On November 3rd, R&B singer AI and 5-member girl unit 9nine attended the "Pocky & Pretz Day Recovery Support Music Live" at a live house in Shibuya.

The crowd sang "Happy Birthday" to AI, who just turned 30-years old on the 2nd. Smiling, AI cheered, "I'm super happy! I'm glad I came today." She then sang her hit song, "Story", with Fukushima's high school choir, "MJC Ensemble".

Afterwards, AI said, "I'm really glad I got to sing with everyone at 30 years of age. During rehearsals, I heard everyone's voices from behind [me], and almost started crying. There is no better start than this. Just like the lyrics [of 'Story'], you're not alone, so let's do our best together!"

Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd. established November 11th (11 11) as "Pocky & Pretz Day" because the shape of "Pocky" and "Pretz" resembles the number 1. To celebrate the anniversary, the company holds a campaign every year; this year's theme aimed to help Tohoku recovery efforts under the slogan, "To deliver smiles to everyone".

On November 2nd, the company hosted live concerts in disaster-stricken areas with TOKYO FM's radio program, "Yamada Hisashi no Radian Limited F". AI, 9nine, and singer-songwriter TEE each held performances in front of approximately 200 people.

After performing three songs, 9nine's Satake Uki said, "When I heard AI-san's voice, I started crying aloud in the dressing room." Nishiwaki Sayaka added, "We were also encouraged!" Meanwhile, Kawashima Umika expressed, "We want to continue to encourage Japan. Let's make November 11th, Pocky & Pretz Day, a fun day!"

One of the main highlights of the event that day was when the high school choir,� "MJC Ensemble", appeared on stage wearing polo shirts that read, "Ganbarou Fukushima! (Do your best Fukushima!)". The audience replied, "Ganbarou, Fukushima!", and donated funds that was later given to the members of "MJC Ensemble", along with a banner containing messages of encouragement.

Check out pictures from the event below!

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Source + Photos: Mantan Web