they perform while paying attention to such details, not just the formations and dance steps.

When they performed at the Zepp tour solo concert, they were under much more intense pressure, which was cool in its own way, but today's live show had a relaxed atmosphere where all four of them performed freely, making it a concert packed with fun and cuteness.
I realized that the vibe of the live show can be so different even when performing the same songs.

The gap between the members being all smiles during "Lindbergh" and then switching to mellow expressions for "Onegai yo" was irresistibly exciting.

Sora-chan's solo part in the second verse

Among the things I always think about
When anxiety falls upon me

At that moment, I got a direct look from her at the front of the stage left. My heart skipped a beat at her anxious expression...

Before the drop chorus

I'm going to cry

As she belted that out, Sora-chan put so much intensity into her face. The way she shouted with her brow furrowed almost looked like anger, and I thought it fit the lyrics about complex female emotions perfectly.

"Mishite Kashite Sawarashite" was the most unexpected setlist choice this time, so I was surprised!
Since we were seated, I couldn't headbang or anything, but just copying the dance moves was fun, and above all, the four of them singing was incredibly cool and the best.

During the MC time, Sora-chan kept worrying about the waist area of her new costume, so I was worried it might be loose or about to come off.
She was fiddling with her waist with both hands the whole time and couldn't even drink her water, but Riju-chan noticed and brought over Sora-chan's water, which had been placed with her own, and set it down at Sora-chan's feet, which was amazing.
Riju-chan is so kind. Sora-Riju is precious.

There was also a Sora-Riju moment in "Party goes on." after the MC, specifically during the choreography where they bump fists during the line "having a short fight."
The way Sora-Riju locked eyes perfectly was cute and the best.
And another one is

A secret just for us, adding one more
Together forever from now on (yeah)

At the bolded part, instead of the usual choreography of thrusting their arms forward, they reached out toward each other and intertwined their fingers, and I was writhing in excitement thinking, "This is the best~~!"

I was already hyped because the choreography for "a secret just for us" right before that was "Oh, that part is so cute!", so I thought I was going to lose my mind when Sora-Riju was thrown in right after that lol

Also, the soft singing voice in Sora-chan's part, "take the weight off your shoulders," was so beautiful that my ears felt like they were melting.
There are too many favorite parts in "Party goes on." and my emotions are all over the place.

Come to think of it, before the first part started, Ayame-chan was practicing the choreography for the part in "Party goes on." where you point your finger to the upper left.
Watching it live, I had a "Shinken Zemi" moment where I realized, "Oh, so that's what that choreography was!" lol

The last song of the first part was "WINGS".
The singing resonated so much it felt like a hall concert; it was incredibly powerful and cool.

I noticed at the Zepp Tokyo live that Riju-chan

Surely, surely with you

The way she squeezes her eyes shut the moment she sings "surely"—I saw her do it every time today, and I was so excited, thinking, "Ah~~ so good!"
I love this part; both the singing and her expressions are irresistibly good.

I also love the choreography where the other three tap their chests during this part.
The way they strike their chests powerfully looks like they are encouraging themselves, which is incredibly cool.

As I showed in the photo at the beginning, the "ukka" logo was displayed on the stage monitor, but in the latter half of the first part, there was a mishap where a "Battery low" notification appeared.
A staff member ran out of the venue in a panic. lol
Even after the pop-up was closed and it returned to the logo display, the cursor arrow icon was visible on the left edge of the screen, which was amusing.
It had an indescribable handmade feel to it, and it matched the at-home atmosphere of today's live, so it was fun.

When leaving the stage, Moa-chan said "Bye-biron," and then the other members chimed in with "Bye-biron" too. Moa-chan said "Bye-biron" again, but the other members said "Bye-biron" again, interrupting her closing line, which was a fun sequence. lol
As a result, it turned into a "Bye-biron" festival where all the members said "Bye-biron" as they left.

Part 2 Live Report

Before the second part, a fan who supports Moa-chan was saying, "I believe Moa-chan will do half-twins for the second part," so when Moa-chan appeared with half-twins during the overture, I got excited even though I'm not a Moa-chan fan, thinking, "She really did the half-twins!" lol

Ayame-chan had twin tails, and Sora-chan had a half-up hairstyle. Both were unexpected, so I was surprised and they were cute.
Riju-chan had the same high side ponytail as in the first part. She mentioned in the MC later that she couldn't change it for the second part because she had set her hair so firmly, which was very Riju-chan and cute.

The photo is from the official Twitter.
Doesn't it look like Riju-chan has twin tails for a second due to an optical illusion? Cute.

In the early part of the first song, "WINGS," Riju-chan came to the front on the stage left side, and we made solid eye contact. It was beautiful how she had a dignified expression while the corners of her mouth were slightly lifted.

Even with wings that are still small and unreliable, dreaming of a masterpiece

Sora-chan's singing voice here was also filled with so much feeling and power that she furrowed her brows, and it sounded outstandingly cool.

From Sora-chan's gentle "Come on, let's go," followed by a beautiful turn and then the unison of everyone,

There is a song I sing for someone
Because I will shout until this voice goes hoarse

It wasn't a solo concert but a release event, not Zepp but a small stage. But that had nothing to do with it; the full-throttle, powerful performance naturally brought tears to my eyes.

I'm an otaku who usually goes crazy for Sora-Riju, so this might not be very convincing, but this is my favorite part of the current ukka.
I like it even more than "I want to kiss your profile" or "One plate at a cafe for lunch."
I love ukka's singing voices that always pierce straight through my heart.

I was tearing up thinking about that when "Mawaru Mawaru Mawaru" started, so I hurriedly wiped my tears and switched gears. lol
Even though I was seated, I did the choreography like crazy and swayed back and forth and side to side. I'm glad the chair didn't break. lol

Ayame-chan came to the front twice during the chorus, and both times she gave me a response during the choreography where she thrusts her hands forward.
Twin-tail Ayame-chan is cute and has big eyes.
Watching Ayame-chan go to the edge of the stage during "Mawaru Mawaru Mawaru" and look from top to bottom, I felt a mysterious sense of awe, thinking "Wow, that's amazing," even though the response wasn't directed at me.

I usually watch Sora-chan during every song, but since the members were so close in the front row today, I did the choreography facing whichever member came in front of me during "Mawaru Mawaru Mawaru."
I think I made eye contact with a smiling Moa-chan.

Moa-chan already has distinct features, but today she was really expressive, and her deep-set features were even more emphasized, which was cute.

Also, Sora-chan was laughing her head off the entire time during "Mawaru Mawaru Mawaru." She started laughing when she lost her balance and bumped into Ayame-chan during the choreography where they make a "circle" together at the beginning, and she couldn't stop laughing after that. During the part where they high-five and then pull each other's hands, they gave up on holding hands and just laughed together.
Also, during the choreography where they cover their faces with their hands and freeze, she had been laughing right up until that moment, so even with her face covered, you could tell she couldn't hold back her laughter, and that was just so fun and cute.

After the MC, they performed "Fanfare."
The part where the three of them sing "Let's go see tomorrow" after Ayame-chan's "I think I can smile today too"—the three-part unison is thick and cool, but Ayame-chan's solo is so powerful that it's truly amazing how she doesn't lose even in a 3-on-1 situation.
My impression today was that all of Ayame-chan's long tones were beautifully straight and sustained.

I knew they would definitely perform "Sore wa Getsuyoubi no 9-ji no you ni" in the second part since they didn't do it in the first, and I chose a seat on the left side specifically for this song, so I was hyped from the moment it started. lol

The first half was cute and the choreography was fun... or so it should have been, but in the second half, a series of winning moments attacked me, and my memory of what happened before and after is a bit hazy.

First, the "I want to kiss your profile" section. (This is the part where Sora-chan's ad-lib choreography is cute, so I write it down every time.)
From "Turning around, cheek poke, pointing appeal" (this is the standard choreography) to "Longer cheek poke appeal" to "Step back and turn"!!!!!!

Huh!? Oh??! She turned!!? She just did a turn!!? Before I could even be surprised by its beauty, Sora-Riju were flirting during "One plate at a cafe for lunch, full course for dinner"!!!!!

By the time I realized it, the two of them were snuggled up and making peace signs. Right in front of me. Sora-Riju peace signs jumping into my field of vision.
✌️😆😆✌️← Something like this.
I feel like Sora-chan was on the right, but is my memory correct?

Synthesizing what I heard from other otaku, the flow was turn -> hug Riju-chan's shoulder -> two-person peace sign.
I was so stunned by the beauty of the turn that I missed the shoulder hug, which is my life's biggest regret...

I was already guaranteed a win here, and while I was still excited and offering my penlight to Sora-chan, who was in front of me during her part "I want to be with you from Monday to Sunday, baby," I got a response from Sora-chan during the following all-member part "Because you are here," and my heart stopped.

Since I felt like I had already received a response just by seeing "I want to kiss your profile" and Sora-Riju in front of me, I had selfishly assumed I wouldn't get another one.
That's why when her gaze and pointing finger flew at me during "Because you are here," I actually froze for a second, thinking "Huh?"
Surprise attacks aren't good for the heart!!!!! Help me!!!!!

That triple combo made it a huge victory.
Thank you very much.

The last song was "Shining City Lights."
I don't remember much because of the aftereffects of "Sore 9,"

A time that felt like a dream
"I had fun today thank you"

Sora-chan folding her body 180 degrees to bow here was still going strong.

And then, Riju-chan's final part

(Shining City Lights) Shining
(Shining City Lights) This moment

During the dance after it ended, Sora-chan went over to Riju-chan and put her arm around her shoulder, which was so cool that I went wild.

Special Event

I took two-shot photos in both the first and second parts.

Part 1: The "Everyone's secret, let's add one more" part of "Party goes on."

I was supposed to have thought about what to say, but when I met her and the first thing she said in a faint voice was "It's so hot...", my overprotective fan side came out and I asked "Are you okay?!", causing everything I had planned to fly out of my head.

I strengthened the blue tones with an Instagram filter and liked how it turned out, so it's now my phone wallpaper.
How is her smile so cute even through a mask???

Part 2: The second part was incredibly fun, so please do something super fun!

I celebrated the Sora-Riju photobook that was just announced the other day.
Also, since I went wearing the full set of moz collaboration clothes that day, I told her about it and was happy when she said "It suits you," and as I was leaving, she smiled and said "See you again," so I feel like I can live happily from tomorrow on.

After the second part's special event, each member gave a short greeting.
The order was decided by rock-paper-scissors on the spot, and in the order of losing it was Sora -> Moa -> Ayame -> Riju.
I didn't take notes so I can't write down all four, but what was impressive was Sora-chan's greeting.

Her gratitude for being able to hold the release event and for the people who came. And then talking about doing her best for the next live at Maihama Amphitheater in November.
Then, half-jokingly, Sora-chan asked the audience, "Anyone here who forgot to pay for Maihama?"
Not a single hand went up.
Surprised by that, her face turned happy as she asked again, "So that means everyone here is coming to Maihama, right?"
This time, applause broke out.
"I hope to see everyone at Maihama."
Those words left a deep impression on me.

Conclusion

It was so much fun that I wondered if it was okay to have this much fun while seated. The lingering feeling of happiness just won't go away.
Being in the front row was definitely a factor, but more than that, the reason it was so fun was simply because the four of them were truly relaxed and performing with such vitality.

From the end of last year to the end of June, there were big changes going from 6 to 5 to 4 members, and with new vocal parts, new formations, and new songs, I think there was a sense of "tense live performances" for both the performers and the audience.
While it's certainly true that those were cool and wonderful live shows, looking back after it ended, I felt that it had been a very long time since we had a "live show where we just have fun without being tense" like today.

Seeing the four of them performing so happily from the first song "Lindbergh," the audience naturally fell into a mood of "let's just have fun!", and the MC and venue staff also ran the event in a homey way, making it a very warm release event.

It's very unfortunate that today was the last "T.O.N.E" release event due to the impact of COVID-19, but I hope they hold fun events like this again.
The whole day was nothing but pure fun!