INDEX
from Ban Obara #12 – Sunday, October 29
Last evening at twilight in Sangenjaya, we hosted a reading session of “Kore wa Seikatsu na nakashiran” with Miran-chan and Yoshi Terada. Miran-chan, thank you once again. Reading aloud is more than just vocalizing words; it’s like revealing something soft, raw, or fragmented (which may differ for each person) deep within oneself to another human being. I found it truly challenging, intimidating, requiring courage, and discipline.
Miran’s voice was steadfast, lively, rich, and comforting, making me wish to listen to it endlessly. Terada-san’s voice was introspective, playful, and somewhat solitary.
People carry complexes, scars, and aspects they struggle with, but there are moments when these aspects cease to trouble them—like a subtle burst from within. I wanted to capture and remember that spark. That was my contemplation while listening to their voices. I’m not sure why I had that thought.
Thank you very much.
from Miran #13 – Thursday, November 2
Thank you so much for the recent reading session.
I still feel a bit bashful recalling the reading; my ears turn red at the thought.
Reflecting on the intertwining of my bright, clumsy, yet highly potential self with Late-chan’s strong and dark soul, and considering how it resonates within Late-chan and myself, I realized I approached the book with these diverse facets.
Though not in direct conflict, it felt like I was losing the battle—anticipating a sense of defeat several times. Each time I sensed a loss, my voice tone dropped, and I found Late-chan’s words intimidating. They held a certain power. I felt a peculiar embarrassment, as if my words were being listened to more attentively than when I sing.
However, post-performance, the praise from everyone was reassuring. I’d be delighted to partake in another reading.
After wrapping up early, Sundance, Yoshi, and I headed to the launch party. I was in high spirits, expressing that everyone did well, and those who attended would likely have a pleasant night’s rest. As usual, Sundance was captivated by my cheerfulness. Miran-chan has commented multiple times on my brightness, and it doesn’t bother me when she says it. In fact, I’ve been embracing it lately because I can sense her soul igniting when she’s affected by my cheerful demeanor. He looked so cool in that white T-shirt at the pub! Thanks for the invitation.
Suddenly, it’s November… November? Why is it so warm? I find myself wondering every day. I can barely wear my favorite red sweater; I’m sleeping while sweating. Yet, with Christmas approaching, the more I contemplate how I’ll spend my time this year, the more I yearn to don the red sweater. It’s a dilemma.
As the weather turns cold late at night, do you have anything you eagerly anticipate?
from Ohara Late Night #13 – Tuesday, November 14
It’s now mid-November, and winter has abruptly set in since the day before yesterday. I can picture Miran wearing her cherished red sweater.
Isn’t it wonderful that Miran is wearing her favorite red sweater? While I’m not a fan of hot weather, I truly appreciate the warmth. To relish that warmth, the city must be cold, so, in that sense, I appreciate winter. It’s the season where warmth is born. Thank you, winter.
Whenever the wind starts to turn chilly, I find solace in certain activities.
Each morning, upon waking up, I open the window, return under the covers, and expose my face. The winter wind brushes against my completely bare face, creating a warm sensation from the neck down. It’s an immensely satisfying experience. I affectionately call it an “open-air futon” (a futon version of an open-air bath). I encourage you to give it a try, Miran.
Lately, several things have concluded, and I’m taking a break, preparing for what comes next. Amidst this, I’m particularly engrossed in contemplating my inner inspirations. I’ve been exploring extensive bookstores and libraries, attending movie screenings, and wandering through unfamiliar cities.
An internal motif tends to reveal itself as I write. Until recently, it felt obscured, akin to peering through frosted glass. However, uncovering these motifs is no straightforward task! I anticipate that, with continued writing, I will gradually discover more about myself and my creative expressions. I eagerly anticipate delving deeper into writing in the days to come.
Miran
Miran is a singer-songwriter born in 1999.
In 2020, she released her first album “Houfu”, which was produced by home recording, and after that, she released many works. He produced and released his second album “Ducky”. Later, with Yusuke Kume (Special Favorite Music) as producer, she released “Natsu no boku ni mo me ni”, “Lemon tree”, and “Like you like”, which were featured on Fuji TV’s “Love music”, and she also wrote an exchange diary with writer Ban Obara in the culture media NiEW. He will release his new album “WATASHIBOSHI” on December 13, 2023.
Ban Obara
Obaraban is a writer who published his first collection of essays, “Don’t Eat Karaage Bento Here,” at his own expense in 2022, and his novel “Let’s Luminate” was published in “Shosetsu Subaru” in 2023, attracting much attention. In September, his first commercially published work, “Kore wa Seikatsu na Nanashiran” was published by Daiwa Shobo.
