Berlin — Where the Rhythm Began

September 6, 1991. Berlin, just after the fall off the Wall,

surrounded by a new sense of freedom—we met.

At the time, Hiroko was living in Germany to study Art.

stayed in a stylish district near Kurfürstendamm and traveled occasionally to study under a professor from the Hamburg University of Applied Arts.

After few months, I finally completed my Artwork.

For the first time, I allowed myself a day to simply explore the city.

With a video camera in hand, I stepped out into the streets.

Then—

from afar, I heard a joyful, uplifting rhythm.

“I didn’t know such bright, open sounds existed in Europe…”

Drawn by the music, I found myself walking toward it.

There, a man was singing and dancing,

conducting an ensemble of African drums.

The rhythm felt as if it was breaking through the darkness of history,

rising upward toward the sky—full of light, energy, and life.

It even felt like a rocket, carrying me beyond, into the universe.

In that moment, I realized — music is a vehicle for the soul.

I felt an overwhelming sense of clarity, joy, and happiness.

And as if guided by that sound, I met Montana King.

This was the very beginning of everything.