Doing what I do, I get to meet a lot of interesting people. Some pass through and barely leave an impression. But sometimes, I get to meet people who really matter, and whose impact makes their own little dent on the universe. One such person is Toshi Nakama, a man who has played a fundamental role in shaping the DJ industry into what it is today. And in light of last week’s news, Toshi has sent a very personal message to me and the readers of skratchworx and DJWORX, and is about as official as a response from Vestax as you’re likely to get.
Here it is in full:
Dear Mark and Skratchworx followers
This is an extremely sad news to tell you but I have to say good bye to Vestax where I had worked for the last 33 years and have to reset the company. Vestax had had a long history with Skratchworx. Mark had been the first to be provided with the information on our new products. We received form Skratchworx followers the opinions that were sometimes tough for us to hear but we always appreciated all of your constructive opinions and with those, kept modifying the existing products and developing new models. I cannot thank enough all of you for your support and enthusiasm towards us. And also I would like to sincerely apologize to you for not being able to continue our business.
Mark has been definitely one of the people who have built the new music culture and movement as he has been traveling around for interviewing and reporting and even putting in his own funds to enthusiastically and sincerely tell people around the globe how to enjoy music. This time as well, he was the first to know what was going to happen with Vestax. But he was so caring and worried about us that he hold the information until we released the official information. I am being reminded once again that what a respectable and great person Mark has been.
I am hoping from the bottom of my heart that Vestax will be rebuilt with people who have a “Vestaxism”. As for spare parts, I am going to give as many as I have in hand to repair companies. I would like to release the related information when things get ready.
Lastly, there is one thing I would like to ask you for: Please make the most of your knowledge and experiences to present ideas of dream machines that teenagers would love and could create a new music movement with their sense, and to tell them how much they can enjoy creating music and remixing. Without any complicated theories, please teach down to them how to enjoy creating music from the bottom of their heart. They do not know what vinyl records are like, what CD are like, and even what computers are like.
Thank you very much. I hope to see you all somewhere and someday in the future.
Toshi Nakama
Vestax Corporation
Speaking as just some guy who stumbles through running a website, it goes without saying that I’m genuinely humbled to be spoken of in such terms from someone who I admire so much. It’s not the kind of thing I’d normally share, but it was Toshi’s wish that this be published as he’s speaking to everyone who has visited skratchworx and DJWORX and offered support to Vestax.
That’s all I wanted to say. This isn’t some kind eulogy, as I’m certain that Toshi will pop up somewhere soon enough working his crazy genius somewhere else. As his message says, he’ll still be supporting Vestax users in any way he can for as long as he can, with the heartfelt hope that Vestax somehow rises from the ashes and lives in some form again. I’ll certainly be staying in touch with him. From everyone at skratchworx and DJWORX, we thank you Toshi-san. It’s been a pleasure and look forward to seeing what you do next. Deep respectful bow.