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Hideki Kaji All Smiles On Shokudo
In 2006 Broken Social Scene became the first non-headliner I have seen do an encore at Fuji Rock. Tonight Hideki Kaji became the second.
Despite starting while Massive Attack were still playing on the nearby Green Stage, Naeba Shokudo was packed when Kaji and his three-piece backing band appeared. With rain jacketed fans cheering along, Kaji worked his way through a set of well-crafted ‘60s influenced pop rock that included nuggets such as the incredibly fun, infectious “La Boum – My Boom Is Me.” An engaging front man, Kaji asked what day it was when introducing “Sunday” from the awesomely titled “The Fireworks Candy And Puppydog Store.” When many shouted “Sunday” he jokingly said it was “Sunday Bloody Sunday” before beginning the song.
After thanking the crowd and making his exit, some people near the front of the intimate stage began chanting “Kaji.” Others quickly followed their lead and the calls for Kaji’s return grew louder. Emerging again, Kaji seemed genuinely taken aback by the crowd’s encore request and repeatedly thanked all. Playing his final song for the night, Kaji did a mini rock ‘n’ roll jump before finishing. Feeling quite good, I think he gladly would have leapt higher, but the tarp strung overhead to keep the rain off of the performance area sadly prevented it.
We’ve been talking about BSS’ encore for five years now. Will Kaji get the same treatment?
Photo report (and Japanese review) here.
*Photo by 輪千希美
