As I’ve shared on on social media pages this past week, it’s a blessing to be able to be loved and appreciated consistently through the decades since the first time coming to Japan when my second solo album came out in 1989. Fast forward to 2018 – it’s still a thrill.
By the time the final concert of 2018 was ending I was moved to tears of joy and deep gratitude. Whenever I decide to retire (if I am given the blessing and opportunity to choose) I know I will miss performing and coming to Japan more than anywhere I’ve been along the way thus far
Here are a few highlights of many. Thank you to the great staff of Billboard Live Tokyo and Osaka, SRL squad, my sharp rhythm section and the incredible fans of Japan. I love you! Domo Arigato and I always pray for the next time.
Arrival. Tokyo – June 4, 2018.
Room service-Breakfast. I took a picture because the presentation was so beautiful.
Soundcheck day 1.
Ready for Act 1 of my show kicking off the music journey with some my classic solo hits with John “Havic” Gregory and Rosero McCoy.
Jody Watley and Ro — Nate dressed for SRL. Rosero is in first part of Jody section.
Photography courtesy of Billboard Live Tokyo-First
two songs of Jody Watley and then Jody Watley
and SRL.
I love capturing Nate on “Make That Move” a classic from my Shalamar days. The audience loves him and Nate brings so much zeal and energy to the song and performance.
I love these fan-made hand held fans I keep them all!
With the gifted and beautiful illustrator Hatsune Utsumi
With the very beautiful and kind Cheiko- we first met 18 years ago.
Entry of Billboard Live Tokyo after concert.
We asked fans to join our after show photo when we went into venue entrance.
Nate Allen Smith, SRL
Jody Watley. Art by Hatsune Utsumi
Nate Allen Smith, SRL
Backstage and ready for my close-up!
Sound checking “Waiting In Vain”
Love these guys! Hiro, Yoshinori and
Shigeo.
The very kind Shun Naka gifted me with handmade bags.
Tokyo – We did that!
Lunch in Osaka
Jody Watley and SRL.
Details.
With John “Havic” Gregory and Rosero Mccoy
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Hand painted kimono and gift by Hatsune Utsumi
Meet and Greet.
He asked me to pose with him – and I did.
The Masato Family – Mile and Madna danced with us onstage and gifted awesome art
Art by Mile and Madna
More to come!