INDEX
Tomakomai Civic Hall
Our next stop was the Tomakomai Civic Hall, which serves as the venue for “FAHDAY.” Built in 1968, this storied building boasts a symmetrical design and depth, with patterns on the walls and shapes of the windows that evoke a faint sci-fi ambiance, similar to that of ‘Star Trek.’
The acoustics of the large hall, which can accommodate 1,400 people, are said to be fantastic, and it has hosted artists like Eikichi Yazawa and Tatsuro Yamashita. While I’m not familiar with Yazawa, Yamashita is known for his high standards regarding venue sound quality. The fact that he has consistently refused to perform at Budokan due to poor sound suggests that the acoustics here must be excellent. Due to aging, the hall is scheduled for demolition, making “FAHDAY” its final event. As we wandered aimlessly around the parking lot, Kato shared the backstory of how this venue was chosen for “FAHDAY” and his feelings surrounding it. His account was quite intense and complex, prompting me to exclaim “Wow” multiple times. Each time, Kato responded with a wry smile, saying, “It’s pretty crazy, isn’t it?” He added, “Having a clear enemy makes the fight worthwhile.”
NOT WONK / SADFRANK. Born in 1994 in Tomakomai City, he is a musician currently residing in the same city. In 2010, while still in high school, he formed the rock band NOT WONK. Since 2015, he has released a total of four albums through KiliKiliVilla and Avex Entertainment. He also released an album in 2022 under his solo project, SADFRANK. Kato is actively involved in art direction for many of his works.
