Berryz Koubou - The Final Concert

3rd March marks the day where Berryz Koubou plays their last concert before going on a hiatus. Hiatus for how long, we dont know. Most marks this day as a graduation. Berryz Koubou is regarded as one of the longest performing idol groups. Its been 11 years since their formation and thus this concert is one the most saddest thus far.

As seen on stream, the budokan venue for the final concert

Thanks to the helpful folks at various Hello Project facebook groups, people can manage to see their performance through live stream. Definitely its not like attending the concert live but its better than nothing. First up, they performed Special Generation. Ahhh, memories of attending their live comes back.

The group performed a number of their famous songs. There's even a VTR showing footages of Berryz since their formation till now. It does brings a tear to my eye looking at Maiha's graduation footage. These girls have been through alot and grew up together well.

For their Monkey Dance performance, they even wore a monkey suit. Its so cute! After performing a number such as Cha Cha Sing, the members went back and changed attire. One look, and I'm guessing Maji Bomber will be played. I was not wrong!

Berryz in their Monkey costumes

Risako Monkey

Maasa Monkey

This song was the very first song that introduced me to Berryz. Upon further research then, found that its used an ending theme for the anime Inazuma Eleven. Well I thought I would miss this performance as this appears on the stream!

Nuoooooo! Stream got cut!

Thankfully, my idol luck is good that immediately after they fixed the stream, the song starts.

Fuh! Thank God!

Momoko!

After which is another costume change (cheerleader this time) where they performed Rival. After Icchoume Rock! ends, they went backstage. 

Another quick change performance attire

Yurina Kumai

As standard idol concerts, an encore beckons. The cries for encore resounds through the Budokan. "Berryz Ikube!" chants were heard loud and clear. Frankly they were chanting for a good 10-15mins. I dont think I'll have the stamina. Finally they appeared and the most teary part ensues.

End part is drawing near

They performed Bye Bye Matane first. Afterwards, each member gave a speech and their thoughts of being in this group for such a long time. Everyone cried as they spoke. Only exception is Momoka. She is being cheery as ever. Granted that after the hiatus, she still would be involved with the Country Girls unit, she still can put a brave front for everyone. They sang Towa no Uta and went
back.

Teary Risako

Natsuyaki Miyabi

Maasa

Kumai asking everyone to shout "ENJOY" as she gave a teary speech

"Captain" Shimizu Saki

Momoko holding back her tears

Still, cries for encore resounds once again. Yeap, Berryz have a double encore! This time they went out and sang Love Together to a piano accompaniment. And remember I said Momoko doesnt cry? Well she did for this performance. Sniff sniff, well I cried too.

The 2nd encore for Berryz

And finally the concert ends. This is one of the few concerts where my friends actively follows via the stream. Twitter is filled with tweets of concert screenshots and #berryz hashtags. Sigh, it is indeed a sad but memorable concert. Regardless, everyone wishes all the best for all members of Berryz Koubou.

The last song Love Together

Setlist as below.

Special Generation ROCK Erotic Opening VTR Ai no Suki Suki Shisuu Joushouchuu Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi Yuuki wo Kudasai! MC 21ji Made no Cinderella Romance wo Katatte Himitsu no U•ta•hi•me Massugu na Watashi MC Anata nashi de wa ikite yukenai (04-13-15 Kanjuku Complete Ver.) Futsuu, Idol 10nen Yatterannai Desho!? VTR Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance I'm so cool! cha cha SING MC Jiriri Kiteru Nanchuu Koi wo Yatteruu YOU KNOW? Maji Bomber!! Yo no Naka Barairo MC Rival Succhaka Mecchaka~ Icchoume Rock! ENCORE Bye Bye Mata ne MC: Final Messages Towa no Uta SECOND ENCORE Love together!