Discovering Tomakomai: A Dive into the Culture of Local Rebels

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.”