Yesterday, the long-awaited Kochikame Memorial Hall Opening Commemoration Event was held, and I had the incredible opportunity to perform on this special day! I feel truly honored to have been part of such a historic moment.
The event featured a wide variety of performances and activities, including street performances, a Japanese taiko drum workshop, stage performances by local elementary and junior high school students from the Kameari area, and even a quiz competition hosted by current University of Tokyo students. The entire venue was filled with energy, and it was wonderful to see people of all ages enjoying themselves.
This time, I had the privilege of participating in a marching performance as a member of Fried Banana Cabin, led by Takashi Nishimura. Our ensemble consisted of a trombone, guitar, tuba, and washboard, and we mainly played New Orleans jazz numbers. We also performed "Katsushika Rhapsody," the beloved opening theme of Kochikame, which was a big hit among the audience. Every time we played it, the crowd cheered with excitement, and I found myself deeply moved by the experience.
One personal takeaway from this performance was that, compared to the other instruments, the guitar’s volume felt relatively low. I’ll need to work on improving this aspect for future performances to ensure a more balanced sound.
Talk Show with Special Guests
On the event’s main stage, a talk show was held featuring a star-studded lineup, including Osamu Akimoto, the original creator of Kochikame. Other notable guests included Kirin’s Kawashima, Magical Lovely’s Crystal Noda, and Impossible’s Hiruchan, making for an exciting and lively atmosphere.
Although I could only catch glimpses from afar between my performances, the event had a warm and welcoming energy, with a huge audience enjoying every moment. In particular, when Akimoto-sensei shared his thoughts on the series and behind-the-scenes stories from Kochikame, the fans listened attentively, hanging onto his every word.
A Memorable Experience
Being part of this amazing event at such a historic milestone—the opening of the Kochikame Memorial Hall—fills me with pride. It was truly an unforgettable experience to share music and joy with so many people who love Kochikame.
I’m inspired to keep practicing diligently so that I can continue participating in wonderful events like this and bring happiness to even more people through music. Looking forward to the next opportunity!
