We are Perfume: 3rd Document Movie

It was great to have the opportunity to see rare Japanese films on the big screen let alone a documentary about a music band. We are Perfume: 3rd Document Movie was shown at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green sold out completely of merchandise including 30 t-shirts, 30 stickers and 30 folders showing the documentary title photograph. 

The showing itself big enough to screen 100 filled a whooping 89 seats at 12 noon on a Saturday, this was a great success for the NHK to show in the UK and should be an incentive to show more niche Japanese movies in London.

Amongst Japanese enthusiasts the UK Perfume PTA were in attendance with all there purchased merch and there own fan made items including laser printer models of the three ladies in a fans hat. It was also nice to see genuine Japanese fan towels on show too.

 The Film itself used footage from Perfume's debut audition tape to the most recent tour in 2014 mixed with new interviews. We got to hear from the girls themselves how they met and the introduction of Nochhi to the group and how they felt she was the relaxed member who brought fun to the overall serious thinking troup.

One of my favourite moments was footage from the London tour last year which I attended, Nochhi in fact forgot some of her steps and had a moment looking around on stage lost - this was not something a lot of people would notice and she talks about it opening and then we see the comical clip. It's these moments that show they are human as well as famous pop idols, at last we see the idols who strut around in heels put their legs in ice to calm the leg swelling!

It was also a great insight into the bands rituals, how the three say a mantra before each show and pat each o n the back for reassurance. It is also great team work and they show appreciation to all staff alongside them put the shows together. When the LED lights malfunction on the USA tour the poor manager takes the blame upon herself when Perfume reassure her they did a great performance despite which was a test to their ability and the fans enjoyed the show.

Speaking of fans watching the rare meet and greets was invigorating a select few in USA got to meet the band intimately including having chats and lots of photos. Any suggestions on favourite songs where taken very seriously and A-chan would re evaluate each set list before the next show.

I have also been educated in Merlions thanks to this documentary, if I ever go Singapore I am checking it out. The ladies discover different tourist attractions in each destination they go to and even get recognized in the street. You followed the trio with their highs and lows and feel close to the aspiring singers who still have yet to hit the big time in their own (modest) eyes. Their next big aim to perform in Times Square in 2017 - let's see if this will happen.

A great documentary using backstage filming with high quality interviews with each individual member put into a chronological order following the whole 3rd Perfume tour in 2014. Definitely worth buying on DVD when it's out.

For more news on anime, cosplay, games and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

Asian Kung Fu Generation at O2 Academy Islington

Since the arrival of Big Bang, Kyari in the UK even classic indie rockers Asian Kung Fu Generation came to town. For £18 (per ticket, standing only) Asian Kung Fu Generation performed to a packed out O2 Islington Academy venue. The Queue spanned from the door, to outside the mall, to the street. If you were one of the lucky go-ers then you will shout "Naruto" with pride.

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, is a Japanese alternative rock band formed in Yokohama, Japan, in 1996. Formed with the members band Masafumi Gotō (vocalist), Kensuke Kita (guitarist, Takahiro Yamada (bassist), and Kiyoshi Ijichi (drummer). The band's musical style is influenced by seminal Western punk and alternative rock acts in conjunction with their own local Japanese indie rock background. As a result, their songs maintain a balance of various aspects of the genres, most typically expressing fast-paced tempos and prominent, hard-edged guitar riffs as well as rhythmic flow and emotional lyrics.

Despite the indie nature of their music, the band has enjoyed worldwide commercial success in addition to critical acclaim. They have done songs for anime such as: Naruto, Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist and many more. They have even featured in Nintendo and Konami musical games.

The venue itself was intimate which was perfect. You felt so close to the stage and band. If you had queued early to get a good spot near the front then eating would of been an essential. Casually strolling in McDonalds you would have bumped into the band themselves having a quick burger before the show with their entourage.

The gig started promptly at 6:30 with a mixture of hits from all their albums with a lot of otakus pleasers, it had a great vibe - everyone was head bopping and foot taping on the second floor, looking from the balcony to the stage. A great addition was a TV screen for the 2nd floor s if you wanted to rest on the sofas you could still watch the show.

Then a great keepsake of the event was to use the 02 Academy Islington photobooth, where you could get photos with your friends to remember the event. It was an event where you would bump into your anime community friends and catch up. You also had access to two bars, upstairs and down with the usual refreshments including jelly shots for just £1.

For more adventures into anime, cosplay, gaming and events follow me on Facebook and twitter. 

^_^ Aisha Anime

WOTA London Returns

Wota London returns after a change of management and does not fail to impress! With returning acts dazzling us with their routines such as the Maid's of England, DotDot3, Butler Kohei.

Also a great range of anime/jpop/kpop music to relax to, dance along with or mingle with other like minded cosplayers.


I came on behalf of animepicks.co.uk as I have reviewed the MOE's recent pop up maid cafe in Camden and was impressed with the high standard of service/entertainment.

See my full report and more photos on animepicks.