Even in Japan, very few music lovers know Tomoko Shimasaki. She couldn't afford a hotel, so when she came to Toyama, I put her up and drove her to her venues in Kanazawa, Takaoka, and Toyama. I'm a fan of hers, but you could call our connection a friendship. Actually, her way of communicating is a bit unusual, and I always end up talking with her about things I've barely shared even with my closest friends. She's also one of the few people who's ever hugged me. The Japanese aren't huggers, but she is. Her piano and vocals are raw and delicate, and she's raw and delicate even when she isn't singing or playing.

Last Thursday, I saw her live for the first time in a while. It was a double-bill show with Isao Tsukamoto, a truly skilled and talented guitarist. They also performed duets together, and it was magical. I was so excited and when I left the venue, Tomoko introduced me to Isao Tsukamoto and said "She plays the guitar with a lot of taste." I was surprised that she had watched the videos on my YouTube channel. She's not famous and highly underrated, but truly one of the greatest musicians in Japan. So I was honored but also felt a bit overwhelmed. I had sometimes commented on her YouTube channel under my account, so I knew she could find mine if she wanted to, but I never imagined she would be interested in an amateur's channel.

However, her words made me reflect on how I approach the guitar. She told me that Isao Tsukamoto offers guitar lessons, and I'm thinking of taking them. I don't need to compare myself to others, but as long as I'm playing the guitar, I want to make the most of it in my own way. The same goes for learning English.

If you're interested, please check out this live performance of one of my favorites:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeXPLaK3R7E&t=593s

I love you

あなたの虜

I love you

理想の人

I love you

拗ねたりしない

I love you

あなたにだけは

言葉の意味も溶けて消えそうになる

その前にあてはめるなら

愛してる

I love you

優しいあなた

I love you

賢い人

I love you

少し怖い

I love you

逃げ出したい

心の鍵が溶けて使えなくなって

今ここに胸にあるのは

愛してる

愛してる