This year’s final “Homecoming Concert” was held where you can have a clear view of Japan’s highest mountain, Mt. Fuji, in Shizuoka Prefecture. Yes, it is Misato Sugiyama’s (that’s me) hometown.

Since I joined Yamato three years ago, it has been a dream of mine to give a concert in Shizuoka, where I was born and raised. Since joining, I have received affectionate, daily guidance from all the different senior members, but I still feel like a complete novice. Even so, in only my third year as a member, I have the privilege of giving a concert in my hometown. I feel as if there must be some sort of strong, unseen power at work.

When I stood on the stage and was getting ready for the encore, I finally noticed the warm applause of the audience and their supportive smiles. I thank them from the bottom of my heart and pray for their continued support. That is how I felt.

I’ve come to the end, but before I go, I’d like to thank all of the people who came to the concert and all of the people who worked hard to make the Shizuoka Concert happen. Thank you very much.