We’re already four rehearsals into this morning’s session, and they’re coming at us thick and fast. This one takes us on a journey to the Far East. Yes, it’s Ayana, singing Mata sugu aō ne for the Netherlands.

Those who watched Junior Songfestival in October won’t be too surprised by this one. Ayana is joined by two kamigata mai (fan) dancers in front of and behind a shoji (Japanese sliding door). The outfits and cherry blossom-coated projections cement this in Japanese iconography and heritage, as does the image of the “paper kite” in the song.

It is worth a reminder that this is very relevant to the song. The title translates to “When I See You Again”, and is about half-Japanese Ayana’s memories of her family she has not been able to see for years due to Covid travel restrictions.

All there is left to say is: 彩菜頑張れ!

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