On August 13th, five member rock band SOPHIA held a comeback live titled 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIA' at Nippon Budoukan in Tokyo. The band made this live a fresh start with member Miyako Keiichi (39), who recently conquered lymphoma (cancer involving cells of the immune system).

During the live, there was a large cheer when Miyako first appeared on the main stage and said, �I�m back!�. � After his performance of �Hymne � l'amour�, vocalist Matsuoka Mitsuru (40) said, �I was tired of waiting for this moment. We have brought Miyako, who successfully fought off his cancer and returned! Thanks for believing in us!� After Matsuoka's statements, the 11,000 fans in attendance yelled their words of support to the band.

SOPHIA performed a total of 24 songs including their newest single, �cod-E�, Miyako�s and Matsuoka�s collaboration song �W�, and �Himawari�. �The live lasted approximately three hours, including�a short intermission in consideration of Miyako�s health.

Miyako was diagnosed with lymphoma back in February 2010. �Then in April of that year, the band announced their hiatus with a last performance at Nakano Sun Plaza. �After six months of medical care, he successfully finished his treatment and in May 2011, he resumed his music career, while still receiving health checkups from time to time. �It was reported that Matsuoka visited the hospital�everyday during�Miyako�treatment�and sent him�encouragement�daily. �As �an opportunity for [Miyako] to touch music�, they created a collaboration song titled, �W�, which was used as the theme song for 'Kamen Rider W', a movie starring Matsuoka.

At this live, Miyako also said, �I definitely received strength from everyone�s words of encouragement. I strongly swore to myself to return,� and expressed his feelings to the audience. �His wife, singer Kubou Ruriko, was spotted in the audience as well.

They have also announced a fan club tour this fall at Zepp venues in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka and next year, they will hold a nationwide tour.

Source: Nikkan Sports

Image: Sanspo