The Grand Live was held on the first weekend of December at a live venue attached to the Tokyo Race Course.
The timing was deliberate—after the Tokyo event and at the close of the fall GI season. So it gave the project breathing room and a clean stage. The fact that it went from concept to execution in just three months was a testament to Hello's relentless drive.
Participants were paid only a modest amount of pocket money, but they were allowed to stand center stage without conditions. That alone made it worthwhile for most.
Ticket prices were modest too—far lower than Twinkle Series performances. Yet despite the lack of famous horse girls, attendance was strong. The crowd was enthusiastic, and the performers were thrilled.
"But will this make a profit?"
"There's no need to profit from the live itself. The venue's capacity is limited—after all."
That kind of balance—knowing when not to chase profit or when to chase profit—is what makes Hello a talented producer.
"I'm banking on the fan club business. That's where the real potential is."
"Is anyone really going to invest in green fields like that? The returns aren't huge."
Hello's fan club model was bold: sponsor a horse girl before her debut, receive regular updates and exclusive goods. Of course, there's no guarantee she'll win anything. So it's a gamble.
The cost was low, but would people bite? Still Hello was confident.
I was planning to offer a membership myself, but I'd already made it clear I wasn't sure I'd make my makeup debut. I doubted anyone would join—except maybe my parents. But even they wouldn't be enough to sustain a fan club.
"There are plenty of people who want to support someone. You just need to appeal."
"I can't do that."
I had purple hair, was the smallest of the bunch, and I was a certified trainer. That made me look cocky, not charming. I didn't expect anyone to want to "support" me.
Rice-chan and Thank You-san, though—they'd draw fans. At least that much was certain.
"Alright, Viola. Time for a spirited greeting from all the performers."
"What? Me? Isn't this Hello's job?"
"Viola's better at it."
"Noo…"
I was pushed onto the stage. All I could manage was a simple, "Let's do our best!"
But everyone cheered. They wanted to do their best.
And maybe that was enough.
The lights dimmed. The crowd buzzed with anticipation.
The Grand Live was finally about to begin.