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Pro-shot at 日本武道館 (Nippon Budokan).
Nostalgic trip down memory lane… one of the more interesting side things I got to experience ~25 years ago was being part of the rollout for the then new Yamaha PM1D professional modular digital mixing console for Shiina Hekiru’s 2001 Precious Garden Summer tour. For this 2004 New Years Day show, the 2003 show served as a reference where lessons were taken from it with the presets and production audio mix being dialed in more tightly.
Regardless, I’ve long wanted to “visually re-master” the original pro-shot footage (480p) to at least 1080p but that tech didn’t really exist until recent years. Hours of experimenting with different settings plus GPU processing has resulted in this video which now more closely matches the audio. Getting this to 4K (with excellent quality) is years away BUT I almost got a usable 1440p60 version (maybe a few software iterations away). Anyway, this is the fully “remastered” version in 1080p60.
Pro-shot at 日本武道館 (Nippon Budokan).
Nostalgic trip down memory lane… one of the more interesting side things I got to experience ~25 years ago was being part of the rollout for the then new Yamaha PM1D professional modular digital mixing console for Shiina Hekiru’s 2001 Precious Garden Summer tour. Most shows from these tours in 2001 through 2002 (～Around the sadistic～ tour) were at concert halls and smaller live houses except the 2002 ~NEW STEP~ News Years Day show at the much larger Nippon Budokan (which has challenging hall acoustics) which was not pro shot recorded. For this 2003 New Years Day show (which was pro shot), the presets and production audio mix ended up leaning towards a more bass heavy sound that IMHO, lacked the crystal clear separation of the 2001 mix. Hekiru also was slightly congested/not feeling 100% (which may have affected the soundcheck/preset calibrations).
Regardless, I’ve long wanted to “visually re-master” the original pro-shot footage (480p) to at least 1080p but that tech didn’t really exist until recent years. Hours of experimenting with different settings plus GPU processing has resulted in this video which now more closely matches the audio. Getting this to 4K (with excellent quality) is years away BUT I almost got a usable 1440p60 version (maybe a few software iterations away). Anyway, this is the fully “remastered” version in 1080p60.
Pro-shot at 東京厚生年金会館 (Tokyo Koseinenkin Hall) • closed as of 2010年3月31日.
Nostalgic trip down memory lane… one of the more interesting side things I got to experience ~25 years ago was being part of the rollout for the then new Yamaha PM1D professional modular digital mixing console for Shiina Hekiru’s 2001 Precious Garden Summer tour. It was introduced in December 2000; a modular system of the control surface and modules like the DSP engine, controller, I/O units, and power supply along with Windows software which allowed additional functionality (by connecting a PC/laptop to the system). Due to my side interest in music, I ended up being part of the prototype field test group (in Silicon Valley).
This was during that time period of the transition from analog to digital (my tech background with digital audio/video, networking, and systems is partially why I ended up being involved as event staff). I was still working in Silicon Valley but spent time in between Santa Clara, California and Tokyo as the enterprise liaison (at Apple) working with the Japanese office. Things sort of fell into place with Yamaha Japan/this side gig; when I moved to Japan a few years later (due to another opportunity), it resulted in one of the best life experiences I’ve had.
I still remember how this setup shaped the dimension of her live sound going forward (why I noted the “sonic superiority” in that draft (words from her long time sound engineer). Being at many of her concerts for the next 5 years, that live sound is still very vivid. This system was finally EOL in 2015 (PM5D replaced it in 2004). Since 2015, Yamaha now has a RIVAGE PM series that builds on this legacy but in a much more portable form factor (the old consoles required a team to move and set it up).
I’ve long wanted to “visually re-master” the original pro-shot footage (480p) to at least 1080p but that tech didn’t really exist until recent years. Hours of experimenting with different settings plus GPU processing has resulted in this video which now more closely matches the audio. Getting this to 4K (with excellent quality) is years away BUT I almost got a usable 1440p60 version (maybe a few software iterations away). Anyway, this is the fully "remastered" version in 1080p60.
Second show of this 50th anniversary tour at the approximately 7,000 seat Hard Rock Live Hollywood in Florida. Bassist Mike Levine was not at this show as well (it was announced prior to start of ticket sales that he would be at select shows; he's been recovering from whatever health issues that he has had; Rik Emmett gave him a shout out at 1:30:45). Additionally, from various interviews the band members have done over the past several months, these productions are meant to scale (a few of the larger arena sized shows are supposed to have a larger production). The added members was also a known; it's an acknowledgement they needed assistance to cover parts which they can no longer do by themselves (having also been out of any sort of long term touring with this level of production since 1988).
Guitarist Rik Emmett also was very transparent in various interviews from the time of the announcement that he'd be letting guitarist Phil X take the lead (guitars and vocals). Even since Emmett's last solo shows (well over 7 years ago), his vocal range has definitely gotten lower (he therefore sang a lot of those songs in a lower key). One of the other reasons he retired was the arthritis he's been experiencing in his hands (you wouldn't know it from these first shows). As he also mentioned in those interviews, he's long wanted to see drummer Gil Moore out front singing lead for those songs he sang lead on (now that they have a second drummer to also fill in for parts that Moore can no longer do, that allows him to do that). And Moore did a few (with a little bit of awkwardness to it).
Some of the rough edges from the first show were ironed out including a short "movie" (which did not play at the Orlando show). For those expecting that old 3/4 piece Triumph with Emmett belting out those high notes, this is not what these shows are about. It really is about overcoming the past split, the unlikelihood that they would even go back out on tour again (after the two shows in 2008), and then finding a new formula that would work which would allow them to perform some of these songs live again.
For those of us who have long been fans of this band, just seeing them playing together in some capacity is a fitting way to put a bookend to their career. The music they created has most definitely endured where seeing these initial shows (imperfect as it may be) and seeing Rik and Gil having fun, was really the highlight. And the other three guys; they could definitely carry on the Triumph legacy if Gil, Mike, and Rik give their blessing. I know for purists, it's not the same without the original members (like there are many who see this as a glorified cover band and that maybe it shouldn't have happened). Myself, I see this as them at least trying to give their dedicated fans that one bookending tour.
One personal note, I absolutely got chills when he did the melodic intro for 24 Hours a Day at 1:13:55 (I'm not a singer but used to sing this in this same lower key that he sang it in because it's such a great melody).
Proceeds from both the Orlando and Hollywood Hard Rock Live shows went to the Make a Wish Foundation!
(credits: OHCY)
First show of this 50th anniversary tour at the approximately 3,000 seat Hard Rock Live Orlando. Bassist Mike Levine was not at this opening show (it was announced prior to start of ticket sales that he would be at select shows; he's been recovering from whatever health issues that he has had). Additionally, from various interviews the band members have done over the past several months, these productions are meant to scale (a few of the larger arena sized shows are supposed to have a larger production). The added members was also a known; it's an acknowledgement they needed assistance to cover parts which they can no longer do by themselves (having also been out of any sort of long term touring with this level of production since 1988).
Guitarist Rik Emmett also was very transparent in various interviews from the time of the announcement that he'd be letting guitarist Phil X take the lead (guitars and vocals). Even since Emmett's last solo shows (well over 7 years ago), his vocal range has definitely gotten lower (he therefore sang a lot of those songs in a lower key). One of the other reasons he retired was the arthritis he's been experiencing in his hands (you wouldn't know it from this first show). As he also mentioned in those interviews, he's long wanted to see drummer Gil Moore out front singing lead for those songs he sang lead on (now that they have a second drummer to also fill in for parts that Moore can no longer do, that allows him to do that). And Moore did a few (with a little bit of awkwardness to it).
There were unsurprisingly a few rough edges including one part when Emmett mentioned that a short "movie" was supposed to play (this was fixed in the Hardrock Live Hollywood FL concert). For those expecting that old 3/4 piece Triumph with Emmett belting out those high notes, this is not what these shows are about. It really is about overcoming the past split, the unlikelihood that they would even go back out on tour again (after the two shows in 2008), and then finding a new formula that would work which would allow them to perform some of these songs live again.
For those of us who have long been fans of this band, just seeing them playing together in some capacity is a fitting way to put a bookend to their career. The music they created has most definitely endured where seeing this initial show (imperfect as it may be) and seeing Rik and Gil having fun, was really the highlight. And the other three guys; they could definitely carry on the Triumph legacy if Gil, Mike, and Rik give their blessing. I know for purists, it's not the same without the original members (like there are many who see this as a glorified cover band and that maybe it shouldn't have happened). Myself, I see this as them at least trying to give their dedicated fans that one bookending tour.
One personal note, I absolutely got chills when he did the melodic intro for 24 Hours a Day at 1:10:00 (I'm not a singer but used to sing this in this same lower key that he sang it in because it's such a great melody).
Proceeds from both the Orlando and Hollywood Hard Rock Live shows went to the Make a Wish Foundation!
(credits: JD's Live Music)
Episode 44 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea began at 11:10 a.m. HST on April 9, 2026. The eruption came to an end at 7:41pm HST.
Main animation from the homepage for todays 50th anniversary which plays over the:
"50 Years of Thinking Different"
At 50 years, it’s only natural to look back. But Apple has always looked forward, building tools and delivering experiences that enrich people’s lives. As we celebrate how far we’ve come, we’re inspired by where we’ll go — together.
Footage (no audio for the aerial footage) of the flooding from the torrential rains for the second Kona low storm.
https://blog.murasama.net/2026/03/20/major-catastrophic-flooding-on-oahu/
LUNA SEA's first show after drummer Yamada Shinya (真矢) passed away on February 17, 2026. This concert turned out to be a great celebration of his life/legacy; the show opened with a small part of his drum solo from what was his final appearance with the band back at their 2025 Millenium Eve show with GLAY at Tokyo Dome on February 23, 2025 along with montages of the five together at the end of that concert while part of the speech he gave at LUNATIC FEST (where he said that "LUNA SEA must not end"), played. In hindsight, while he had been very driven to return to playing at this show, it seems he also used this choice of words "just in case".
The drum kit that he had been working on for this XMAS show had also been setup on stage next to Jun-ji's kit (seeing this arrangement made me smile). For a few of the songs in the setlist, videos of Shinya playing were shown; it was never overdone (which IMHO, would've detracted from the actual performances of those carrying on the group as he had wished for during LUNATIC FEST and then by his wife Aya after he had passed). During the short MC's between songs, the band also made it clear they wanted this to be a fun show (and that it was). Ryuichi's vocals struggled at times (from his own past surgeries on his vocal chords to remove cancerous lesions) but he was also giving it his all.
Heading into the portion after a 30 minute intermission, a longer portion of Shinya's drum solo from that February 23, 2025 show was played; that was a great closing tribute. Plus even though he is physically gone, the memories that people have of moments like this from prior concerts, are what keeps him alive. In that regards, it was like he was there for many of the fans in attendance (or for those watching the live stream).
What was a really final nice touch was just before the 2nd encore when a video was played of Shinya trying out this new drum kit in a practice studio (tracking over the song HOLY KNIGHT) as the other members watched the video playback. It highlights just how much he was planning to resume playing with the band again. They closed out the show playing HOLY KNIGHT which at the ending, transitioned into an outro video of their 2026 national tour dates (signifying the band will continue their journey as per what Shinya had said/requested). This tour is being called LUNA SEA TOUR 2026 UNENDING JOURNEY -FOREVER- (kind of reminding me how BUCK-TICK has continued moving forward after "A-chan" passed away).
Shinya's disciple Jun-ji (whom Shinya handpicked to fill in for him for LUNATIC FEST) said on his YouTube livestream that he knows no one can ever replace Shinya or fully replicate his sound; but that he will continue filling in for his mentor (so long as asked) to make sure that LUNA SEA doesn't end. He's definitely going to have a packed schedule since TM Revolution (which he has also been a longtime support drummer for) will be touring during the same time frame.
As for this show, they really put together a quality production to honor his memory and to make a statement about moving forward.
Episode 43 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea began at 9:17 a.m. HST on March 10, 2026 (I didn't begin streaming it until 3.5hrs after it began). The eruption came to an end around 6:25 pm HST.
Compilation of broadcast media footage capturing the chaos throughout the day
0:00 During the Diet's House of Councillors Settlement Committee meeting: "Ensure your own safety."
4:05 Reporters waiting at the Prime Minister's Office (short briefing of the quake provided)
5:08 Tremors during NTV's live broadcast
6:47 Lockers/file cabinets swaying sideways on upper floors (same was happening in our office)
8:38 Then-Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro was scheduled to hold a press conference (cancelled) at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
9:44 High-rise buildings in Shinjuku swaying
10:42 Crane sways in front of the Imperial Household Agency
11:52 At the under-construction Tokyo Skytree (which passed the quake test)
13:20 Scenes from Futako-Tamagawa Station
13:55 Scenes from JR Hachioji Station
14:12 Scenes from Tokyo Metro Toranomon Ginza Line subway
14:31 Scenes from Musashi-Koyama Station Tokyu Meguro Line
14:57 JR Shimbashi Station - Stranded passengers watching the tsunami broadcasted on NHK
15:10 Aftershocks continue
15:18 Scene outside JR Shimbashi
15:28 Pay phones becoming useful again
15:30 Aftershocks (Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
16:07 Aftershocks (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
16:26 Broken glass debris from street light
16:54 Hibiya-koen - Crowds of people
17:30 Aftershocks continue
18:15 Slow to no mobile cellular voice/data service (emergency services was prioritized)
18:20 Aftershocks continue with many on the street
18:43 Scenes from Haneda Airport
18:59 Scenes from Narita Airport
19:51 Ceiling collapses at Kudan Kaikan
21:18 Massive congestion in front of Shinjuku Station
22:47 Extra newspaper editions distributed (a throwback to really past times)
22:55 LPG refinery on fire in Ichihara City
24:27 Toyosu area showing signs of heavy soil liquefaction
26:38 Urayasu-shi and Tokyo Disney parking lot area in Chiba showing signs of heavy soil liquefaction (these areas are reclaimed land around Tokyo Bay)
28:21 Tsunami waves overtopping the seawall at Iioka Port, Asahi City, Chiba
30:28 Vehicular and rail transport mayhem where many ended up walking home
31:59 Severe traffic jams
33:17 Scenes from JR Shimbashi Station
33:55 Scenes from JR Shibuya Station
35:22 Scenes from JR Tokyo Station
35:33 Scenes from JR Shinagawa Station
35:42 Scenes from JR Shinjuku Station (entrance/exit shutters closed)
36:11 More traffic congestion (which affected rail line inspections, delaying resumption of service)
36:20 Some railways resume operation
37:19 People buying bicycles
37:38 Empty food shelves at a 7-11 conbini in Shinagawa
38:00 Stranded commuters at opened facilities including Haneda and Narita airports
40:15 Ramp collapses at supermarket in Machida City
40:27 Crews attempting to put out the LPG fire at the Cosmo Oil Chiba Refinery in Ichihara City, Chiba
41:20 Tokyo Tower's bent tip
昨年11月、（直前での決断で）LUNATIC FESTに参加できた。行って良かったし、特に初日に真矢がステージに現れた瞬間を体感できたことは本当に良かった。まさか2日目がバンド全員が揃って立つ姿を見る最後の機会になるとは、当時は知る由もなかった。安らかに眠れ、真矢。2025年11月のLUNATIC FESTで、彼がバンドメンバーと共にステージに立つ姿を見られたことに感謝している。ご家族、ご友人、そしてLUNA SEAの他のメンバーの皆様に心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。数えきれないほどの貴重な思い出をありがとう。
Back in November, I was able to attend LUNATIC FEST (last moment decision). I'm glad I decided to go and being able to experience that moment when Shinya walked out (especially on day 1). Little did we know day 2 would be the final time we'd see the entire band standing together. Rest in peace, Shinya. I am grateful we were able to see him on stage with his bandmates at LUNATIC FEST in November 2025. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the other members of LUNA SEA. Thank you for the countless precious memories.
大分・別府温泉通1,000人が選ぶ！究極の別府温泉ランキングTOP20
JP: 温泉湧出量・源泉数ともに日本一を誇り、「おんせん県」として全国にその名を知られる大分県。今回は別府の温泉を知り尽くした「温泉通」1000人へのアンケート調査をもとに、数ある名湯の中から“本当にスゴい温泉”をランキング形式で紹介！河合郁人と髙地優吾が実際に別府の温泉地を巡り、湯に浸かり、香りを感じ、肌ざわりを確かめ“湯ヂカラ”を体感！
EN: Oita Prefecture boasts Japan's highest hot spring output and number of sources, earning its nationwide reputation as the “Hot Spring Prefecture.” Based on a survey of 1,000 “hot spring connoisseurs” who have extensive knowledgable about Beppu's hot springs, this program presents a ranking of the “truly amazing hot springs” selected from among its many famous baths! Kawai Ikuto and Takachi Yugo personally tour Beppu's hot spring locations, immersing themselves in the waters, savoring the aromas, and testing the texture to experience the “power of the hot springs” firsthand!
HVO: Episode 42 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea began at 1:50 p.m. HST on February 15, 2026 following the onset of continuous overflows at 1:08 pm HST.
The south vent fountain jetted up to over 1300 feet (400 meters) while the north vent reached about 800 feet (250 meters) at their highest. Maximum effusion rate reached about 1000 cubic yards per second (770 cubic meters per second) during highest fountains around 2 pm HST.
Episode 42 ended at 11:38 pm HST. The south vent faltered and then jetted just after 11:34 p.m. Narrow jets erupted from the south vent in the last 2 minutes. The north vent dropped slowly at this time and also jetted in the last minute.
ZARD was one of my favorite JPOP artists in the 90's. While it was originally an actual group, vocalist Izumi Sakai was the only consistent member (and thus ZARD and Izumi Sakai became synonymous). Concerts (with guest performers from the same studio ZARD/Sakai Izumi has been contracted with) have been held to honor her memory while also keeping these widely known songs alive for many.
The ~What a Beautiful Moment 2004 Tour~ was ZARD's actual first large-scale concert tour encompassing 11 dates. The only prior live concert was on August 31, 1999 aboard the (now defunct as of 2023) Pacific Venus cruise ship where tickets were available via lottery to 600 attendees (I tried but wasn't one of the lucky ones).
I fortunately got tickets for the tour final Nippon Budokan show in July 2004. At the time, little did we know that Izumi Sakai (real name Sachiko Kamachi) had been suffering various health issues (related to her uterus) from between 2001-2003, and thus was not really at her peak even during this tour (but she took things like forgetting the lyrics or struggling to hit certain notes, all in stride). That final concert will forever remain a precious memory for me, a truly beautiful moment in time (this was Yureru Omoi from the Tokyo International Forum concert).
Unfortunately, in 2006, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, promptly underwent treatment, and was initially thought to be clear. However, the cancer was found to have spread to her lungs where she was admitted to Keio University Hospital in April 2007 to undergo chemotherapy. Sakai unfortunately passed away on May 27, 2007, after taking a fall the day prior on a wet/slippery emergency exit slope at the hospital. The location was a place she would often walk around to meditate/relax during her treatment and rehabilitation. She was only 40, but her music has transcended time and still remains impactful even to this day.
These anniversary concerts over the years have gotten better in terms of the videos used (some of them have been enhanced OA performances, clips from old PV releases, and previously unreleased footage that has been found over the years).