August is typically a packed month for otakus in Japan with the largest doujinshi convention, Comic Market and hobby event Wonder Festival held merely weeks apart. What some fans may not realize is that one of the largest anime-themed concert in the world, Animelo Summer Live (AniSama), is held the same month. This year marked AniSama's fifth anniversary titled "RE:BRIDGE," and was held on August 22 and August 23 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. An all star line up of singers, voice actors, and idols numbering 37 artists performed including Halko Momoi, JAM Project, Mamoru Miyano, May'n, Minori Chihara, Aya Hirano, Nana Mizuki, and special guests Shoko Nakagawa and GACKT entertained over 50,000 excited fans.

There were many notable performances and songs sung this year on the first day, ranging from classics such as "Cruel Angel Thesis," opening theme song for Neon Genesis Evangelion the series, sung by Ishikawa Chiaki and Angela, to Akihabara Queen Halko Momoi on keyboard accompanying Manzo in performing "My Pace Daioh," theme song to Genshiken.

Hatsune Miku, Yamaha's highly popular musical voice synthesizer program, made a pleasant surprise on the jumbo screen early in the show by dancing and singing to a spectacular live band performance. The bigger highlight, though was probably the world premiere of the Black Rock Shooter animation project announced at AniSama with a short trailer after Hatsune Miku's performance.

JAM Project, clad in black leather trench coats, put on spectacular show filled with pyrotechnics and smoke that riled up the crowd into a fervor shaking the auditorium. For those unfamiliar, JAM Project is probably best known for their songs from the Super Robot Wars video game series and the themes of various anime series.

The first day's ended with the singers coming out to perform this year's theme song "RE:BRIDGE ～Return to Oneself～," as well as AniSama's 2005 theme song, "ONENESS." The first day was broadcast live on Nico Nico Douga, Japan's largest video sharing site.

The second day was similar to the first, though it was not broadcasted online. Pop voice actors Nana Mizuki, wearing a frilly yellow dress and fishnet stockings, and Aya Hirano, donning a pink sequence skirt, leather boots with thigh high fish net stockings, and a black sleeveless top, started the show with a duet singing "DISCOTEQUE" (opening to Rosario to Vampire Capu2.) After her haircut a year back that yielded mixed fan reactions, it was pleasant to see Hirano growing her hair out again.

The real highlight probably was when Hironobu Kageyama walked out on stage with an acoustic guitar and led the crowd in a chorus of one of Dragon Ball Z's most memorable songs, "CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA." Sadly, Aya Hirano, who also sang the same song for the fifth episode of Lucky Star the anime series, did not join in for a duet.

m.o.v.e., best known for their music from the hit street drifting series Initial D, started their performance with group member Motsu in sunglasses riding out on a segway, topping last year's performance when he came out on a bicycle. Motsu's partner, Yuri appeared shortly after in a stunning red kimono. Motsu struck a few poses while singing, one of which was on his head.

Rounding out the end of list, Nana Mizuki reemerged singing four more songs dressed in a two piece turquoise outfit, similar to the red one she wore last year. The crowd went wild for Mizuki, showing their love and appreciation for the singer.

There were too many outstanding performances to recount, but luckily for those who missed this year's show, the DVD and Blu-ray copies of event will be most likely released early next year. We highly recommend anime fans in Japan during August to check out AniSama. It's definitely a great way to relax and end an exciting trip.

You can view our gallery for more photos of the event.

Full set list located here.

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written by Kevin Yen, October 22, 2009

Two days - six hours each of non-stop anime music!? it was AWESOME!? This concert was fun and the Japanese audience are so much different from Americans. A must see for all anime fans!?

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written by puzzle games, January 15, 2010

Nice one..
I really love to play Super Robot Wars video game series and the themes of various anime series and this is really great to get this post over here.

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