CHAPTER 801: FIRST AWARD OF THE NIGHT

The lights in the grand ArtReam Hall dimmed once again as the audience shifted in their seats, waiting for the announcement of the first award of the night. The energy in the room was palpable, a mix of excitement and anticipation. This was the moment when the 130th Sapphire Melody Awards would officially begin handing out trophies, and it started with an award that paid homage to the roots of music itself: Best Traditional Folk Song. This category was a nod to the rich cultural heritage of Azure Star, honoring the songs that preserved the traditional elements of folk music, both in melody and lyrics.

The stage, bathed in a soft blue light, became the focus of everyone’s attention. The backdrop of the stage displayed images of rolling hills, quiet villages, and people gathered around fires, singing the songs of their ancestors. These visuals served as a reminder of the deep connection between music and culture, particularly in the folk genre, where stories were passed down from generation to generation.

A moment later, a soft melody filled the hall as the spotlight centered on the figure walking toward the microphone at the center of the stage. Forest Yan, a beloved and famous folk artist, appeared in view, his presence greeted by warm applause. Dressed in an elegant yet simple outfit that reflected his folk roots, he carried himself with a calm grace. Forest Yan had become a symbol of tradition, his voice known for keeping the old songs of Sakura Abode Country alive while blending them with modern storytelling. Tonight, he was tasked with presenting the first award of the evening.

As the applause quieted, Forest Yan smiled warmly at the audience and spoke into the microphone. His voice was deep and gentle, carrying the weight of his experience.

"Good evening, everyone," he began, his tone reverent. "It is an honor to stand here tonight at the Sapphire Melody Awards, and even more so to present this award—an award that holds a special place in my heart."

He paused for a moment, looking out at the audience, many of whom were fellow artists, some of them even competitors for this category. "Traditional folk music is the soul of our people. It tells stories of our ancestors, of our land, of love and loss, joy and sorrow. These songs are our connection to the past, and through them, we preserve our history."

The audience remained silent, captivated by his words. There was a weight to what he was saying, a reminder that music, especially folk music, was more than just entertainment—it was a bridge between generations, a vessel for cultural memory.

"Tonight," Forest continued, his smile softening, "we honor six incredible artists who have carried this tradition forward, preserving the melodies and lyrics of our ancestors, while also breathing new life into them. Each of these nominees has captured the essence of folk music in their own unique way, and it is my privilege to present the award for Best Traditional Folk Song."

With a subtle nod to the stage crew, the screen behind him lit up, displaying the names of the six nominees. As he read each name aloud, a short clip of the nominee’s song played, giving the audience a taste of the work that had earned these artists a place in this prestigious category.

"The first nominee," Forest announced, "is Kohana Yume for her song ’Whispers of the Mountain Wind.’"

The screen played a brief clip of Kohana’s song, a hauntingly beautiful melody carried by the soft strains of the koto and her ethereal voice. The imagery of mist-covered mountains and the delicate sway of bamboo trees accompanied the song, evoking the peaceful yet powerful spirit of the natural world.

"The second nominee is Akira Sato for ’Songs of the River Children.’"

The camera cut to Akira’s performance, a joyful and rhythmic tune sung over the sound of children’s laughter and the playful rush of river water. His song was a celebration of life and community, rooted in the simple joys of nature and family.

"Our third nominee is Mariko Han with her song ’The Weeping Willow’s Lament.’"

The next clip featured Mariko’s soulful voice singing over the mournful notes of the shamisen, a traditional string instrument. Her song, full of sorrow and longing, told the story of a love lost to time, a theme that resonated deeply with the audience.

"The fourth nominee is Daiki Oda for ’The Farmer’s Harvest.’"

The hall was filled with the lively, upbeat sounds of Daiki’s song, which celebrated the hard work of farmers and the joy of harvest time. The taiko drums and shakuhachi added vibrant energy to the piece, reflecting the strength and resilience of the people who worked the land.

"The fifth nominee is Hanae Ishikawa with ’Moonlit Fields.’"

Hanae’s clip showed her standing in a wide, open field under the glow of a full moon, singing a gentle lullaby that seemed to float in the air. Her voice, accompanied by the soft strumming of a biwa, captured the magic of night and the deep connection between the land and the people.

"And our final nominee," Forest Yan said, "is Takeshi Mori for ’Echoes of the Ancients.’"

The last clip played showed Takeshi’s performance, which was a powerful and reverent tribute to the ancestors. His song, steeped in history, featured the deep, resonant tones of the kokyū and the steady rhythm of the zither, evoking the spiritual connection between the present and the past.

As the last clip ended, Forest turned back to the audience. "These six artists have each honored the traditions of our ancestors, and it is my great pleasure to announce the winner of this year’s Best Traditional Folk Song."

The hall grew quiet, the tension thick as Forest opened the envelope in his hands. He glanced at the name inside and smiled.

"And the winner is... Mariko Han, for ’The Weeping Willow’s Lament!’"

A wave of applause swept through the room as the camera zoomed in on Mariko Han, who looked genuinely stunned. Her hand flew to her mouth in disbelief as those at her table congratulated her. After a moment of composing herself, she stood and made her way to the stage, her graceful kimono trailing behind her as she ascended the steps.

The audience continued to clap warmly as Mariko approached the microphone. Her eyes glistened with emotion as she accepted the Sapphire Award, the beautiful sapphire centerpiece reflecting the lights of the stage. She held it firmly as if it were made of the most delicate material.

"Thank you... thank you so much," Mariko began, her voice shaky with emotion. "I never expected to win this award, especially among such talented nominees. It is truly an honor to stand here tonight."

She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "This song, ’The Weeping Willow’s Lament,’ came from a deeply personal place for me. It was inspired by stories passed down from my grandmother, who told me about the strength of women in our family, and about their resilience in the face of loss and hardship. Through this song, I wanted to honor them—their courage, their sacrifices, and their love."

The hall was silent, hanging on her every word. Her sincerity touched everyone present, and even those watching from afar could feel the deep connection between Mariko and her music.

"I want to thank my family, who have always supported me in my journey as a musician, and my grandmother, who I know is watching over me tonight," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "And I want to thank all of you—everyone who listens to folk music, who keeps these stories alive, who understands the importance of remembering where we come from. This award is for all of us."

With that, Mariko bowed deeply to the audience, her expression one of gratitude and humility. The audience erupted into applause once again as she stepped back from the microphone, holding her award tightly. She glanced up at the shimmering lights of the stage, her heart full of appreciation for the moment and the tradition she had been chosen to carry forward.

As she made her way backstage, the cameras followed her, capturing the smiles and handshakes from fellow artists congratulating her on her well-deserved win. The night had only just begun, but already, the 130th Sapphire Melody Awards had delivered a moment of profound beauty and emotion.