Besides getting to go see the plays live this time, I also had an amazing chance to actually meet with Tomita and Hiramaki. It happened about a week ago, and I’m still in disbelief that it actually happened. Let me share the story.

I was informed by this very nice person Teakini from the Russian fandom that there would be a small Mirage fair and a shop dedicated to Mirage at Animate in Akihabara, and we went there together. At first, we had to get there early in the morning to get a queuing number for the fair. We got it, and after 1-2 hour break, were admitted entry.

The fair itself consisted of a picture stand that had all of the Mirage cover art, Tomita’s calligraphy for “Mirage of Blaze” and “kanketsu” (completion), as well as some other text I haven’t tried reading yet. Also on show were costumes of the central characters, as well as really amazing photos from all of the plays. Some of them were superb, I really hope we will get a chance to buy them later. On sale where the current goods and all of the previous plays’ pamphlets. Each visitor had 20 minutes to enjoy all this after the next batch of people where brought in.

When we went to pay for our shopping, we were given the next tickets. This time the ticket was for an evening event where, based on how much you bought in the morning, you would be getting a present, and possibility to meet with Tomita and Hiramaki. That part was still a bit unclear, but enough to get me super nervous and so unfortunate for Teakini that she has a flight to catch that day.

So, in the evening I made it back to the venue. We were queued up again, and after waiting a while, were lead downstairs to line up. At some point, we could hear Tomita and Hiramaki’s voice behind a stand, and then the thing got started.

Here’s how it worked: each participant would go behind the stand one by one, and meet with Tomita, Hiramaki, and the person who I assume to be either director or producer of the plays - they person who’s often MCing the talks on DVD. Tomita and Hiramaki would be told the number of pictures they’re supposed to give you, and while they count, you could talk with them. Some people seemed to be pretty quick, while some stayed for a while to talk. The others couldn’t see them, but we could hear some comments and laughter. For example, we heard them congratulating someone for their birthday, and all of us applauded that. ^^

I was really nervous about this and almost didn’t want to go, because my Japanese is really not that good yet, but when it was my turn, I mysteriously calmed down. I feel a bit unsure to share in detail because the moment felt quite private, but if anyone else got this chance I would be super curious, so here it is!

First off, we said hi, and Tomita and Hiramaki started counting the pictures. While they were at it, the director asked me where I am from and if I can speak Japanese. Japanese people tend to be politely impressed when you can, and so were they. I told them I really have a lot I would like to say but that it’s difficult with such lacking Japanese, and the director was really nice and told me to please take my time.

When I told them I’m studying Japanese because of Mirage, they were really impressed again (I couldn’t tell them there are so many of us doing the same thing and a lot of you are way ahead, haha!). Tomita was all “sugoi”, and proceeded to ask if I can say “choubuku”. And when I did, was way too impressed.

The director asked me about how I found Mirage, and if there are some translations. I told them about first finding the anime, then novels and theatre, and that yes, there are some translations. 

There was probably something more, but what surprised me most at the end was Tomita reaching out his hands for me to touch them. It was a very light touch - even though he initiated it I somehow wasn’t sure if it was really ok. Then, Hiramaki did the same.

Now, I’m 99% sure they did this with the others as well - such an easy way to make us fans happy - but that doesn’t really take away from how special it felt.

At this point I have to say Tomita is, if possible, even more beautiful face to face than in any picture or video.

Unfortunately, because Tomita  and his eyes had such gravity, I failed to pay as much attention to Hiramaki, but he was really nice as well and looked amazing as always. In the end, it was he who gave the pictures to me, and when I was on my way out, had a really nice, long moment of eye contact with him. I wish I had spoken with him more than this, because the more I process the last plays, the more I am in awe of the amazing job he did as Naoe. I know some Japanese fans prefer Aramaki, but I love Hiramaki in this role and I hope he knows he’s appreciated.

As more detail from the end, Tomita, for his part, showed me some of the hand movements for choubuku. I think all of them also thanked me for coming, and all in all where super nice through everything.

There. I’m a bit amazed I got through this all in Japanese, and at the same time regretting I’m not better already so I could have talked with them more and in more complex sentences. But most of all, I’m beyond grateful for this chance to have met and talked with them. They were so pleasant, and the atmosphere was so welcoming. This has definitely come one of my absolute top Mirage experiences, and I’m so happy for myself and the other fans who participated that we had this chance to get such a personal moment with them.

Another thing that was nice about this event is how the staff also gave me the pictures for Teakini when I explained her situation and showed them her ticket. It was thanks to her that I went to to this event, so I’m glad she will at least get her pictures too!

I’ll stop here. I wish all of you would have had this opportunity as well. I’m glad do still have the last dvd to look forward to together, and lots of Tomita and Hiramaki content to be happy about here.