Expedition records recalled by the 'Let's Go Meet' CM

The JR Central CM series 'Let's Go Meet.' Featuring songs sung by UA and Hanaregumi, and the 'Let's Go Meet' CM song that became the Shinkansen melody, it has depicted various human patterns—post-COVID business, returning home, and reuniting with old friends—under the keyword 'Let's go meet'.

The theme of the new CM is 'Oshikatsu' (supporting one's favorite). It depicts the figures of people engaging in 'Oshikatsu' at sports events, music concerts, and comedy shows, superimposed with the Shinkansen. The CM features six sports teams, artists, and comedians.

• Solo artist 'AI'

• Idol group 'BEYOOOOONDS'

• Band 'MONGOL800'

• Comedy duo 'Nightingale Dance'

• Professional baseball team 'Orix Buffaloes'

• J.League team 'Nagoya Grampus'

All of these were produced by having cameras specially infiltrate actual games and live performances. While capturing the excitement of the live events, they also include the 'N700S' Shinkansen, which is essential for 'Oshikatsu' expeditions. Watching such CMs makes me tear up with similar memories.

Personally, I have taken the Tokaido Shinkansen three times one-way for Yorushika concerts. For the 2024 'Zense' tour, I took the Kintetsu Limited Express 'Urban Liner' on the way there and the Shinkansen on the way back. Personally, I would like to compare various railways and other modes of transport, including rivals. However, in terms of cost, using the Shinkansen for a round trip offers discounts (though round-trip discounts are scheduled to end in March 2026).

On the way home, to soak in the lingering excitement, I bought and drank a cappuccino from a vending machine on the platform, which appears in their songs. It was raining in Nagoya at that time, too. I remember choosing a playlist exclusively of Yorushika songs for that trip home.

For 'Tōsaku Saien,' I used the Shinkansen on the way back from the Nagoya performance and on the way to the Yokohama performance. During the Yokohama trip, I almost made a blunder that nearly cost me a fortune, but being able to go meet them safely was what mattered most.

For Nagoya, I stuck to Yorushika, and for Yokohama, I selected songs by Yorushika and their support bassist Tatsuya Kitani. It was more subdued than the CM, but like the CM, I have been well-served by them.

Other than Yorushika, I also once used the Sanyo Shinkansen to participate in 'Bungaku Furi Hiroshima.' With a passionate desire to 'meet them at least once!!' from a local connection on Note, I went to Hiroshima via an overnight stay in Himeji. I kept talking to them and worried about their subtle reactions. Nevertheless, I was happy to meet them.

Eight months later, at 'Bungaku Furi Osaka,' a miracle occurred when I happened to find them right next to me at the same booth!! I was happy that they remembered me. Perhaps talking too much was unexpectedly effective.

Because of Yorushika, I have had more opportunities to go on live concert expeditions outside of the Kansai region. I started traveling further after using cheap tickets during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanks to YouTube, I also became interested in transport other than railways, such as buses and ships.

I really love 2020s Japanese rock, and I have my own way of enjoying it by pairing my favorite music with various limited express trains and local lines. In addition to Yorushika and Zutomayo, I have created playlists with many artists and bands on Apple Music.

I have been accumulating 'WESTER Points' from JR West. In the past, I used a free ticket that could only be bought with these points to go on a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Yorushika music videos.

If it's a live expedition to Hiroshima, Okayama, or Kanazawa, I can cover it with points alone. It seems possible for Hakata too, but only if I can stay for at least one night. Thinking about that, I feel a small regret, thinking,
I might have been able to go to Hiroshima and see Aooo...
.

JR West also promotes various trips with the slogan 'Move, Curiosity.' in their CMs and posters. In Western Japan, they view 'Oshikatsu' trips as covering a wider range than in the Tokai region, including not just live events and sports, but also gourmet food and drinking trips.

JR Central and JR West support fan activities and propose various travel plans. Beyond the commercial footage, I've had many experiences, like going to see Yorushika or attending the Literature Flea Market. No two experiences are the same. Perhaps my notes can contribute to such suggestions as well.

I want to create more memories like these and increase the number of tears I shed.