Its disheartening to hear this, once at school I think I was about 15 years of age, on a music project assignment, students had to show examples of ?The diverse world of music? ?the majority wrote essays about ?Black American music culture?, some about Indian Bhangra beats, I chose to essay Hikki and some of her achievements recognised within the Asian music industry, most refused to even acknowledge that pop music even exists in Asia, the rest with a few exceptions thought Japan in particular just copied western styles, even in 2009 when listening to some of Hikki interviews, there is a patronising tone to the questions.

I don?t feel this has anything to do with race, but more to do with professional pop snobbery, that snotty aloofness shown when debating pop music genre generally, that ?we gave you pop/rock n roll? etc , ?all that remains after is just imitation pop? mentality, it seems we have along way to go?..

If any Utadanet member ever gets within ear shot of this nonsense, may I suggest, anonymously sending the plonker a thank you ?gift? during the middle of summer being sure to include a few words of discouragement and perhaps a few other treats, lumps of Wrigley's chewing gum (well chewed), Fetish magazines (not porno), titles like ?happy spanker?, ?Guys and Girls like Pampers??include beef jerky, vegetable peelings can really hum when send on parcel post ?cheep n cheerful? rate , Grandma?s old underwear?just remember to include the words a ?gift of thanks from Asian Musicians Globally?