8月22日の朝、SEGA SAMMY LUXのリーダーTAKIはSpotify O-EASTに向かう心境を「朝から緊張していました。とうとう来たかと思って」と明かします。September 20, 2024
Four years ago in the summer—
Pro dance team SEGA SAMMY LUX, operated by SEGA SAMMY Group, was born and started.
Since then, the original 8 members have continued to walk together without anyone missing, and last year, they welcomed 4 new members for further scale-up.
And on August 22, 2024, the team finally welcomed the first one-man live event 'FOCUS'. Tickets were sold out by the day before.
At Spotify O-EAST in Shibuya, the venue for the event, fans of LUMEN (fans of SEGA SAMMY LUX) rushed in with their hearts pounding and sent out loud cheers.
Let's look back on that unforgettable night.
※ Member names in the text will be referred to with respect omitted.
On the morning of the performance... "Finally, it's here" (TAKI)
On the morning of August 22nd, SEGA SAMMY LUX's leader TAKI revealed his feelings as he headed towards Spotify O-EAST, saying, "I was nervous from the morning. I thought, 'Finally, it's here.'"
The dream stage was set a year ago. After fighting through the D.LEAGUE 23-24 season, TAKI spent about 3 months preparing for this day. He has expressed his desire for 'FOCUS' at various events after the season, saying, 'I want to show the culmination of 4 years.' Perhaps it's not surprising that the leader, who has seriously prepared and faced up to the 'culmination,' is feeling nervous, having accumulated experience.
The awaited moment is the same for everyone at LUMEN. VVIP/VIP tickets were sold out shortly after they went on sale in March. Those who purchased these tickets entered the venue earlier than the opening time of 5:30 PM and enjoyed the privilege of watching the public rehearsal.
Two female fans who attended said, "Last year, I went to another team's game at the D.LEAGUE venue, but I became a fan after being energized by SEGA SAMMY LUX's fun and energetic dancing. 'TAKI-kun and CanDoo-san have such expressive faces, even 'dancing with their expressions,' so we are looking forward to their performance at the first one-man live show!'" With handmade cheering goods in hand, they are fully prepared!
Furthermore, a parent and child who came from Yamagata Prefecture for this day cannot hide their excitement. The mother, who is originally a fan of TAKI, said, "Thinking that I will see the moment when my dream of holding the first one-man show with SEGA SAMMY LUX comes true with everyone, I'm excited...! It's like a dream!" The elementary school child also said, "My legs are shaking! I feel like crying...". The dream of SEGA SAMMY LUX is also the dream of LUMEN.
Right before the performance, all the members formed a circle. Leader TAKI said, "Everyone, close your eyes for a moment" and continued, "...The reason we're able to perform live today is because of the support of everyone in LUMEN, and above all, because the members have worked hard to get to this point. Let's have confidence. I love the members. With feelings of gratitude for the past 4 years, let's give it our all."
TAKI
Looking back on the past 4 years, there have been tough times and fun times. It's a miracle that all 8 original members have made it here without anyone missing, and I think it's also thanks to everyone's efforts. Grateful for being able to do a one-man live with 12 members including new ones, I wanted to entertain everyone in LUMEN to the fullest, so we formed a circle right before the show.
KURASHOU, who "volunteered" to be the producer, reveals his commitment.
At 18:30, "FOCUS" finally began. As the opening video played, the venue's energy quickly increased.
This enthusiasm naturally spread to the members, and TAKI says, "We received very loud cheers from the start, which pumped us up." According to KURASHOU, who took on the stage production by raising his own hand, the opening was the most carefully thought-out performance.
KURASHOU
Starting from the clock tower video, using past songs we had performed, we represented the 12 members with 12 colors of lighting, counting down with the sound of a clock. When the 12 colors merged into one, everyone on stage stood by, and we all thought about a setup where the performance would start at once. I believe it is very important to impress LUMEN members at the live opening, so I was very conscious of that.
In that opening, Køødy took the lead as all 12 members appeared. The theme song for the D.LEAGUE 24-25 season, "SQUAD," set to begin this fall, was also performed, creating a sense of unity in the venue through calls and responses.
To add more charm to the SEGA SAMMY LUX's first one-man live, it must not be forgotten that many guests lent their support this evening. Since the establishment of SEGA SAMMY LUX in its first year, acrobat instructor wakky remixed 'Kyonshee' (D.LEAGUE 23-24 ROUND.6) and 'Kung Fu' (D.LEAGUE 21-22 ROUND.9), showcasing a sharp performance unique to a one-man live, and performed with the members. Furthermore, in the following 'EXVISION BATTLE,' two teams who fight together in the D.LEAGUE rushed to the scene. The first team from Valuence INFINITIES, including NICOLAS, MASSA, and TOMOYA, joined the battle, further raising the venue's heat.
The second team, from last season's CHAMPIONSHIP finalists CyberAgent Legit, featured TAKUMI and Jigoku. While our CanDoo, known as 'dancing with faces,' received loud cheers from the audience, when Jigoku engaged in facial expressions, there was a moment where cheers erupted from the audience.
Even the next generation of dancers will take the stage... "We are looking forward to it" (KANAU).
On the other hand, the next generation of dancers who will bear the responsibility also greatly livened up the one-man live. Students from EXPG High School, Kansai EXPG, and Kanto EXPG also took the stage and captivated the audience with their dynamic choreography.
Regarding the active participation of young dancers, KANAU, who is also a graduate of EXPG STUDIO FUKUOKA, has high expectations.
KANAU
In the future, as SEGA SAMMY LUX, I would like to further build up the crew (terminology likening fellow members who walk together to "crew"). I believe that if more young children who think of themselves as "very good" or say "I want to be like SEGA SAMMY LUX" increase, we as a team can reach even greater heights. This is my sentiment, but I think that if in the future a studio for SEGA SAMMY LUX is established, and children, middle school students, and high school students start visiting, we will become stronger, and I would be very happy if D-League players are born from there. We are looking forward to the next generation.
And the guest who closed the show was WAPPER, who has been serving as a strengthening coach for SEGA SAMMY LUX since last season. In the collaboration with CanDoo, they created an overwhelming atmosphere on stage and fascinated everyone from LUMEN. According to the MC, U-SK, they each won the largest dance battle in Japan, 'DANCE@LIVE FINAL,' and the total number of wins is said to be 6 times. It was truly a special performance by the "strongest" duo.
One of the impressive aspects during this one-man live was the "transition between performances". For example, transitioning from a stylish atmosphere between WAPPER and CanDoo, maintaining the mood while blending classical and HIP HOP in 'MOONLIGHT SONATA' (D.LEAGUE 23-24 ROUND.4). Furthermore, during the gift corner for the attendees held in the latter part of the live, sneakers were given as presents, and immediately after, 'My Kicks' (D.LEAGUE 23-24 ROUND.9) where 'sneakers' became a key item in the performance was presented seamlessly without pauses in the setlist.
KURASHOU commented on their dedication, "How can we make the LUMEN members happy? As a result of thinking from the perspective of the customers, I believe we were able to finely craft even the smallest details." TAKI also revealed the backstage process, saying, "I wanted to connect song to song. Each piece has its own meaning. How can we connect them so that the LUMEN members get excited? We thought a lot, had meetings together, ideas kept flowing, one after another."
On that day, SEGA SAMMY LUX performed a total of 20 songs including the encore. For the encore, after achieving consecutive SWEEP victories in 2 rounds of D.LEAGUE 23-24 with the number '5th Elements' (ROUND10), and the song presented in 23-24 ROUND.1, 'THE NEW L.U.X', they once again conveyed the world of HIPHOP, which is SEGA SAMMY LUX's identity, to LUMEN. And finally, the last song was the music video 'STAY GOLD,' filmed before the 23-24 season with the desire for the newly formed SEGA SAMMY LUX to continue shining and be a team that can stay shining in the future. The staging of bringing a song that left an impression of the 'new SEGA SAMMY LUX' as the finale must have deeply resonated with the LUMEN members.
※In the D.LEAGUE, winning by achieving a perfect victory with all votes from 5 judges + AUDIENCE JUDGE
12 people who deepened their bonds and confidence over one summer... to the next stage.
The first one-man live 'FOCUS' where everyone in the venue united as one has successfully concluded. Before 'STAY GOLD' began, in a scene where the 12 members delivered speeches about their journey so far, KANAU shouted, "I don't want it to end!" It must have been the same feeling for the LUMEN members. It was such a wonderful space.
After all the performances ended, TAKI commented, "I am truly happy to be able to dance in such a large venue with so many people attending." Among the 12 members who each played their role, a big tribute was sent to KURASHOU.
TAKI
Of course, SHOU (KURASHOU) made the live performance by absorbing many opinions and summarizing them, to the extent that the members call him "KURASHOU-P! (=Producer)."
While revealing the hardships of his first production, KURASHOU expressed his gratitude.
KURASHOU
When the one-man live performance was decided, I volunteered to be the producer. I had no experience in creating live performances, but because I was interested in directing, I raised my hand and said, "Please let me do it." At first, I didn't know my right from my left, but with the help of everyone around me in areas like directing and lighting, I was able to complete it until the end.
SEGA SAMMY LUX, who truly created an amazing night. The new season of the D.LEAGUE will start from October. Although I tasted the bitterness of not being able to advance to the championship last season, the experience of a successful solo live performance undoubtedly strengthened the team's bonds and led to great confidence.
TAKI
I believe that the excitement of this solo live performance can only be achieved by SEGA SAMMY LUX. We will continue to move forward without stopping towards the opening game of the D.LEAGUE! I want to work hard to become the leader in energizing the league.
KANAU
Our team has improved in strength in three months, each person has increased what they can do, and communication has become more frequent. I believe that those who watched today could see that 'SEGA SAMMY LUX is strong'. I want to keep going with this level of intensity.
The opening game of the 24-25 season will be on October 13th (Sunday). SEGA SAMMY LUX, who fulfilled one dream with the solo live performance 'FOCUS'. They will continue towards the next dream of being the 'season champion'.
Voice of 12 people
ライブ終盤に全員がこれまでの思いをスピーチしました。その中には涙したメンバーも・・・会場へお越しになれなかったLUMENの皆さまへ、その一端をご紹介します。（以下スピーチの要旨。順番は当日のままとなっています）
CanDoo
ありがとうございました！18時半から夢の空間でした。この歳で青春の思い出を作れて、メンバーには本当に感謝しかないです。関係者、スタッフの皆さん、そしてLUMENの皆さんのおかげです。ワンマンライブ『FOCUS』。心の底から！心の底から！ありがとうございました！
TAS
今年全人類の中で一番熱くて青春な時間を過ごせたと思います。そしてLUMENの皆さんとこの素晴らしい空間を作り上げられたことが、とても嬉しいです。ありがとうございました！
RIMOWA
D.LEAGUEのオフシーズンに、こうやって貴重な経験をさせていただけたことが本当に嬉しいです。次のシーズンに向けてすごく自信につながりました。本当にLUMENの皆さん、ここへお集まりいただき、ありがとうございました！
KURASHOU
The origin of my dance is a live performance by a certain artist. After watching it, I wanted to become a cool dancer, so I started dancing. After more than 10 years, I was able to fulfill my dream with the members here and everyone at LUMEN. Personally, I was allowed to do the producing, and although I have struggled every day, I really think there is nothing better than this. Please continue to support me in the future!
KANAU
Oh, I don't want it to end already! I simply love all 12 members so much... (tears). I have been working with the original 8 members for a long time without missing anyone, and I suddenly think. We definitely met this team by fate, it's like a miracle. To be honest, it was really tough to finish the live performance, but thanks to everyone's support, we were able to make it through. Thank you to all the mothers and friends who came to see us today!
HINATA
Four years ago, it was truly a start from zero, but I was able to reach this day with the support of many people, and I was able to see the best view. I am really glad that I have come this far. I think everyone is quite tired from standing all the time, but was it worth coming!?(It was great!! cheers) Just hearing that makes me happy. In the next season, SEGA SAMMY LUX will continue to fight together.
MAAAO
I used to think that live performances were something that artists do, but I am just so happy to be able to do live performances from the position of a dancer! I haven't done group activities before, so I was initially worried about getting along with the members, but even though it hasn't been a year since I joined SEGA SAMMY LUX, I really love everyone now. And I also love everyone at LUMEN. I will work even harder, so please continue to support me.
NOSUKE
I always thought I would quit the D.LEAGUE after three years in my heart. But after three years, it became my beloved family. I think once again that my decision not to quit was not wrong, and I really thought this view was the best. Live performances are truly created by everyone's efforts. Once again, please applaud the staff, members, and everyone here for yourself.
Køødy
I don't usually talk sentimentally, but today has become a very emotional day. Because being able to be the protagonist is a once-in-a-lifetime thing in life, and everyone came to see it, stood on stage with all the members, danced passionately, I couldn't be happier. And one more thing, thank you, Mom!
JO
Three years ago, I decided to join SEGA SAMMY LUX and moved from Miyazaki to Tokyo... (tears). There were tough times, but looking back today, there were many happy moments too. There may be some among those who are here today who are struggling, but we will do our best to be a source of support for you. And three years ago, to my mother, father, family who saw me off from Miyazaki! To everyone I met at LUMEN, thank you.
KENTARO
When I was in university, I wanted to become a school teacher, but along the way, I wanted to become part of EXILE. I lied to my parents and practiced dancing, but when I told the truth, they supported me. My seniors also told me to 'do dance' and I am blessed with supportive people around me. Everyone at SEGA SAMMY LUX pushed me forward, and I was so happy. Today, as SEGA SAMMY LUX, our dream of performing live as an amazing group has come true.
TAKI
I was entrusted with the leadership of SEGA SAMMY LUX at the age of 18, but the pressure was too much, and there were times when I wanted to run away. I haven't told the members, but there were times when I talked to the staff about wanting to quit. However, I love SEGA SAMMY LUX so much that I can't quit. Each member is an amazing friend, and everyone at LUMEN is our pride. My family also came today, and I think I was able to show them this side of me a little and be filial. There are more things I want to talk about, but it would take about 7 hours, so please be prepared for the after-party (laughs).
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