We first met over 10 years ago. At that time he was working at Digital Hollywood University, he liked my work and approached me to ask about the possibility of doing something with the students. In the end, me and the pupils created something together. However, Sakurai left due to poor health and we lost contact with each another. Even though we were not particularly close at the time, I still thought it was a shame.

Then, a few years later we crossed paths and I met him again at a somewhat unexpected location. It was backstage at a ℃-ute live performance. He had lost a bit of weight since the last time I saw him, but he still seemed well. I heard that was his first experience of Hello! Project. From that day, we became friends who were somehow connected by our jobs and by Hello! Project. And Sakurai just loved to connect people together. I got to know so many people from him. One of them is Sumire Uesaka. In the last few years, a lot of energy has been put into promoting cultural diplomacy, there’s been a lot of talk about conventions abroad, and even promises to arrange introductions in the near future. I was thinking about what we would do together next, but now all of a sudden he's gone. It’s so sad and a huge loss for everyone. But, there was so much that he hadn't finished and so much more he wanted to accomplish, I would like to carry on his spirit and do what I can. I think there are so many people who will be thinking the same thing. He has sown this seed into the heart of a great number of friends and colleagues. I will be praying for him, may his soul rest in peace.

There was nobody who believed in the power of pop culture to connect Japan with the rest of the world more than Sakurai san. When it came to anime, manga, anison, idols, lolita and cosplay... the message he always tried to get across in the series he wrote for asianbeat was that there are otaku from all over the world, who absolutely love Japanese pop culture and are waiting to experience Japan. He wanted everyone to understand and take on board that idea. And I hope all the readers will feel his passion through his articles.

I first met Sakurai san in 2010, before I made my debut as a voice artist. Since then we have shared our dreams with each other countless times, which has encouraged me over and over again. Starring in anime and joining in Lolita Brand tea parties were some of the goals that I have been able to achieve, and I was even able to participate in a cultural diplomatic trip to Russia. He covered and reported on so many stories that I was involved with. I cannot say thank you enough for all he has done.
I feel so alone and saddened by what’s happened, but without losing sight of the guideposts that Sakurai san has marked out for me, I will keep on trying my best to do the things that I want and to accomplish what needs to be done.
Sakurai san, thank so you much for everything.

J Pop Culture Observations - Back Number