Introduction
I'd like to leave a little log of my Bombye Japan Tour.
It was the first time in my life that I had the opportunity to witness such an event at a small clothing and record store in Kitasando, and I feel that it was a precious experience that I will never have again.
I wonder if this tour will be the first or the last. I would like to leave this as proof that we have walked this path, so please bear with me for a little while.
Bombye has come to Japan
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, they came to Japan for the first time on tour.
Of the three of us, Nick, Andrew, and Sam, it was the first time for everyone except Nick to be in Japan, so it took us four hours from the time we arrived at the airport to the time we left.
This was POOL SIDE's first attempt at producing a music tour or live show, and although they had a schedule planned and were prepared to a certain extent, they made preparations in a rush, with expectations and circumstances changing for each location.
Collaboration with Aiko Sugawara
Because it was a Japan tour, I wanted to incorporate some ideas that could only be done on a Japan tour into the live performance. One idea that came to mind was a duet with a Japanese singer. And the first person that came to mind was Aiko Sugawara. Of course, she could perform as a soloist, but we needed someone who could bring out the best in Nick's powerful singing voice, which shines as a solo.
Due to the tight schedule after arriving in Japan, there were limited opportunities to practice in the studio. The only opportunity was immediately after arriving, so the studio was hastily set up.
Arrive and head straight to the studio
Before I could even say a proper hello to Bombye, we left the airport and headed to the studio for practice. Schedules are always untouchable. As soon as we entered the studio, we started setting up the equipment. Aiko, who had arrived at the studio earlier, was fully prepared.
They usually perform live in a near-wild environment in Hawaii, so they were able to set up their equipment quickly, completing the setup in less than 10 minutes.
Even after a brief run-up, their sound and singing voices silenced everyone in the venue, but to them it was just an ordinary scene from everyday life, and they didn't seem to mind our stunned gaze.
"OK. I'm ready."
The first session begins in the studio
They enter the studio and immediately begin practicing the duet.
Prior to the tour, we had requested that the band perform "Omma," which is also the title of Nick Kurosawa's single. Since the single was released, there have been many times when searching for Nick Kurosawa and finding "Omma." It was one of our "desires to hear" to see what would happen if this song were constructed as the Bombye sound.
The professional session begins.
Aiko's experience as a member of Crazy Ken Band is evident. They were on the same wavelength as the band from the very first session. They responded to Nick's soul singer-like request to "give us more and more," and the quality of their music improved with each practice.
After about an hour in the studio, we lightly checked each other's touch.
"Now all that's left is to try it out at the venue and see the atmosphere during the live performance," Aiko said reassuringly. Her words made us, who were accompanying her, eager to see them perform at the shows after Nagoya.
"I'm hungry. Wanna go to Famima."
"Okay! Let's finish! Let's go home!"
Studio Noah before 11pm.
They are tired I think it was a sign of the utmost respect for having been invited to join the tour.
The first day ended with us dropping them off at the inn.
The excitement and anticipation I felt at that moment was renewed with each subsequent live performance.
Photo: Hideki Anzawa