This year marks three decades since I released my first single. Looking back at that young artist, full of dreams and uncertainty, I'm filled with gratitude for this incredible journey. The music industry has transformed completely since 1994, and somehow, I've managed to evolve alongside it.
When I started, CDs were still the primary format, and connecting with international audiences required complex distribution deals and expensive marketing campaigns. Social media didn't exist, and building a fanbase meant playing countless small venues and hoping that word would spread organically.
The Early Years
My first recording session was in a small studio in Shibuya. I remember being terrified but exhilarated, singing into that large microphone while the producer nodded encouragingly behind the glass. The song was "Hajimari" (Beginning), which seems almost prophetic now.
Those early years were challenging but formative. I learned to write songs that came from genuine emotion rather than trying to fit into what I thought the market wanted. Some of my most enduring songs were written during that period of uncertainty and exploration.
Finding My Voice
It took almost a decade to truly find my artistic identity. I experimented with different genres, collaborated with various producers, and made my share of musical mistakes. But each experience taught me something valuable about both music and myself.
The breakthrough came in the early 2000s with the album "Kokoro no Oto" (Sounds of the Heart). For the first time, I felt like I had created something that was authentically me. The response from listeners confirmed that authenticity resonates more than perfection.
Embracing Change
The digital revolution could have ended many careers, but I chose to embrace it. Learning to navigate streaming platforms, social media, and direct fan engagement opened up new creative possibilities. Suddenly, I could reach listeners in countries I'd never visited and receive immediate feedback on new material.
This technological shift also allowed for more experimental music. Without the constraints of physical production costs, I could explore ambient pieces, instrumental tracks, and collaborations that might never have made it onto a traditional album.
International Recognition
One of the most unexpected developments has been the growth of my international audience. What started as a few imported CDs finding their way to overseas listeners has evolved into a global community of fans who connect with the music despite language barriers.
Performing in London, Berlin, and New York has shown me that emotions translate universally. A song about loss, love, or hope can move someone regardless of whether they understand every word.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
As I look toward the future, I'm excited rather than nostalgic. The creative possibilities have never been greater, and my relationship with music continues to deepen. Each album feels like a new beginning rather than another step toward some predetermined ending.
To everyone who has supported this journey – from those who bought my first single to those discovering my music today – thank you. Your enthusiasm and connection to these songs has made this 30-year adventure not just possible, but meaningful.
What's Next
The fourth decade begins with new collaborations, new sounds, and new stories to tell. I'm working on material that builds on everything I've learned while pushing into uncharted territory. Age brings wisdom, but it shouldn't diminish wonder.
Music has been my companion, my teacher, and my gift to the world. Here's to whatever comes next in this ongoing conversation between artist and audience, between heart and song.
A special anniversary collection featuring remastered versions of songs from throughout my career will be announced in early 2025.