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Hi everyone,

The Sayaka single arrived today at Kinokuniya. Needless to say, I'm sure you
will want the "limited edition" initial pressing, so contact your local store or
check with whatever online merchants you prefer (CDJapan, YesAsia, etc).

The limited edition version comes in special "Digipak" packaging. Folded, it
measures 5-1/2 x 10 inches. The inside front cover folds out to 11 x 10. There
are 15 color photos in the "limited edition." Keep an eye on both SMF sites and
I'll share some of the with you.

The message inside the CD says "Fifteen pages of my fifteen years. Only the way 
to express myself is the lyric and my natural voice. Though voice is frail it
is the most precious, strong and wonderful instrument. I convey my heart to you
with my own voice. Yes, I can sing a song even if I have nothing. What a 
splendid truth!"

The photographer and stylist are the same two people who did Seiko's L&E
photos (Toshiaki Matsugi and Michie Takeuchi). The booklet lists her official
Web Site as http://www.love-saya.net.

I don't see any "thank you to my mom" messages anywhere in the CD. 

"Ever Since" is a mid-tempo melodic ballad with twangy acoustic and electric
guitars in the verses, which get loud and crunchy in the choruses. "How Do You
Do" is a lightweight JPOP dance track. The CD also includes the backing track
for "Ever Since." You'll know that you're listening to a 15 year old girl
sing...she can carry a tune but her voice hasn't developed strength yet. In
terms of songwriting, performance, the whole package...this is as good as any
"Young JPOP" out there right now, such as all of the "Musume" groups and their
many, many imitators. The record company was smart enough to know that they
would need to spend some money and lend some serious support to this "debut
single." And it shows.

Obviously many of the sales for the CD will come from the "Seiko Curious." It
will be interesting to see if Sayaka is able to sustain a career, develop a
strong and individual identity, and make her mark on the entertainment world.
All that matters right now is that it is a pretty good accomplishment for a 
15 year old girl.

Whatever happens, we know one thing...somewhere in Japan today there is a 
very, very proud "Okasan"...:-)

Best regards,

Mike