Day 8: Japan Album Release Tour JINSEI 2024 – 2nd Show at Old Earth, Miyakonojō

January 6, 2025

Hotel lights Miyakonojo

Sometimes the body just says no. I woke up after sleeping nearly 13 hours straight—something I hadn’t done since arriving in Japan—and realized I had missed my plan with Johan to visit the Sekinoo waterfall. A shower helped me shake off the morning haze, and I ventured outside the hotel to explore.

I had hoped to get a haircut, but every salon required an appointment. After giving up on that idea, I wandered into the large supermarket below the hotel. It was a treasure trove of ready-to-eat meals, so I grabbed some sushi and found a bench outside to enjoy the mild afternoon weather. A quick coffee from one of the many vending machines fueled a peaceful stroll along the Ōyodo River, which flows through the city with its clear waters teeming with carp. Though Miyakonojō isn’t small, its rural charm is undeniable, nestled between the Kirishima and Wanizuka Mountains.

Shunichi was already at Old Earth, practicing piano. He texted me with some details about our travel plan for the next day, when we’d head to Kurashiki to play at Piano Hall Avenue with my bassist, Satoshi Tokuda. Johan would part ways with us at Hiroshima but planned to meet me later in Osaka for the show and some downtime before I returned to Tokyo.

Back at the hotel, Johan sent me some photos of the waterfall he’d visited and suggested to get some food, and we agreed on an early dinner before the gig. The hotel lights were beautiful as evening fell, and a short walk led us to a cozy Yakitori spot run by an elderly couple. The food was comforting—family-style, warm, and simple—perfect fuel for the night ahead.

The second show at Old Earth was lots of fun. (snippet here) Many people from the first night returned, so I mixed up the setlist to keep things fresh. Afterward, I asked Shunichi to find a good ramen spot, only to discover that Katsunari had already started cooking for us. What he prepared was unforgettable: Miyazaki Wagyu A5 beef, tender and rich beyond words—an experience in itself.

I said goodbye to Tomowo Saki that night, grateful for his strong and clear playing over the last two shows. Back at the hotel, I slipped into my “ninja outfit” (a comfortable wind-down look provided by the hotel) and made some video calls to the Netherlands. My thoughts turned to the upcoming gigs in Kurashiki, Kusatsu, and Osaka, feeling a mix of anticipation and reflection as the tour pressed on.