#rijfes

ROCK IN JAPAN FES. 2008 - Hitachinaka Shock! Perfume captivates rock fans too

The second day featured a diverse lineup of performers, from girl rock to loud rock and even hip hop. The most attention was drawn to Perfume, who opened the Lake Stage. Rock fans flocked to see them from the early hours of the morning. Even though it was still early in the morning, admission was restricted, and people overflowed all the way to the "Wing Gate" at the far back of the stage. This once again showed how high the expectations were.

"It's Nocchi!" "It's A-chan!" "It's Kashiyuka!" "Together, the three of us are Perfume!!!"

Artists' introductions are something Yamazaki should be completely used to by now, but was I the only one who felt today’s speech was unusually awkward? Maybe it’s because this wasn’t one of his usual scruffy rock bands, his specialty—but instead, a cute and lovely idol unit, which was totally outside his comfort zone. He seemed pretty nervous.

Not that any of that mattered, though. Perfume hit the stage to a thunderous cheer—almost unbelievable for so early in the morning—with plenty of male roars in the mix. Dressed in fresh-looking blue outfits that perhaps matched the LAKE stage backdrop, the trio burst in with full energy from the start. Despite being at a rock festival, very much an “away game” for them, they didn’t falter at all, calmly and confidently rolling out their signature techno-pop.

They delivered hit after hit, including “Chocolate Disco” and the full version of “love the world,” all while flashing heart-melting smiles that sent the scruffy rock crowd straight to heaven. And for the finale, they unleashed their killer track, “Polyrhythm,” throwing the LAKE STAGE—already packed to the brim—into a total frenzy from the early morning.