They say people who spend money on experiences tend to be happier than those who spend money just on material goods.
And while chekis (polaroid pictures) are technically a tangible item, the memory about the experience is what I feel most strongly about.
I’ve been an Idol fan since about 2005 but I don’t think the door was truly opened to me until about two years ago.
So here’s a look back on some of the best moments. I hope you are able to experience some of the memories I’ve been able to have.
While some may think that meeting and interacting with idols is sort of weird and an awkward encounter, Zero really showed me how to approach it by having fun and being silly. His mannerisms greatly influenced how I took photos and you’ll probably be able to see that evidence in the following pictures.
She would play the Scarecrow character for the next year and a half and during that time I really enjoyed watching her progress as an Idol and as a young lady.
Also it’s funny because one of the other members was jealous of my love for Sakamoto and thought it’d be funny to cover her face. HA
Funny thing was my member ended being absent that day. It was a bummer but then suddenly she was showed up at the end in her street clothes and started taking pictures with people.
Full on crap face.
I really learned to just go with the flow and Sakamoto is always such a good sport about things.
On the last day I forced myself out of bed in order to attend. Sakura Yuki is trying to feel my forehead to see if I have a fever.
It’s one of the best moments in the song so Sakura Yuki and I are recreating that moment.
Sakura Yuki is dressed up as Jibanyan from Yokai Watch. She made the costume herself.
As I am from Texas, I felt it was necessary for me to get a picture.
There’s Sakamoto dressed as a sunny side up egg.
The last time I saw her was when she was still the Wicked Witch. As I was walking up, she knew which pose to go for. Still one of my favorite pictures.
It all happened so fast I can’t even remember anything about it.
But I made the mistake of wearing mine on the graduation day. Apparently most people dress up the day before. I ended up being the only person in a costume. Oops.
She’s holding her certificate of graduation.
She’s a student of Tokyo University which is basically the Harvard of Japan. It’s really prestigious and difficult to get in.
So here’s me helping her with some homework.
She is one of the most friendly, down to Earth, and sweet Idols I would ever meet.
The group disbanded a few weeks after I saw them. There’s a lesson here about taking and appreciating the opportunities you have because you never know what will happen tomorrow.
I was curious as to what was the big deal. So she showed me how to do it.
But they are allowed to touch fans with the bottom of their shoe however.
Apparently doing narcissistic poses is her thing because this was the second time she had asked me to do one.
She’s from Saitama but admittedly she says she’s not like typical girls from Saitama.
It’s good to be young.
Here’s a clip, you can immediately tell which one she is.
But immediately after the picture was taken she realized I was a foreigner and speaking English. The smile disappeared. She clammed up and suddenly became super embarrassed to speak. The staff had a good laugh as did I. She’s cute kid. Wish her the best.
I attended a cookie baking event so I could meet her.
Those exist?
Nah, I’m kidding.
The oven gloves were just there at the venue.
You pretty much have to see her to believe her. She calls her fans out. Pulls them on stage to be background dancers. Then tells them to get off her stage.
Never would have known about her if not for @johpan
Their fans are way more creative and masochistic than I am.
They opened up an entirely new world for me. Thank you Lolisyn fans for making me laugh, y’all are some of the best.
This is when they came to Los Angeles. Unfortunately their last show is next week.
I noticed she was having problems with her hat being too big during their performance that day so I had to get a picture of it.
She was a good sport about it.
They have one of my favorite costume designs.
Her bow-tie was a bit crooked so I’m fixing it for her.
First and only time I’ve done that.
She became my new favorite Oz member.
She floored me when she showed up to the event in a wedding dress.
So here’s to an exciting 2016 and beyond. I hope you’re able to meet the Idols you want to meet.
There will always be mistakes and embarrassment, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Idols it’s that “Rebounding from failure leads to Success”