《I have stated my extremely personal conviction from the outset: "Keyboard instruments are beetles!!" Indeed, the fortepiano appeared to me as an agile, carnivorous beetle. Its sound, not overly harsh, possessing a somewhat whimsical character, and the very form of the fortepiano itself, all fit perfectly. Hence, this piece. Incidentally, I consider the harpsichord to resemble a flower chafer.

Now, to the main subject. The title of this piece, which is quite difficult to read, refers to a carnivorous insect called "Enma Hanmyo" (Tiger Beetle). First, to explain the insect known as "Hanmyo" (Tiger Beetle): this insect is also known by the epithet "Michi-oshie" (Road Guide), because it jumps and flees whenever approached, doing so as if guiding one along a path, hence its nickname. It is a small and quite beautiful insect.

The species known as Enma Hanmyo is several times larger than the common Hanmyo and is also a very powerful hunter. Its carnivorous nature is fierce, comparable to that of scorpions or centipedes. With large mandibles and a villainous countenance, as if its brow is furrowed, it lives up to the name "Enma" (King of Hell). Its movements are also agile, not shaming the Hanmyo, continuously targeting prey with erratic behavior and striking it down. However, this erratic behavior is precisely the key point: it might attack furiously, then zone out, tremble, or display restlessness, which I find remarkably relatable.

There is another word, "Manticora," which is used in its scientific name. This name refers to a monster from European folklore. It is a composite monster, irresistible to monster enthusiasts, with the face of a human, the body of a lion, and the tail of a scorpion. Many scientific names for organisms bear the names of such mythological or legendary monsters. To the person who assigned its scientific name, this Enma Hanmyo must have appeared as a composite monster. Though it lacks a tail...

Now, while the two images—Enma and a European monster—are somewhat incongruous, I am fond of the insect itself for its seemingly self-paced nature. Hoping for such a piece to emerge, I entrusted it to the fortepiano, an instrument like a carnivorous beetle, and to Mr. Hiroaki Ooi, a pianist with wonderfully delicate expression and agility. I express my heartfelt gratitude.》