[LIVE REPORT] Momoiro Clover Z in Los Angeles (The Wiltern, 2016.11.17)

Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z performed at The Wiltern on November 17. Their concert theme was “the four seasons of Japan.” The 2-hour show was filled with Japanese tradition, including Japanese taiko drums and dancing.

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After a performance by Japanese dancers to the classic “Sakura Sakura”, the members appeared on stage wearing a kimono. Each member bowed to the audience as their name was announced.

The first section began with “Yume no Ukiyo ni Saitemina,” a song that was greatly popular during last year’s Anime Expo concert as well. “MOON PRIDE,” the theme song of “Sailor Moon Crystal,” and the unique “Mahoro Vacation” continued.

The members reappeared on stage holding Japanese umbrellas. To express the rainy June season of Japan, the girls chose to perform the ballad “Kimi no Ato.” From there, the mood flipped 180 degrees, as summer favorites “Koko☆Natsu” and “Wani to Shampoo” proceeded. Both Japanese and local fans completely mimicked the dance moves and calls. The summer section ended with the festive “Momoiro Daiko Dodonga Bushi.”

The fall section consisted of anime songs “Moonlight Densetsu” and “Pledge of ‘Z'”. The 10th song was their most recent single, “The Golden History,” which reflects on the group’s history throughout the years.

The first song of the winter section was “Sora no Curtain,” a song created for their 2012 Christmas concert. Their 12th song was “Santa-san,” another number perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

The final song before the encore was “Ano Sora e Mukatte,” a song which the lyrics were written by the girls themselves. It’s a track that has been loved by fans since the group’s pre-debut days.

The encore began with “Cha-La Head Cha-La,” a popular song among anime fans. Member introductions followed. The girls seemed thrilled to hear that the local fans had memorized their catchphrases. After a quick talk about their trip to In-N-Out, the girls performed their title song “Ikuze! Kaito Shojo” as well as “Nippon Egao Hyakkei” and lastly “Hashire!” for their double encore.

The 2-hour concert definitely showed off the power and excitement of a leading Japanese idol group. I can’t wait for the girls to come back!

2016.11.17 SETLIST

01. Yume no Ukiyo ni Saitemina
02. MOON PRIDE
03. Mahoro Vacation
04. Kimi no Ato
05. Koko☆Natsu
06. Wani to Shampoo
07. Momoiro Daiko Dodonga Bushi
08. Moonlight Densetsu
09. Pledge of “Z”
10. The Golden History
11. Sora no Curtain
12. Santa-san
13. Ano Sora e Mukatte
14. Cha-La Head Cha-La
15. Ikuze! Kaitou Shoujo
16. Nippon Egao Hyakkei
17. Hashire!