We received a self-introduction and message from Mio, who will be joining us as a guest artist for the Super Duo 2024 evening performance.
For more than 5 years after I moved to the UK, I barely touched a computer. Later, when I started taking an interest in the harmonica scene back in Japan and searched online, I came across a photo celebrating Mio's CD release.
What’s more, it was released by FONEC—the very same record company I used to work with—so I instantly felt a warm sense of connection to her!
A few years later, when we met (I thought it was our very first time meeting), I was completely shocked to learn that she had actually heard my performance before!
~ A Message from Mio ~
I perform at Ryogoku Monten Hall every year for concerts, and I had the wonderful opportunity to play there again this past May.
Looking back, even before the venue relocated to Ryogoku—back when it was the "Monnaka Tenjo Hall" in Monzen-nakacho—I used to record my competition application entries there.I even went to watch Shima’s concert there once.
Because of all these memories, being able to stand on the exact same stage with Shima at Monten Hall fills me with deep emotion that is hard to describe.
I was asked to share a message that gives a sense of who I am, though I don’t consider myself anyone particularly special to talk about!
Instead, I’d like to share a few traits from Getters Iida’s Five-Star Three-Heart fortune telling that I personally felt were totally spot-on:
"Not great in group settings"… I'm really not suited for structured organizational activities."Often perceived as hard to approach"… I get told this quite a lot! "Prefers the shade"… I dislike hot and bright weather, and I’m definitely a night owl.
Apparently, I also have a star that means "clinging to nostalgia." That actually rings true! Recently, my university club (Harmonica Society) friends reunited after several decades. I am so overjoyed that we get to perform together at the "95th Anniversary Concert" (Free Admission) held at Nerima Culture Center Main Hall on Sunday, October 13, starting at 12:30 PM.
I’ve been happily volunteering to help prepare for it!Also, I supposedly have a star for being "stubborn and sticking to things once decided." Thinking back on what I’ve stubbornly stuck with, my career as a chromatic harmonica instructor—which I started when returning to work after childbirth—has already passed the 10-year mark!
The annual "Chromatic Harmonica Concert" that I host with my students is celebrating its 8th edition this year. It will be held at the Musa Kawasaki Symphony Hall Civic Exchange Room on the afternoon of Sunday, October 20 (Free Admission).
Finally, looking at my career fortune for August 2024, it says: "Approach your work with the intention of giving it everything you’ve got." This must surely be referring to my guest appearance at "Super Duo 2024"!
Though I'm a bit concerned about the star that says "one step behind the beat," of course I plan to give it my absolute all. Knowing I have a star that says "you will thrive by leveraging your ideas and artistic talent" is my biggest source of encouragement!
