It would be sucky if this show was a "prototype" show, but I doubt it. The first show of any of her tours will always be the shakiest. It was probably more shaky than ever this time though - probably because of her hectic schedule and the release of NEXT LEVEL so close to the date.
It's not really an excuse when you have paying customers though. But unless it was absolutely terrible, I wouldn't feel cheated. I think we can't see it from these people's viewpoints because they probably go to an Ayu show every year, whereas her western fans wouldn't and would appreciate whatever she did more. Japanese fans would have higher expectations to match the previous concerts they went to.
And Hope or Pain is not a mediocre ballad, it's to me one of her best and really underappreciated, and most importantly, transfers to a live performance really well.
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