Reunion

Before Japanese summer vacation called "Bon-yasumi", I met my friend the first time after graduation.
15 years ago??
We were same band during collage time in Osaka, we copied Marylin Manson's songs.
After graduation, she went back to Portugal, moved to Monaco, then Paris now.

On Instagram, I got know she visited Osaka.
Texted, she says "Are you in Osaka now?!"
She thought I'm in US(￣▽￣;)
Somehow, many friends think I'm in NY now....yes, I will....someday soon.
So that's kinda sudden, we decided to meet.

Actually, she was planning to have her birthday party next day, I was invited.
I didn't know who comes, anyway I went.

Maybe 12 people gathered?
More than half were "Nice to meet you." (mostly Japanese)
A few were from same music circle.

We could catch up, thanks to social media, we could have a nice chance to reunite.
When I moved to NY, Paris is much closer than from Japan, maybe we can visit each other??
I'm pretty sure that we can meet anywhere.
 

August 15th

Today is the anniversary of end of World War Ⅱ.
From the view of Japanese.
It's the day to pray for victims, pray for peace, swear we never bring a war again.

Just out of curiosity, I asked my fiancé if US has special meaning for today.
He hasn't heard much about that.
Japan takes August 15th as a special day, Emperor comments, so does Prime Minister at ceremony.

I looked up on internet, on Wikipedia,  September 2nd is regarded as the final day of WWⅡ in US．

He says Civil War or Battle with British, last day becomes important.
Japan's attitude is learning from past and American, mostly boast independence.(America first?)

Japan is single race country, monoculture, island and US is completely opposite.
America is shaped by different histories originating from different places, different religions.

When I talked to his dad, he said he enjoyed bowling when he was young.
Sounds like right after War ended.
As you know, Japan surrendered and after war, everybody was poor, worked very hard to survive, no entertainment.
I felt something.
That's the difference between winner and loser.

At the same point in the world, our countries had totally different life style.
And still same situation now in the world.

We study history always from OUR perspective.
We believe "We Are Right".
That's the beginning of conflict.

Fact is only one.
How to see it shapes you.





 

Yoshida brothers

I went to Yoshida brothers' concert on Aug 1st.

 

Last time at Osaka was including other instruments like drums.
This time "only shamisen", no other sounds.

Shamisen has 3 strings, that means 2 shamisens have 6 strings equal one guitar.
It was very rich sound. (I don't know how to describe)

 

Stage set is like this.
Moon and clouds are made of Sekishu-Washi, which is Japanese traditional paper.
This concert is one of Japan Value Project, Sekishu-Washi is very durable paper, they promote this.
Cloud part, paper includes shamisen strings that brothers consumed for 35 years.

Needless to say their playing, light effect, screen were also awesome.

Honestly, I'm not big fun of Japanese traditional music at all.
What fascinates me is Tsugaru-shamisen powerful sound, and Yoshida Brothers attitude or action.
They are still young (around 40) as a shamisen player, but keep trying to explore.
Collaboration with current rock band, Spanish sound, animation music etc.
(Younger brother often goes to Spain, teaches shamisen at collage)
Their appearances are also not like orthodox style.  

I guess, in classic field, starting new thing is difficult to be accepted.
Sometimes people who stick to authentic way refuse and criticize.

They keep challenging.
That motivates and encourages me a lot.