Today, I would like to introduce our other special guest, Hiromi Terasawa.
I first met Hiromi in the winter of 2022, right at the end of the year, when I was planning a showcase to resume my performing activities in Japan after a long hiatus.
Miss. S from Moridaira Musical Instruments, who provided the venue for the performance, told me, "Someone heard you are holding a showcase and said she would love to come..."
Not only did I reply, "Of course, she is more than welcome!" but I even made a reckless proposal: "In that case, would she like to perform together on the day? Even though we won't be able to rehearse." She graciously said yes!
Thanks to Hiromi getting in touch, my wish of "wanting to try a harmonica ensemble" came true!
~ A Message from Hiromi ~
How I found the harmonica & my performance history
My father, Hiroyoshi (who passed away in 2001), played and taught the tremolo harmonica under Master Shuro Sato. So, for as long as I can remember, my life has been filled with music. However, to me, the harmonica belonged to my father, and I never thought for a moment that I would pursue it as a profession.
Around that time, I heard about a young, lovely lady named Shima Kobayashi who played the harmonica. What’s more, she was a world champion! So I went to hear her perform. It was a complete shock!
After entering university, I joined a club called the Harmonica Society. At the same time, I studied chromatic harmonica under Ms. Naoko Takeuchi. During my third year of university, my father passed away from cancer, so I taught myself the tremolo harmonica. Six months later, I entered the Tremolo Solo category at the World Competition for the first time and won first place!
Since then, through many twists and turns, struggles, and hard work, I have continued my dual-style playing of both the chromatic and tremolo harmonica.
Current Projects & Upcoming Concerts
I appear on "Onna Sakaba Horoki" (Women's Bar Wandering), which airs every Friday night at 11:00 PM on BS-TBS.
On Being a Guest Artist at SuperDuo 2024
At the end of the year before last, I attended Shima’s party and had the wonderful opportunity to perform as a trio alongside Mio.
I never imagined such a thing could happen, and I can still feel my heart racing from that excitement today.If I could speak to my past self sitting in the audience on the day I first saw Shima perform, I would simply say: "Thank you for not giving up and for pushing through."
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to remember the pure joy of playing in a harmonica ensemble.
Hobbies & FavoritesHobbies:
Noh & Kyogen theater, Kabuki, Rakugo (traditional storytelling), listening to music, tea ceremony, reading, Argentine tango, salsa, driving, and watching F1 racing.
Favorite Actors: Kikugoro Onoe VII, Kotaro Satomi, and Min Tanaka.
Favorite Sumo Wrestlers: Kotozakura and Tobizaru.
Favorite Foods: Firm/classic custard pudding and shrimp.
