Berryz Koubou performed for an excited crowd of fans at New Jersey's AnimeNEXT (June 8-10). It was the Japanese idol group's second appearance in America in 2 years, following their 2011 appearance at Sakura-Con in Seattle, WA.



Berryz Koubou fans from around the world gathered to support the idols, wearing Berryz Koubou cosplay and buying all the official Japanese merchandise within the first 3 hours of the event. Due to overwhelming attendance, the group doubled their official autograph time to accommodate all the adoring fans.



During the live concert, Berryz Koubou fans surprised the group during "Because Happiness" by spontaneously singing the accompanying ?-ute song "Shiawase no Tochuu". The two songs are designed to be performed together, creating the new song "Cho HAPPY SONG." The unplanned participation by the crowd touched the hearts of the Berryz Koubou members.
Berryz Koubou held a contest the week prior to the event which was open to fans worldwide, asking for the "fan favorite" from Berryz Koubou's extensive catalog. Fans voted via Up-Front Link's Facebook or e-mail, and the winning song "Jiriri Kiteru" (announced in English by Tokunaga Chinami ) was performed during the encore.

After the event, fans spilled out of the venue chanting "Berryz Saikou!" ("Berryz is the Best!"), repeating the tradition set last year by the Berryz Koubou fans at Sakura-Con.



Berryz Koubou member comments:
Shimizu Saki (Captain): "I was so happy to go to AnimeNEXT! When we learned this convention had been asking us to come for 3 years, we were all so happy! To see confirmation that so many people are supporting us from so far away makes me want to be even better! I'll do my best to be invited again!"
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Tsugunaga Momoko: "Feeling this love overseas makes me feel so happy and grateful. Thank you "Berryz" much to everyone around the world for always supporting me. It was so great to hear everybody's support when I said 'I am the best idol in the world,' or when I asked 'Which one do you prefer, Momochi or Lady Gaga?', it was a unanimous 'Momochiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!', lol!"
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Tokunaga Chinami: "Thanks to our participation to AnimeNEXT, I have so many great memories! Even though we don't speak the same language, I was so happy to communicate with everyone during our signing sessions, the Q&A, and the live. I will try my best to talk and sing in English! After Sakura-Con and AnimeNEXT, I will do everything to come again in America!"
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Sudo Maasa: "I'm so happy to have received so much love from New Jersey, a place really far away from Japan. I was able to feel this love when we sang and talked together, so thanks to everyone. Personally, since I really love anime and manga, I'm glad to see all this love for the Japanese culture."
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Natsuyaki Miyabi: "I'm so glad I was able to go to AnimeNEXT. I felt anxious that our Japanese songs may not be well-received because of the language, but as soon as the concert started, all my worries disappeared! Everyone was singing in Japanese with us and dancing as well! I promise we'll definitely meet again."
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Kumai Yurina: "It was so fun! After 3 years of asking us to come, Berryz Kobo got to go to New Jersey to meet all of you. With all the enthusiastic shouts from the audience, especially during 'Icchoume Rock!' when everyone knew the lyrics, it was a really great moment. I feel so happy to know people love Berryz Kobo from all over the world, not only in Japan. Thank you so much!"
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Sugaya Risako: "I was so happy to go to AnimeNEXT 2012! I was deeply moved during the live, seeing all the local fans singing in Japanese with us. It motivated me even more to improve my English so we can communicate better! I want to perform again overseas."



[SET LIST]
- Rival
- Yuujyou Junjou oh Seishun
- Special Generation
- Dakishimete Dakishimete
- Koi no Jubaku
- Because Happiness
- Ai no Suki Suki Shisuu Joushouchuu
- VERY BEAUTY
- Otakebi Boy WAO!
- Maji Bomber!!
- Yononaka Barairo
- Icchoume Rock!
-Encore-
- Jiriri Kiteru
- GIRLS TIMES

Images: �Up-Front Agency