Violet Evergarden Live in Concert

 On Sunday, February 15th, I went on a solo adventure to little Tokyo, then, in the evening, had the incredible opportunity to attend the orchestral performance of Violet Evergarden Live in Concert.

It's probably been almost ten years since I've been down to Little Tokyo. It's changed a great deal. I was blown away by the number of people there. The shops all had long lines out front to get in; made me feel like I was back in Akihabara. There were a number of Pop-up shops and collabs going on that weekend, so maybe it was more crowded than usual? Not too sure.

Iconic art on the side of the Miyako Hotel

The first try getting into the Square Enix Pop-up shop was a bust, due to the long line, but I browsed a bit at Jungle, grabbed a Yuka-chan (Blue Period) standee, and then prowled for snacks. It's a bit of a tradition to get Beard Papa whenever I'm in Little Tokyo, so couldn't skip that. Then pigged out on Melon-pan and Boba.

The Creme Brule style was interesting, but having the top cut off really weakened the structural integrity of the cream puff. The filling went everywhere. 5/5 would eat again. But bring a spoon.

Melon-pan at Yamazaki Bakery. Melon-pan is one of those sweets I didn't eat until many years into my Japan life because I generally don't care for melon-flavored anything. However... little did I know that this pseudo-desert bread doesn't taste like Melon at all. The naming simply comes from the cookie crust on top of the soft inner bread that makes it look like a melon. Taste is totally up my alley.

Light reading and cocktails before the show. Peanut-butter Espresso Martini + Yane no Shita no Artemis. Don't sleep on this one. And request it on Seven Seas Reader surveys please.

Bison and Wagyu Meatloaf at Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar

Crazy seeing Violet Evergarden up on the big Marquee like that

The line to actually take a picture at the photo opp spot was too long so I just snapped a couple shots of it while people were switching places.

The venue was packed, but most of the crowd was in the merch line right up until the show started. Quite a few people seemed to miss the opening song as well.

The seats were really good. I thought I might be a bit overdressed, but it turned out there were a lot of people who showed up in suits and cosplay.

The show itself was incredible. I held back tears for most of it (a couple songs broke the damn though not gonna lie). Sadly, unless I somehow missed it, I think they skipped one of my favorite songs from the show... just a two minute number, but whenever I think of VE this song is the one that pops up in my head. Song is called "Back in Business"

10/10 experience. First time attending an orchestral anime concert and I definitely think I'll try and look out for any other ones in the future.