The name “rehabilitation” carries within it the story of who we are. In the past, we performed music under the name “tonya_harding,” standing together on stage, surrendering ourselves to the waves of sound. However, as time passed, life and its shifting circumstances?family changes, the ebb and flow of existence?gradually distanced us from that name, turning it into a relic of the past. Looking back, in the constant passage of time, we had lost our rhythm, cocooned in a silence devoid of sound, detached from the music that had once filled our lives.
In that quiet, we rediscovered our path to music. It wasn’t a sudden, dramatic moment. In 2023, when tonya_harding resumed composing, it sparked a series of conversations between us, subtle yet meaningful exchanges that gradually reignited the flame within us. That small spark grew, slowly but surely, until we felt ready to rise again, this time with a new name. “rehabilitation”?a name that signifies not only our own personal revival but also the hope for the resurrection of society as a whole.
The logo for “rehabilitation,” designed by a close friend of prestige_kato, holds within it the quiet yet undeniable imprint of our story. It is not just a visual symbol, but a testament to the journey we’ve walked, the cultures we’ve encountered, and the deep reverence we hold for music itself. The essence of Taiwan, a place prestige_kato visited many times and was deeply enchanted by, permeates the logo. Its culture, music, and unassuming everyday life left a mark on him, which has subtly woven its way into this design. It has become, for us, a kind of spiritual home, one of the emotional sources from which our music springs.
Moreover, the logo also carries our deep respect for the artists from English-speaking countries who have profoundly influenced our musical journey. Their melodies, words, and rhythms laid the foundation of our creative process and shaped who we are. And of course, there is Japan, the country where we live and create, the culture that has always been at the heart of our lives and music. The essence of Japan?its traditions, its music, and its daily rhythms?resides quietly within the logo as well.
This logo is more than just a design; it is a symbol of our commitment to weave together all these elements and create a new world. It represents our intention to connect the distinct cultures of Taiwan, the English-speaking world, and Japan, and from that fusion, to birth something entirely new. Through music, we aim to bring this new creation to the world. We plan to begin composing in both Chinese and English, and to share our music and message in multiple languages. This logo carries within it a powerful will for the future.
As we walk forward once again, our music is now imbued with deeper emotions than ever before. The act of composing and performing music is no mere task?it is a journey into the depths of our emotions, a confrontation with the core of our being. For example, “inside human body” is a piece that explores those inner conflicts. The lyrics speak of the anxieties and despair of reality, and the relentless search for something more, something meaningful. “No money, no job, no nothing”?this refrain is a reflection of our hearts as we search for the meaning of our existence. What is the purpose of the repetitive days we endure? Is this survival, or merely the hollow end of a dream? Yet, at the end of this questioning, we find ourselves believing in a “power that transcends time” and dancing for the fleeting moment of brilliance.
Meanwhile, “Minato no Guitar Hiki” paints a quieter, more solitary form of despair. In the silent hours before dawn, the lonely guitarist of the port town pours cold bourbon down his throat, lost in his own thoughts. He watches the gulls fly away and vows, once again, to simply play his guitar. This is not just the story of one musician?it is our story as well. We try to grasp something through music, yet it always slips through our fingers. At the end of a nameless night, as the first rays of morning light break through, we question our own existence. And yet, we pick up the guitar once more, strumming its strings. That repetition, that commitment, is what it means to live through music.
The name “rehabilitation” was chosen not merely to signify the resumption of our musical activities, but also because we believe that society itself is in need of healing and revival. The pandemic and the hyper-information age have wounded many, causing loss and despair. We too are among those affected. In a world overflowing with information, the visibility of pain and hopelessness can sometimes erode our spirit. Yet, as long as we continue to love music and love people, we cannot remain indifferent. That is why we must first rehabilitate our own hearts and skills, and in turn, hope to offer small doses of healing and hope to those who listen to our music.
prestige_kato and I, tonya_harding, each bring our own influences to the table as we create music together. Kato draws from the food culture and music of Taiwan, where he has traveled many times, as well as elements from KPOP. I, on the other hand, am influenced by both old and new JPOP, bass music, and, to a lesser extent, Ramen Jiro. Our shared musical foundation is built on the works of great artists like Stevie Wonder, Sting, and Southern All Stars. Sometimes, our songwriting begins with simple melodies or hums, while other times, it evolves from beats or specific genres. In the past, Kato primarily handled the DAW work, but now I too have learned to use DAW, and we exchange ideas, building the songs together.
The name “rehabilitation” embodies not only our own musical revival but also the belief that society itself is yearning for healing. No matter how chaotic the times may be, music has the power to illuminate even the darkest of moments. We are on a journey to seek that light, and through our activities as “rehabilitation,” we hope to deliver healing to society and offer new hope to people everywhere.
We have already uploaded several music videos, including “inside human body” and “Minato no Guitar Hiki,” as well as performance videos and talks, on YouTube. We hope that through these videos, you can feel the passion and message that we’ve infused into our music. Please continue to watch over our journey.
