Mariko Takahashi -- Denwa（電話）

 

Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to marinate within the celebration that is our 1000th article for 2025. 

Maybe we can have a party after all. No refreshments or snacks, though.

I knew that for the 1000th article, I just had to devote it to one of the singers that I've known the longest since I got into this whole kayo kyoku stuff decades ago. And this time, that happens to be singer-songwriter Mariko Takahashi（高橋真梨子）. She will be appearing on the Kohaku in several hours' time for the 7th time to perform her 1984 hit "Momo Iro Toiki"（桃色吐息）, and most likely, she'll be once again the oldest participant to ever appear on the NHK special.

However, I have this very lovely track from Takahashi's May 2002 25th album "Time of Love" titled "Denwa" (Telephone). It's a very simple title for a soulful ballad about holding the torch for someone even though he's long gone. Still, the lady here apparently keeps phoning his empty apartment once a day although she knows full well that no one is going to answer. My question is wouldn't the landlord have already cancelled the line? But no need to be logical here...it's a fine song that was written by Takahashi and composed by Ichiro Terada（寺田一郎）. I hope all the best for Mariko tomorrow.