The Tsuyama Phenomenon

I sometimes think about how unique the Tsuyama phenomenon is. How many other rock stars' parents are this friendly? How many still keep running their modest store? Is there another town whose residents unanimously give their most famous local such a thumbs up and tolerate his admirers trekking around all the time?
Yes, it's true. Thousands of B'z fans flock to Tsuyama, in Okayama Prefecture, to explore rock star roots. As I mentioned in the bio, it's sort of near Kyoto. Tsuyama is Koshi's hometown, but probably a bigger draw is that his parents still run the same Inaba Cosmetics Store they've always had, and they graciously welcome B'z fans! That's right, they actually seem to like having people this crazy about their son come visit.

While Koshi has always been intensely private about his personal life, oddly enough, he doesn't seem to mind the fact that Tsuyama has become something of a tourist attraction or that his parents face his very devoted fans on a daily basis. Inaba-san doesn't live there anymore, of course, but he visits his family regularly. He also contributed money for reconstruction after a natural disaster, and has received some sort of Good Citizen award. The family house (the same one he lived in growing up) is near the store. It's clear that people come to Tsuyama for mostly one reason, and this is illustrated by the handy maps that are available at the train station.

The preferred mode of transportation for fans is rental bike. You can visit Koshi's elementary school, the Inaba Cosmetics Store, chat with his friends from high school, pose in front of his high school, etc. I've never been to Tsuyama, but based on a TV special (yep, there's one) and what friends have told me, the Inaba Cosmetics Store is probably the first place to visit. Mama and Papa Inaba run the front counter themselves, and I bet they do pretty good business selling their Shiseido. XD The store is literally stuffed with B'z memorabilia of every kind. Koshi provided a thorough collection! Posters of B'z, of Koshi, of Koshi's dogs, plaster the walls. B'z videos play on a TV, and B'z tour goods are lined up on shelves. Maracas and Tshirts signed by their son are in glass cases. Friends who have made the trip are all unanimous in declaring Mama and Papa 178 to be wonderfully nice and kind. When one friend told Mama 178 all the copies of the B'z book Twelve were sold out in stores she went to, Mama immediately whipped out a new copy, signed it, and attached a Koshi photo sticker! Customers also get a Member Card, which cannily has a picture of Koshi on it.

Koshi and Bub photo sticker Mama 178 has several photo albums for fan perusal, and guestbooks for fans to sign. She's collected quite a few by now! She has also commented that whenever Koshi goes home, he just lies around the house all day. XD She also recommends places where Koshi's buddies hang out so fans can go try to find them.

Besides Mama and Papa 178, Brother 178 also lives in Tsuyama. He's the one who introduced young Koshi to Western music. Anyway, Brother 178 owns a sweets store! He once said of Koshi, "He's pretty normal, but sometimes he sings weird stuff around the house." It is possible to have tea at Brother 178's store.

Another draw is the Danish restaurant Copenhagen, which Koshi has been known to frequent when he's home. He has a special chair at the restaurant where he sits while he partakes of the famous meat dish on the menu. Fans try to sit in that chair to soak up the Inaba atmosphere. ^^;

Koshi's friends and acquaintances are scattered around town. One runs a bar where Koshi drops by for a drink when he's there. If you find him, according to my friends, he is likely to tell you that Koshi is "yasashii."

Koshi grew up in a very loving and supportive environment. I think this is clearly reflected in the kind of relationship he still has with his family, friends, and Tsuyama. He's close to them and they're so proud of him, and it's all rather heartwarming in this modern age.

Koshi aside, Tsuyama and Okayama are supposed to have beautiful scenery that make them pleasant travel destinations. For more, see their English version website, here. So if you're in Japan, and near the area, you may want to consider taking a day trip to Tsuyama! :)

Thanks to liv for the Memorial Map! <3 The photo sticker belongs to himawari. Thanks hima! <3

Back to Main

Back to Koshi
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1