Ichiko`s Concert final

Phew.

It has been a while but I have not forgotten about Ichiko’s Sydney concert.

I went to Coohchiemudlo island a couple of weeks ago and it took me back to where it all started!

Anyway, back to the concert.

She starts playing a bit of chords from Kikai jikake no Uchuu. then she starts talking Arutokoro ni…

I was then finding it hard to breath at that moment remembering I got to hear this song. FYI, this is not her song but it is “Anmi Yamada”’s whom Ichiko calls her “teacher/mentor”.
I love her version so much as well as the original by Anmi.
I just did not think she would play this piece on that day for some reason. ( I did try asking her in the interview if she gets requests for each concert).

My excitement is overflowing and can not look away from her hands on the guitar.
Her fingers moved like each of them were little creatures. I mean she played this again and again in her life so yes, sure she remembers each and every part of the song but it was just incredible. If you are interested, here is the link

The audience was as excited as me and long applause after this.

and she goes “Arigato Gozaimashita” ( Thank you so much in Japanese) and says she will see us again, “I love you “ and the guy who screamed at the beginning behind me goes “I love you more! “

We have some keen fans in Australia :) It make me smile thinking back as well.

“Bouquet “ was played and sang after Kikai Jikake no Uchu. I knew this was the last song and even though this was getting late for me but I was just so happy to be there. There have been lots of magical moments in my life but this was really magical. I am just a fan!

After the standing ovation, Ichiko came back to the stage and sang Taiyo san. Ah the joy. This song reminds me of Django Reinhardt guitar. Again, she sings with such an ease that she changes a melody here and there and you can tell she is so herself on the stage.

The night looked so long even after the concert, people were lining up to get merch desperately.

My partner Popo and I were invited to come to see Ichiko at the backstage to take some photos. So we went and it was really late but Ichiko looked like she was so energised by the performance and audience and was happy to see us.

I am hoping I get to see her playing again.

Dear Ichiko.

Thank you so much for bringing yourself and your music to Australia.

Next time, please come to Brisbane as well . Until then, I will keep talking about you so we can welcome you to have a fully packed concert here too. Perhaps under 18 gig for young students as well. :) You are an amazing touring musician students would look up to!

And perhaps, we would like to take you to Cooniemudlo island and dye some fabric together while we sing Dawn in the Adan.

Thank you Ichiko.

We love you.