Toe is a Japanese post-rock band whose name is typically written in lowercase. I'm not sure how to write their name in English as the first word in a sentence, but I did capitalize it in the first sentence. Anyway, they're one of the most well-known Japanese bands outside of Japan. That's because of their outstanding performances and music, of course, but it's also because most of their pieces are instrumental. In general, Japanese artists who write lyrics in Japanese struggle to gain international recognition.

Here's a trailer for the DVD 8 Days featuring a live performance during their European tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpC50Xe6ew0

This trailer showed me how their music is received in Europe, which was very interesting. I'm going to share some words from two fans in Paris that really struck a chord with me.

Even in French, I don't know what to say to express my feelings when I listen to it.

I know tonight would be a good night for me. I really love them for many many many reasons and they have been with me for a long time through some hard times, and I have a strong relationship with this band today.

Sometimes music speaks to us in a way that words cannot. Thinking about what music has given me nearly made me cry. I haven't seen them live since the pandemic. I'm going to see them at least once this year.