KAN

KAN was a musician I had always wanted to see live, but I never made (or rather, didn't make) the opportunity. To the general public, he's often regarded as a one-hit wonder for "Ai wa Katsu (Love Will Win)," but considering that most musicians don't even have one hit, it's still quite an achievement. Thinking that "Ai wa Katsu" is all he has to offer is a big mistake. He has many worthwhile songs, not only his other singles but also album tracks, so I urge everyone to give his music a listen. I believe he was a remarkably multi-talented musician: a melody maker, a songwriter with sharp perspectives, a highly skilled self-producing arranger, and a singer. In particular, no one can surpass him when it comes to writing lyrics about pure, clumsy, timid, and frustrating men with a slightly erotic and virgin-like sensibility. I knew he was a very fan-oriented person, but I didn't realize to what extent. He started by singing 10 songs in a row without any MC (talk breaks)? I thought it was going to be the "Okamura-chan? Shiina Ringo?" pattern, but then finally came the MC. And when I thought he was going to perform "Kon'ya wa Kaesanai (I Won't Let You Go Tonight)," the 11th song, he unexpectedly sang the original version! It was a rare and lucky experience, but I would have loved to hear "Kon'ya wa Kaesanai" as well. Also, being an anniversary live, the setlist was quite wonderful, weaving together one song from each album released so far and songs from his latest album, "23-sai kara (From 23 Years Old)," at that time. And what I thought was most wonderful was the installation of a teleprompter on the back of the stage facing the audience, displaying the lyrics for all the songs. As KAN himself said, a singer using a teleprompter for their own use is "?", but that's exactly right. But why haven't I gone to this person's live performances before? I really liked his melodies and lyrics and listened to his music a lot. This is completely something I regret. Addendum, December 16, 2023: I remembered returning home after this tour, determined to go see him again if there was another tour. That wish will not come true now. I always participate in various musicians' live performances feeling that I'll regret it if I don't see them while I can, but I never imagined that a farewell would come so soon. I realized again that I shouldn't think, "There will be another chance, so I'll just go next time." Being able to make it to the last tour of the year he passed away was the only salvation, and I thought maybe I was being guided. And thank you for producing so many wonderful songs. Rest in peace.