okapi 
Long time no blog! I really haven’t updated in forever… I like writing blogs because I can go into detail, unlike short social media posts, but my posts always end up packed with content, so I tend to just not update at all…
Since my China tour from a few years ago was only halfway documented, I’m planning to write it all down properly while I still remember, so please hang tight and be patient with me.
Also, to motivate myself to update properly, I actually refreshed the design of the article pages on this site.
I love photos, so I tried to make it fun to read along with pictures.
Alright, let’s get going.
This time, I’m writing about the unexpected chance I got to go to Music China 2026, with photos along the way.
From Narita Airport
This time my flight was just after 7pm, so here’s a shot from the airport at night. I really like those blue LED lights stretching along the runway.
I said it was a sudden trip, but it was actually decided just one week before. Yeah, the situation was kinda complicated, you know? But it seems to be getting better now.
Big thanks to Fingerstyle China, who invited me and kept everything connected while we waited until the last minute. Honestly, I wanted to stay through the weekend, but I had planned a Halloween event at a local bar on the 31st, so I couldn’t just bail on that… I told them I could go until the 30th, and they put together a crazy tight schedule from the 27th to 30th.
Oh, and I won’t be playing guitar that day. Just cosplay. Haha.
Here’s how that looked.
Yep, it’s Sakamoto Days cosplay lol.
Arriving in Shanghai
After about 3 hours and 40 minutes in the air, I landed at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport.
I got into the taxi they arranged and headed to the hotel.
Waiting for me was a great friend of over 10 years—the head of Fingerstyle China, Mr. Li. I affectionately call him Laoli (Old Li).
After finishing another meeting, he was waiting and said, “Let’s go for a drink! If you’re hungry, we can grab some food too!”
We headed to a nearby restaurant and sat outside at a table like in the photo above, chatting slowly.
At first, he couldn’t speak English at all, but every time we met, he got a little better, and now we can actually communicate.
Well, same for me. I couldn’t speak at all at first… it’s kinda nostalgic. Haha.
Another wonderful guitarist joined us, but somehow we forgot to take a group photo.
But judging by the number of beer cans, you can probably imagine how lively it was. Had a great time.
Tipsy, I got back to the hotel and realized: Wait, what was my room number again?
Well, guess I just have to try them one by one.
Here’s the photo from when I made that decision.
Man, there are a lot of rooms…
I was determined not to be locked out, and somehow hit the jackpot on the third try.
Imagine being inside your room and suddenly hearing someone trying your door. I’d freak out too.
Sorry everyone… really caused a fuss.
Back in my room, I took a shower, went to the toilet, and glanced down to see it was a TOTO.
Oh wow, a Japanese company working hard even here. Classic TOTO, huh?
But as I went to sit down… hmm?
T…
TQJO…?
Turns out it wasn’t TOTO at all. Some mysterious brand called TQJO.
First of all, how do you even read that? Haha.
Had a good laugh before bed.
※I’m into stuff like this.
After drinking plenty that day, I hit the sack to get ready for tomorrow. Gotta give it my all starting tomorrow!
To be continued in Part 2.