1997.10.23, Los Angeles

I thought it was still their engagement but in fact Namie Amuro and SAM had already married, so while I naturally wanted to tell them “Congratulations,” first I was in a state of shock. I’ve been based in the States for a long time, so the feeling for this kind of information is that it’s something faint and faraway; it’s natural to be surprised.

Through music or maybe dance, I guess these two people got together through that kind of thing, so in that sense it’s quite natural to say from my position that I think it’s a very positive and joyous thing.

I think in Amuro’s case, during these past two or three years everything’s been sensational, extremely explosive years. Concerning this sensationalism, it has the ring of Hollywood or American entertainment, and I really feel that now. For example, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, these people, even while they attract attention to their private lives, it’s in the realm of entertainment that they really take shape. In that sense, even though she’s much younger, I feel that Amuro has this in common.

I haven’t heard details about when she’ll resume her activities, one year or whatever, that’s up to them, but I believe that when she does she will surely get the support of young people as one of Japan’s top entertainment artists.

The new single “Dreaming I was dreaming” which goes on sale in November has already been completed and I didn’t know anything about this thing so I didn’t think of it, but the song puts you in mind of an adult woman, you feel the privacy of the lyrics, and also the happiness of woman, and I believe that was the aim of the song. I think it naturally coincides with her; I want everyone to hear it.

And, when I have the chance to get together and hear the story from these two, I’d like to say to them directly, “Congratulations.”

Komuro Tetsuya