[ruixiong89]

Translation (From the Chinese Booklet)

Post Arena Tour 2005 Report

(Evening 7 pm, Raining outside)

Things were happening since the first day editing this DVD started. LIVE performances, encores, the MCs of all the performances, OFF SHOT. I decided to divide all of it into 4 separate categories and from them, first select the LIVE performances to be edited. To show everyone the best footage, we had to on one hand, find the timings and on the other, to keep watching the performances. Although it wasn't too much to handle, but if I were to use my handwriting to make a record, I would have to write many digits, and being the fast mobile phone user (?!), to ensure that things ran efficiently, I decided to use my mobile phone to record them. Continuously, continuously, the images stopped and rewinded ... And in this way we continued to watch the footages, spending a lot of time.

The final editing came when we were editing the last LIVE Performance of the DVD, "Boys & Girls". Seeing that I was reaching the GOAL, I was probably a bit overexcited, not noticing that my handphone was running out of power. Just when the introduction to "Boys~" came about, just when the water came spurting out at high pressure,

"PI .........."

I don't think I need to explain myself any further. Or I should say, I don't wish to mention it. Originally reaching the GOAL, I was back to the START line. Absolutely not having an open and courageous mood that day, I returned once more to the first performance to do editing, and like a kid who threw a tantrum, went outside. The scene at that time was quintessentially the epitome of "Evening 7 pm, Raining outside". And in this manner, the curtains were lifted to start off my long long days of editing.

The next day, acting as if nothing had ever happened, I returned back again to watch the first performance. And definitely, I changed to use my handwriting to do recording.
And since then, every single day, after the first part of the performances were over, it was then the encore, and after that was the MC, OFF SHOT, and finally the credits of the staff, scrambling continuously night after night to complete the footage. In the midst of it, there were probably a few occasions that I felt I should record my escapades with the staff after the hard work and our unusually excited responses. And so I say, everything in this 3 set DVD, from the most major of events to the smallest of events, are clear in my memory. If anyone was to ask any questions pertaining to any aspect of the tour, I definitely won't lose out to them.

However, this was still not enough, no matter how many times, I still wanted to watch the footage over and over again! This is my feeling. Regardless of any reasons, just because of the band members, the dancers and the audience, all of them gave spectacular expressions. Through the course of editing, I don't know how many times I was so touched that tears came from my eyes.

If I were to use just a simple phrase to encapsulate my emotions after this tour, it would be "The Existence of Miracles". Thanks to the numerous staff members, band members, dancers and audiences from all over the country, I was able to experience this so called "miracle". Allow me to use an example to show what I mean. During the tour, there was a period of time when I had not taken care of myself, causing myself to fall sick. My throat was in such excruciating pain that no sound came out of it. At that time, it coincided with Aichi Prefecture's EXPO Opening Ceremony and SINGLE Recording. This was the exact re-enactment of an event that happened some time ago. Fear and guilt permeated every corner of myself. Feeling as if I was going to lose everything, I came through eventually because of the love of many people. Although I had not fully recovered, but from a state when I could not even talk, till a state of strained singing, and with a speed that even shocked the doctor, my throat was on its way to recovery.

Such things don't only happen to me, everyone is flesh and bones. In the long journey of life, it is impossible for your health and feelings to be in perfect condition all the time. However, I wanted to give my best for that day, and being able to safely complete all the performances, it was all because everyone's hearts were united as one, morphing into the bright crystal of "miracles".

I'm able to be in the position of Ayumi Hamasaki, feeling pride right till the end. To be able to stand on this stage, this is all attributed to the irreversible condition of the surroundings when doing the LIVE;that I'm able to have companions fighting by my side, and warmth to greet and invite our audiences.

This kind of stage, I hope more people will be able to appreciate it. In your eyes, what do you see? Can you feel this miracle too?

Finally, I offer from the bottom of my heart, thanks to everyone who participated in this tour!

With all my love,
Ayu