Starting on September 10th, I returned to my hometown of Miyazaki for about 10 days!
During that time, I had concerts almost every day, so time flew by, and before I knew it, it was the last day (lol). Since it's a special occasion, I'd like to pick out a few particularly memorable performances and leave my thoughts here!
September 15 (Sunday) 13:30 - 14:00 & 15:00 - 15:30
Venue: Machinaka Plaza (Miyakonojo)
Admission: Free
Web: https://www.machidukuri-miyakonojo-city.jp/category/hiroba/
With: TOKO BIG BAND
This event was a live performance with the students from my alma mater, the TOKO BIG BAND, whom I had the pleasure of joining once again. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Kai, the band’s director, they organized it under the title “
September 16 (Monday) 11:40 - 12:00
Venue: District 1 Branch (Mimata Town)
Admission: Free
Web: https://www.town.mimata.lg.jp/
With: Mokuyou Kusuhara (Melodica)
This performance was a last-minute one I got to participate in. The story goes, I casually mentioned to my friend Mokuyou that I was back home and asked if we could get together to play some music, and it just so happened that there was this performance, so he invited me to join. Mokuyou is a professional musician who had been active in Tokyo for many years but recently relocated to his hometown of Mimata to continue his music career. I've always wanted to perform with him, so the timing was perfect!
It was a short 20-minute performance for the Senior Citizens' Association, but playing as a duo turned out to be far more exciting than expected! We received very positive feedback from the town mayor and the audience, which was so gratifying as performers. I definitely want to collaborate with Mokuyou whenever I return home!
September 16 (Monday) 18:00 - 19:30
Venue: Ameiro Café (Miyazaki City)
Admission: ¥2,000 + 1 order
Web: https://ameirocafe.owst.jp/
With: Yusuke Yanagida (Guitar)
This performance was at a café managed by Jitojyo-kun, a fellow from my hometown. Ameiro Café is well-known in Miyazaki, and it’s always packed during lunchtime. Many of my acquaintances have been there for meals, and they all say the food is delicious! I visited the café for the first time the day I arrived in Miyazaki, and I could see why it's so popular—the atmosphere is beautifully organized and inviting.
On the day of the performance, many of my junior high school classmates came, so it turned into a mini-reunion (lol). The venue was thoughtfully arranged to make it easier for the audience to enjoy the performance. I’m already looking forward to playing at this café again! Many thanks to the staff for their hard work in preparing everything amidst their busy schedule! <(_ _)>
September 21 (Saturday) 19:30 - 21:00
Venue: Dazzle Café (Mimata Town)
Admission: ¥2,500 + 2 orders
Web: https://www.facebook.com/dazzlecafe/
With: Yusuke Yanagida (Guitar), Yota Sakamoto (Double Bass), Katsunari Furuichi (Drums)
The final day of my trip home was a live performance in my hometown, Mimata! We had a total of about 40 guests come to the show!
Performing as a quartet definitely brought an extra level of intensity, and it seemed like the audience really enjoyed themselves! In the second half of the set, we had a special guest—Mokuyou Kusuhara on melodica—join us.
We chose songs that would suit the melodica, such as "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and "Les Champs-Élysées." As a result, the audience got really excited, making it a truly fantastic live performance! I can’t wait to perform again at the wonderful Dazzle Café next time I return home! I want to continue using the power of music to bring more energy to Mimata Town!
That’s a brief report on the live performances during my time back home. I’m determined to keep improving and deliver even better performances next time I return to my hometown! I’ll keep pushing myself and giving it my all!!!
