I’m not sure it will be put on the blogcast. I dunno, we’re discussing this all on the Bachido forum, but I haven’t put it on Facebook or anything more public like that. I feel a little funny to do so. :-S
I’ve shown Masahiro a little mockup and he was thrilled. He thinks it’s going to be very moving for Yousuke, who’s currently in a “clear room” (as he put it in katakana). I’ll put the mockup on the stickied thread. 
I know y’all have been waiting to see this!
He says, “though I’ll still be in the hospital for a long time, I’m going to do my best (頑張ろう) to recover for Bachido!”
Glad to see a pic of Yousuke! Hope for the best for his recovery!
Kyle,
Santa Cruz to do list.
1.) shopping to get something for Yousuke
2.) shopping to get something for Masahiro for Novemeber !
In addition to making the best new instruction videos for Shamisen ever created by mankind. Muahahahaha!
Groovy!!
Did you get invited to Masahiro’s wedding? (Oops! Now I’ve spoiled the surprise!)
The studio will be all ready! I think we’ll make a little teaser video of it tomorrow.
Great to see him up and smiling! The frog really gives some color to it and it looks great that there’s only one item in color. Kinda Japanese you know.
ah cool looking that shirt really turned out well and all and all the best for recovery to Yousuke !
So glad to see Yousuke san’s smile!!! (^O^) Sorry to have missed the photo while I was in Guam. iPad did not work in the US.
Yes Kyoko,and everyone,his smile Is one of the best things,and a better thing Is his soon recover!
Dear family-like friends at Bachido
A final update on Yousuke Hara
To cut a long story short, Yousuke Hara was diagnosed with leukemia last year. Though recovery was expected, his body had rejected the transplant last week and his state rapidly declined soon after. Two days ago, Yousuke Hara passed away at 4:43am. He was 23 years old.
Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Yousuke was also a very close family friend to the Nitta family, and so I wish them healing in this time of recovery as well.
. . .
I shall be thinking of him and his family, my condolences to all.
= (
Loss like this is all the more sad when it’s someone so young… Sincere condolences to the Hara and Nitta families.
So sad news.
心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。
I will always remember Yosuke for being an extraordinary young man and for his enthusiasm and talent for music and creativity. We who knew him were blessed with something very special . I’ll remember Yokuke with great gratitude and truly hope his family will someday find peace within this tragic loss.
Linda, that’s what gets me the most. Yousuke was such a sweet and caring person already, but the saddest fact is that he was so young. It’s incredibly humbling.
It really hits home when someone in my age group passes away. My heart goes out to the friends and family.
Even though chances were low, I believe we all thought his enthusiasm and willpower would help him get through this . It’s simply devastating and unfair when a young person like Yosuke is taken away. I did not know him personally but still he managed to leave a mark of being an extraordinary person. I will remember him for that.
It’s taken me all day to finally really realize the harsh truth of Yousuke’s passing. I first read the news almost 12 hours ago but was almost in disbelief . Finally now, almost 12 hours later the feeling of grief and loss is really starting to kick in. There really isn’t anything to say in words that can accurately describe it. When Mike Penny and I first travelled to Sapporo to work with Masahiro and start Monsters of Shamisen Yousuke was like a beacon of support, enthusiasm and was very insightful with helping us get our act up and running. He was always there year after year to jam with us, joke with us and uplift our spirits. I know when Bachido started Yousuke was right there as always to help with orders and do whatever he could to support the cause.
Last time when Kyle and I went up to record Stellar once again Yousuke came around with his ever-present supportive spirit and we all shared many fond memories of jamming with him at the local bar, playing Kita no Hibiki with us and even starring in some of the promo movies/blogcasts etc.
I just always thought he would pull through and so reading this news really did come as something very sad to me.
In our “Bachido” community and in the world of Shamisen we have all lost someone very special. I know that Yousuke would want us all to keep playing, keep exploring music and Keep feeling excited about this community and the future projects we all have an opportunity to share in! I wish his spirit the best as he passes from this world into the world beyond! Knowing how strong and sincere he has always been I am sure he is finding his way just fine!