So the new year has begun.

I went to CreepHyp’s concert for the first time in a while at the music festival at the end of last year. When I was a high school student, I thought of music festivals as a summer thing, but now they go on all year round, don’t they? I hadn’t really been to many before so I was amazed by the number of people. Everyone dresses the same when they go to a concert, don’t they? When I was a high school student I used to buy band T-shirts, too (feeling sentimental). I don’t like crowded places, but thanks to you I had a fun yearend.

Speaking of crowds, it’s always crowded in Shimokitazawa where our offices are, with construction work going on as usual. Do you remember when the ticket gate was still on the 2nd floor? I don’t think five years have passed since the train tracks went underground, but it feels like a really long time ago. I used to like the old platform and ticket gate. I also have fond memories of the railroad crossing that never seemed to open.
I feel like I have a particular connection to Shimokitazawa. I used to have a part-time job there, and lots of friends have lived there. Since coming to Tokyo thirteen years ago, I’ve never consciously thought that I liked it but without my noticing, I’ve gotten accustomed to it. Calling it “home” makes me cringe a bit, but that’s probably what it is now. I’ve set up an office here and everything, so that’s it — I can’t leave now. But I’m thankful I have somewhere like that. When that ticket barrier was around, I didn’t know yet who I was. Maybe that’s still the case, though.
What sort of life were you leading at that time, Ozaki-san?

It’ll be spring soon. The streets will be packed full again of young people with bright futures ahead of them. Let’s meet up when it gets warmer.

See you!