Meet the Corrs

 The in-store promotional signing event was held at Tower Records' Shinjuku store in Tokyo on August 6, 2000. It's the day I could finally meet the Corrs in person. Well, this is the whole story of how it happened on that day.
 
What you need was a free ticket for the signing. This ticket was enclosed in the first 300 copies of "In Blue" available at Tower Records' Shinjuku store only.
 

 
On that day, anyway, I arrived at Tower Records' Shinjuku store around 11am when the store opens. I could save the front row successfully. Fans who don't have the ticket could also see this in-store event. As they could enter the event floor from 3pm, the floor quickly drew a full house. The ropes partitioned off fans into two sections: the front section for fans who have the ticket and the rear section for those who don't have it, though.
 
Just before the event, the organiser explained the reason why the Corrs decided to do an in-store record signing at Tower Records' Shinjuku store only. According to the organiser, The Corrs made a great hit with their debut album "Forgiven, Not Forgotten" first in Japan. (I think it means outside their native Ireland.) Especially, "Forgiven, Not Forgotten" sold more than 1,000 copies at Tower Records' Shinjuku store only. The Corrs have regarded Tower Records' Shinjuku store as a starting point of their current worldwide sensation. The Corrs decided to do an in-store record signing at Tower Records' Shinjuku store to pay back a favour.
 
At 4pm sharp, The Corrs appeared on stage. We fans were overjoyed at their appearance all at once. They all took their seats in the following order: Caroline, Jim, Sharon, and Andrea. They all appeared smiling all over. 
 
Firstly, they were asked about Japan. They all replied that they were really glad to come back to Japan after an interval of about two years. Secondly, they were asked about their latest album "In Blue." Jim replied that they hope you like their new album: after the long tour following "Talk On Corners," it took about one year and a half to complete this album; they are fully satisfied with this album. 
 
Then there were simple 4 quizzes about them; they called on 4 fans; hand over their promotional goods to them in person!

Those questions and answers are as follows:
 
Jim Corr: Question - Jim is famous as a car maniac. Now Jim drives a Japanese car regularly. What is the model of the car?
Answer - Subaru / Impreza
Present - Corrs bath towel
 
Sharon Corr: Question - What is Sharon's favourite Japanese food?
Answer - Soba (buckwheat noodles)
Present - (maybe) portable CD case
 
Caroline Corr: Question - What kind of Irish traditional instrument does Caroline play?
Answer - Bodhran
Present - (maybe) portable CD case
 
Andrea Corr: Question - Andrea is currently learning Japanese. What is a Japanese word Andrea memorized when she came to Japan last time?
Answer - Wasabi (Japanese horseradish)
Present - (maybe) the Corrs photograph collection
 
Next Jim mentioned their schedule about the current promotional tour and the following concert tour roughly. They will promote "In Blue" in Japan until 8 August, 2000; then they will fly to Australia for the promotion. In late August they will leave for the United States for the promotion. (In the US, "In Blue" is planned for release in September 2000.) As for the Japan tour, Jim said they would come to Japan early in 2001. As for this year, their schedule is already tight because of the tour in Europe.
 
Lastly, they were asked if they have any time to spare in Japan. Sharon replied that they don't have any time to spare because of tight schedule.
 
Thus, their interviews came to an end in about 15 minutes or so. The signing started quickly. As the signing was held very systematically, it came to an end in about 45 minutes or so. (approximately 10 seconds per person!)
 

 
Incidentally, I exchanged the following words with the Corrs:
 
"Wow! Blimy!" I said to Jim. But I'm afraid Jim seemed not to catch what I said, for Jim was concentrating on his autograph on that time. So I just shook hands with Jim.
 
 "What can I do to make you feel this?" I said to Andrea. Andrea smiled joyfully at me! 
 
As for Sharon, she noticed my Corrs black T-shirt (which I bought at Club Quattro in Osaka when they first came to Japan for touring in July, 1996) when they appeared on stage. When she saw my face, she said to me with a smile, "Thank you very much." Of course, I also said to Sharon, "Thank you." We shook hands with each other. 
 
Like Sharon, Caroline also noticed my Corrs black T-shirt I wore. "Thank you," Caroline also said to me with a smile on her face. So this time I replied to Caroline, "Arigato," which means "Thank you" in Japanese. And we shook hands with each other. 
 
Thus, my turn was over! The signing itself came to an end at 5 pm. They left the event floor with a farewell wave of their hand. They were all smiles! 
 
Anyway, their smiles were very beautiful; they were so kind. I could realize their good personality directly; I love them more! Incidentally, photography and recording were prohibited in this event. Hence, I'm afraid there is no picture of this event; the whole story I wrote here is based on my memory. However, I could say this signing was deeply etched in my mind forever and ever. Thank you very much! The Corrs!