Last update:2005/03/20
How did I become a Shonen Knife Fan?
I have known Shonen Knife (SK) since about 1990 - but at first I thought them to be English Japanophile Boys Band. During the winter of 1991, when I checked the "R" index at an import record shop in order to find "Shade in Bed" by RECORDS... I caught sight of the colorful sleeve next to it. (It was the Pretty Little Baka Guy album.) "What a cute sleeve!" I thought, and looked at the back of the sleeve. I was VERY surprised to see they are Japanese, and that all of them are girls! I suspected that SK was popular among foreign countries. But, soon I was interested... and bought it. As soon as I heard the first tune, I thought, "How is that for simple"? I could remember these artists more than a thousand who have much better techniques. I went on to listen to their songs, and I had favor with ICE CREAM CITY, and was surprised at the lyric of RIDING ON THE ROCKET! (Japanese lyric is exquisite!) KAPPA EX made me crazy. I thought deeply... that it is important to enjoy music without technique. Actually, in Japanese character, to play music is to enjoy music!
Some days passed, then I found information of the show of SK in a magazine. I got the ticket with no conscious thought. I can't remember how I got it! That day-1992 Feb 8, as I got up and arrived early, I could enter at the Club Quattro Shibuya without making the line. I hesitated over which position to choose: the front of guitarist - or bassist. At last I decided to take the side of guitarist because I rarely had seen the female guitarist. I was standing in the front row of guitarist (Naoko). I was surprised that more than half of the audience were foreigners. Is here, Japan? This night's show is by far - most impressive I have seen. Everything with Shonen Knife and me, start from here!
As soon as I was home, I wrote fan letter to Shonen Knife (Naoko). And, I also wrote fan letter to their management office and to them again and again. [Nothing's gonna start if you and I do nothing!]
The summer of that year in 1992, I visited England with the members of BEATLES FAN CLUB TOUR there. I caught information that Shonen Knife would take part in the READING FESTIVAL. So, I telephoned their management office (in Japan) in order to ask the schedule of the gigs around the day of the READING FESTIVAL. I could talk with Mr. Page Porrazo the manager of Shonen Knife. (no appointment). I said "Will you tell me the schedule of Shonen Knife in England?" (by Japanese). Next word made me surprised!: "Are you Ms. Nakagawa?" (by Japanese) - because I didn't say my name yet. He already knew me!
He told me, "I know you'd like to make their fan club, and I also know you will go to England soon - Naoko told me." Also, he gave me their trip schedule and flight number, and he said "I will telephone you. See you in London!"
In London, Mr. Page telephoned my hotel and we had an appointment to meet at Baker Street Station. The station was nearby to my Sherlock Holmes Hotel, but it was my first foreign travel and time was 21:00, so I was afraid to walk alone! It was the time to meet Page, who could speak fluently Japanese. And he took me to an Italian Restaurant. Entering the shop, I could see there - Shonen Knife!! And, I had an excellent time... like a dream for two hours. I could not see their stage show because of the difference in our schedules there.
I had to pass on the plan of making a fan club for one year, because Shonen Knife had changed their management office. I had a contact with Mr. Hirakawa with fax after their management moved to ZERO Communications. And, I have enjoyed an activity as the T-shirt-selling helper in Tokyo and Kawasaki since they left Virgin Music, Japan. In December 1996, I helped with their garage sale (Japanese say "free market") as their selling helper. I live in Yokohama, not close to them. Yokohama is very near to Tokyo.
The reason why I love Shonen Knife is, they are kind, honest - and not luxury. They are always very friendly. Also, I love their melody. It is made in Heaven. I am Shonen Knife fan forever.
I was crushed when I heard the news about Mr. Page died in April 13, 2002. We were friends even if he separated from Shonen Knife. I finally met him on May 12, 2000. He was cleaning up for the move of an office. And, I got the old promotion photograph and video of Shonen Knife which became unnecessary from him. He was very kindly and loved Shonen Knife. I don't forget him forever. Thank you Page-san!
In 2005 March, At last, I saw their show foreign country!
I had a chance to go before often. My dreams came true!
My report here,
Shonen Knife North American Tour 2005: Fan Reports!
New Jersey / first foreign SK show!
New York / the 45 times anniversary show for me!
Philadelphia / the coldest in my life!!
Boston / 5 hours drive and dinner with Shonen Knife!
