SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
Written and Photographed by Don M.
"I was so happy to receive the news from KFUSE that I was approved to cover and photograph the 2023 OC JAPAN FAIR. As a long time fan who has always had something that prevented me from being able to attend, I was looking forward to seeing and capturing some charming moments of this year's lineup, particularly NEO JAPONISM, EPITHYMIA -- a Japanese dance and vocal group that we covered at Rising Japan MusicFest that made their debut shortly after --, and this year's headliner and fan favorite, TRAVIS JAPAN!!
Although I was unable to attend the first day of the event, I was planning on attending the remaining final two days on Saturday October 28, 2023, and Sunday, October 29, 2023. I was looking forward to experiencing the various foods and the culture of Japan so much that I had planned on photographing the music event on Saturday and trying out the different foods of Japan on Sunday -- alongside of checking out some of the other cultural events. However, due to high winds that occurred on Sunday, October 29, our plans were foiled as the event was cancelled.
The first performance we caught was KENBUKAI EDGE SHIDEN-RYU, a performance that emphasizes on the Art of JAPANESE SAMURAI SWORD fighting. The two performers were Hiryu Shiden and Naoto Nishimura. Their acting skills displayed on stage, along with their performance and technique in handling a Samurai sword was truly fantastic. They danced eloquently while pretending to kill and defend one’s life with their Samurai swords in a truly beautiful and scary manner. We can only reiterate what we have been told as children, an that is "Do not try this type of act with another person unless trained properly and professionally."
After that act I decided to walk around to see the event. One of the best parts of this event are the people you meet and the people and catching up with those you have met in the past! I saw and interacted with several different fans whom I met at The Rising Japanese MusicFest that occurred in Long Beach in August. as well as this year’s MC, Tiffany -- who I also met in Long Beach -- during which we shared some laughs. Then as I continued my way through the fair, I met and began talking to two members of NEO JAPONISM, Hinano and Sayaka and introduced myself to them. It was great to see the turn out of fans, supporters of this event, musicians, and food and music lovers at this year’s OC JAPAN FAIR.
The next event I saw was AWESOME and different at the same time. A TUNA CUTTING SHOW. The young gentleman showed us how to cut a $5K TUNA on stage. He showed us different techniques and at one point even boasted that he was better than his father who taught him how to cut a Tuna. What a treat that was. It definitely made me hungry for sushi.
The next performance I saw was the LA KOTO ENSEMBLE GROUP. It was a group of young performers as early as 7 years old to adult performers with with far more experienced. They plucked the strings of this beautiful instrument called The KOTO. They performed some beautiful music to all of us and even gave a little history about this traditional instrument. Such a delight watching them perform. One word describe this performance: MAGICAL.
As a lover of JROCK MUSIC, the next group of performers were the super talented all female JPOP Group called NEO JAPONISM. I was very excited for this group since I was recently introduced by one of my followers on Instagram to their music. Although they are categorized as JPOP, I believe their music is better described as a fusion of JPOP and JROCK because their sound and dance does not align with that of your typically JPOP groups. These ladies ROCKED the stage with their music as they danced, head-banged (as JROCKERS do) and sang with such pure passion that anyone would be able to hear their heart. I then had the chance to get to know a little more about them where I found out just how very gracious and kind they truly are. We met for just a little bit after their performance to capture some very cute and cool group photos. They then told be that they were so ecstatic to be here in America for their first American tour. What more can I say about NEOJAPONISM except this…AMAZING MUSIC AND AMAZING PERFORMANCE.
After their performance, I made my way through the fair back towards the ASAHI beers vendor table -- what a great way to re-energize myself!
After taking a breather and catching up on a few more laughs and share stories with new friends and fellow #SoundLovers, I returned just in time to capture the performance the great Ai Haruna. The FANS LOVED Ai Haruna, who at one point invited a few audience members on stage to perform and dance alongside her. What a treat for these fans of all age group.
Next up was Stephanie Yanez. Stephanie is an American JPOP singer who has traveled all over The United States and Japan performing cover songs as well as her own original songs. Stephanie was joined on stage by her guitarist and DJ track artist, Shinkawasaki. During her performance, she invited J-RAP artist Pepper Osaka and friend Koz to join her. I also had the chance to learn a little bit about Stephanie as we talked after her performance to find out that she loves anime -- where one of her favorite characters is Sailor Moon. She performed a famous cover of Sailor Moon’s theme song with her own rendition that was produced with her friend SOTUI, and she has also released her own rendition of this song with a Japanese singer Misono. Great performance by Stephanie and company.
The best thing about this event is that there’s variety in performance from Tuna Cutting to JPOP music to traditional Japanese musical instruments such as The KOTO. For the next performance we had a DJ, The Arcane Maid and a COSPLAY contest for best COSPLAY COSTUME. There was also a comedy show by the great Japanese comedian who was a little “overdressed” for this event (if you know you know and if not just Google “Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura” and find out for yourself by the meaning overdressed. Great laughs with TONIKAKU.
At around 6pm, OC JAPAN FAIR also featured a Live Audition Season 2 with talented artists and musicians who delighted us with their presence by either playing an instrument or singing for us or doing both. Great times were had by all.
Next up was the dance and vocal male group called EPITHYMiA -- who I had the opportunity to cover and photograph during The Rising Japan MusicFest this year. These guys show how hard they have been working with their dance routine and singing that all kinds of HOPE (their fandom name) from all over the world came back to support them. I got to meet some new HOPE this year. One HOPE from Brazil who I befriended from the RJM unfortunately couldn’t make it for the 2023 OC JAPAN FAIR. But because of technology, a HOPE member live streamed the event so that she could see EPITHYMiA’s performance. Another JPOP dance and vocal group who is on the rise. This is definitely a group to keep your eye on!
Three Singer Songwriters also sang their hearts out with some beautiful music that soothes our hearts and ears. Kaoru Miyazaki, Chris Hart, and AISHA. All three were on the softer side of music. Well except for AISHA who also had a lot of electrifying energy music reminiscent of today’s American Pop music except it was Japanese.
The last performance of the evening was the headliner. Travis Japan (トラビス・ジャパン) -- who
was actually celebrating the one year debut anniversary at the OC Japan Fair with their U.S. fans! Travis Japan made their debut on October 28, 2022 with their debut song, "JUST DANCE!" The group is also known for having appeared on several dance competitions, including the 17th season of America's Got Talent The group performed with so much energy with acrobatic flips , high energy dance and soulful singing as if they were singing and dancing just for you. What a true joy to see and capture some moments of Travis Japan. I am excited to see of where they take their career in the future.
Overall, this event was truly spectacular. A long but very fun day for me. Hopefully for next year’s OC JAPAN Fair, I’ll get to try the different types of foods from many different vendors. But hey, at least I got my fill of Two ASAHI BEERS. As they say in Japanese, “Kanpai."
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