A J ! - E N T S P E C I A L E V E N T F E AT U R E

NANA PREMIUM LIVE3.30.07 - OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST) and ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES)

LIVE AT SHIBUYA-AX

B Y Y O K O S U G I N O , D E N N I S A . A M I T H , H I R O S H I TA G AWA A N D M I S T Y C R E E C H P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M A S AY U K I N O D A

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V I S I T A N N A T S U C H I YA’ S O F F I C I A L W E B S I T E A T w w w . a n n a - t . c o m / A n n a Ts u c h i y a o n I Tu n e s , C l i c k H e r eV I S I T O L I V I A’ S O F F I C I A L W E B S I T E A T w w w . a v e x n e t . o r . j p / o l i v i a / O l i v i a o n i Tu n e s , C l i c k H e r e

NANA PREMIUM LIVE

OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST) performing live at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” at SHIBUYA-AX. Photo by Masayuki Noda

arch 30th, 2007 was the “NANA” event of the year! The two anime/manga rivals

REIRA of TRAPNEST and NANA of BLACK STONES came together for a one night performance at SHIBUYA-AX. Representing their anime counterparts, OLIVIA (REIRA) and Anna Tsuchiya (NANA), “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” was a huge draw for fans of the manga and anime series. The show was a special event in which the only way to gain entrance was to pur-chase a “ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES)” (CTCR-14537) or “OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST)” (CTCR-14536) album that were both released on Feb. 28th. Inside was a voucher that one had to send in but that only gave the person a chance of obtaining a ticket. Out of the 10,000 people who sent in

their tickets, only 1,700 were allowed to attend “NANA PREMIUM LIVE”. Though not the largest hall in Tokyo, SHIBUYA-AX was the perfect location for the live. It’s just small enough to give the concert a cozy feeling while still holding the mas-sive crowd that were waiting to get in. Inside was a sparse stage with the main decoration being the bands banners, which were displayed against the back wall. To the front of the stage hung a large semi-transparent screen which drew a lot of curious remarks from the crowd. At standing room only, the hall was quickly packed to its limit with eager “NANA”, Anna Tsuchiya and OLIVIA fans. Everyone settled down as the house lights dimmed and a movie started to proj-ect across the screen. On it was a beautiful video which

displayed mixed images of OLIVIA and Reira. As it ended the sole silhouette of OLIVIA appeared on the screen with the opening chords for “a little pain” began to play. The silhouette began singing, continuing in this manner until reaching the chorus, at which point the screen was dropped. There before the audience stood OL-IVIA donning a classic Reira outfit; a floor length flowing white dress with a large white flower in her hair. This was the moment her fans had been waiting for and the hall erupted in cheers. Most of the fans were expecting OL-IVIA to perform a small selection of her songs but were instead treated to all nine of her “inspi’ REIRA” tracks. Everyone there agreed that she sung beautifully that night; removing any doubt as to whether or not she would be able

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NANA PREMIUM LIVE

ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES) performing live at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” at SHIBUYA-AX. Photo by Masayuki Noda

to stand her musical ground against the rockin’, punkish style of Anna Tsuchiya. Her voice was dramatic and filled with emotion as she danced around the stage to the delight of the onlookers. Upon reaching her final song “Shadow of Love”, OLIVIA introduced it as one of her favorite “inspi’ REIRA” songs and gave thanks to Yazawa Ai. Amazing as it was, the favorite of the night seemed to be “Winter Sleep”. Stunning her fans, OLIVIA delivered an impressive performance with her flawless pitch and perfect high notes. At the end of her set, the singer was greeted with a loud applause. After OLIVIA and her band left the stage there was a short break to prepare for Anna Tsuchiya. Though instead of moving directly into the next performance, OLIVIA was followed by a special guest, Paku Romi,

the voice actress of the punk rocker Nana Oosaki from the “NANA” animated series. “NANA” fans were both stunned and moved by this wonderful surprise. To their pleasure Romi chatted with both the MC and the audience for quite a while. She even read some of her lines from the anime, acting out scenes that were displayed on the repositioned screen. Before leaving, she promised the audience a night they wouldn’t forget and quoted the famous “NANA” line, “Kon-ban wa, Blast desu!” (Good evening, we’re Blast!). As she exited the stage, the screen started displaying a new video. This time it was filled with images of Nana O. and Anna Tsuchiya. The phrases “MUSIC For Life” and “Sing or die” appeared. Truer words were never written, as these are the beliefs that both Anna and the

fictional punk rocker live by. With a sudden blast of guitar, the screen fell down and Anna appeared. She started her set off with the fast paced rock song “LUCY”. It was obvious by the high audible screams and yelling from excited fans that ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES) was a fan favorite. As Anna bounced around the stage, the fans created a chaotically organized mosh pit. Anna’s powerful stage presence seemed to reach a new level that night; as she came off appearing incredibly cool and sexy to the fans. She interacted with the audience often, walking near the excited crowd and turning the microphone toward them often, encour-aging them to sing along with her and the fans obliged. Her songs initiated special light effects

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NANA PREMIUM LIVE @SHIBUYA A-X (3.30.07)

SET LISTOLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST)

01. a little pain02. Tell me03. Recorded Butterflies04. Winter sleep05. Starless Night06. Nothing’s gonna take my love07. Rock you08. Wish09. Shadow of Love

ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES)

01. LUCY02. rose03. Without You04. scream05. Take me out06. Stand by me07. ANARCHY IN THE UK08. I’m addicted to you09. zero10. Kuroi Namida

ENCORE (both performers):01. a little pain02. Rose

NANA PREMIUM LIVE

OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST) performing live at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” at SHIBUYA-AX. Photo by Masayuki Noda

NANA PREMIUM LIVE

ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES) performing live at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” at SHIBUYA-AX. Photo by Masayuki Noda

NANA PREMIUM LIVE

that had been absent during OLIVIA’s performance, including a disco ball which cast a dreamlike sparkle upon the entire venue. Her voice had a lot of power and stamina which Anna used to keep the crowd mesmerized as she performed all 10 of her “inspi’ NANA” tracks. Her final song “Kuroi Namida” was an amazing ending to her set. Her voice held so much emotion as she sang the sad lyrics that a few of the fans in the audience were moved to tears. To everyone, it seemed that just as quickly as the evening had started it was over, bringing a slight rebellion from the audience who wanted more. The crowed didn’t have to chant too long for an encore before Anna and her band returned to the stage. To everyone’s surprise, OLIVIA walked out along with them wearing a sexy outfit.

There were cheers of excitement as the music for “a little pain” started up once again and both started to sing the song together. Although Anna’s voice is more power-ful then OLIVIA’s, she did a great job of holding her own vocally. The crowd only had a few moments to absorb what they had just witnessed when there was an explosion of metallic stream-ers and the singers started their next duet of “rose”. Their voices where a wonderful con-trast, blending in amazing sweet and tart tones. The fans were captivated and needless to say, the encore was easily the highlight of the evening. Both of the singers and their fans seemed to enjoy it tremendously as OLIVIA and Anna performed together on stage, arms linked around each others

shoulders, singing to one and other and then to the audience. After the performance of “rose”, OL-IVIA, Anna and her band made a grand bow and offered the audience many “thank you’s”. Soon afterwards, they were joined by their band members and returned to the stage for the final bow. Together they gathered in front of “NANA” creator Ai Yazawa, who was sitting in the front row and screamed, “Yazawa-san, SAIKO” (Ms. Yazawa, you are the best!). The curtains closed, ending what had been an extremely exciting evening for “NANA” fans in Japan. “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” was an exciting concert and will be remembered as the day OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA and ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA shared the same stage, performing together.

OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST) and ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES) performing live at NANA PREMIUM LIVE” at SHIBUYA-AX. Photo by Masayuki Noda

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A J ! - E N T P I C T O R I A L F E AT U R E

NANA PREMIUM LIVE

A LOOK AT “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” AT SHIBUYA-AX FROM THE OPENING TO THE END OF THE CONCERT PERFORMANCE

FEATURING OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST) and ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES)

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M A S A Y U K I N O D A

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~FROM BEGINNING TO END~

TOP PHOTO: People begin to gather around SHIBUYA-AX for “NANA PREMIUM LIVE”. BOTTOM PHOTO: People start to enter the venue. Photo by Masayuki Noda

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Upon entering SHIBUYA-AX, people are greeted with cardboard cutouts of NANA and BLACK STONES and TRAPNEST characters from the popular “NANA” manga and anime series.. Photo by Masayuki Noda

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PHOTO: Inside SHIBUYA-AX for “NANA PREMIUM LIVE”, people can purchase “NANA” related merchandise. Photo by Masayuki Noda

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OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST) kicks things off at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” at SHIBUYA-AX. Photo by Masayuki Noda

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OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST) singing at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE”. Photo by Masayuki Noda

ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES) performing at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” at SHIBUYA-AX. Photo by Masayuki Noda

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ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES) performing at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE”. Photo by Masayuki Noda

OLIVIA and ANNA TSUCHIYA join forces for the encore of “a little pain” and “rose” at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE”. Photo by Masayuki Noda

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OLIVIA and ANNA TSUCHIYA performing “rose” and taking a bow together at “NANA PREMIUM LIVE”. Photo by Masayuki Noda

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A flyer for a “NANA PREMIUM LIVE” LIVE KARAOKE on April 30th.

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A promotional flyer for “NANA BEST” and performances for Anna Tsuchiya and OLIVIA. Image courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.

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A promotional flyer for OLIVIA’s August 12, 2007 concert at Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO.

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A promotional concert flyer for Anna Tsuchiya’s upcoming Summer 2007 concerts.

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ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES)ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES)Mad Pray RecordsCTCR-14537DURATION: 42:34RELEASE DATE: February 28, 2007Website: http://www.anna-t.comClick here to purchase ANNA TSUCHIYA music on iTunes

01. rose02. Without You03. zero04. scream05. Take me out06. Kuroi Namida07. I ’m addicted to you08. LUCY09. rose -Street Live Edi t ion-10. Kuroi Namida -TV Live Edi t ion-

DVD:Durat ion: 10 minutes, 4:3, Region 2NANA SPECIAL STREET LIVE at Shinjuku Stat ion Square 25th July 200601. rose02. zero03. Kuroi Namida -BLACK STONES or ig inal animat ion c l ip (Studio Live TV size ver)-

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A J!-ENT MUSIC REVIEW

Nana, the protagonist for the self titled anime is brought to life by rocker Anna Tsuchiya. Though not an actual punk herself Anna does a good job of portraying one. Her music breaths life into the complicated character drawing upon not only her outward toughness but the inner vulnerability Nana normally reframes from showing. The album contains all of her OP and ED themes and insert songs, with the original “NANA” opening, “Rose”, beginning the album. In it Anna sings about the pain Nana endured throughout her youth and her need to feel loved. “Without You” is a great rock song with hints of punk hidden within the guitar riffs. The lyrics are a declaration of Nana’s belief that she doesn’t need anyone in her life, displaying her pride and need for self sufficiency. “zero” follows in the same style, lyrically it’s another testament to Nana’s need to do things her way. “scream” utilizes Anna’s raspy voice, backing it with heavy bass and steady rock guitars. It stands out from the other tracks do to its more hard-hitting rock sound. While the others have some melodic

< Bringing Rock Music to the MassesJapanese rocker Anna Tsuchiya brings her flair to “NANA” anime series

elements, “scream” comes across as what most would consider a true rock song; rough and at times slightly chaotic. “Take me out” is the first slower track on the album. A lovely power rock ballad, Anna’s voice almost seems sweet backed by the melodious guitars. The next track “Kuroi Namida” is also a rock ballad, though it contains more power then the previous one. Maintaining the strong rock sound that’s present throughout all the songs, it has the most harmonious tone and steady rhythm. The bittersweet melody is the perfect backdrop for Anna’s melancholy lyrics of depression and loss.Picking the pace back up is “I’m addicted to you”. The guitars set the tone for Anna’s lyrics which capture the hormonal rush of desire that comes with falling in love with someone. “LUCY” continues the fast pace. A seemingly fun song it comes with the great message of accepting who you are and encouraging others to do the same. The bonus songs “rose -Street Live Edition-” and “Kuroi Namida -TV Live

Edition-” are both wonderful tracks with Anna’s live vocals adding an extra dose of emotion to the songs. Both tracks also verify that Anna can sing wonderfully live, sounding near identical to her album tracks. The DVD is a notable addition to the album, containing a live performance of two songs and a special animated clip. The original animation clip from the producers of “NANA” is a nice bonus for fans of the two main characters Nana O. and Nana K. (a.k.a. Hatchi). It highlights both of their troubled romantic relationships while “Kuroi Namida” plays in the foreground. Anna’s live performance from the “NANA STREET LIVE” shows what an amazing entertainer she is. Aggressive and rowdy she knows just how to get a crowd riled up, as a large group of would be moshers will attest to. She and her guitarist often interact with the crowd, urging them on to show their excitement; leaving the viewer wishing that they were also there to enjoy it live as well.

— MISTY CREECH

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OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST)OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST)CUTTING EDGECTCR-14536DURATION: 45:56Website: http://www.avexnet.or.jp/olivia/Click here for OLIVIA music on iTunes

01. a l i t t le pain02. Wish03. Star less Night04. Shadow of Love05. Tel l Me06. Rock You07. Winter Sleep08. Recorded Butterf l ies -Studio Live-09. Wish -Live-10. a l i t t le pain -Studio Live-

DVD:Durat ion: 11 minutes, 4:3, Region 2NANA SPECIAL STREET LIVE at Shinjuku Sta-t ion Square 25th July 200601. a l i t t le pain02. SpidERSpins a l i t t le pain -TRAPNEST or ig inal animat ion c l ip (Studio Live TV size ver)-

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A J!-ENT MUSIC REVIEW

In the world of “NANA” (a popular manga and anime series) the fictional rock band, TRAPNEST, is one of Japan’s top bands. With a cult like following they top the charts with ease. While in reality the Oricon charts are ruled by pop stars, OLIVIA does a wonderful job of making you forget such facts. Her vocal role as the rock princess’ singing voice is a favorite with “NANA” fans, capturing the pain and loneliness of the character, who she admits to identifying with. While, perhaps not an album for most of her older fans, those who are more open to experiencing a different persona of OLIVIA may find this album enjoyable. The album contains all of OLIVIA’s opening and ending themes for the animation as well as her insert songs, including the long awaited fan favorite “Recorded Butterflies”. The album starts off with “NANA’s” first ending theme “a little pain”, a bittersweet ballad about losing the person you love then moves into a faster pace with rock song “Wish”. “Starless Night” takes a more bittersweet approach; switching from a lingering tempo during the verses to a more rock driving song through out the chorus. One of the latest insert songs “Shadow of Love” follows it. Believed to be TRAPNEST’s “Trust” from

< A Real Life Rock PrincessOLIVIA tries on the crown of her animated double REIRA of “NANA” fame.

the manga, the song has received a lot of approval by the fans. While slow to start, it picks up the pace with soaring choruses. “Tell Me” and “Rock You” are rock songs which stay true to the TRAPNEST style, plenty of electric guitars with a soft touch. “Tell Me” is entirely in English and captures the inner thoughts of the character and her current complex romantic situation. “Winter Sleep” the final OLIVIA ED theme is a piano driven ballad. Another English song, it contains hints of OLIVIA’s early soft trip hop sound in the percussion. “Recorded Butterflies -studio live-” is without a doubt the perfect inspi’ REIRA song. Melody wise it contains the contrasting hard yet soft tones “NANA” fans would associate with TRAPNEST. Lyrically it’s the perfect mix of English and Japanese (something Reira is known for); with the English being in the creative style OLIVIA’s fans know and love. “Wish –live-” was recorded during OLIVIA’s Cloudy Dreamer Live from January 2007.

The backup band it’s self is reason enough to play this track; they do a wonderful job of reproducing the song into a live setting. OLIVIA does a good job vocally toward the beginning of the song though seems to get a bit winded toward the chorus. You have to commend her for performing such a vocally demanding song so close to the end and doing so with such enthusiasm. The final track “a little pain –studio live-” is a nice extra. It was used as the ending theme during a defining moment in the anime. The “live” sound of the band is a wonderful change of pace giving the song a bit more personality then the original. The DVD includes a specially made animation from the production team of NANA. The TV sized anime clip of “a little pain” is a special plus for fans of the character, as it illustrates her relationship with the men in her life. The highlights of the DVD though are the two songs that OLIVIA performed at the “NANA” gorilla live in July 2006. Her lively unedited performances of “a little pain” and “SpidERSpins” are fantastic and testimonies to OLIVIA’s live skills. — MISTY CREECH

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NANA BESTANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES)OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST)Cuttiing Edge RecordsCTCR-14540/BDURATION: 1:01:07RELEASE DATE: March 21, 2007Website: http://www.anna-t.com Website: http://www.avexnet.or.jp/olivia/Click here for OLIVIA music on iTunesClick here to purchase ANNA TSUCHIYA music on iTunes

01. rose -1st OP song- (BLACK STONES)02. a l i t t le pain -1st ED song- (TRAPNEST)03. zero - Inserted Song- (BLACK STONES)04. Wish -2nd OP song- (TRAPNEST)05. Star less Night -2nd ED song- (TRAPNEST)06. Kuroi Namida -3rd ED song- (BLACK STONES)

07. LUCY -3rd OP song- (BLACK STONES)08. stand by me -4th ED song- (BLACK STONES)09. Shadow of Love - Inserted Song- (TRAPNEST)

10. Winter s leep -4th ED song- (TRAPNEST)

NANA BEST SPECIAL TRACKS>ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi ’ NANA (BLACK STONES)11. ANACHY IN THE UK12. LUCY ~Studio Live Version~OLIVIA inspi ’ REIRA (TRAPNEST)13. Nothing’s gonna take my love14. Recorded Butterf l ies ~Live Version~

DVD:Durat ion: 19 minutes, 4:3, Region 2TV Animat ion NANA Non-telop Opening & End-ing Cl ips01. rose02. a l i t t le pain03. Wish04. Star less Night05. Kuroi Namida06. LUCY07. stand by me08. Winter s leep

NANA Original Animat ion Cl ipsANNA TSUCHIYA inspi ’ NANA (BLACK STONES)09. Kuroi Namida10. LUCYOLIVIA inspi ’ REIRA (TRAPNEST)11. a l i t t le pain ~studio l ive~12. Wish

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A J!-ENT MUSIC REVIEW

With a consistent barrage of music from the “NANA” anime series since Fall 2006, the release of “NANA BEST” is the long awaited compilation of top hits from ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES) and OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST). More than likely if you are a fan of Anna Tsuchiya and OLIVIA, you may have purchased the previous BLACK STONES and

TRAPNEST albums. So, what is new? Offered on this compilation are special tracks such as “ANACHY IN THE UK” (note: spelled wrong on the listing credits but spelled correctly inside the lyrics booklet as “ANARCHY”) and “LUCY ~Studio Live Version~ from ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi’ NANA (BLACK STONES) and “Nothing’s gonna take my love” and “Recorded Butterflies ~Live Version~” from OLIVIA inspi’ REIRA (TRAPNEST). If you are a hardcore fan of the “NANA” anime series, the DVD does come with

the non-telop opening and ending clips plus original animation clips from the “NANA” animated series. The insert booklet comes with the lyrics and a collage of pictures from the anime. If you have not purchased any of the CD singles or albums or are a completist, then definitely purchase “NANA BEST”. The album is definitely an awesome compilation for the “NANA”, Anna Tsuchiya or OLIVIA fans but for those who already own the CD singles and previous albums, you may need to consider if the extras are enough to warrant a purchase. - KNDY

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