J-pop girl group performs first show in U.S., KISS co-founders receive special award

Momoiro Clover Z performing at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California at Anime Expo 2015.
(Photo by Jesus Figueroa)

Written by Jesus Figueroa

Momoiro Clover Z performed at the Microsoft Theater for its first performance in the U.S. on July 2 in conjunction with Anime Expo 2015.

KISS co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley received a special award from Japan’s International “Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia” for their “Samurai Son” music video during a short ceremony before the concert.

MCZ and Kiss co-founders Gene Simmons
and Paul Stanley backstage before MCZ's
first U.S. concert. (Photo by Jesus Figueroa)

MCZ performed a 14-song set which included "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saitemina," which features KISS, but KISS did not perform live with the Japanese pop girl group.

KISS, anime and j-pop fans filled the Microsoft Theater and cheered as MCZ played its hits.

From playing songs from animes to high-spirited songs, the band entertained as fans waved special light sticks and otagi, organized cheering and gestures, to cheer on the group.

Some of the loudest reactions came from MCZ playing themes from popular animes such as "Moon Pride" from “Sailor Moon Crystal,” "Mite mite kochichi" (Look look here) from “Pokemon” and "Pledge of Z" from the upcoming anime feature film “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F”

One intermission was taken and attendees were able to watch a short film about the group's collaboration with KISS.

The group performed hit song "Chala head Chala," the theme song for "Dragon Ball Z" as an encore song.