ASCOT 2015 Live in Singapore

Various anisong artistes converge to this event called ASCOT. They previously had the event held in both Shanghai and Hong Kong. The line-up includes NoB, singer extraordinarie notable for the Saint Seiya opening song, YOFFY from the band Psyhic Lover, Takayoshi Tanimoto, masked idol group Kamen Joshi, all female rock group HiJK and singing powerhouse ELISA. For this Singapore leg, event held in Kallang Theatre.

Kallang Theatre, courtesy image from Street Directory~

The event caught alot by surprise as announcement was made late December and the event was held on 29th January. Not enough prep time for most people. To be brutally honest, I am not so into this event even though there's an idoru group. However, I managed to attend it because won their tickets through one of ASCOT's online competition. What makes it sweet was that my own group members snagged the tickets too!

Was quite close to the stage!

Kamen Joshi goodies

Signed towels!

HiJK goods

Event starts out with NoB. I didnt know he was the one responsible for Saint Seiya's opening 'Pegasus Fantasy'. For his age, he is very energetic. Then another uncle comes out. Its YOFFY, one half of the group Psychic Lover. Most of the songs he sings are from the Sentai/Power Ranger series. I must say, I love both their sense of fashion. The rock look suits well with them.

Kamen Joshi was the next group and the wotas in attendance all stood up cheering. Only 5 members from Kamen Joshi attended and they gave a memorable performance. In fact I was surprised that the 'boat carrying' segment was actually done in the concert hall! (see their other concert video below. Of course there's no bubbles for this concert LOL)

In between, they did a self introduction and tried to be local by adopting Singlish in their speeches. Its very awkward to hear them append 'lahs' at the end of each sentence thinking that Singlish was meant to be spoken that way.

One of Kamen Joshi singles cover

Theres a brief intermission as band HiJK went up to prepare their equipment. Once done, HiJK kind of ignites the rocker soul in me. Apart from the usual anisong repertoire such as The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi's God Knows, they also included Joan Jett's I Love Rock & Roll and one of their original songs.

Takayoshi Tanimoto was next and I seriously dont know much about this person. Although the voices of the fangirls resonate the concert hall. He did some songs from Dragonball and Yu-Gi-Oh. Though he is much more known for the Gash Bell opening songs

Lastly its ELISA. This is her 2nd visit to Singapore and a good portion of the attendees were eagerly anticipating her performance. She's truly unique singer belting out songs while maintaining her pitch and composure.

End of the event, everyone (apart from NoB as he is rushing for a flight back) went on stage and threw signed rubber. One of the Kamen Joshi members was cheeky enough to put the balls into her shirt. In all, all the performers were in fact very entertaining and very professional too.

Kamen Joshi held a Hi-Five session outside. They also have a cheki opportunity, $5 for a signed cheki with a member. Alas, since the event ended quite late, the cheki session was cut short. I was lucky enough to have a cheki taken after the ushers shouted '3 minutes more!'. I took a cheki with Nanaka. Have it another way, would've taken with the english-speaking member of the group.

Kamen Joshi at end of event

In all, this event was actually good. Its kinda sad that the venue was not filled to the brim. Should this event have good exposure, I dare say the crowd will be mesmerised by each and everyone's
performance. Though only gripe is that Japanese artistes would mostly say CHICKEN RICE as the best local dish. I am waiting for one to say Mee Rebus their favourite dish.

With Nanaka-la lol

Awesome Level:
★★★★☆stars
Cheki received: Nanaka