Radio and Me

Some people grew up with the TV on in the background.

In my house, it was always the radio.

My parents preferred listening to the radio during busy mornings instead of watching television, so without realizing it, I grew up with radio as part of everyday life.

As a child, I recorded my favorite songs from the radio onto cassette tapes. Later, I recorded late-night radio shows so I could listen to them again. By high school, I was staying up late just to hear my favorite programs live.

My favorite station has always been FM802 in Osaka. Unlike many stations, they played not only popular Japanese hits but also overseas artists and up-and-coming bands. I didn't have a TV in my room—just a radio and a CD player—so FM802 became my window to the music world.

I even collected their bumper stickers. My family didn't own a car, so instead of putting them on a bumper, I stuck them on my notebooks and school bag.

When I started playing guitar in high school, I listened carefully for new rock songs and artists. Sometimes I even won concert tickets or station giveaways. I wasn't just a passive listener—I was an active fan.

When I lived in Florence, I found a radio station from Rome. To be honest, I understood almost nothing they were saying, but I still liked having it on. Somehow, listening to people talking and hearing local music made me feel connected to where I was.

Time flies.

Now I live in New York. I can't casually turn on FM802 here, but every time I go back to Osaka, one of the first things I do after arriving home is switch on the radio. Many of the DJs have changed over the years, but the habit hasn't.

Last summer, while visiting Japan, FM802 introduced a song called "DUMBAI" by Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso as one of their monthly featured tracks.

That one song changed quite a lot for me.

I became a huge fan. Last month I finally saw them perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Their music has motivated me to study Spanish more seriously, become curious about Argentina, and even dream about visiting someday.

These days, I even find myself cheering for Argentina during FIFA matches.

All because of one song I heard on the radio.

Here in New York, I usually have the radio on in the background instead of the TV. Sometimes it's Spanish-language radio, sometimes WNYC. Somehow, radio feels calmer. It keeps me company without demanding my full attention.

In fact, during the holiday season, one of my customers—who is also a knitting friend—recommended my jewelry on WNYC. It brought new visitors to my website and reminded me that radio still has a loyal audience.

People sometimes think radio is old-fashioned. But I don't think so.

Just like vinyl records or cassette tapes, radio has found a new appreciation among younger generations while continuing to be loved by longtime listeners.

In three days, I'll be back in Osaka.

And one of the things I'm looking forward to most is turning on FM802 and discovering what songs are playing now.

You never know.

Maybe the next artist who changes my world is already on the air.