The concert was EPIC.
We got there before noon and there were fans from Japan already lined up. They lined up around 10, from what I heard. We bought VIP cards to pipeline cafe, which meant that we got to go in before everyone else... We lined up right away though, but the VIP line didn't start lining up til 5:30 ish??
But we heard her rehearsing so it was worth waiting for hours.
They made the no camera whatsoever rule a few hours before doors opened. No cameras, no video cameras, no cell phone cameras. Take anything out, you get kicked out. People were crying. SECURITY WAS VERY STRICT. So I'm pretty sure the no camera rule will be for every concert.
So I was the first one to enter the building. Of course, I headed straight toward the front. Mike Rizzo DJed for about an hour and a half. He was a pretty cool guy. I actually saw him enter the building... and I was like "Hey, thats Mike Rizzo!"
Oh man... when she took the stage, everyone was screaming. She was gorgeous and I couldn't stop smiling. It was awesome watching her sing, dance, play the keyboard, play a little bit of drums, talk... I can't believe she sang Kremlin Dusk. I thought she couldn't hit those notes anymore but damn, that was my favorite song of the night. She sang really good. She told us that it was her only performance as 26. And we all yelled Happy Birthday. Hahah, she told us her birthday. Which ruined the surprise because a bunch of us was planning to sing Happy Birthday to her. I was singing and dancing to every song. I almost started crying when she sang First Love. I swear, she was holding back tears. I still can't believe all of this happened.
So I won the meet & greet from the radio station. It happened after the concert. There was 18 of us, who got to take a picture of her. She gave both me and my husband a hug, willingly... we took a photo together, she thanked us and we had to go.
Security was very tight, so its a warning for all you guys.
Oh and I also got to meet Zuntatta (myspace karaoke winner).
The best night everrrr...
I might add some more stuff later. I'm just so overwhelmed right now...

There was A LOT of people who flew in from Japan.

wow awesome!
sounds like you had an amazing time!
Youre so lucky to be able to meet her!

Just got back not too long ago from the concert. Where do I even begin? Get your notes ready! I'm going to describe my experience as best I can! First, the line was super long and filled with many Japanese people. Many people were fans that flew in from Japan. Anyways, let me start with the negative things of this concert. For those of you guys who are asking for pictures or videos from this concert...don't expect any! Sorry, even if we tried! There was absolutely NO CAMERAS aloud into the concert! If you had one, you either had to take it back to the car, or give it to one of the staff. Luckily I put mine away. Most of you must be asking yourself..."what about cell phones?" ABSOLUTELY not! You could only use your phone to text or make calls. If you were caught with a camera or using your phone for taking pictures, you were escorted out of the concert instantly! I'm serious! Next was the duration of time spent waiting for the concert to actually begin. The doors opened @ 7pm, the DJ was spinning some heavy bass tracks for what seemed like forever, and then Utada came out @ around 9pm. She came out dressed in a very simple cute outfit. She wore an oversized white T-shirt with a big red heart & blue heart, red sparkly sequined pants, and her hair was shoulder length. The stage & lighting setup was pretty amazing. Especially since the concert was held at a small venue. On the stage there was a big white poster with Utada's name & silhouette and 2 big flat screen TV's side by side that displayed the album covers from each song she sang. She performed the following songs in this exact order:

1.) Opening (Also known as track #1 from Exodus)
2.) On & On
3.) Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence - FYI
4.) Poppin'
5.) This One (Crying Like A Child)
6.) Passion/Sanctuary (English & Japanese version combined)
7.) Sakura Drops (she played this for the first time on keyboard)
8.) Stay Gold (she played this song on keyboard)
9.) Devil Inside
10.) Kremlin Dusk
11.) You Make Me Want To Be A Man
12.) Song I didn't know... and it was not from Ultra Blue
13.) Apple & Cinnamon
14.) Boku Wa Kuma (out of audience request)
15.) Come Back To Me
16.) First Love (It looked like she was crying. Her eyes were teary)
17.) Can You Keep A Secret?
18.) Automatic
19.) Dirty Desire

Encore:
20.) Simple & Clean
21.) Me Muero

On a side note, Utada mentioned to the audience how this would be her last time performing @ the age of 26. I'm guessing she's saying that because it's close to her birthday? She said that she's getting too old. Also, she seemed kind of shy & nervous in the beginning but she sounded flawless. I'm guessing it's because it was her first show for her US tour? Overall, as strict as this concert was...this was the BEST concert I've ever been too in my life! Well worth it!

to nosnorb808

Was it the venue staff that was kicking people out for taking video/pictures?

Is this venue always this strict?

Or was it her staff (I highly doubt it though)

It was the venue staff. But ordered from her staff.

Quote:
http://www.utadanet.com/modules/xoopsgallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=InTheFlesh_Hawaii

Normally at Pipeline Cafe, they always let you bring in cameras. Well, for all the concerts I've attended there in the past. I'm most certain it's Utada's staff/management that enforced the no camera rule. They were really really strict! Before entering the venue, the security pat you down, and they even checked bags. I think there was only 1 legit photographer there the whole night. Each time someone would bring out their cellphone, the security/staff would be shining a flashlight at you. As tempting as it was, I didn't want to risk taking a picture of her. It wasn't gonna be worth getting kicked out! But I did see people get kicked out instantly!

I didn't want to risk it either.... plus we were in the front against the railing thing they had between the stage and the audience... the security was right in front of us. We were actually talking to him before Utada came on stage about the things that was going on that night.