How Tomomi Kahara keeps herself alive

MANILA, Philippines - Japanese singer Tomomi Kahara recently visited Manila for an intimate press conference-cum-mini-showcase at the El Buono Pizza, Asia’s biggest and finest pizza, in Tomas Morato. She shared her passion for music with select guests by performing songs such as I Believe and I’m Proud culled from previous albums released in Japan.

The year 1995 saw Tomomi recording and launching her debut album with the song Keep Yourself Alive; it was followed by hit singles. Her newfound fame led her to grace TV advertisements and to appear in dramas and variety shows. Twelve years after, Tomomi took a breather from the deafening applause of fans and the blinding klieg lights. Part of the much-needed break was living in Manila for a year where Tomomi made a lot of friends and experienced the Filipino hospitality first hand. 

Last April 17, Tomomi made a recording comeback in Japan by releasing an album with Les Miserables’ I Dreamed a Dream as carrier single. To capture the emotions being evoked by the song, a 41-piece orchestra was commissioned to back up Tomomi for a heartfelt performance.

“It was my first time recording with a full orchestra,” she shared. “And I was so moved by its power and magnificence. I was able to overcome my problems and sad memories by singing the songs I love. Music really helped me. Because of the pain I went through, I am here today. Every moment until now is just a path to the future… I want to deliver that message through my song. My encounter with this precious song made me one step stronger.”  

The Universal Music artist also looks forward to recording an album and collaborating with Filipino composers.

(Tomomi Kahara’s handler is Sam Calaca. She can be reached through [email protected].)