Starlight Stage is over — and my heart is fuller than I know how to say. Thank you to everyone who came to AKIHABARA GALAXY on April 20, and to everyone who was there in spirit, for making my second birthday live a night I'll carry with me for a long, long time.
One year ago, at Star-Kissed Wishes, I stood on stage only in collaborations — quietly dreaming of the day I might have a block of my very own. This year, that day came. After a year of growing, I finally had my own song block, and got to stand in the starlight and simply sing as me.
And there was one moment I was more nervous about than any other: the very first live performance of my own song, "I Still Shine" (それでも輝けるの?). This is the song that carries everything I am — the belief that even when you're told you can't, even when you feel like you might break apart, you can still shine. To sing it out loud for the first time, right in front of you, and to feel it reach you… I don't have the words. Only the tears I didn't quite manage to hold back.
And of course, a night like this is never complete without sharing the stage — and this year's collaboration block gave me moments I'll treasure forever. With Nana, we brought back "Shiosai no Memory," a little comeback of the very song we first sang together a year ago. With Yofukashi Twintail, I got to perform a special "Magical Twintail." And with Marionette in the Mirror, I sang "Marionette March." Two groups I hold so close to my heart — and whose proud fan I am myself. To stand beside the very idols I admire never once stopped feeling like a dream.
And then, at the very end, something I wasn't ready for: flowers, cake, and so many warm words from all of my oshi. I stood there, wrapped in love from the very people who made me want to do this in the first place. Who knows what next year will bring — but if it feels anything like this, I already can't wait.
Last year, I made my wishes upon the stars. This year, I stood in their light. Thank you for lifting me there. To every performer, to everyone who came, to everyone reading this — I love you. Let's keep shining, together.
Aisaretai, aishitai — demo yappari aisaretai. — Ai-chan