“I was an absolutely brainless idiot at that time.”

Says Yutaka Matsubara as he recalls the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. He is one of the central figures in Kobe’s music scene, serving as the Chairman of the Board of the COMIN’ KOBE Executive Committee and as President of Pinefields Ltd. It was 10 years after the earthquake when Matsubara, who experienced the disaster at the age of 15, took action to express his sentiment toward his hometown, Kobe.

He launched the free music festival “COMIN’ KOBE” where artists who agree with the concept of reconstruction support and repayment by the affected gather in one place, famous artists and local bands alike. The festival attracts as many as 40,000 visitors.


I didn’t feel I was a “disaster-stricken person” just after the earthquake



The earthquake occurred when Matsubara was sleeping in his room on the second floor of his house. Kita Ward suffered less damage than some other areas in Kobe City. However, it was the first earthquake he could remember, and he didn’t realize what had happened at all. Phone lines were down, and the TV didn’t work. In this situation, he headed for school.

When I reached school, a teacher was standing at the gate and said, “No, No! Go home!” I went home at once. Now I know it is not something to be proud of, but actually I thought that I was lucky not having to study.

At that time, Matsubara was studying hard for the high school entrance exam. After the earthquake, some high schools postponed the exam schedules, and others even exempted applicants from exams, accepting all those who presented application forms.

Of course I knew that the situation was really serious, but I didn’t feel it as my own problem since I had my parents protecting me and I didn’t have to worry about food or money.

Passion for reconstruction, made known by the people around three years later

His way of thinking changed drastically three years later, right after he graduated from high school. As a member of a band, he went on a one-week tour throughout Japan.

The band was introduced as coming from Kobe on the live houses’ schedules. Seeing this, many audience members asked them, “Were you OK during the earthquake?” Some even gave them small gifts or food. During the tour, everyone asked them about the earthquake and gave special care to them.

The owner of a live house treated us all to food, saying “I couldn’t do anything after the earthquake.” Some let us stay at their houses, and others gave us money. Many people helped us during the seven days. I deeply regretted having thought I was lucky just after the disaster. I was such an idiot.

Having a child and becoming a father at the age of 20 was another incident that changed the attitude of Matsubara.

Until then, I was thinking only about myself. When I had a child, I learned the joy of helping others, and eventually realized that I had survived with the support of the people surrounding me. Around that time, I experienced many events that raised my awareness.

“GOING KOBE” was launched in 2005

Matsubara was shocked to see a charity event for reconstruction that was held in front of Nagata Station, hosted by Gagaga SP, a band from Kobe. This was in 2003.

I am as old as Mr. Maeda, the vocalist of Gagaga SP. Even so, he was doing such great work. I was surprised to see this and thought this may be the kind of thing that I could do. I experienced the earthquake but somehow have thought that it was somebody else’s problem. I knew there were many people feeling the same. I thought I could offer a trigger inspiring those people to think about, and recall, the incident themselves.

That year marked the 10th anniversary of the earthquake, and Kobe City offered grants to some events. Knowing this, I made up my mind to start.

In this way, Matsubara held the first event “GOING KOBE” (the name at the time) in 2005, ten years after the earthquake. Under the two concepts of “Let’s convey gratitude from Kobe” and “Speak about the earthquake, don’t let it be forgotten,” the event hosted seven stages, attracting 10,000 visitors.

The 10th “COMIN’ KOBE” held on April 29, 2014 included 14 stages. There were themed zones such as the Talk Stage and the Disaster Risk Reduction Village. The event also served as a fundraiser. With over 130 artists participating, the event recorded an attendance of approximately 40,000.

Photo: “COMIN’ KOBE.” Daily attendance of 40,000 is almost as large as that of the Fuji Rock Festival.


The reason for having continued such tough work for 10 years

Simply driven by his passion to do anything he could do, Matsubara had no idea exactly what to do at first. Actually, it is very hard work even now, and he often thinks he wants to quit.

Every year I wear myself out, and write a memo in my notebook telling me to quit the next year. However, man is a forgetful creature and I find myself preparing for the next “COMIN’ KOBE.” I am thankful that each event inspires me, and I would like to express my gratitude to all those who cheered and supported us. This is why I have managed to continue the activity as long as 10 years.

From “GOING KOBE” to “COMIN’ KOBE”

Photo: It’s a pity that all events will be held indoors in 2015

He changed the event’s name in 2010 to “COMIN’ KOBE” because a new feeling was born inside him as he planned and operated the event.

Since this is a free event, we visit many Kobe-based companies to ask for support. We receive a positive answer from about one in 10 companies. However, the small number of companies that agreed to help us give us great assistance. After talking with many people, I have come to think that today’s Kobe owes what it is to those people.

In light of this, Matsubara added the third concept to the event – “Let’s convey our gratitude to the town of Kobe.” As such, he changed the name of the event to “COMIN’ KOBE” with a wish to welcome people to Kobe that has achieved reconstruction.

Now, “COMIN’ KOBE” is facing a new challenge for survival.


Began crowdfunding to continue “COMIN’ KOBE”

Photo: Call for crowdfunding on the website

For various reasons, we are holding the event at new venues from 2015 onwards. However, there are few places with a capacity of 40,000. With careful consideration, we decided to rent the Kobe International Exhibition Hall No. 3 in addition to the World Hall.

In order to meet the additional 20 million yen expense, Matsubara decided to start crowdfunding. This is not simply a method for fundraising. With this method, participants are required to consider the meaning of continuing “COMIN’ KOBE” as a free event.

There are many behind-the-scenes episodes about this event, and it is almost a miracle that we have managed to hold it every year. We can collect 20 million yen if 7,000 people out of the 40,000 donate 3,000 yen each. So I decided to confirm through crowdfunding to what extent the concepts of “COMING’ KOBE” and our sentiment therein are understood by people.

Actually, many visitors say, “Then why not make it a charged event?” There is a great difference between donating 3,000 yen to a free event and paying 3,000 yen as an event charge.

From his own experience, Matsubara hopes that young people who consider the earthquake as somebody else’s problem will have a chance to think about the incident for themselves. From this perspective, it is crucially important to hold the event free of charge.


I want to create an environment for artists to continue their musical activities in Kobe

Photo: In front of the live house Taiyo to Tora (meaning “The sun and the tiger”) run by Matsubara

The town of Kobe and the event “COMIN’ KOBE” have made me what I am today. Therefore, I would like to return the favor to Kobe and excite the town through various projects. We have live music venues of different sizes, CD labels, music agencies and the big music festival “COMIN’ KOBE.” I want to create an environment for artists to continue their musical activities in Kobe without having to go to Tokyo.

Matsubara’s strong feelings about Kobe, the earthquake and music will never fade away. It may be because they were forged as something solid through an awareness he gained over time. The passion grows larger as the years pass by, and the memories of the earthquake are naturally passed on to younger generations.

Once a year, many people gather for music and to recall the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The opportunity of sharing time together through music is now rooted in Kobe, and further enhances the city’s appeal.

Kobe has been designated as a City of Design as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Our future challenge is not simply making visible townscape designs, but considering how to design people’s minds on a long-term basis, starting from the year of the earthquake.

In order to further enhance the appeal of the reconstructed city of Kobe, Matsubara will continue his activities to support emotional reconstruction through music.


(Interviewed and written by Yuki Hirakawa)
This article was created with the cooperation of greenz.jp.