When I knew the BANGLES HAIKU CONTEST, a haiku came into my mind at once. So I decided to enter the contest. As the result, surprisingly, my poem was selected as one of the 1st place winner's poems.
 
Here is my winning haiku:
 
For love and peace
a candle is lit like a flower
from an eternal flame.
 
Hence, I was asked to join the Bangles ONSTAGE to read the winning poem for the audience, and receive a special present from the band! Well, as a matter of fact, I already had one ticket for their concert at SHIBUYA- AX in Tokyo on May 22, 2003. Since Osaka is my hometown, however, I decided to do it at Club Quattro in Osaka on May 26, 2003. (As some of my old mates also intended to go to Osaka show, besides, I preferred to share this night with them, actually.) 
 
On that day, I met the Bangles' interpreter before the show. I heard plans for the poetry reading briefly.

I was actually called backstage during "Hero Takes A Fall," which is near the end of the main concert. I met the Bangles before an encore at backstage. They were all congratulated me on my winning haiku. Especially, Susanna Hoffs said that my haiku is really number one. Debbi Peterson, Vicki Peterson, Michael Steele all agreed. After introducing me to the Bangles at backstage, we came to the stage.

Firstly, Vicki Peterson read my poem in English for the audience. I said it in Japanese after Vicki. On that time, I greeted the audience by saying "Maido! Ookini!," which means "Thank you very much!" in Osaka Japanese. Then Vicki gave me a special present from the band. (Incidentally, a gift of Bangle goodies consists of a T-shirt, a rhinestone tattoo sticker of the Bangles' official 4-circle logo and the Bangles' official badge pin set.) After that, I shouted to the Bangles and the audience, "What a manic monday tonight!!" Cos it was indeed monday night, actually.

Well, I was so thrilled at the experience even if it was for a few minutes. I would really like to thank the Bangles and their crews for a chance to share the stage with them.
 
After the show, I could meet them all in person at backstage. Again, they were all congratulated me on my winning haiku in person! They gave me their autographs, too. Especially, Vicki attached my name and a compliment on the inner sleeve of TEAR OFF YOUR OWN HEAD - a Japanese exclusive 4-track CD!