Stories I’ve never heard before, things I’ve never been able to say.
The two ordered the Evening Drink Set (¥1,600) at “Papa’s Cafe.” It’s available starting at 5:00 p.m. and comes with one drink and three types of appetizers.
After spending some time browsing the store and finishing their search for clothes, the two headed over to the attached “Papas Cafe” for a short break. Having spent the morning together, their conversation flowed seamlessly, shifting from updates on their current lives to stories from the past…
“I think the first time I really watched Tarō’s live show was at ‘Liquid Room’ in Ebisu. I’ve forgotten how many years ago that was. There was a huge crowd there, and I was amazed— ‘He’s this popular…?’” said Hideo. Tarō responded to that.
"He’d never come to see one of my shows before. But all of a sudden, he showed up that time, and after the show, he even came backstage to say hi. The way he just left right away after saying, ‘That was great,’ really struck me as so typical of my dad (laughs)."
It was 2022, some time after that concert. Taro, who had been tasked with composing music for a TV drama, was thinking about creating a song that would serve as the centerpiece of the soundtrack when he suddenly came up with the idea of collaborating with Hideo.
"My dad came to see me perform live, and I felt like we’d really grown closer. That’s when the idea for a song called ‘MOON’—which we performed together—came to me. I thought, ‘This is exactly the kind of moment when I want to play this song.’ So I called him in at the last minute to join the recording session, and we recorded it right then and there."
"I don't remember exactly, but I think I was told something like, 'Play a song on the double bass.' Of course, I was happy to hear that, so I said, 'I'd be happy to.' It had a bit of a jazz feel to it, but it's a different world from jazz, so I did wonder if I could pull it off (laughs). But it’s fun to be asked to play by Latin musicians or those leaning toward rock, and I like taking on new challenges.”
“That’s something I try to keep in mind every day…” Hideo continues. “I don’t want to sound too high and mighty, but I don’t think anything good comes from giving up. As you go through various experiences, there are times when you think, ‘This seems impossible before you even try…’ but if that’s all you do, nothing will ever get started. First, just give it a try. And second, never make excuses. It’s just not very dignified to keep blaming everything on something else.”
It was the first time he’d heard those words, which came from the depths of his father’s heart. Taro seemed a little surprised, but at the same time, it seemed to resonate with him…
"I really think that’s true, and honestly, I’ve never once seen my dad make excuses. Both my mom and dad are the kind of people who can find the fun in just about anything, so as their son, I feel like I need to do the same. I’m really drawn to people who have the emotional flexibility to think that way. …I’d never hear this kind of story under normal circumstances, and even though it’s a little embarrassing, it really made sense to me.”
As a musician and as a person, Taro took the time to reconnect with his roots. Even though they’re father and son, they’re still separate individuals, and there must be plenty of expressions and stories about each other that they don’t know. That’s exactly why, when they share these moments like this every once in a while, they’re bound to see things from a slightly different perspective than before. How wonderful it would be if that led to a positive realization.
"Now that our family has grown, it's gotten harder to find time just for the two of us, but it would be nice if we could use this as an opportunity to get out and about together again."
When Tarō said that, Hideo smiled gently.
