Photos by Sean Sara ; Written by Matt Chu

The last Atarashii Gakko no Leaders! concert was incredible. Seeing these girls grow since their first US show to having a whole US tour really meant a lot especially to have them perform where it all began. From the start of the concert there was a sea of so many fans from all over with a few of them dressed for the occasion with matching uniforms or outfits the girls wear during their performances. I was impressed with the whole team’s production and how concise the group played off with not just one but two live bands; the USC Marching band and Taiko drum team. You could just feel the energy in the space from the fans chanting along from the start to the singing and dancing along throughout the performance. 

Despite cultural and language differences AG is able to transcend that through their music and the messages and emotions were really being relayed back and forth from the crowd and the ladies themselves. Some favorites like Maji Yoroshiku and Essa Hoisa displayed a lot of energy and you could feel everyone around you getting involved with the dance moves and it was totally electric.The crowd work was phenomenal and it was exhilarating when Suzuka jumped through the crowd and you weren’t sure what would happen next. All the while the other three members were still keeping in sync really showing their strengths in the perfection of their choreography. 

Being the last stop on their US show the ladies also expressed a lot of gratitude for the tour and the hope to return and many of us fans returned the sentiment. It was really emotional for everyone in the room and a bittersweet way of finishing the show. A lot of us fans had done multiple shows and made so many friends and connections and just new experiences overall just through the shared passion of AG. It would be so hard to choose a favorite part of the show since you just feel pumped for the entirety of the performance as soon as you enter the concert space. Enjoying the connection between fellow fans and AG was a very blissful moment in time and there was just an overall feeling of positive energy the whole time. Will be looking forward to their next US tour and will be continuing to support them always!