On September 1st, Shiozawa took a break from his intense work, and we headed to Tokyo’s Budokan.

The path from Exit 2 of Kudanshita Station to the Budokan remains exactly as it was in the past. It feels like ages since I last came here—so long ago I can’t even remember when.

Near the entrance of the Budokan, a guitarist skillfully copying Steve Vai is playing… When I took a photo, he waved and greeted me. Somehow, I started feeling incredibly happy. Even between strangers, music connects hearts.

Today’s performers are BEAT, the supergroup formed by former King Crimson legends Adrian Belew and Tony Levin with guitar maestro Steve Vai and drummer Danny Carey.

King Crimson’s album from the 80s, which symbolized that decade, was said at the time to be unlike any music that had existed before, and even when listened to now, its innovative nature is still felt.

Unexpected complex riffs pull at your body, and when heavy drums intertwine even more intricately, you’re instantly drawn into that groove.

We’re huge fans of Steve Vai—we even went to see him at Billboard Live in Midtown. As one of the four members showcasing extraordinary skill this time, it was indeed a top-notch performance.

Live performances where you can share energy with top-tier musicians make you feel as refreshed as if your blood had been replaced.

The Budokan live “BEAT” was amazing,　and though we had an incredibly hectic schedule, making time for this was worth it.