“ Hello friends. Although it’s not my all time favorite, it could very well be the most significant song in my life. Tokoshieni is the 4th song on SOFTBALL’s warawabe single and the reason I began my solo studies of Japanese in 9th grade. I stumbled upon this live performance today on youtube and was on the verge of tears – this band alone helped me through one of the hardest time in my life. You remember in the purpose section when I wrote “”I was listening to Japanese punk music.”" ? Yea, that was SOFTBALL. The audio quality is low and thus the all essential base is nearly non-existent. Furthermore, I realize this, for a lot of people, may be difficult to appreciate. But unlike before, I’m not going hide my love for this band. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t listen to SOFTBALL for months on end, 5 years ago.
I followed a trail of hyperlinks and eventually found the homepage of AKIAKANE, the new band founded by ex-SOFTBALL vocalist, Moe. I ended up writing her a 3 page e-mail explaining how much this band has changed my life. I’d post it here, but I wrote it in Japanese, and something very deep inside of me doesn’t want to translate it. I will however, leave you with a single quote.
“”Before revising my website, I never anticipated receiving e-mails from people all over the world, thanking me for standing up for my interest in Japan. I feel blessed to be able to give people the confidence I used to desperately need. Back then I wanted to cry out of a stark loneliness. But I never did – thanks to your music. And now, I desperately want to cry, but out of an inexpressible joy. And now I can, because I’m still here – thanks to your music.”"
So before you make a snide comment about ‘lack of musical quality or talent’ in the video you’ve just watched, realize you wouldn’t be reading this if it wasn’t for that song.
sankyu.”