By Alana Grant
On April 25th, Yuina performed her first solo concert in the United States at the Castle Point Anime Convention in Secaucus, New Jersey. Fans eagerly lined the halls with their penlights and ita bags, key signifiers for idol “otaku” to find one another. Those familiar with her and new alike gathered to cheer her on the rainy Saturday night!
Yuina brought the energy of Japanese idol artistry to Jersey through her hour-long, free with entry, convention performance this Saturday. Her performance of “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” got attendees on their feet as they grooved to the well known song from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Fans were treated to songs from her solo project, LustQueen as well as the song “Edelstein” from her character in Liella, which is a part of the Love Live! franchise.
In the short amount of time for the show, Yuina charmed the audience through phrases like “gommennasorry” and and “arigathanks.” Even further, she kept the audience involved by engaging with cosplayers of her character, Wein Margarete, and pointing out her biggest fans, decked out in attire or using “Ultra Oranges” to express their excitement. Although Liella is amongst the newer Love Live projects, the turn-out for her live shows how passionate fans of the long-running idol project are.
She closed her set with a promise to meet us all again soon, which was a wish granted swiftly as fans chanted in anticipation of an encore. The fans leaped to their feet one last time as the request was met, and fans performed “wotagei,” a popular dance routine in Japanese Pop fan circles that consists of energetic movements, in response to her return. To conclude the performance, she expressed her excitement in meeting fans today, and her hope that they attend her Q&A tomorrow to learn more about her.