Ichika Matsumoto Pov [UPDATED]

The calluses on my fingertips are the only map I need. They are rough, permanent, and ugly, sitting just below the first knuckle. My classmates spend their allowance on cherry-scented hand cream to impress boys. I spend mine on rosin and gut strings. They don’t know that pain is not the enemy of beauty. It is the prerequisite.

Ichika Matsumoto (Age 17, Violin Prodigy)

I walk onto the stage. The lights are blinding. The panel of judges is a dark, faceless wall. I cannot see my mother in the audience, but I feel her. She is the pressure drop before a storm. ichika matsumoto pov

My mother, Reiko, is the sun. I am merely the planet trying not to fall into her corona and burn up. She sits in the back of every lesson, arms crossed, head tilted. She doesn’t smile when I play a passage perfectly. She only uncrosses her arms. That is her applause. Yesterday, I played Paganini’s Caprice No. 24. It took me three years to get the left-hand pizzicato clean. When I finished, the sensei nodded. My mother looked at her watch.

Being a member of AKB48 is a dream come true for me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the experiences I've had so far. I hope that through this blog, I can share a little bit of my life with you and give you a glimpse into the world of AKB48. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more of my adventures with you! The calluses on my fingertips are the only map I need

There's no feeling quite like stepping onto the stage as a member of AKB48. The rush of adrenaline, the cheers of the audience, and the thrill of performing with my friends - it's an experience like no other. I've had the chance to perform in various concerts, events, and TV shows, and each time, I've felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy.

As I look to the future, I'm excited to see what's in store for me and AKB48. With new singles, concerts, and events on the horizon, I'm eager to continue growing as a performer and entertaining our fans. I'm also grateful for the opportunities I've had so far, from appearing on TV shows to performing at concerts. I spend mine on rosin and gut strings

I realize, standing there on the stage, that I do not know if I will get the chair. I do not know if I will be first violin or last chair or sent home with a “thank you for your time.”