Top Artist to Watch in 2024, 'Marinasu'! Live Reaction

Marinasu, a cutting-edge artist blending the latest virtual technology with music, held their 'HEY☆SAY☆DIVE! - Marinasu Nonstop Eurobeat Live' on May 26, 2024. I will share my thoughts felt at the venue!

Hello, I'm Toma Nao Ichijo. Today, I am writing about the live event, but before that... about my name, 'TOMA'. Guess what it stands for?

It's from my favorite idol, 'Rin Toma'!
I previously included an element of Rin-chan in my name, and she was so pleased that I've officially adopted it.

If I become famous and get to appear in various places, I can promote my favorite idol every time I introduce myself. Hahaha!

Now, let's get to the live reaction. I won't list the entire setlist or go into too much detail, as it might be hard to follow for those who are not familiar with Marinasu. Instead, I'll talk about the general vibes.

And really, it was an incredible concert with 24 songs!

<What Kind of Artist is 'Marinasu'? >

Let's start with a brief introduction to 'Marinasu'.
In one word, they are V-artists who truly make the most of music & dance entertainment!

In the Vtuber industry, there has been an increase in music-related content over the past few years. Groups like Nijisanji and Hololive, primarily focused on streaming, have been reaching out to the music industry.

However, Marinasu has always been an artist group. They are a dance & vocal unit produced by 'avex'! (Now a subsidiary called 'Virtual Avex') The singing and dancing are just incredible! Having been involved in music through singing and playing guitar in bands, I can personally attest to the high level of their music. Listening to them is thrilling, yet it also brings out a sense of envy.

Another important element:
They are the artist who best integrates virtual technology with music!

Imagine this: their outfits change while they are singing and dancing. Such things don't happen in reality!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not only do the outfits change, but their skin color changes, their eyes turn into magical eyes, they transform into robotic outfits with lots of lights emitting from their backs, and ultimately they grow huge or even fly. There was even aerial formation dancing.

It's like anything goes! You can see a lot of production elements that could only be done in a virtual space, and each one is meticulously crafted.

This is content you can only see here.

＜Thoughts on the Nonstop Eurobeat＞
Let's get to the main point. In a word, this live performance was:

Absolutely incredible and so much fun, really incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I am at a loss for words. This was a concert unlike any I had ever heard or seen before, with nonstop Eurobeat music for 90 minutes. I've enjoyed music in the metal scene and attended live performances, but this was even more intense than those (laughs).

Of course, they went all out till the end without showing any signs of fatigue. Moreover, they perfectly communicated with the audience by guiding us in the choreography and teaching us when to shout along, ensuring everyone could enjoy as one with the venue.

Thus, every audience member was able to raise their fists and use their bodies to run through the full 90 minutes with all their might.

This was a first-time experience for me!!!!!

Having seen various artists live, what I especially feel is that Marinas is exceptionally good at capturing the audience's heart.

At the start of a live show, it's usually embarrassing for the audience to raise their fists or get too involved. At most, they might sway a bit to show they're getting into it. However, Marinas warmed up the entire venue in just a few seconds from the start. It's hard to put into words, but isn't this ability to lead everyone what you would call 'charisma'?

In the past, when a live performance was canceled on the day due to video-related issues, Marinasu managed to unify everyone's hearts. Although the planned concert couldn’t proceed, they performed an alternative show, and it was truly spectacular!

The mood in the venue was initially somber, but they immediately changed the atmosphere as soon as the live started. The performance that unfolded was nothing short of breathtaking. Honestly, it moved me more than any other concert I've seen before. The members of Marinas might have been desperate to make something happen, but it made me realize from the bottom of my heart, 'This is the power of music!'

It became one of the concerts I'll remember for the rest of my life.

<About the Two Members of Marinasu>

Lastly, let’s talk about the structure of Marinasu. Initially, Marinas was a group of four members. It then changed to a trio, and now they are a duo.

Changes in band members are common in the music industry, particularly among bands.
However, in the Vtuber scene, it's quite a significant event.
I believe it must have been challenging for all the Marinasu members and their staff.

Yet, this recent live performance reaffirmed it for me.
'Even with just two members, they are still Marinasu!'

I think this is an incredible achievement.
Simply put, with the group reduced from four to two, the scope of what can be done is halved.
The visual impact, you would think, also changes.
Normally, this would mean a reduction in power.

But there has been no power down at all.
Instead, they continue to show us an evolved form!!!!!!!!

I perceive the changes in Marinasu as evolution.
To be clear, I am not saying it's good that Mahiro-chan and Naho-chan are gone.
I think they've grasped 'the future' by continuing to do what they can in the face of an unavoidable reality and circumstances.

Even if the paths of four-member or three-member Marinasu became impassable,
they seized a future with two members and have proven it to us.
They have inspired the same excitement, frenzy, and anticipation as before.

We are undoubtedly witnessing the miracle of these artists.

That's why I will continue to support 'Marinasu', and I hope they and their staff achieve the recognition they deserve.

'Marinasu', my top favorite artist.
I intend to keep writing about them, so please keep them in mind.

And someday, let's experience their supreme music together at a live venue!

Marinasu Official X: https://x.com/MarinasuChannel
Marinasu YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MaRiNaSu