On August 13th, five member rock band SOPHIA held a comeback live titled ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIA‘ at Nippon Budoukan in Tokyo. The band made this live a fresh start with member Miyako Keiichi (39), who recently conquered lymphoma (cancer involving cells of the immune system).
During the live, there was a large cheer when Miyako first appeared on the main stage and said, “I’m back!”. After his performance of “Hymne à l’amour”, vocalist Matsuoka Mitsuru (40) said, “I was tired of waiting for this moment. We have brought Miyako, who successfully fought off his cancer and returned! Thanks for believing in us!” After Matsuoka’s statements, the 11,000 fans in attendance yelled their words of support to the band.
SOPHIA performed a total of 24 songs including their newest single, “cod-E”, Miyako’s and Matsuoka’s collaboration song “W”, and “Himawari”. The live lasted approximately three hours, including a short intermission in consideration of Miyako’s health.
Miyako was diagnosed with lymphoma back in February 2010. Then in April of that year, the band announced their hiatus with a last performance at Nakano Sun Plaza. After six months of medical care, he successfully finished his treatment and in May 2011, he resumed his music career, while still receiving health checkups from time to time. It was reported that Matsuoka visited the hospital everyday during Miyako treatment and sent him encouragement daily. As “an opportunity for [Miyako] to touch music”, they created a collaboration song titled, “W”, which was used as the theme song for ‘Kamen Rider W‘, a movie starring Matsuoka.
At this live, Miyako also said, “I definitely received strength from everyone’s words of encouragement. I strongly swore to myself to return,” and expressed his feelings to the audience. His wife, singer Kubou Ruriko, was spotted in the audience as well.
They have also announced a fan club tour this fall at Zepp venues in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka and next year, they will hold a nationwide tour.
Source: Nikkan Sports
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