Dear Shonen Knife Fans!
Here is my review of Shonen Knife activities and shows in Japan, during Year 2006. I hope you will enjoy learning about their year in music here and the news about the band from my visits to their shows during this time. Shonen Knife are greatly respected here and their shows are enthusiastically received. Here are special moments from some of their activities & performances in Year 2006:
Date: December 25, 2006:
Hi, Shonen Knife Fans!: Here is Ritsuko's photo from her blog. Ritsuko is wearing the orange color outfit like Atsuko from "Happy Hour". And, here is Ritsuko and her Fender "Jazz Bass."
She is looking forward to having her profile (see below 12/20/06) on the NeXuS! Naoko is happy because Etsuko and Ritsuko have good character and work very well together.
I will meet Shonen Knife on March 24 for the first Tokyo gig in 2007, and will see them in Osaka in January. There will be more news for you here at that date! Thank you!
PLKC Mamiko
Subject: Shonen Knife Shows: "Space Christmas" - Osaka & Nagoya.
Date: December 20, 2006
Merry Christmas, all Shonen Knife Fans!:
I went to the gig of Shonen Knife yesterday. Two "Space Christmas" shows, Osaka and Nagoya! In Osaka, "Eastern Youth" was guest band. But, Nagoya was the reverse: "Eastern Youth" was host and Shonen Knife was guest. So, it was a little shorter in Osaka than Nagoya.
Do you remember their stage clothes of "Happy Hour"? Naoko was wearing shocking pink color. Ritsuko wore Atsuko's orange color, and
Etsuko was in new light blue clothes. I like those colors!! I couldn't take a photo of Ritsuko and her bass, because I forgot to take the camera. :(
That day was next day of Naoko's birthday. I presented to Naoko at their dressing room the "High Fidelity" DVD (starring John Cusack and Jack Black) and Chocolate box. I said to her "I know you love movie of "School of Rock", so I am sure you like this movie, too. Jack Black performs! It is for the music OTAKU."
They performed "Herbs". "Herbs" makes me recall Mana. She loved "Herbs" very much. I thought in the mind. "Hey, Mana! Do you hear it?"
"Herbs" has a wonderful bassline. Support bassist Ritsuko perfectly performs most tunes. But, she has not perfectly learned all of Atsuko's basslines yet. Ritsuko has practiced a lot of their repertoire in several months. She has her own band "ELECTRIC CANDY" - they released CD in the autumn of this year and had a lot of gigs. Her band comes to Yokohama every month.
Ritsuko is amazing! She is huge Shonen Knife fan even when she was high shool student (12 years ago)! She had been to the gig of the original Shonen Knife in those days. Ritsuko said on her blog, "I have passed Michie-san a demo tape of my band. I asked Naoko-san did you remember my tape? Naoko-san said to me "I don't know!" *smile* But, it was long time ago!"
In learning Shonen Knife songs, even Mana made me a little worry. But, Shonen Knife drummer Etsuko doesn't do a big mistake. She is a professional. "Herbs" as they performed live on yesterday recalled original Shonen Knife!
In their history, Michie was original bassist of Shonen Knife. Atsuko switched from the Drum to the Bass, when Michie retired. Ritsuko is first as a guitarist - Bass is part-time job for her.
Ahhh, Poor Bass!!!! :)
Here is Ritsuko's profile.
Name: Ritsuko Taneda
Birthday: July 21
She has four younger brothers. 4! Wow!!
*favorite music/ Oldies, Britishpop
*favorite food/ cream puff, custard pudding, cheesecake, icecream,
sweet bean paste parfait, kiwifruit,avocado, natto with kimchee,
spaghetti, pizza, Japanese noodle UDON.
*don't like food/ liver
*favorite drink/beer, white wine
*favorite musicians/ Beatles, Zombies, Kinks, Yardbirds, Sheryl Crow, Lisa Loeb, Michelle Branch
*Person who respects/ Naoko Yamano
*My type of ideal/ Elvis Presley
*My specialty:/to cook, I am a Dietitian!
*My hobby;/eating and walking, go to net cafe
*My instrument/ Guitar: GIBSON Les Paul Chet Atkins Model
Bass - Fender Jazz Bass
Sequencer- YAMAHAQY70
Subject: Miyako Music Festival.
Date: December 12, 2006 4:44 AM
Hi, Shonen Knife Fans:
I went Miyako music fastival at Club Citta Kawasaki last Tuesday.
Shonen Knife performed here. Also, I will meet them Space X'mas show next Tuesday at Club Quattro in Tokyo. Shonen Knife will perform for "Count Down Japan" in December 31, too. But, I don't go there. I have been to that event in last year, but always so tired from the travel! It's too far, and expensive ticket. It takes two hours (one way) by train.
They had a lot gigs this year in Japan! It is the most ever as long as I know. That was good for them. They got a lot of new fans! :)
Shonen Knife will release a new CD next year, and maybe they have US or UK tour, too!
I will send Ritsuko's profile and photo (with her bass) next email. She loves English very much. Ritsuko says: "I like writing and reading, but not good at speaking and hearing."
Hey! Don' mind Ritsuko. Me, too. :)
Cold season coming, take care everyone! For me, I don't need October, November, December, January, February, March and April. My dream is only July, August, August,August, August, August......
Mamiko
Subject: Special Memorial: Anniversary of Mana's death.
Date: November 6, 2006 - 11:07 AM
For all Shonen Knife Fans. The one-year Memorial for Mana Nishiura.
I have gone to Kyoto by bus for the anniversary of Mana's death. It tooks around 8 hour and 30 minutes!!! 10:30 a.m. departure from Yokohama and arrival in Kyoto at 6:00 p.m. It is 12,000 yen ($100 more) in one way to Kyoto by Shinkansen train, but Bus ticket was only 5,700 yen ($55).
I arrived at Club at pm 7:00. Kana kept my seat. I met Naoko but Atsushi was absence, because daughter Emma had a fever last night,
so he had to care for her. They had planned to do a folk duo together for the memorial tribute. I ask Naoko, "I am sorry I can't see you and
Atsushi's folk duo. What do you perform today?" Naoko said "I will perform Shonen Knife alone." This was exciting! No one has seen it ever! It was first time. It was her usual performance, not acoustic!
If Etsuko and Ritsuko were in there, it would be Shonen Knife.
Naoko performed Mana's favorite songs "Herbs" and "Spider House", in which Mana's idea was useful. She told a lot of memories of Mana on the stage. Seiichi Yamamoto (Mana' friend) and me was surprised and hardly believe it! Naoko has not told Mana's story so far when Shonen Knife did their gig. This day, was almost all special people - Mana's friends only. So she talked for them, I think. The small club was full of 85 people, Seiichi told me after.
Mana's No.1 friend girl called "Non-chan", who her first band "Jesus Fever" leader, she gave a message as a friend representative during Mana's funeral last year. She also sang this night. I told her my mysterious amazing experience, about my dream and how I took Mana's luggage home to Japan from the U.S. this past January. She big cried and said to me "Thank you." again and again. Also I showed Mana's last photo with our friend, Frank. "Here, Mana is waving to you and all her friends - it's not only me. I also want you to have this photo. You are best friend of Mana." Non-chan received that photo.
Kana {Mana's sister) and I went to Seiichi's house by taxi with Seiichi 2:30 a.m., on Nov 5. We returned holding a lot of flowers gotten from the guests. His house always tidy and ckean up I think. I have been to his house, one time in Osaka when I take Mana's luggage in January
and during April visit in Kyoto for her memorial gig.
Seiichi, Kana and I had spend the night with a lot of talk, about Shonen Knife, Japanese music scene. I liked his world tour story, it was very funny and interesting.
7:45 a.m. - We three went to Osaka by taxi and train. Sheiichi was sleeping on the train. Kana and I was chatting all time.
9:00 a.m. - We arrived at Tamazukuri church that had the funeral for her of last year. Of cause, Mass was not for Mana that day, it was usual Mass, but that day was a special day for the Catholic. It was a Mass done once a year for the deceased. Kana and I cried because we remembered last year's funeral. This place is painful for me. I never come here. Kana told me "I am happy you spend with me yesterday night. Spending with the parents was painful for me."
That's all for this memorial report. After that trip, I stayed in my brothers house and I ate a lot of food and slept deeply. Eating and sleeping always makes me happy and fine again.
George Ojisan's spirit was in Japan with us!
Mamiko
Subject: New Shonen Knife Gigs, and photo!
Date: August 28, 2006 9:58 AM
Hello, Shonen Knife Fans!
News: Shonen Knife will has two gigs on September and October:
Sep 21. Umeda Shangri-La, OSAKA
ROCK'N ROLL BOYS AND GIRLS MEETING
open 18:30 / start 19:00
adv: Y2,000/ door: Y2,500
dogro magazine
Oct 6. Umeda Shangri-La, OSAKA
TIMELESS MELODY VOL.2
open 18:00 / start 19:00
adv:Y3,000/door:Y3,500
Shangri-La
Interesting fact: Now Gasoline is 140 yen *a liter* in Japan.
1 gallon= 3.8 liters, so 1 gallon is 532 yen.
1 dollar= 117 yen, so 1 gallon is $4.50
Is it more expensive than the US?
My friend gave me the bucket pudding in Aug 4th.
It is the biggest pudding that I have eaten ever. I was so happy. :)
I love custard pudding. :)
Mamiko
Update: Fuji Rock - special appearance.
Date: July 29, 2006 - 7:43 AM
Shonen Knife performed at the festival on the previous night of Fuji Rock Festival!
They were a *secret guest*! It was not published even on the official site.
(2006.07.26 /RED MARQUEE)
Here are photos:
The bassist is Ritsuko who performed at Mana's memorial Frog Meeting in April.
There isn't anything yet about their next US tour...
Mamiko!
Report: "Golden Best" CD Release.
Date: July 10, 2006 - 11:32 AM
Hello, again!
I forgot to write an important thing my last report.
A new CD of Shonen Knife music is "Golden Best" - it is released July 5th in Japan.
I got it at the Tower Record in Shinjyuku instore event on July 7th.
Overseas fans can buy CD by the fixed price with these websites:
CD Japan:
CD Japan
CD Japan -shonen knife
SK CD Japan
HMV Japan
HMV Japan.
HMV Japan -shonen knife
HMV Japan - SK.
Here is more about Shonen Knife "Golden Best" CD:!
Shonen Knife Golden Best
Golden Best.
SK Golden Best.
Y: 2,980
2006/07/05 release
2 CDs
Polydor : UPCY-6157
6 Record company collaboration: (Sony Music, Toshiba EMI, BMG Japan, Tokuma Japan, Forlife Music and Nippon Crown).
The music on the 2 CDs was personally selected by Shonen Knife, themselves.
The fans are now premised to know Atsuko resigns, because of her marriage. OK?
I am knowing them now, at their 25th anniversary, from 14 years and more. I became their fan in 1992.
The biggest happening in this time so far, is Michie retired from the band. This year in May, Etsuko became formal member of Shonen Knife!
But, it was short pleasure - soon, Atsuko will have left from Shonen Knife. For me, it is a big shock that is more than Michie leave the band! We miss her, but we hope for her happiness.
I never forget drummer and bassist Atsuko! The possibility that she performs is not 0%, I believe. I will continue to support Naoko and Shonen Knife!
Hey, Shonen Knife played Rolling Stones's cover "Satisfaction"!!!
This tune might be performed next U.S. tour?? I hope so. Of course, the hall for the "712 Day" Show was full. Shonen Knife got a lot of new fan by new CD's "Live in Osaka", "Tribute"
and "Golden Best".
Here is the Setlist:
1. Konnichiwa, 2.SPAM, 3.Girls Rock, 4. A Map Mast, 5. Flying Jelly Attack, 6. Concrete Animals, 7. Brown Mushrooms, 8. Mysterious Drug Stor, 9. Spider House, 10. Insect Collector, 11. Like a Salmon, 12. Crossword, 13. E.S.P., 14. Rock Society, 15. Cookie Da, 16. Rubber Band, 17. Banana Chips, 18. Explosion!, 19. Riding On The Rocket.
Encore: 20.Satisfaction, 21. Cobra vs Mongoose.
Encore 2: 22.Elmer Elevator.
Shonen Knife Japan Correspondent,
Mamiko
Update: Shonen Knife Live - July 7 and 8 shows.
Date: Jul 10, 2006 2:07 AM
First, Shonen Knife information here:
JAPAN TIMES
Shonen Knife cuts the cake
The most famous Japanese band in the world turns 25
Shonen Knife is 25.
I met Shonen Knife at instore event on July 7th and 712 Day show on the 8th. The 712 day show was one of the best shows I have seen ever!
First, Here is an announcement from Atsuko on their web:
Atsuko announcement.
Here is that copy:
Atsuko:
How is everyone doing?
I want to tell you that I got married on March 25th at Sumiyoshi Shrine in Osaka.
We had a beautiful wedding. My husband and I both wore Kimono.
Now my husband Jerry and I are living in Los Angeles. We are having a great time.
Naoko wants to play many shows in Japan and other places.
But it's difficult for me to go back and forth to Japan to play all the shows. So she has hired another bass player.
I will miss playing those Shonen Knife shows.
Because 'Shonen Knife rocks!'
Look for a new message from me in the future.
talk to you soon!
Atsuko
Mamiko again,
July 7th: Shonen Knife at Tower Records Shijyuku:
The event was full! Etsuko played the maraca and the tambourine, Naoko and Atsuko played regular guitar and bass. They performed 6 songs. Then they signed the fan items of about 150 people. The recent Tribute CD seems to sell good. of cause, like in Osaka,too! I am sure that Shonen Knife got many new fans this night.
July 8th. "712 Day" show.
A lot of fans knew that this was the last show of Atsuko in Tokyo on their website. They said on the stage:
Atsuko: I married American in the end of March, I live in LA now.
BUT, I do not want to leave Shonen Knife. I have been doing this for 25 years!!!
Naoko: The support bassist performs in some rock festival in August.
We are looking for a new bassist. But, Atsuko often comes back to Japan. The possibility that she performs is not 0%. I should buy the airline ticket for her!
So, Shonen Knife continue to Rock and Atsuko has a happy new life. It is all a new time, but good change for each of them and the fans. Wonderful things come without fail.
Here is Shonen Knife new live schedule for August 2006:
(Some are not near to me, so I cannot go anywhere too far!!!)
August 4 Friday:
ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL
August Schedule.
Augsut 13 Sunday:
SUMMER SONIC@OSAKA
AQUA STAGE
Summer Sonic.
other bands: METALLICA, DAFT PUNK, THE FLAMING LIPS etc.
Augsut 23 Wednesday:
Star-Club - Kobe, Hyogo
with/ Eastern Youth
SK @ Star Club.
open/18:30. start/19:00.
advance: \2800. door: \3200.
They will have four live shows in August.
One of the remainder has not been announced yet.
Mamiko
Report: Etsuko became a formal member!
Date: May 14, 2006 - 2:04 AM
Hi, Shonen Knife fans & friends!
Report: Two Shonen Knife CD - new release information.
Date: April 29, 2006 - 8:42 AM
Here is new Shonen Knife CD release information.
I can't wait to hear them!
No.1
"SHONEN KNIFE: Live in Osaka"
P-Vine Records: PCD-25044
release: June 16
2,625 yen (with tax)
Recording at Fandango OSAKA in December 17, 2005
1 bonus track; Live at 712 day party in 2004 that Mana plays.
No.2
"V.A.: A Tribute to Shonen Knife - Fork and Spoon"
P-Vine Records: PCD-25043
release: June 16
2,625 yen (with tax)
TRACKLIST for "Fork & Spoon":
1. Elmer Elevator (Basement Tape) / Hiroto Komoto (ex-High-Lows)
2. Riding On The Rocket / bloodthirsty butchers
3. Secret Dance / Masatoshi Mashima (ex-High-Lows)
4. Concrete Animals / Eastern youth
5. Burning Farm / Zooboms
6. tortoise brand pot cleaner's theme / Kazumi Nikaidoh
7. Elmer Elevator / Hiroto Komoto (ex-High-Lows)
8. Insect Collector / Seiichi Yamamoto
also:
ESP / BEAT CRUSADERS
DMBQ / TBA
Mo'some Tonebender / TBA
I am happy for "Live at 712 Day Party" in 2004 that Mana plays!
All musicians of Tribute are known well in Japan. This will bring good sales. "The High-Lows", verrrrry popular band here, but they are stopping the band from this year.
Shonen Knife expert,
Mamiko
Report: Shonen Knife "ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL".
Date: April 24, 2006 - 6:39 AM
Hi, Shonen Knife Fans:
Shonen Knife will play at "ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2006" on August 4th, Friday. It will be held from August 4th to 6th at National Hitachinaka Kaihin Park.
Rock In Japan.
open 9:00 / start 10:30
one day ticket \10,500 Japanese band only.
PUFFY also performs on the same day as Shonen Knife.
August 4th is my birthday. It is the first time that my birthday and live show of Shonen Knife are the same days, after I become a fan.
But, I will not go to it. Because I can't - long drive for the car, it is too far there. :(
I feel further to there, than to the US for me!
Here is Genki-Shock review in US.
Pitchfork Media
Genki-Shock.
Dutiful Shonen Knife Reporter,
Mamiko
Report: With A Little Help From My Friends
Date: April 20, 2006 - 7:18 AM
I am very happy for the release soon of new Shonen Knife Live CD.
Next, I hope their "The Best of Shonen Knife" to be released.
Some CDs of Shonen Knife are tough to get here in Japan, now. Being able to buy in Japan now, are only these CDs:
*Genki Shock!
*Heavy Songs
*Candy Rock
*Millennium Edition
*Happy Hour
*Let's Knife [import]
*The Birds & The B-Sides [import]
*Burning Farm [Remaster/import]
*Yama No Attchan [Remaster/import]
*Pretty Little Baka Guy [Remaster/import]
*712 [Remaster/import]
Brand New Knife, Rock Animals, etc ....used shop or auction only.
A new fan asks it on their BBS:
"Which CD should I buy first? Which do you recommend?"
I answer: "There is a great tunes in the "Live" CD, I will recommend it to a new fan.
Because? Shonen Knife IS live band!
George Ojisan wrote to me: "Please say "hello" to Etsuko for me... when you next email to her. She is a "cool girl" and a fine musician... I am happy that she is with Shonen Knife - they are powerful together.
I emailed it of her. It made Etsuko pleased.
Great Shonen Knife history in this English site:
Shonen Knife History.
Also, here is site with Naoko comments:
Naoko Interview.
Naoko says on that site:
"Maybe Shonen Knife will get a platinum disc, and I'll be a billionaire and retire," says Naoko. "We'll just keep going until we get a platinum
disc -- we'll be like the Rolling Stones! I think if a person has good health and wants to keep playing, they should. That's when I'm happy, when I'm playing on stage and making people have fun. For me, every show is my most exciting and memorable experience. Twenty-five years from now, if I'm still alive and Shonen Knife still doesn't have a platinum disc, I'll still be playing rock on stage!"
I wish Shonen Knife don't get a platinum disc! hehe. Then, they will keep playing! I will support them as long as I am alive.
New support bass player Ritsuko is not a bassist. She is guitarist!
Ritsuko's band is called "KEIHAN-GIRL", they used to be Shonen Knife's opening act, in three years ago. I have seen them back then. She practiced the bass for Shonen Knife's help. I wonder: there is no female bassist in Osaka?? But, Ritsuko helps twice only. Atsuko returns. Ritsuko was new with them and make some miskates, but not bad. She was playing very happily.
That's made us happy. She was "Shonen Knife" on the stage!
Kappa-EXpress Reporter,
Mamiko
Report: Cherry blossoms and Shonen Knife information
Date: April 1, 2006 - 4:00 AM
Here is Shonen Knife new information.
These live informations are published in their official site and
CD and DVD informations are from magazine site. So, these are real!
Shonen Knife LIVE Schedule:
*April 9th at Seibu-Kodo Kyoto University
open 13:00 / start 14:00
charge \2,000
info: NISHIKI-YA
Kyoto Show.
*April 16th OSAKA, Namba Bears
BEARS 19TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!!!
open 18:30 / start 19:00
adv \2,000 : door \2,500.
*June 16th - Tribute CD for Shonen Knife
A lot of Japanese bands perform Shonen Knife tunes.
*Jun 16th - Shonen Knife Live CD
Recorded at "Fandango", OSAKA in 2005 Space Xmas Show
*July 8th Tokyo, Shibuya Club Quattro
712 DAY PARTY 2006
open 17:00 / start 18:00
4,500YEN (adv.with 1drink)
Guest: The Posies
The Posies.
info : SMASH 03-3444-6751
Smash Ticket Info.
adv release date: Apr.22 (sat) 10:00
Ticket PIA (P : 225-923) 0570-02-9966
LAWSON Ticket (L : 34952) 0570-084-003
CN PLAY GUIDE 0570-08-9999
*July 9th Osaka, Shinsaibahi Club Quattro
712 DAY PARTY 2006
open 17:00 / start 18:00
4,500YEN (adv. with 1 drink)
Shinsaibashi CLUB QUATTRO 15th Anniversary
Guest: The Posies
The Posies.
info : SMASH WEST 06-6535-5569
Smash Ticket Info.
adv release date : Apr.22 (sat) 10:00
Ticket PIA (P : 225-738) 0570-02-9966
LAWSON Ticket (L : 57881) 0570-084-005
TIME BOMB RECORDS 06-6213-5079
I can't wait everything!!!
My favorite Baseball!
Do you know Japan has done very good with the World Baseball classic?
I am so happy that Japan got World Baseball Classic first champion.
America was looking down on South Korea and Japan. But, America will challenge seriously next time. Major League U.S. was a longing for the Japanese baseball player long time. Japan need not go to Major League any longer because it is strong!
Baseball of the Central League of Japan started from yesterday. Mana's "Hanshin Tigers" and my "Hiroshima Carp" are Central League. (I told my victory expectation team to Mana's photo.) Tigers that Mana had loved won the Central League championship last year. But, Tigers will not win the championship this year. She is sure also to think so!!!
Yesterday night game - Tigers was loss and Carp won. Yeah!!!
Shonen Knife Reporter & Baseball ESP Fan:
Mamiko
Report: FROG MEETING - China/Mana Memorial.
Date: March 15, 2006 - 7:40 AM
CHINA MEMORIAL EVENT - FROG MEETING
at Seibu-Kodoh, Kyoto University
April 9, Sunday
open 13:00 / start 14:00
charge \2,000
Shonen Knife, DMBQ, PARA,limited express has gone, Seiichi Yamamoto, etc.
Of course, I should go there and I will go there. I will make a day trip by long distance late-night bus.
I will request "Herbs" that Mana loved from Naoko and a few songs.
I will have tears if I hear it...
George Ojisan's soul will also come there with me.
Remembering Mana,
Mamiko
Music Report: Amazing Hiromi!
Date: Feb 22, 2006 - 6:51 AM
George Ojisan sent me surprise CD's in the mail! He has become a fan of Jazz piano artist, Hiromi Uehara. When I hear her CDs, now I am a fan, too! Shonen Knife fans know I love their rock style the best... but I also listen to many other styles, including musical theatre, jazz and early pop music.
Her special program will be on air in NHK-BS2. Feb 22. Wow! TONIGHT right now! 23:00 to 0:30. "Cutting edge - Hiromi Uehara Live, Her piano world at which the world amazed."
I am so excited to see! But, now I have flu now. hehehe...
Her piano style is powerful and pretty, too. She can paint a picture in her notes. Especially my favorite songs are: XYZ, Summer Rain, Dancando No Paraiso, Tom and Jerry Show (from CD "Another Mind"),
Desert On The Moon, Green Tea Farm (from CD "Brain"), Spiral, Edge, & Love and Laughter (from CD "Spiral"). She comes from Shizuoka. Shizuoka is the famous place for green tea in Japan. Also, Shizuoka is known for Yamaha instruments head office in there. Yes, Hiromi is a Yamaha girl!
I think that there is her CDs in our friend (New York keyboardist) Frank Perri's home... I think it is too funny: George Ojisan and Frank both love Keiko Matsui, Hiromi Uehara and Shonen Knife!!! :)
Great Music Fan,
Mamiko
Report: February is happy anniversary month
Date: February 8, 2006 - 7:01 AM
Dear Shonen Knife Fans:
There is many happy things about February for me. Here is my "happy" February Report:
February 5: Shonen Knife NeXuS is born in 1996. I contact George Ojisan soon after.
February 8: T-O-D-A-Y! I met Shonen Knife for the first time in 1992! And, it is also my Mom's birthday. It is also first time George Ojisan of Shonen Knife NeXuS sees Shonen Knife in Live show (Roxie in L.A.)
February 22: It is Atsuko's Birthday on this day! Happy Birthday, Att-chan!
Mana's motto was posted to her apartment, here...
"Fear is enchantment.
Time when you confront fear is the best - then you are glory."
Something like that in English...
Mana must have been very worried in her last US tour. But, she might have enjoy it too, because she did not let fear win.
Anyway, in other things:
I had my bicycle stolen today!!!
I bought that bicycle for 500 dollars 2 years and half ago. It is necessary to go to work for me!!! But, I AM NOT ANGRY AT ALL. What a wonder....
Sadness of losing Mana is larger than to lose the bicycle.
I will not become angry no matter what I lose for a while...
My ipod-nano wants to sing in my room. I will buy the speakers so that he may sing loudly.
BOSE Companion 3 Multimedia Speaker System:
BOSE Speaker
Many things to Life, Shonen Knife Fans...
Mamiko
Report: Mana and Friends
Date: January 23, 2006 - 6:47 AM
Here is a brief report of my visit with Mana's family and friends... as we remembered her together.
I went to Osaka by airplane on Sunday with Mana's luggage.
Mr. Shibata (Shonen Knife Manager) picked up me at the airport by car, next we picked up Mana's sister Kana at Shin-Osaka station. We went to Seiichi and Mana's apartment.
Kana and me prayed to Mana's altar (her ash and photo in here).
We opened her luggage and cried. Also, we had a lot of memories.
Kana and me spoke music while seeing my ipod-nano in front of the altar. We had a lot of funny talk, too. That should have made Mana happy.
Seiichi gave me Mana's leather jacket.
He said me "This leather jacket mads me recall Mana of Shonen Knife.
So this is given to you, if you want it." I am so happy that I got it.
Kana and I enjoyed supper before we went to the memorial show at Fandango. We are friends now. :)
"The memory of China_Mana party" at Fandango:
Naoko said to me "Oh, It's Mana's jacket!!!"
Me: Yes! Seiichi gave me." :)
Naoko remembered that.
Here is special photo:
It is Mana's jacket that I wear.
We celebrated her life and her memory, in our hearts.
Mamiko
Report: COUNTDOWN LIVE JAPAN 05-06
Date: January 2, 2006 - 1:40 AM
Happy New Year, Shonen Knife Friends and Fans!!
Here is my first report of the New Year 2006. We look to the future for a great music year for Shonen Knife - the greatest rock band from Japan!
I went "Countdown Japan Live" New Years Eve where performed Shonen Knife, then I went to work on January 1st!! To reach Makuhari Messe it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes from Yokohama by train. It's not close!!
At Makuhari Messe festival site were 3 stages there:
Moon Stage (capacity 2,000)
Galaxy Stage (capacity 10,000)
Earth Stage (capacity 20,000)
There performed 29 bands at the Festival.
19:30 - Shonen Knife at Moon Stage. First, Chairman and Producer Yoichi Shibuya talked: "Shonen Knife were very important band for Japan. Naoko is a genius melody maker."
In their usual gig, we have Naoko's funny talk time, Atsuko sings, and a break time for fan. But, such a big event here don't need break time. Shonen Knife Rocks!!!!
Setlist:
1. Riding On The Rocket
2. SPAM
3. Concrete Animals
4. Sushi Bar
5. A Map Master
6. Orange Sun
7. Explosion!
8. I Wanna Be Sedated
9. Antonio Baka Guy (8.9 with Mr.Hidaka from Beat Crusaders)
22:20 - "Puffy" at Galaxy Stage. I wanted to see them! So happy and lucky!
Do you believe that? I have seen Shonen Knife and Puffy same Live. :)
They sang 7 songs, but I don't know name of one song:
"HiHi Puffy Amiyumi", "That's The Way It Is", "Basket Case" (Green Day), "Into The Breech", "Circuit's Daughter" and "True Asia".
Former manager Page Porazzo said to me in years past "Puffy is Shonen Knife in 90's." He told that to George Ojisan once, and George replied, "No... I think Shonen Knife are Shonen Knife in the '90s - Puffy are Puffy in the 90s!" hehe... but, it was friendly disagreement! :)
It's a pity that they don't make and play the music by themselves, as Shonen Knife do.
It was a great festival and I had a good time there!
More about Mana.
Mana has visited my dream on the Christmas Eve night!!
We were in airplane to oversea and went to walk rice field.
I don't know why go to rice field. I guess that looks like Japanese countryside. But, surely the airplane was international flight.
I don't remember what to have spoken with her. :(
Her friends are making the plan for "The memory of China_Mana party".
No band performance. the drink charges only. DJ: Seiichi Yamamoto.
Osaka 2006. Jan 22nd (Sun), Tokyo Jan 29th (Sun). I will go to it in Tokyo.
25th Anniversary of Shonen Knife this year in 2006. They will be active this year.
I have to save money to see a lot of their gigs!!
Shonen Knife Japan Correspondent,
Mamiko
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