Participation in the Baton Relay '2024 Mieharu Karaoke Late Summer Version'
It was another hot and humid day today.
Well, I have participated in this project several times, and I was thinking, 'I'll go for seconds on the previous project too' 🤭, but before I knew it, the deadline had passed 😱
I missed out, oh well... but then! A project like this appeared!!
I thought, 'Yay!' but as I read the details... wait? A baton relay?
I thought I couldn't participate unless I received the baton, and just as I was about to give up, thinking that was impossible!!
I had refrained from commenting recently because you haven't been feeling well, but I have always admired you, Sakae-san. From your wonderful cooking to your articles about outings with friends and your husband, to the baby dresses you make for your grandchild... even though I am a woman myself, I am quite oblivious to such things, so I have always thought, 'What a wonderful person!' I was truly happy to receive an invitation from you. ✨
Now, what shall I sing? 🤭
When September comes, the breeze is refreshing... it's even a seasonal word for haiku.
Because of that, I've chosen vocals with what I consider a 'clear voice' 😅
Air Supply - Having You Near Me
A pop duo from Australia. After having several hits in Australia, they set out to expand globally. In Japan, they were also called 'Peppermint Sound'.
I think it was when I was a new employee. I got hooked. 😊
I used to listen to them every morning on my way to work. Among their many hits, this song was my absolute favorite.
Journey - Open Arms
Journey is an American rock band. Formed in San Francisco in 1973, they have been active while changing their musical style through member changes, breakups, and reunions. They are also known as a representative band of 'American progressive hard rock' which flourished from the mid-1970s.
This song really highlights Steve Perry's soaring voice. I saw their unique stage costumes in magazines back then, but they are one of the bands I regret not being able to see in concert.
Nilsson - Without You
The first time I heard this was on the radio. I think I was in junior high school. I didn't understand the meaning, but for some reason, tears just flowed. I might have posted this in a past article, but the voice was just so beautiful... He later damaged his throat with alcohol and drugs and passed away in 1994 at the age of 52.
Celtic Woman - You Raise Me Up
Musical Group of Celtic Woman is a music group consisting of women from Ireland (there were times in the past when it was a 5 or 6-member group). Since its formation, members have changed due to tours, schedules, etc.
I forgot when and where I heard it, but when I was thinking about what to choose for this article, it suddenly played in my head. It gives me goosebumps. The lyrics are also truly wonderful!
Celine Dion - To Love You More
For the last one, I have to choose this person, who needs no introduction.
She had a global hit with the Titanic theme song, and even though she is currently battling a rare disease, her performance of 'Hymne à l'amour' at the Paris Olympics was captivating...
My favorite is still this song. It was the theme song for a drama, and her collaboration with Taro Hakase's violin during her world tour was also a hot topic. The lyrics are just... when you really fall in love, this is the kind of feeling you get for a love you'll never forget for the rest of your life... (;_;) *teary-eyed*
So, it's all Western music, but since it's karaoke, I've posted YouTube videos with subtitles and Japanese translations 🤭
Well, I would like to pass the baton to two people.
I would like to ask Aloha-san, the 'Alo' of the 'Rabe-Alo Project,' a project where we mainly enjoy haiku together. 🙇
I think our ages are probably as far apart as a parent and child 🤭, but she is someone who writes haiku with a kindness that considers me in the project and with exceptionally beautiful Japanese.
And, let's have someone come from America 😊
I would like to ask Yokogao-san, a regular member of the Rabe-Alo Project. 🙇
She is someone who writes haiku every day while living in America, and she was brilliantly selected for an intermediate honorable mention in the recent Haiku Post.
I look forward to working with you both.🙇
Lastly, thank you to Sakae-san for passing the baton to me; thanks to you, I was able to participate in this project.😊 Thank you very much.🙇
Chainner-san, Mieharu-san, thank you for such a wonderful project!