Last summer's performance at The Cavendish Arms in London was a dream come true. Standing on that small stage, feeling the energy from the audience who had traveled from various parts of Europe to be there, was incredibly moving. The intimacy of the venue allowed for a connection that larger stages sometimes can't provide.
What struck me most was hearing people sing along to songs in Japanese. Music truly is a universal language. After the show, I spent hours talking with fans, hearing their stories about how they discovered my music. Many had been following my work since the 90s through imported CDs and early internet forums.
The Magic of Small Venues
There's something special about performing in intimate spaces like The Cavendish Arms. The closeness allows for a different kind of energy exchange between artist and audience. I could see individual faces, notice when someone was particularly moved by a certain song, and feel the collective breath of the room during quieter moments.
During "Shikkaku," I noticed a young woman in the front row singing every word in perfect Japanese. Later, I learned she had been studying Japanese for years specifically to understand my lyrics. These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.
Cultural Bridges Through Music
The London show reinforced my belief that music transcends language barriers. While I sing primarily in Japanese, the emotions and stories in my songs seem to resonate with people regardless of their linguistic background. It's fascinating to watch how melody and rhythm can communicate what words sometimes cannot.
After the performance, I was approached by fans from Germany, France, Italy, and even as far as Finland. Each had their own story of how they discovered my music, often through chance encounters or recommendations from friends. The internet has truly made the world smaller for independent artists like myself.
Looking Forward
This experience has reinforced my desire to bring my music to more international audiences. We're already planning more European dates for later this year, including some cities I've never visited before. The challenge is always balancing intimate venues with the practical needs of touring.
Until then, I carry the warmth of that London night with me. It serves as a reminder that music is ultimately about human connection, and those connections can form anywhere in the world when the conditions are right.
The next European tour dates will be announced soon. Follow us on social media for the latest updates.