Gackt’s July 12 concert at Saitama Arena was a 4+ hour marathon, so my report will take place in several parts. We’ll start with the story of how I got tickets literally last-minute. Count de Sang (right) called me when his friend backed out due to a fever. I had thirty minutes to get ready, fifteen of which was spent on grabbing a latte and veggie sandwich. I threw on clothes, seemingly at random, and ran the park in front of Studio Alta. Made it on time!

Flower ribbon in hair: from a New York fabric store. I painted the yellow centers black and red with nail polish.
Tank top: a Hong Kong sample, customized by moi.
Clear-striped knee highs: from a sock store on Takeshita Doori, Harajuku.

On the subway to Saitama Arena, we spotted fellow concert-goers carrying Gackt bags. Whenever we lost our direction, we looked for Lolitas and followed their parasols! Gackt Camui’s fans, however, dress in every style under the rainbow. If you were there, you would have witnessed slinky prom dresses, yukatas (summer kimonos), and these three style icons dorks. Yes, Yukiro’s T-shirt reads “Flippin’ Out!”

After a long line-up for band merchandise, we learned that our first choices – the cat paws and T-shirts – were sold out. Count de Sang managed to buy a towel, red wristband, and chibi-Gackt cell phone dangle (it’s remarkably well made, down to the little fang). It looks great next to his silver Lord Camelot jewelry.

There was a palpable buzz in the air outside Saitama Arena. Gackt’s fans waved flags, squealed, hugged, compared mementos, and of course posed for photos.

I was impressed at the cosplayers, who dressed as Gackt from various eras (far right).

Quite a few fans wore his current look: the Nazi-esque, military jacket with a red armband. Those hats are hot, aren’t they? As Count de Sang and Yukiro said, “Why aren’t we dressed like that all the time?”

Tomorrow, I’ll post pictures of Lolitas at the concert. What is your favorite Gackt era? What do you think of the latest CD?