Koto Music in Vancouver 箏/琴 in バンクーバー

Identity VIdeo

2012-02-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the trailer of Identity:Ancestral Memory that I participated in last year.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-28T17:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Season's greetings!

Hope you are well and enjoying the holiday season somewhere in the world. Thank you for your support throughout the year, and I look forward to doing some more fun or stupid or beautiful things in 2012!

Wish you the best holiday season and a wonderful New Year :)

Kozue

Photos of ORCHESTRAL EVOLUTION

2011-11-18T22:40:00.001-08:00

The photos of ORCHESTRAL EVOLUTION by Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra. Thanks a lot to Robin Wong, one of my favorite photographers!, for those wonderful photos!

More photos by Robin

ORCHESTRAL EVOLUTION: November 12, 2011

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I will be performing at Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra concert! Please see the detail below. This is going to be really exciting and Vancouver-like! I look forward to seeing you there!

=====
Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra Celebrates its 10thAnniversary with Gala Concert

With special guests Laudate Singers

Saturday November 12, 2011 at 8:00 pm

Norman Rothstein Theatre (950 West 41st Ave., Vancouver) *See the map below

Tickets ($28/$18) & information: VICO

By phone: 778-881-5499;

At the Rothstein reception desk in person or at 604-257-5111.

One of the city’s most innovative world music ensemblescelebrates a successful first decade on November 12, by doing what it doesbest: creating and presenting new music by Canadian composers – music thatbuilds bridges between ancient and modern sounds and styles, performed by someof Vancouver’s finest musicians on instruments from all over the world. It’sthe grand scale of its artistic vision that has always set the VancouverInter-Cultural Orchestra apart, so it’s fitting that its 10^th anniversaryconcert will feature the full 24-member ensemble with North Shore-based chamberchoir Laudate Singers and Iranian-born tenor soloist AmirHaghighi: 50 musicians in total, who will perform the world premieres ofmajor new pieces by Vancouver composers Jin Zhang, Edward Henderson and RitaUeda as well as works by Elliot Weisgarber, Mark Armanini and Moshe Denburg.

Edward Henderson’s new work for interculturalorchestra and choir, Drowned Out – a folk tale, is dedicated to thepeoples of the Narmada Valley, India, who continue to protest the ongoingconstruction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam system. Also featured is Dreamsof the Wanderer, a major work for intercultural orchestra, tenor soloistand choir by Moshe Denburg, which incorporates settings of texts inHebrew, English, Chinese and Persian.

Jin Zhang will take audiences on a journey toYunnan (a region in southwestern China of extraordinary ethnic and culturaldiversity) with his new piece, Yi Ritual, which grew out of aresearch trip in 2010, during which he studied the region’s intricate folkmusic and brought several plucked and percussion instruments back toincorporate into his work. Also on the programme: Yamato no Haru byseminal intercultural composer Elliot Weisgarber, in a new arrangement forchoir and intercultural orchestra by VICO co-artistic director MarkArmanini, and the premiere of Prayer, a piece for choir andpercussion by Rita Ueda.

The map of Norman Rothstein Theatre

View Larger Map

House Concert/Party

2011-10-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Photos by Robin Wong

I was invited to a house party by a great erhu musician LanTung to welcome an awesome guzheng musician Yu-Chen Wang who is the artist-in-residence with VICO.

I enjoyed the contemporary music a lot there and jamming andimprovising with them! Hope I can do more of those things with them and withother musicians in the future!

Thanks Lan and Yu-Chen for inviting me and jamming with me :)

More Photos

Intercultural Vancouver in Music & Pictures: October 11, 2011

2011-10-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

==English==

I will be performing at an event Intercultural Vancouver in Music & Pictures by Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra. This is aninformal lecture-performance event featuring VICO musicians, illustrating – viashort works for solo, duo, and trio – some of the musical traditions that makeup Vancouver's cultural fabric. The presentation includes an overview of thehistory of intercultural music in Vancouver, and a photo exhibit celebratingBC’s pioneering inter- and multi-cultural composers in classical music.

==========

Date: Tuesday October, 11, 2011 at 7pm

Location: Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vanocuver) *See the map below

Admission: Free

*Thereis parking underground at the Roundhouse, and from 6 to 11pm it costs only $3.

==========

More details

See the FYI article as well

==日本語==

Vancouver Inter-Cultural OrchestraによるIntercultural Vancouver in Music & Picturesというイベントで演奏します。世界の様々な楽器による演奏、そしてバンクーバーの多文化、多国籍な音楽の歴史に触れる良い機会です是非皆様足をお運びくださいね。

==========

日時：2011年10月11日(火)午後7時

場所：Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vanocuver) *下記の地図参照

入場料：無料

*Roundhouse の地下には駐車場があります。午後6時以降11時まで$3のみです。

==========

詳細

FYIの記事を見る

The map of Roundhouse Community Centre

View Larger Map

Help Japan: Bonsai Sale and Silent Auction: October 1, 2011

2011-09-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

**added on Oct. 22**
This was a great success! See the photos here
Bonsai1
Bonsai2
****

"Some time has passed since the devastating Tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011. Although this tragedy may not be at the forefront of people's minds on a daily basis, Japan is in dire straights and is in need ofour help."

Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 11am to 4pm
Location Japan Bonsai Garden Art (16164 24th Avenune, Surrey, BC)

View Larger Map

Photos of Identity – Ancestral Memory in May, 2011

2011-08-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

The photos of Identity project. Great thanks to Yukiko Onley for those gorgeous photos!

TV Korea

2011-08-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have Asian Zither Recital with stunning Guzheng Master Wei Li and Kayagum player Grace Jong Eun Lee. I have to say, this was such a wonderful experience for me. TV Korea was there and made a news clip about the recital. So here it is.

去年の夏のAsian Zither Recital の様子がTV Koreaで紹介されています。韓国語ですが、３つの楽器の様子がわかるビデオだと思います

Photos of Fête de la Musique on June 21, 2011

2011-08-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

The photos from Fête de la Musique! Thanks all the friends dropping by Gastown, and thanks to Geling for collaborating with me. I has such a fun time!

Thanks Geling! xoxo

Banzai Japan!!: July 21, 2011

2011-07-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

==English==

I wasinvited to perform at a fundraiser for Japan in Victoria. It is such a greatthing that people are still trying to support Japan after a while! I reallyfeel honored to be involved.

Here is thedetail of the event from the organizer.

BanzaiJapan!!, Thursday July 21

Thisfundraiser for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan willbe held at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street, Victoria BC (see themap below) on the evening of July 21 starting at 7:00 pm. KozueMatsumoto will be performing along with Before Helen, UminariTaiko and the Furusato Dancers (Japanese Folk Dance group). Therewill also be a SUMO COMPETITION where you can win great prizes!! Ticketsare $20 and available online now and at The Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza (642 Johnson Street). Invite your friends, party for a good cause! See you there, it's gonna bean awesome night!! Here is the Facebook event page.

Sounds great,eh? I look forward to seeing you there

==日本語==

ビクトリアでの震災復興イベントで演奏します。震災後しばらく経ちますが、まだまだいろんな人が日本のサポートのために頑張ってくれていて、本当にありがたいですし、そこに自分も微力ながらお手伝いできのであれば、なによりです。

皆さん日本の復興のために是非足をお運びくださいね。

イベントの詳細はこちら

--------------------------

日時:2011年7月21日(木)7pm

場所:the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad Street, Victoria BC) *下の地図をご覧ください。

チケット:$20:

オンラインで、もしくは

The BestWestern Plus Carlton Plaza, (642 Johnson Street, Victoria)で

購入可能です。

--------------------------

Facebook Page

the Victoria Event Centre

View Larger Map

Fête de la Musique: June 21, 2011

2011-06-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

==English==

I am invited to perform for this very fun event, the Fête dela Musique, on solstice to enjoy the sun!

Please see before for my schedule, but there will be a lot of music on every corner of Gastown, so come out and celebrate the summer with music!

I look forward to seeing you there too!

--------------------------

Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 8pm

Location: 131 Water (131 Water Street, Vancouver) *See the map below

Ticket: Free!

--------------------------

Fête de la Musique

Check out the photos!

==日本語==

お誘いを受けてこのフランス発祥の夏至の日のイベント、the Fête de la Musique、に参加することになりました。

私の演奏時間は以下にありますが、それ以外にもこのにはガスタウンの至る所で音楽が演奏されているので是非足をお運びくださいね。

--------------------------

日時: 2011年6月21日(火)、 8pm

場所: 131 Water (131 Water Street, Vancouver) *下の地図をご覧ください。

チケット: 無料です!

--------------------------

Fête de la Musique

写真はコチラから！

131 Water

View Larger Map

Japanese Calligraphy Exhibition Satoko Hattori: June 9, 2011

2011-06-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

==English==

I will be performint at the oprning of an exhibision by Satoko Hattori, a Japanese calligrapher, who just had another exhibition in Paris. Her work is so beautiful so please come!

------------------------------------

Date: Thursday June 9, 2011 6:30pm

Location: Alliance Francaise de Vancouver (6161 Cambie Street, Vancouver) *see the map below

Admission: Free entrance and traditional buffet

Contact: Alliance Francaise de Vancouver: 604.327.0201

------------------------------------

Satoko Hattori

Alliance Francaise de Vancouver

==日本語==

パリでも展覧会を開いたことのあるという書家の服部聡子(http://shodou.gally.jp/)さんのバンクーバーでの展覧会のオープニングで箏を弾くことになりました。聡子さんの素敵な作品を是非見にいらしてくださいね。

------------------------------------

日時: 2011年6月9日(木)　午後6時30分

場所: Alliance Francaise de Vancouver (6161 Cambie Street, Vancouver) *下の地図をご覧ください

チケット: 無料、日本食ビュッフェ

連絡先: Alliance Francaise de Vancouver: 604.327.0201

------------------------------------

服部聡子

Alliance Francaise de Vancouver

Map to Alliance Francaise de Vancouver

View Larger Map

Photos of BC-JERF Silent Auction on May 5, 2011

2011-05-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

The photos from the Silent Auction by BC Japan Earthquake Relief Fund! Thanks a lot to all those came to support Japan!

Also thanks to wonderful photographers, Adela Chau, Masumi Kikuchi, Judy Mukoda, and Motokazu Hara, for capturing the event at such a nice venue, the Waterfall Events!

And great thanks to Yoriko Gillard san who worked so hard to put everything together for the evening!

By Adela Chau


By Masumi Kikuchi

By Judy Mukoda

BC-JERF T-shirts. By Motokazu Hara

The beautiful venue, Waterfall Events. By Motokazu Hara

Yoriko Gillard, The event organizer, in front of her newest artwork 2011.
By Motokazu Hara

By Motokazu Hara

Identity – Ancestral Memory: May 12-14, 2011

2011-05-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

==English==
Photos of the show
Video of the show

Introduced in the Georgia Straight
Introduced in the Vancouver Sun as well 1, 2, and blog

Video by the Vancouver Sun

------------------------------------

Date: Thursday May 12 - Saturday May 14 8:00pm~

Location: Revue Stage (1601 Johnston St. Vancouver on Granville Island) *see the map below

Ticket: $25(general) $22 (seniors) $20(students)

Available at Vancouvertix.com

Website: YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT Society or Facebook page

------------------------------------

Contact:

YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT Society: 604-739-7760

YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT Society

==日本語==
公演の写真の一部です

The Georgia Straight で紹介されています。
The Vancouver Sun でも紹介されました！1、2、ブログ

The Vancouver Sun によるビデオ

------------------------------------

日時: 2011年5月12日(木) – 5月14日(土)　午後8時～

場所: Revue Stage (1601 Johnston St. Vancouver on Granville Island) *下の地図をご覧ください

チケット: $25 (一般) / $22(シニア) / $20 (学生)

Vancouvertix.comで購入可能です

ウェブサイト: YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT Society もしくは Facebook page をご覧下さい

------------------------------------

連絡先:

YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT Society: 604-739-7760

YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT Sciety

View Larger Map

Sakura saku Nihon e…/To the Land of Cherry Blossoms…: May 5, 2011

2011-04-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

==English==

------------------------------------

Date: Thursday May 5, 2011 4pm – 9pm

Location: Waterfall Events (#205-1540 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver) *see the map below

Admission: $10 [including one coffee/tea ($2) ticket]

Website

------------------------------------

Contact:

Yoriko Gillard: yoriko [at] bc-jerf.ca

BC Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

See the event photos!

==日本語==

------------------------------------

日時: 2011年5月5日(木)　午後4時 – 9時

場所: Waterfall Events (#205-1540 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver) *下の地図をご覧ください

チケット: $10 [コーヒー/ティーチケット($2)含む]

ウェブサイト

------------------------------------

連絡先:

Yoriko Gillard: yoriko [at] bc-jerf.ca

BC Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

イベントの写真はこちら

Waterfall Events Map:

View Larger Map

Mokuyokai Ohanami: April 9, 2011

2011-04-10T00:59:00.000-07:00

I always meet wonderful photographers! Thanks so much to Eleonor Hsia, Carmen Leung, and Benjamin Leung!

Thanks Emily to put everything together to make this event successful!

Also Thank you Keith sensei to have me at your tea house. I enjoyed performing there as well as great tea and sweets!

By Eleonor Hsia and Carmen Leung

More photos by Elenor Hsia

By Benjamin Leung

With Emily :)

CIEAF fund raising event: April 8, 2011

2011-04-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jason Chu for wonderful photos and CIEAF for having me for your fundraising event for Japan!
Click the photos below to see more of his photos of the event!

Photos by Jason Chu

Sakura Days Japan Fair: April 2 and 3, 2011

2011-04-04T00:17:00.000-07:00

By Konstantin Egorov

Thank you Konstantin Egorov for beautiful photos!

Thanks Sakura Days Japan Fair for having me and doing fundraising for my hometown in Japan!

By Konstantin Egorov

by Vancouver21.com

東北太平洋地震/The Huge Earthquake in Japan on March 11, 2011

2011-03-12T23:33:00.000-08:00

Ganbare Japan! Benefit Concert

Series of Benefit Concerts/Events for Japan

2011 Anthropology Talk

After the Quake: Japan Researchers Discuss Japan's Current Catastrophe and Considerations for Canada

Tuesday, March 22 from 11:30am at ANSO 134, UBC

Sakura Days Japan Fair

Saturday and Sunday April 2 and 3 at Van Dusen Garden (5251 Oak Street at West 37th Avenue, Vancouver)

Benefit Concert for Victims of the Japanese Earthquake

Sunday April 3 from 2pm at West Point Grey United Church (4595 West 8th Avenue at Tolmie Street, Vancouver)

Mokuyokai Ohanami and a Praying Session

Saturday, April 9 from TBA at Nitobe Garden and Pacific Bell

Charity Concert for Japan

Sunday, April 10 from TBA at Marulilu Cafe (451 West Broadway at Cambie Street, Vancouver)

Tozenji Rummage Sale for Japan

Saturday April 16 from TBA at Tozenji (209 Jackson Street, Coquitlam)

Ten Thousand Villages Benefit Event

Saturday April 23 from 5pm at Ten Thousand Villages (929 Denman Street, Vancouver)

Article about Tohoku

Destroyed by nature, saved by nature: my home in earthquake-ravaged Japan

Something we can do from Canada for Japan

BC JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND

#prayforjapan

"We are with you"

USTREAM でNHKの放送

USTREAM NHK Live Stream in English

Season's Greetings!

2010-12-27T23:16:00.000-08:00

2010年もまた大変お世話になりました。いろいろな素晴らしい人々に会うことができて、とても貴重な経験をたくさんさせていただいた年でした。2011年もどうぞよろしくお願い申し上げます。

2011年が皆様にとって素晴らしい一年になりますように。

Thank you so much for your support in 2010! And it was really great to meet with new people who are super interesting and talented! I really had great experiences in 2010. Hope things will get more and more interesting in 2011!

Wish you great 2011!

Asian Zither Recital in November

2010-10-11T17:41:00.001-07:00

==English==

**added on August 7, 2011

News Clip by TV Korea

I will be playing in a recital, Asian Zither Recital at Gateway Theatre.

------------------------------------

Date: Sunday November 21, 2010。7:30pm

Location: Gateway Theatre (6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond) *see the nap below

Admission: $30 Available at Kam Sing Arts (in Parker Place Richmond)

------------------------------------

Tickets are available at Kam Sing Arts (in Parker Place Richmond)

or, please call

604.279.9728 or 778.896.2180

Gateway Theatre

==日本語==

**2011年8月7日追加

TV Koreaで紹介されています。

Asian Zither Recitalで演奏します。

------------------------------------

日時: 2010年11月21日(日)　午後7時30分

場所: Gateway Theatre (6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond) *したの地図をご覧ください

チケット: $30　

------------------------------------

リッチモンドのParker Place内にある、Kam Sing Artsで購入可能です。

または

604.279.9728 or 778.896.2180

にお電話ください。

Gateway Theatre

View Larger Map
View Larger Map

Stringing zithers video

2010-10-05T00:49:00.000-07:00

==English==
The Video of Stringing Zithers in May is now on available!
Also check out the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble website for latest interesting project!
Look at photos as well

==日本語==
5月に行われたStringing Zithers のビデオです。
Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble のウェブサイトも見てみてくださいね。
写真も見てみる。

Stringing Zithers Part 1 from Nagoogen on Vimeo.

Stringing Zithers Part 2 from Nagoogen on Vimeo.

Stringing Zithers Part 3 from Nagoogen on Vimeo.

Upcoming performane in October

2010-10-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

==English==
I will be playing in the performance, Songs of the Wasteland at Chan Centre.

------------------------------------
Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2010。7:30pm
Location: UBC Chan Centre of Performing Arts, Telus Studio Thatre (6235 Crescent Road at UBC)
Admission: $25 (student and senior are $15)
------------------------------------

For more information, please visit
Songs of the Wasteland
Chan Centre

==日本語==
Songs of the Wastelandというパフォーマンスで演奏します。詳細は

------------------------------------
日時: 2010年10月6日(水)　午後7時30分
場所: UBC Chan Centre of Performing Arts, Telus Studio Thatre (6235 Crescent Road at UBC)
チケット: $25 (学生、シニアは$15)
------------------------------------

より詳しい情報は以下のウェブサイトをご覧ください。
Songs of the Wasteland
Chan Centre

JSAC: September 30, 2010

2010-10-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

==English==
I have performed at a reception of Japan Studies Association of Canada conference. I really enjoyed this conference by performing and presenting and meeting with many interesting people. Art/music and academics are very interesting in a way they require me to use different parts of my brain; on the other hand, there is something in common. Both are the ways to express something about oneself. Just the ways to express are different, I think. Anyways I think it'd be great if art and academics mix naturally more. Art is not something only for artists. Music is not only for the people of the music department. And if I can be an in-between being that connects those two places, that would be great!

==日本語==
Japan Studies Association of Canada の学会のレセプションで演奏してきました。この学会では演奏もして、発表もして、いろいろな人にも出会えて充実した学会でした。芸術と学問は地全く違うようで似ているところもあり、両方に足を突っ込んでいる私としてはたまに混乱しつつもなかなか面白い人生だなと思います。芸術も学問も限られた人たちだけのものにならないといいな、と思います。一般の人はもっと気軽に芸術に携われるように、学問の世界にいる人たちは、もっと一般に向けて話すように、そういうことが普通になればいいなと思います。

Nikkei Place Gala Dinner: September 25, 2010

2010-09-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

==English==

I have performed at 10^th Anniversary Gala by Nikkei Place at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. It seems the gala was very successful. I hope more people can support the community and arts!

10th Anniversary Gala, Sept 25 SUCCESS!

==日本語==

Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel で行われたNikkei Place の10周年記念Gala dinner でお箏を弾いてきました。このイベントは大成功だったみたいです。もっとたくさんの人がコミュニティやアートをサポートしていけるといいですね。

10th Anniversary Gala, Sept 25 SUCCESS!

Talk on Radio Nippon: Septamber 19, 2010

2010-09-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

==English==

I had a talk with Higetamu! on radio. I had no more than 30 seconds of previous meeting about what/how we were going to talk, but this was really interesting and fun experience. You can listen to this on the Internet as well if you are interested, though this is in Japanese.

Listen to Radio

Czoom

==日本語==

ひげタム!さんのラジオ日本にお招きされてお話して来ました。事前の打ち合わせが30秒ほどしかなく、緊張したのですが、楽しくお話してきました。この内容は以下からインターネットでも聞くことができます。私自身恥ずかしくてまだ聞いていないのですが、興味のある方は日本語ですのでぜひ聞いてみてくださいね。

ラジオを聴いてみる

Czoom

Upcoming koto performance in September #4

2010-09-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

==English==

Tonari Gumi will have a cool event. And I will be performing there to add a bit of Japanese music. The details are below. This sounds really interesting.

----------------------------------------------

Date: Saturday, September 18th, 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Location: Listel Hotel Vancouver (1300 Robson St., Vancouver)

Cost: Tickets are $50 each (You will also receive a $20 charitable donation receipt)

To order tickets, please contact Tonari Gumi

Phone: (604) 687-2172

Email: info@jcva.bc.ca

----------------------------------------------

Sake Sponsors:

Blue Note Wine & Spirits

CMC Wine Merchants

Select Wine Merchants

Sunny Marketing and That's Life Gourmet

Our Proud Restaurant Sponsors:

Kibune Sushi

ShuRaku Sake Bar & Bistro

Happa Izakaya

Zakkushi -Charcoal Grill Diner

Additional Details:

There will be a silent auction which will include some extraordinary items donated in support of the Japanese-Canadian community.

About TONARI GUMI

All proceeds from this event will go directly to Tonari Gumi. Tonari Gumi provides social services and active programs to the Japanese Canadian community of Greater Vancouver.

Hope you can make it to enjoy delicious food and sake and to support Tonari Gumi!

==日本語==

隣組のSake Tasting Event で演奏します。このイベントは隣組のfund raising event でもあります。詳細は

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日時: 2010年、9月18日(土)7:30pmから9:30pm

場所: Listel Hotel Vancouver (1300 Robson St., Vancouver)

チケット: 一人$50 ($20 のdonation receiptが受け取れます)

チケットの購入は隣組まで

電話: Tonari Gumi at (604) 687-2172

メール: info@jcva.bc.ca

----------------------------------------------

酒スポンサー:

Blue Note Wine & Spirits

CMC Wine Merchants

Select Wine Merchants

Sunny Marketing and That's Life Gourmet

レストランスポンサー:

Kibune Sushi

ShuRaku Sake Bar & Bistro

Happa Izakaya

Zakkushi -Charcoal Grill Diner

その他詳細:

当日はサイレントオークションが開催されます。

このイベントの収益金はすべて直接隣組に寄付されます。隣組はGreater Vancouver area の日系カナダ人にさまざまなsocial service とprogram を提供しています。

当日皆さんにお会いできるのを楽しみにしています！

Upcoming Koto performance in September #3

2010-09-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

==English==

A Japaense female artist Yukiko Onley will have a photo exhibition, The face of The Artist – Portraits of cultural creatives -. At the opening reception, I will be performing with a Japanese female artist YAYOI. This means that this night will show the collaboration of three female artists from Japan, and that will be very interesting. Below is the detail. Please drop by if you have time.

----------------------------

Date: Thursday, September 16 from 6:00pm

Location: the Pendulum Gallery (885 West Georgia St. Vancouver at Hornby)

Admission: Free

----------------------------

There is a newspaper article about this exhibition.
Portraits of an Artist: Yukiko Onley’s solo exhibition focuses on creative luminaries

Check out this one, too!

==日本語==

日本人女性の写真家、Yukiko Onley さんによる個展、The face of The Artist – Portraits of cultural creatives -が開かれます。そのオープニングで、同じく日本人女性のアーティストYAYOIさんとパフォーマンスをします。つまり3人の日本人女性アーティストによるコラボレーションの夜ともいえるかもしれません。私自身今からとても楽しみにしています。詳細は以下のようになりますのでお時間があればいらしてくださいね。

----------------------------

日時: 2010年9月16日(木)6:00から

場所: The Pendulum Gallery (885 West Georgia St. Vancouver at Hornby)

チケット: 無料

----------------------------

この写真展についての新聞が取り上げてました。
Portraits of an Artist: Yukiko Onley’s solo exhibition focuses on creative luminaries
是非こちらもご覧くださいね。

Food event by the Consulate General of Japan: September 13, 2010

2010-09-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

==English==

there was a Japanese food event by the Consulate Genaral of Japan in Vancouver. And I played the koto there. It was such a delicious event with food and sake from Japan with the chef from Japan, meaning the event of the Japanese cuisine with the best quality you can get in Vancouver! Also, I had a chance to talk with those chefs and distributors, and it was very interesting. It's always fun to talk with people with a bit of alcohol lol. And what it is is that both food and music are arts :)

The event will be on TV this weekend. I think it is OMNI channel and Nikkei TV. Sorry I didn't really get the detail about this, but if you have time, check out the Nikkei TV this weekend!

A Japanese radio station in Vancouver was talking about this event at its website. This is in Japanese, but you can see some photos there

Wonderful Japanese food

The photo will be uploaded later.

==日本語==

バンクーバーの領事館の日本食のイベントでお箏を弾いてきました。久々に日本からの食材、お酒、日本人のシェフによるとてもおいしいイベントでした。また、いろいろ普段はめったにお話ができないような方、Tojo'sのシェフや、日本酒のdistributor 、とお話をすることができて、勉強になるというか、楽しかったです。食も音楽もアートですね。

このイベントの様子は今週末にNikkei Tvで放送されるようです。もし時間のある方はチェックしてみてくださいね。

バンクーバーの日本語ラジオのウェブサイトでこのイベントを取り上げていました。是非みてみてください。写真もあります。
素晴らしい日本の食材

写真は後日掲載予定です。

Alecia and John's wedding: Septermber 12, 2010

2010-09-14T18:30:00.001-07:00

==English==

A couple was getting married, and they want me to add some Japanese flavour at their wedding. Such an honor! So I met them a couple of week before the wedding to talk about this. And they were really sweet couple! His mom is Japanese, and that's why they thought to have a Japaense stuff. Talking with them, I felt they were really nice people and that I would be happy to perform if my performance can help to make their special day a bit more special.

So I went and performed. And I had such a fun time at their wedding reception. I met so many nice people there. I really felt honored to be a part of the night. I hope they had a good time with my performance, too. And I really wishes the best for their new life! Congratulations!

The photos may be coming later, so please be patient!

==日本語==

一組のカップルが結婚するというので、その披露宴で箏を弾いてほしいというお話をいただきました。新郎のお母様が日本人なので、何か日本的な事を加えたかったのでしょう。ということでちょっと前にお二人にお会いしたのですが、本当に素敵なカップルで、この二人の特別な日に演奏ができるのはとても光栄だなとしみじみ思ってしまうほどでした。

当日は、お二人の人柄が出てるというか、とても素敵な披露宴で、周りの方もとても素敵な人たちで、本当に楽しく過ごすことができました。私の演奏が少しでもこのひと時に花を添えることができたのなら良いな、と思います。

末永く、いつまでもお幸せに！

写真は後日掲載予定です。お楽しみに！

Caught in the Middle: August 21, 2010

2010-08-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

==English==

A Japanese female artist, Yoriko Gillard had an exhibition at UBC AMS Gallery. I was asked to perform at her opening. So I went there. And it was such a wonderful meeting with her. We, as a Japanese women who love arts, shared a lot of feelings and thoughts about living here in Canada. I enjoyed a lot with talking with her and playing music surrounded by her arts. I am so looking forward to doing something again with her in the future!

The photo of the day will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

==日本語==

日本人女性のアーティストYoriko Gillard さんがUBCにあるAMS Gallery で展示をされ、そのオープニングで演奏を頼まれ行ってきました。お互いに忙しく、連絡がなかなかスムーズには行かなかったのだけれど、彼女と出会えて良かった！思います。同じ日本から来たアートを愛する女性として、いろいろわかりあうものがあって、また、話をしていてとても楽しくすごすことができました。そんな中彼女の作品に囲まれて演奏ができたのは本当に光栄ですし、また今度何か一緒にできると良いな、と今から楽しみにしています。

当日の写真は後ほどアップするのでお楽しみに！

Tonari Gumi Reunion: August 21, 2010

2010-08-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

==English==

Tonari Gumi had a reunion and I performed a short shinobue there. The weather was perfect for picnic. I did enjoy the food there as well as all the happenings including meeting new people and chatting wit them. Tonari Gumi does some cool events and programs throughout a year. If you are interested in getting involved, check out the Tonari Gumi website.

==日本語==

隣組の親睦会で篠笛をちょっと演奏してきました。お天気もとっても良く、まさにピクニック日和で、また、いろいろな人と出会うこともできたし、とても楽しく過ごしてきました。隣組は一年を通していろいろなイベントやプログラムを行っています。興味のある方は是非隣組のウェブサイトをご覧になってくださいね。

Ohayashi at Sushi restaurant

2010-08-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

==English==
A Rakuichi member has opened a sushi restaurant in Coquitlam, so we went there to celebrate ad performed ohayashi and shishimai. The restaurant was beautiful and the dishes were delicious. I recommend you try this at leaset once.

Matoi Sushi
3025 Lougheed Hwy Coquitlam

==日本語==
知り合いの方が寿司レストランとCoquitlam にオープンしたのでそのお祝いにお囃子と獅子舞をしてきました。レストランはとってもきれいで、お料理もおいしかったし、とても楽しく過ごしてきました。近くにお住まいの方は、いや、近くに住んでなくても、是非足を運んでみてください。

Matoi Sushi
3025 Lougheed Hwy Coquitlam

The Powell Street Fesival: July 31, 2010: Photos #1

2010-08-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

==English==

I had such a fun time at the Powell Street Festival this year, too!

I did many kind of things from Tonari Gumi tent to Information booth etc. And it is always good to meet up some community people, especially when I don't see them so much other than the Powell street Festival.

But, the Ohayashi music is the best. I mean as I said, I grew up in a town there are several omatsuri with lots of different kind of music and dances. So I can't help getting excited to hear or play the ohayashi music. It was fun! Rakuichi people have such a spirit, like feeling good with music and people. And there are so many audiences, too. I hope they could share this omatsuri spirit with us through our music and omikoshi.

Anyway, I enjoyed the moment and here are some of the photos of the day. I made those stills from the video taken by Nikola Durity Marin. More photos can be found at my Flickr

==日本語==

今年もパウエル祭で楽しんできました！

今年は隣組とかインフォメーションのテントでもお手伝いさせていただきました。パウエル祭ではいろんな人にお会いできるのでいいですね。中にはパウエル祭くらいでしかお会いしない人いるのでなおさらです。

でもやっぱり一番はお囃子に参加したことでしょうか。私は、前にもお話したかもしれませんが、一年にいくつか違ったタイプのお祭りがある町出身で、いろいろなタイプのお祭りの音楽、踊りなどを見て、演奏して、踊って育ったので、やっぱりお囃子をお祭りで演奏するというのは私にとって本当に本当に最高のひと時なのです。なんというか体に染み付いた音楽というか。お神輿、お囃子を見てくださった方も本当にたくさんいて、皆さんとお祭りのひと時を音楽を通してシェアできたのなら良かったなと思います。

いくつかのお祭りの時の写真を載せておきますね。この写真はNikolaが撮ったビデオから作ったものです。他の写真はFlickr にありますのでこちらも見てみて下さい。

The Powell Street Festival Photos #2 by Shairah and Martin

2010-08-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

By Martin Kobayakawa

By Shairah

The Legacy Sakura and Oppenheimer Park's Reopening

2010-08-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

==English==

I have been interested in the sakura trees (cherry trees) in the Oppenheimer Park and around there once in a while. As you know the park had been under renovation, and last month, the park reopened. I heard some voices from the Japanese Canadian community about the park and the sakura tree. So I made a video about it. Please feel free to let me know your thoughts and comments about this. I’d really appreciate it

Save the Sakura Trees

Save the Legacy Sakura of Openheimer Park

Legacy Sakura Tree Transplanting: February 12, 2009

Legacy Sakura Celebration: April 18, 2009

Legacy Sakura at Oppenheimer Park Update

==日本語==

私はなぜかオッペンハイマー公園の桜に興味があって、今まで何度かいろいろ見てきました。皆さんご存知のとおり、この公園は最近まで工事が行われていて、先月リオープンしました。その時に日系の人たちの公園、桜の木に対する思いを聞いたので、それをビデオにしてみました。ご意見ご感想など是非是非聞かせてくださいね。

Save the Sakura Trees

Save the Legacy Sakura of Openheimer Park

Legacy Sakura Tree Transplanting: February 12, 2009

Legacy Sakura Celebration: April 18, 2009

Legacy Sakura at Oppenheimer Park Update

Powell Street Festival is Coming!

2010-07-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

==English==

Yes the Powell Street Festival is coming! This year, I will be with Rakuichi, playing ohayashi music on Saturday. That’s gonna be fun! And you can try Omikoshi (portable shrine) with Rakuichi. Just find Rakuichi at the Powell Street Festival. This is one of few (really few) occasions that you can try Omikoshi here in Vancouver. Come and join us. I look forward to seeing you at the Festival!

You can see this year's photos below
Photos #1
Photos #2

==日本語==

パウエル祭の季節ですね！私はお祭りのある町に生まれ育ったので、お囃子とか神楽とか、祭りの音楽を思い浮かべるだけでうずうずしてきます。今年は私は楽一のグループで土曜日にお囃子を演奏する予定です。楽一ではお神輿も出していて、申し込めば誰でも参加できます。めったに経験できることでもないので、ぜひぜひ参加してみてくださいね。

今年のパウエル祭の様子は以下から見ることができます。
写真１
写真２

Powell Street Festival

Tonari Gumi Coffee House: July 24, 2010

2010-07-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

==Enlish==

I performed at Tonari Gumi Coffee House today. This event started as a Powell Street Festival Eve event. So it has almost a 35 year of history. This was the 2^nd time for me to play for them. I really had a good time. Other musicians were all great, and the audience was so nice. I was able to talk with them, and that was great. I hope to see those musicians again! The photos will be updated soon. So stay tuned!

==日本語==

隣組のコーヒーハウスで演奏してきました。このイベントはパウエル祭の前夜祭として始まったもので、35年近くの歴史があります。私は今回は2回目の出演でしたが、とても楽しめました。皆さん素晴らしいミュージシャンで、またお会いして、演奏が聞けたらいいなと思います。写真は後ほど載せるので楽しみに！

Photos of "Stringing Zithers" by Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble

2010-07-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

photos by Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble

==English==

Some of the photos of Stringing Zithers in May from Vancouver ChineseMusic Ensemble Flickr. If you go to their Flickr, you can see more photos of us having so fun with music. It was really fun night and went well even though we had little rehearsal. I hope I can do some music with them again! Thanks for involving me!

Stringing Zithers

The video of the event

Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble Flickr

==日本語==

5月に行われた Stringing Zithersの写真です。これは Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble の Flickr にあるものと一部です。元の Flickr にはもっといろいろあるのでそちらも見てみてくださいね。演奏会ではとても楽しく過ごしことができました。リハーサルがほとんどなかったにも関わらず、うまくいったと思います。また一緒に演奏する機会があればいいなと思います。本当に声をかけてくださってありがとうございました。

Stringing Zithers

当日のビデオ

Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble Flickr

Upcoming Koto Performance in June

2010-06-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

==English==
June is almost over, but this coming Sunday, I'll be performing the koto at Burnaby Multicultural Festival.

Here is the detail

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: 2:30pm on Sunday June 27

(Event itself starts at 11am and ends at 4pm)

Location: Bonsor Complex at 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby

(Next to Metrotown Mall)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm looking forward to seeing you guys!

==日本語==
今度の土曜日にBurnabyのMulticultural Festivalで演奏します。詳細は

----------------------------------------------------------------------

日時: 6月27日(日) 2:30pm

(このイベントは11amから4pmまでやっています)

場所: Bonsor Complex at 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby

(メトロタウンのそばです)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

お時間がありましたらいらしてくださいね。

Identity Photos by David Warburton and Yukiko Onley

2010-06-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

By David

==English==

Some of the photos of Identity project. Actually David gave us a lot of wonderful photos, which can make a photo book. But I'll put a bit of them with the focus of koto or the music team.

I really spent such a wonderful time with them. It was really "That's why I love art" moment :)

Thank you very much for the photos, David and Yukiko san!

Identity - Ancestral Memory

==日本語==

Identityのプロジェクトの写真のうち何枚かをアップしますね。実際は写真集を作れるくらい素晴らしい写真をもっとたくさんいただいたのですが、ここではお箏、というか音楽担当チームの写真をちょっとだけ載せますね。

このプロジェクトでは本当に素敵は名時間をすごすことができました。アートってやっぱりいいですよね。

素晴らしい写真ありがとうございました。

Identity - Ancestral Memory

By Yukiko

By David

Ohanami on TV

2010-06-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

==English==

The event at UBC in which I performed at the Nitobe Garden was broadcasted on TV.
This news clip is from New Tang Dynasty Television. (New Tang Dynasty Television is an independent broadcaster established in 2002. Headquartered in New York City, NTDTV currently has reporters in over 70 cities worldwide and broadcasts to over 200 million potential viewers through cable and satellite.)
Watch TV

Ohanami Event

==日本語==

新渡戸庭園での演奏の様子がテレビで放送されました(数秒ですが．．．)。
このニュースはNew Tang Dynasty Televisionによるものです。(New Tang Dynasty Televisionは2002年に設立された独立した放送局でニューヨークに本部があります。NTDTVは現在世界70都市以上にリポーターがいて、ケーブルや衛星放送を通じて200万人の視聴者に対して放送されています。)

テレビを見てみる

お花見イベント

Ohanami Photo #2 by Abel Chun

2010-05-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

==English==

The photos at the Nitobe Garden by another photographer (How lucky I am!).

Thank you very much, Abel!

==日本語==

別の写真家の方の新渡戸庭園での演奏の写真です(私って写真に恵まれてますよね)。

Abelさん、素晴らしい写真ありがとうございました。

Ohanami Photo #1 by Yuri Wong

2010-05-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

==English==

The photos at the Nitobe Garden.

Thank you very much, Yuri san!

==日本語==

新渡戸庭園での演奏の写真です。

由利さん、素晴らしい写真ありがとうございました！

TV Broadcasting of The Living Room Performance

2010-05-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

==English==

The event at Living Room where I performed was broadcasted on TV.
This clip is by Fairchild TV.

Watch TV

The Living Room

==日本語==

The Living Room での演奏の様子がテレビで放送されました。
このニュースはFairchild TVによるものです。

テレビを見てみる

The Living Room

Wisteria Event "Fuji-Kai": May 25, 2010

2010-05-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Photos by Jan Walls with iPhone

==English==

A UBC professor, Dr. Millie Creighton, has been growing such a wonderful wisteria at her house, which is by now called "Professor Millie's Wisteria House". So, she had a party for the wisteria, and I went and perform there. The wisteria was really gorgeous. It must have taken a long time of caring. This was a really fun evening, and I was even able to enjoy Keith Senei's tea. I really like tea, and I really enjoyed it. Wine and food were also great, and I hope my performance added a nice moment to this evening as well.

==日本語==

UBC のMillie Creighton 教授のお宅には素晴らしい藤があります。教授が長年世話をしている藤で現在では｢Millie 先生の藤の家｣と呼ばれています。教授が藤会を開くというのにお呼ばれして演奏してきました。教授のお宅の藤はとっても素晴らしくて、ここまでするのには大変手間がかかっているのだろうなと思いました。とても楽しい会で、Keith先生もいらしていて、先生のお茶も楽しむことができました。私はお茶がとっても好きなので、本当に楽しめました。天気がもう少し良かったらなおさら良かったのですけどね。ワインもお食事もおいしかったし、私の演奏も楽しんでいただけてたらよいなとおもいます。楽しい晩をありがとうございました。

This photo is by Dr. Millie Creighton

Stringing Zithers in May

2010-05-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

==English==

I will be performing for Stringing Zithers by The Vancouver Chinese Instrumental Music Society and the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens.

This time, I will be playing the koto and will be playing with other zither families from Asia! I’m already excited!!!!

“Representing the Zither family from

China

, the guzheng will lead the Koto from

Japan

and Kayagum from

Korea

, in displaying a stimulating multicultural collaboration of traditional and contemporary music. The night’s program will include solos that demonstrate technical skills developed from lifelong training as well as exhibiting the musical brilliance created when the instruments play together.”

From The Vancouver Chinese Instrumental Music Society website

Detail:

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 7:30 pm

Location: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall Street at Pender)

Admission: $15 general/ $10 student and senior

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Order tickets at the door or online at ticketstonight.ca,

Kamsing Arts at 1570-4380 No.3 Road, Richmond (604) 279 9728, or

call (604) 683-8240|

Musicians are:

Ji Rong Huang on Erhu (Chinese Violin)

Qing Chang on Ruan (Chinese Lute) & San Xian (Chinese Chordophone)

Featuring:

Wei Li on Gu Zheng (Chinese Zither)

Grace Jong Eun Lee on Kayagum (Korean Zither)

Kozue Matsumoto on Koto (Japanese Zither)

Dr. Jan Walls as Master of Ceremony

I look forward to seeing you there!

The photos of the event

The Video of the event

==日本語==

The Vancouver Chinese Instrumental Music Society とthe Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens主催のコンサート、Stringing Zithersで演奏します。

このコンサートは日本、中国、韓国のお琴を集めて、一緒に演奏などしてみよう。という試みです。今からもうわくわくしてきます！こういうのはバンクーバーに住んでることの醍醐味ですよね。

The Vancouver Chinese Instrumental Music Societyのウェブサイトから。

“Representing the Zither family from

China

, the guzheng will lead the Koto from

Japan

and Kayagum from

Korea

詳細は:

---------------------------------------------------------------------

日時: 2010年5月15日土曜日午後7:30から。

場所: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall Street at Pender)

チケット: 一般$15 / 学生･シニア$10

----------------------------------------------------------------------

チケットのお求めは当日会場で、

オンラインでticketstonight.caから、

Kamsing Arts で(住所 1570-4380 No.3 Road, Richmond。電話 (604) 279 9728)、もしくは

(604) 683-8240までお電話ください。

演奏者は

Ji Rong Huang on Erhu (Chinese Violin)

Qing Chang on Ruan (Chinese Lute) & San Xian (Chinese Chordophone)

Wei Li on Gu Zheng (Chinese Zither)

Grace Jong Eun Lee on Kayagum (Korean Zither)

Kozue Matsumoto on Koto (Japanese Zither)

Dr. Jan Walls as Master of Ceremony

当日お会いできるのを楽しみにしています。

当日の様子はこちら

ビデオはこちら

Upcoming Performance in May #3

2010-05-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

==English==

I will be performing at Third Aoki Heritage Evening "On the Trail of the Banjo."

This time I will be playing shamisen with other banjo family around the world. Sounds very interesting! It’s been a while since I actively playing shamisen, but since my friend kindly offer his shamisen for me to practice, I’ll try my best.

Detail:

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2010, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: St. John’s College Fairmont Social Lounge (2111 Lower Mall, UBC)

Admission: FREE

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Musicians are:

Harry Aoki

Evelyn Chang (trained at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing),

Pat Howard & Janie Benna (active members of the Vancouver Folk Song Society), virtuoso African percussionist Themba Tana, and

Myself.

I look forward to seeing you there!

==日本語==

Third Aoki Heritage Evening "On the Trail of the Banjo”で演奏します。

これは世界各地の三味線タイプの楽器を集めて演奏してみよう、というイベントです。面白そうですよね！三味線はしばらく弾いてなかったのですが、がんばりたいと思います。

詳細は

---------------------------------------------------------------------

日時: 2010年5月13日木曜日午後7時から9時

場所: St. John’s College Fairmont Social Lounge (2111 Lower Mall, UBC)

チケット: 無料

----------------------------------------------------------------------

演奏者:

Harry Aoki

Evelyn Chang (trained at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing),

Pat Howard & Janie Benna (active members of the Vancouver Folk Song Society), virtuoso African percussionist Themba Tana,

そして

私です。

お時間があればいらしてくださいね。

Upcoming Performance in May #2

2010-05-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

==English==

I will be performing for Opera Speaks @ VPL: NAGASAKI 1900 by Vancouver Opra in partnership with the Vancouver Public Library.

I am featured in Vancouver Opera Blog as well. Check it out!

Detail:

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2010, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: the Alice MacKay Room of the central branch of VPL, (350 West Georgia Street)

Admission: FREE

----------------------------------------------------------------------

“Explore the fascinating history and culture of Nagasaki,

Japan

’s most “European” city, the setting for Puccini’s lovely and tragic opera Madama Butterfly. A panel of experts will include UBC professor of Anthroplogy Dr. Millie Creighton.”

From Vancouver Opera website

I look forward to seeing you there!

==日本語==

Vancouver Opera とVancouver Public Library による蝶々夫人に関するイベント、Opera Speaks @ VPL: NAGASAKI 1900で演奏します。

Vancouver Opera のブログにも載っていますので見てみてくださいね。

詳細は

---------------------------------------------------------------------

日時: 2010年5月11日木曜日午後7時から9時

場所: VPLのthe Alice MacKay Room (350 West Georgia Street)

チケット: 無料

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Vancouver Opera のウェブサイトから。

“Explore the fascinating history and culture of Nagasaki,

Japan

’s most “European” city, the setting for Puccini’s lovely and tragic opera Madama Butterfly. A panel of experts will include UBC professor of Anthroplogy Dr. Millie Creighton.”

お時間のある方はぜひいらしてくださいね。

Shinobue!

2010-05-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

==English==

I have joined Rakuichi and practiced shinobue. For those who don’t know Rakuichi, this is a Omikoshi and Ohayashi group. You may have seen the Omikoshi parade at the Powell Street Festival. That’s them. I happened to know a member and I play shinobue. So I joined. How fun! The people there are so nice and hilarious. Hope I learn the pieces soon and join their Ohayashi! Yes I need practice. Shinobue is laud instrument, so I have to really think when and where I can practice. But well, I will figure out. Thanks for letting me join!

==日本語==

楽一という、お神輿、お囃子グループがバンクーバーにあるのはご存知かと思いますが、あのパウエル祭でいつもおみこしを担いでいるあのグループです、篠笛をもっと吹きたい、ということで参加させていただくことになりました。というわけで土曜日に練習に参加してきました。とっても楽しかった！

うん、お囃子いいよね。夏って感じがする。私は子供のころからお囃子や神楽の音楽に触れて育ったので、こういうのを聞くとうずうずしてきます。

しかもみんな面白い人で本当に楽しく時間が過ぎて行きました。でもまあきちんと練習して山車に乗せてもらえるようにならないとね。篠笛は結構大きな音がするから練習時間や場所を考えないといけませんが、まあその辺は何とかなるでしょう。これから楽しみです♪

Shamisen!

2010-05-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

==English==

As I will be playing shamisen soon, I borrowed a shamisen from my friend. It was so fun to play. It took a bit to remember how to do it since I hadn’t been playing for such a long time. But now I’m enjoying a lot! Thanks my friend!

So now I have to practice for the performance. Let’s see what I can play.

==日本語==

お三味線での演奏を近々するので、知り合いの方からお三味線をお借りしました。久々に弾いてみたのですが、やはり楽しいですね！何年ぶり単位で弾いてなかったもので、きちんとした姿勢できちんと弾くよう体が思い出すまでちょっとかかりましたが．．．でも今はとっても楽しんでます。貸していただけて本当に感謝ですね。

楽しんでばかりいないで演奏に向けて練習もしないといけませんね。何が弾けるか考えないと．．．

Upcoming Koto Performance in May #1

2010-05-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

==English==

I’ll be performing at Centre A’s 11th Aniversary Dinner and Art Auction Preview cocktail. The actual art aucution is May 8, but I’ll be performing at their preview event at Centre A.

Here is the detail

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 5:30 pm

Location: Centre A, (2 West Hastings Street at Carrall)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

More Information: Centre A: FORTUNE

==日本語==

Centre Aで再び演奏をさせていただくことになりました。Centre A’s 11^th Aniversary Dinner and Art Auction Preview cocktailです。実際のディナーとオークションは5月8日ですが、私はそのプレビューで演奏をします。

詳細はこちら。

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: 2010年5月5日。5時半から

Location: Centre A, (2 West Hastings Street at Carrall)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

詳細は以下のページをご覧ください。

Centre A: FORTUNE

Parforming at Tea Ceremony Event: April 25, 2010

2010-04-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

==English==

I was invited to perform by one of a few tea masters in Vancouver, Ayako sensei.

One of her students has recently received her Ocha-mei (tea name). To celebrate it, they had an Ocha-kai (tea party) and I performed there for the guests. I felt honoured to be there and perform. Thank you for inviting me in such a memorable moment.

Tea people are super nice and fun as usual. Good laugh and good chat. I really enjoy being around with them. I hope I didn’t disturb their job on the day, though…. And I was able to enjoy hand-made great Japanese traditional sweets and real authentic traditional Japanese cuisine. The chef was there, I witnessed how he prepares the dishes, and I was able to enjoy the dishes!

I enjoyed the moment a lot with wonderful people around me. I really like being in a tea moment. Good tea, good people, good sweets and dishes (and good music :p). What else do we need to enjoy lie?

The photo by the photographers of the day will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

==日本語==

いつもお世話になっているお茶の先生であるあやこ先生からお誘いがあってお箏を弾いて来ました。あや子先生のお弟子さんの一人が最近お茶名をいただいたので、そのお祝いのお茶会の席に招かれて弾いてきたのです。そんなおめでたい席に呼んでいただけて感激です！お声をかけていただいてありがとうございました。

お茶の方々はいつもどおりと手も素敵で楽しい方で、楽しくお話をさせていただきました。皆様のお仕事の邪魔になっていなければよかったですが．．．お茶をいただいた上、手作りのお菓子、そして本格的な会席料理までいただいてしまいました。料理をされる方がそこにいて、準備しているのを目にしつつ、そのお料理を楽しめるとは、多分そんな滅多にあることではないですよね。

この日は本当に素敵な方たちと楽しい一日を過ごすことが出来ました。お茶はいいですよね。おいしいお茶があって、素敵な人たちがいて、おいしいお菓子とお料理があって(素敵な音楽があって :p)、いい人生に他にこれ以上何か必要かな、と考えてしまうような一日でした。

写真はそのうちアップしますのでお待ちくださいね。

Upcoming Koto Performance in April #3

2010-04-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

==English==

I’ll be performing for a very very interesting art performance called I dentity – Ancestral Memory by YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT SOCIETY at Centre A.

As a person who always wonders about identity, I am really excited to be in this project, and it’s been great to have rehearsals with those amazing artists such as YAYOI, Jay Hirabayashi, and Minoru Yamamoto, an amazing shakuhachi player. This is in a way a fusion of Japanese and Western theatre style. I feel this is gonna be a fascinating performance. I would really like you to come and feel the artists and the history and the experiences of Japanese Canadians.

Below is the schedule:

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thursday, April 22 to Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Location: Centre A, (2 West Hastings Street at Carrall)

Admission: FREE

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Information and press contact: 604-739-7760

For more information, please visit the websites below

Centre A

YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT SOCIETY

Kokoro Dance

==日本語==

Centre A での、YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT SOCIETYによるアートパフォーマンス、Identity – Ancestral Memory で演奏します。

アイデンティティと言うものに興味を持っている実として、このプロジェクトに参加していることはとてもエキサイティングなことですし、YAOI、Jay Hirabayashi, 山本実さん、といった素晴らしいアーティストと共にリハーサルなど時間を過ごす、と言うのは本当に学ぶことも多く、また楽しく、ためになる一時です。これは本当に見る価値のあるものだと思うので、是非是非お越しください。そして、これらのアーティスト、そして日系カナダ人の歴史、彼らの経験を肌で感じてください。

詳細は

----------------------------------------------------------------------

日時：2010年4月22日～24日。8時開演

場所：Centre A (2 West Hastings Street at Carrall)

チケット：無料

----------------------------------------------------------------------

公演、またアーティストについての詳細は604-739-7760、もしくは以下のウェブサイトをご覧ください。

Centre A

YAYOI THEATRE MOVEMENT SOCIETY

Kokoro Dance

Koto in Space!

2010-04-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

面白い記事がありました。以下のリンクからどうぞ。

山崎さん、宇宙にミニ琴持参．．．野口さんと合奏？

(読売新聞)

==English==

How cool this is. Above is the link to Japanese news paper article and here is my English translation.

Yamazaki brings mini-koto in space… ensemble with Noguchi?

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER (Texas) --Yoshida Noriyuki –

Carrying astronaut Yamasaki Naoko (39), the U.S. space shuttle "Discovery" is arriving at the International Space Station (ISS) at 7 pm Japan time,

Yamazaki is bringing mini-koto, the Japanese harp, which is made especially for this flight, and looking forward to playing with Soichi Noguchi (44) who is staying in ISS with fue, the Japanese flute.

Yamazaki, had learned the harp from an early age, and requested that she would like to play this instrument in space.

No. 1 koto production area in the country, Hukuyama Japanese instrument manufacturing cooperatives in Fukuyama city in Hiroshima Prefecture made a special 35 cm long and 13 cm wide mini-koto to keep within the carry-on limitation to the shuttle.

The body is made of paulownia as usual; however, the strings are made of tough polyester. The 13 kotoji (bridge) to support the strings are tied each other so that it doesn’t come off. Ogawa, the head of the cooperatives says, “That this is the minimum size that can keep koto sound,” since the tone colour changes when the strings become shorter.

On 6th, Yamazaki worked actively such as checking the hull with the robotic arms; however, since the communication device in the shuttle is out of commission, the images of her happy face haven’t arrived on the ground yet.

“Take care of yourself, and come back safely.” Ogawa places his best wishes to pass on the safety of Yamazaki on the koto, which is esteemed as an amulet since the ancient times.

(23:15 April 06, 2010 Yomiuri Shimbun)

Upcoming Koto Performance in April #2

2010-04-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

==English==

I will be performing for the reception of Odori: The World of Kabuki Dance by Tomoe Arts. And below is the detail or the show.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: April 10 and 11, 2010 from 7:30pm

Location: Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC (6354 Crescent Road)

Tickets: $25/$20 seniors/$15 students.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

To purchase call the Theatre at UBC box office: 604.822.2678.

I will be performing after the show on April 10. Please come and enjoy the performance from Japan!

There are more events and workshops abut Japanese Odori in that week from April 8 to 11. For the information about those events, please visit Extra Events!

==日本語==

TomoeArts主催の日本舞踊のイベント、Odori: The World of Kabuki Danceのレセプションで演奏します。日本舞踊のイベントの詳細は

----------------------------------------------------------------------

日時：2010年4月10、11日19:30開始

場所：UBCのFrederic Wood Theatre (6354 Crescent Road)

チケット: $25、$20 シニア、$15 学生

----------------------------------------------------------------------

ポスターが街中に貼られているので目にしたかたもいらっしゃるかもしれませんね。

チケットの購入は、UBCのボックスオフィス、604.822.2678まで。

私は4月10日の公演の後のレセプションで演奏します。

日本舞踊関連のイベントはこのほかにも4月8日から11日までの間いろいろを行われています。詳しくはイベントのウェブサイト、Extra Events! をご覧ください。

Upcoming Koto Performance in April #1

2010-04-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

==English==

The time for cherry blossoms has come!

…. I know cherry blossoms have been everywhere, and it’s almost the end of their season. But I’ll be performing at the Ohanami event by the Mokuyokai this year as well!

Here is the information.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Saturday, April 10, 2010 from noon to 8:00pm

Location: Nitobe Garden & Asian Studies Centre at UBC (1903 West Mall)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

There will be a lot of other kind of things that you can enjoy there, such as tea ceremony and bento box. For more information, please visit the Mokuyokai Website.

Hope the weather is great and we all enjoy the day!

==日本語==

桜の季節がやってまいりました。とはいっても今年はもうだいぶ早い時期から桜が咲き始めて、最近はもう散ってしまっているようなところもちらほら見かけますが．．．

それでも今年も木曜会主催のお花見で箏を演奏します。詳細は以下になります。

----------------------------------------------------------------------

日時：2010年4月10日(土) 12:00～20:00

場所：UBCの新渡戸庭園とアジアンスタディズセンター(1903 West Mall)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

この日は他にもさまざまな楽しめるイベントが催されています。詳しくは木曜会のウェブサイトをご覧ください。

木曜会

いいお天気になって、皆様が楽しめる日になるとよいなと思います！

The Living Room

2010-03-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

==English==

I performed at The Living Room. The Living Room is a drop-in and activity centre that provides “welcoming and safe hang-out for the local mentally ill” located in downtown east side. They were holding a Paralympics event, and I was asked to perform there.

Somehow people asked me like, “Have you ever performed in front of ‘this kind of

people’?” or “What do you feel about playing for ‘this type of people’?” But should I feel something different with “this kind of people”?

I enjoyed playing music there, and I didn’t see what they meant by “this kind of people.” I mean I know what they mean, but they were audiences enjoying music to me, and there weren’t much differences from other performances I had before.

People enjoy music, and that’s what matters.

==日本語==

The Living Room で演奏してきました。 The Living Roomはダウンタウンイーストサイドにあるメンタルヘルスの人達のドロップインセンターで、そこでパラリンピックに関するイベントをするということで、演奏にいってきました。

そこではなぜか何度も“こういう人達”の前で演奏するのはどういう感じ？という質問を受けたのですが、私は何か感じるべきだったんでしょうかねえ．．．

楽しく演奏してきましたし、“こういう人達”ってあえてくくらなければいけないこともないひとときでした。と私は思いました。音楽をするものとしては、音楽を楽しむ、ってことが大切で、それでいいんじゃないでしょうかね、と思います。

World Tea party: February 27, 2009 #2

2010-03-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

Centre A Ustream

Pieces in this video

荒城の月(Kojo no Tsuki) – 沢井忠雄(Tadao Sawai)

みだれ(Midare) – 八橋検校(Kengyo Yatsuhashi)

瀬音(Seoto) – 宮城道雄(Michio Miyagi)

クレッセント(蒼い影)(Crescent (Blue shadow)) – 吉崎克彦(Katsuhiko Yoshizaki)

六段(Rokudan) – 八橋検校(Kengyo Yatsuhashi)

==English==

I liked the atmosphere there at Centre A, which was

not really a formal concert. It’s more like gallery. People come and leave anytime. I perform and take break. More free flowing. What can I say? There is no fixed space for each of performers and audience. Oh yes there was, in a way that I sit on tatami mat and only me was there. But I felt more like sharing spaces with everyone. Hm, it’s difficult to explain, but I liked that atmosphere.

At last but not least thanks to World Tea Party and Centre A for letting me perform! I really enjoyed the moment!

And above is the second ustream video.

==日本語==

今回のCentre Aの雰囲気は結構好きでした。と言うのも、演奏者と聞いてくれている人がはっきり別れてる、とは感じなかったからです。私はたたみがセットされた場所で演奏したので、物理的に言えば別れているのだけれど、もっとpublic の空間を共有している、と言う感覚のほうが大きかった気がします。なかなかうまく説明できている感じがしませんが、とにかく私はあの雰囲気が好きで楽しんだと言うことです(笑)

今回のこの演奏を可能にしてくれたWorld Tea Party, そしてCentre Aの皆様、本当にありがとうございました。今度はまたちょっと違ったスタイルで何かできたらいいなと思います。これからもよろしくお願い致します。

そして上に載せたものが演奏の様子第二部です。

World Tea party: February 27, 2009 #1

2010-03-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

Centre A Ustream

Pieces in this video

春の光(Haru no Hikari) – 久本玄智(Genshi Hisamoto)

花ふぶき(Hana Fubuki) – 吉崎克彦(Katsuhiko Yoshizaki)

北海民謡調(Hokkai Minyo Cho) – 宮城道雄(Michio Miyagi)

千鳥の曲(Chidori no Kyoku) – 吉沢検校(Kengyo Yoshizawa)

==English==

It was really cooool to perform at Centre A with World Tea Party. Below are some reasons.

1st, the sound effect was great. As soon as I started making sound, my body was like really excited. “This is gonna be fun!” and it was fun :)

2nd, I sit on tatami mat. As you can imagine, it’s not common to perform on tatami mat in

Canada

. I don’t mind it at all. However, sitting on tatami mat and perform is something that my body likes. This is simply because that’s that my body is used to do the most.

And yes I was really happy performing there.

At this time, Centre A was ustreaming me. So above is the first part of my performance.

==日本語==

Centre A で行われていたWorld Tea Party で箏の演奏してきました。

Centre Aは音響がお箏にとってとても素晴らしい場所だと言うことがわかりました。そして今回はたたみの上で演奏できたと言うこともあり、私はとても快適に楽しく演奏できました。音響が言いと本当にボーナスをもらったかのように気分がよくなりますね。

上に載せたものが演奏の様子の第一部です。Centre Aではこの日はUstream で私の演奏を配信していたのです。

World Tea Party Experience

2010-03-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

Photo from Centre A Flickr

==English==

On February 19, I was at Centre A and participated in a Tea Ceremony demonstration. Yes I have enjoyed tea ceremony many times in my life. I really enjoy the moment of it. However, I haven’t had a “proper” tea ceremony lesson before. Knowing that Ayako sensei invited me to the tea on the day(!) That’s how I was in the demonstration (with wearing jeans...). I was a bit nervous, but I as usual enjoyed the tea. I really appreciate the moment of tea and all the consideration put by the host around the tea room. I would say, the host of the tea ceremony is also the curator of the gallery called “tea room.”

Anyway, as a guest, I guess I made a lot of mistakes. But I also enjoyed the tea a lot, which is the point of tea ceremony.

Thanks to all the tea people there for letting me have such a great opportunity to be around the tea world!

More photos: Centre A Flickr

==日本語==

茶道のデモンストレーションのビデオ撮影のためにCentre A へ行っってきました。と言うのも、お茶の先生と知り合いなので、お願いしてビデオを撮らせてもらうことになっていたのです。到着して、先生に挨拶したら、招客になるようにお誘いいただいてしまい、参加してきました。

茶道をきちんと習ったことは無いので、デモンストレーションと言う場に混じっていいのか、と大変恐縮してしまったのですが、でもお茶の世界は大好きなので、堪能させていただきました。ありがとうございました。

お茶の先生というか、お茶の主人は、お茶室というアートギャラリーのキュレーターと言えるかも。一つ一つのお茶器、お花、掛け軸などをその日のために丁寧にコーディネートして、招客とのその空間でのひと時を特別のものにする、と言うのは、でももしかしたらそれ以上かもしれない。

そんなことを思った日でした。招客としてだけではなく、いろいろ、普段は体験することのできないようなことをいろいろさせていただくことができました。本当にお茶の方々には感謝しています。素晴らしいひと時をありがとうございました。

その時の写真はこちらから見れます: Centre A Flickr

Upcoming Koto Performance in February #2

2010-02-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

==English==

I'll be performing at Centre A as a part of the World Tea Party.

Here is the detail

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Time: Saturday February 27th. From 3pm to 4:30pm

Location: Centre A (2 West Hastings Street)

This is a free event

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The World Tea Party is doing many interesting things daily, such as exhibitions, demonstrations, and other event. You can enjoy different kinds of tea sample as well.

I feel it’ll be fun. Please come and enjoy the world of the tea in the world!

World Tea Party

Centre A

Photos!

==日本語==

World Tea Party の一部として、琴の演奏をCentre A で行います。

詳細は以下になります。

----------------------------------------------------------------------

日時：2月27日15:00～16:30

場所：Centre A (2 West Hastings Street)

無料のイベントです。

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The World Tea Party では毎日展示や実演など様々な催しが行われています。また数種類のお茶の試飲も楽しむことができます。

是非いらしてこの機会にお茶の世界をお楽しみくださいね。

World Tea Party

Centre A

写真はこちらから

Hearts for Haiti: February 7, 2010

2010-02-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

photos by Tallulah Tallulah

東漸寺でのハイチのための茶会イベントは、本当に一期一会の一時でした。きちんとしたお寺で、予想以上のたくさんの方々に来ていただいて、そしていろんなアーティストに会えて、そして全員がハイチのためにここに集ってるってことですよね。

おいしいお茶もいただけたし、皆さんのご好意の元私はここでこうして演奏ができるんだなぁ、と改めて思った一日でした。

It was really 一期一会 moment. So many people came for Haiti, and I had really a good time with them. Thank you for those who came and donated. Tozenji is a good place. When I arrived there, I was like “This is like a temple in Japan!” Tea Ceremony people are always wonderful. In a car to the Tozenji, at Tozenji, during lunch, I couldn’t help feeling so Japanese hospitality and sensitivity in which I really enjoy myself. And other artists, such as musicians and photographers, and other tea people, they were also super fun and nice. I would like to meet with them again and do something :)

So that was the day. And photos shown here are taken by Tallulah Tallulah, a wonderful artist, and she showed a couple of great photos that she took in Haiti at Tozenji. Thanks Tallulah for sharing your great art! And if you are interested in checking more about her, please visit her website, Tallulah Photography, Love Life Images, or Soles Exposed. You can enjoy her wonderful world!

Hearts for Haiti

2010-01-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

There will be an Tea Ceremony event for Haiti.

----------------------

Date: Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010 from 1pm to 5pm

Location: Tozenji Buddhist Temple (209 Jackson St., Coquitlam)

Contact: 604-939-7749

----------------------

There will be Haiti Photo Exhibition by Tallualah, and musical performances by variety of musicians.

Please come. Let's do what we can for Haiti!

Introduced in Oops!

2010-01-15T17:01:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed by a Oops! reporter a couple of weeks ago. And now it’s on the paper this week. Below is the content. Since Oops! is Japanese free paper, here I have put translated version.

Oops!で紹介されました。以下が記事の内容です。

日本語は下にあります。ウェブバージョンはこちら。

それか記事をクリックしてお読みください。

---English---

The 83^rd: No borders in the music world… I think there is something that I can do only in Vancouver

Koto musician

Kozue Matsumoto

“What are Japanese people?” maybe this is her origin. She studies Nikkei/Japanese Canadians at a graduate program in the department of Educational Studies at UBC. While playing koto as a semi-master, she keeps doing her activities striving for music beyond “Japanese.”

The First Culture Shock

“I grew up in a rural area where neighbours can take care of my laundry if it rains while I am out and where people don’t lock the door.” Kozue grew up in Matsuyama-machi, a small town with a population of 600, in Miyagi prefecture. Going to a university in Tokyo, the biggest city in

Japan

, she faced a different

Japan

from the one she used to know as

Japan

in her hometown. “Living in Tokyo, I learned that there are different worlds from where I grew up.” She says that not only the languages and conversation topics, but also the passage of time was different. It was culture shock within

Japan

. The people in Tokyo are Japanese, and people in Matsuyama-town are Japanese as well. What is the definition of Japanese? This has become the theme of her life and gradually made her feel like meeting many other people in the world and experiencing different cultures. Graduating from a university in 2002 and after working for a couple of years in

Japan

, Kozue went to Kwantlen Polytechnic University in BC and has been studying about Japanese Canadians in graduate school at UBC since 2007. “Coming to

Canada

, I still have the question “what is Japanese”, maybe even more strongly than before. There are many different types of Nikkei/Japanese Canadians in

Canada

. I have realized that there are many people, from the first generation to fifth generation, immigrants after the War, the children of international marriages etc.”

The Meeting with Koto

It was at 3 years old when Kozue first met a koto. Worrying about her being shy, her grandmother thought that learning something would make it possible for her to meet with a lot of people, and she let her learn koto at the community centre in her town. Koto was huge for 3 year old Kozue. However, she says that she got familiar with koto even before she developed the concept of likes and dislikes. As her mother started learning koto with her, the lessons were fun as a child; however, when she became busy with studying for high school and university, it wasn’t always fun to keep taking lessons. Nevertheless, she didn’t think about quitting koto, as her koto master told her that “it is important to continue one thing,” and the time to receive her koto license was approaching. Traditional Japanese music has different scales, tunes, and rhythms. Most people may have somber impression of it in youth. However, Kozue says that both koto and shamisen are instruments with great depth. One can enjoy the technique and process of making a sound though the instruments. She started wanting to play koto in

Canada

. And she gradually regretted that she didn’t bring her koto, and started looking for some place where she can play the koto.

Something That Can Be Told Through Koto

One day, at a Japanese music performance at Nitobe Garden at UBC, she encountered a shakuhachi player Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos. Knowing that he is not Japanese, her question, “what is Japanese?” occurred to her. She was able to borrow a koto from his friend, and this became a step to a new world. Enthusiastically performing at many events, she has noticed that many people in Vancouver enjoy her performances with interest, and she has started feeling the possibility of koto being accepted in the world in her bones.

“Koto can play any kind of music. As one of the instruments in the world, I wish many Canadians could be interested in koto and actually play it.” As Mr. Ramos plays shakuhachi with great passion, which may be more than Japanese people have, it’s not true that only can Japanese play koto. By being played by people with other cultural backgrounds, the koto world will be broadened a lot, and the sound of the instrument can have variety…. This is something that she has found in Vancouver. The key to Kozue’s question, “What is Japanese?” may be found through koto.

Interview

- Let me know your current music activity

I’ve been performing at various events, such as Japanese Canadian community events or school events. Also, I am thinking of trying some Western-like music with shakuhachi player, Al (Mr. Ramos) and other musicians. Koto matches with any kinds of music.

- You don’t play Traditional music?

I of course play traditional music! That’s what I love the most. However, I would like to try something more than ethnic music as well. For example, wouldn’t it great if koto performances can be broadcast on MTV? I wish that koto music becomes mainstream music. I think if everyone knows koto and plays koto, like guitar or piano, that’d be fun.

- Is this something that you thought about after you came to Vancouver?

Yes, since Vancouver has so many cultures, music can be enjoyed beyond ethnicity/nationality. That’s what music is originally about, isn’t it? There are no borders in the music world. Koto’s roots are in

China

, and I met Chinese and Korean koto players here and shared a lot of things. There are various types of music and instruments in the world, and if we can accept them, I believe music will be a much more fun thing.

- You have a wonderful website where we can even listen to your performance.

Oh, that is what I made by myself. That’s a quite simple one with easy software. I thought it’d be good if I could share my activities in

Canada

on the web, and now people contact with me through my website. As there are more activities in

Canada

, there are more things to put on the website, and eventually it has became what it is now. The great thing is that I met cool photographers and videographer through the events, and they let me share their wonderful visual works on my website. First I created this website just for my own records in

Canada

: however, in today’s situation, the website has variety of content. I really appreciate the networks with people. It is possible to collaborate on my music with their visuals and create something more than music. I look forward to it.

- What is your dream for the future?

I think theoretically there are three choices: go to PhD, be a musician, or work. It would be great if I can be a musician, but it is not easy to live as a professional musician…. Anyways, I would love to keep playing koto throughout my life, and I want to stay in

Canada

for a while. Vancouver is such a unique place as Asians are no longer minorities here. There won’t be many places like this in the world, like the ratio of Western to Asian is almost 50: 50. So I would like to stay in Vancouver for a while and play some music that is possible only in Vancouver.

Profile:

Kozue Matsumoto

From Miyagi prefecture

Koto Ikuta-ryu semi-Master

http://kozuematsumoto.blogspot.com/

Hobby: photography, books

Favourite word: Ichariba chode (once we’ve met, we are all brothers and sisters)

---日本語---

第83回：音楽に国境はない…バンクーバーだ からできる音楽があると思う

箏奏者

松元　香壽恵

　『日本人ってなんだろう?』それが、彼女の原点なのかもしれない。UBCの大学院でEducational Study―日系カナディアンについて研究する香壽恵。箏の準師範でもある彼女は箏を演奏しながら、移民の国カナダ、そしてアジアの人口が多いバンクーバーに集まった

初めてのカルチャーショック

　　「雨が降ったらお隣が洗濯物を片付けておいてくれるような、鍵をかけたことも全くない田舎で育ったんです」。人口6,900人ほどの宮城県松山町で育った香壽恵。東京の大学に進学した彼女は、日本最大の都市で、今までと違った日本を知ることになった。「東京で暮らしてみて、自分が育った場所と違う世界があることを知りました」。言語や話題などの文化だけでなく、時間の流れも違うという、日本にいながらにしてのカルチャーショック。東京に暮らす人たちも日本人なら、松山町の人たちも日本人。日本人とは一体どういう定義でくくられているのだろうか？　それが、その後の香壽恵の人生のテーマとなり、そしてその疑問は、世界の人に出会ってみたい、違った文化を体現したいという欲求に変わっていった。2002年、大学を卒業した香壽恵はBC州にあるKwantlen Polytechnic Universityに留学、2007年からUBCの大学院で日系カナダ人を研究している。「カナダに来てみて、やはり、日本人って何だろう？という疑問がぬぐえないんですね。カナダには、様々なバックグラウンドを持った日本人が暮らしている。日系一世から五世、戦後の移住者、国際結婚者の子ども達など様々な人がいることを知ったからなんです」。

箏との出会い

　箏と出会ったのは3歳の時だった。恥ずかしがり屋で人見知りする香壽恵を心配した祖母が、習い事をさせれば人前にでることも多くなるのではないかと考えて、公民館の箏教室に通わせた。まだ小さい彼女には、箏は大きすぎる。好き、嫌いという意識を持つ前に馴染んでいったという。母が一緒に始めたこともあって、小さい頃は楽しいお稽古だったが、高校受験や大学受験など勉強が忙しくなってくると、負担も大きくなってきた。だが、『続けることが大切なこと』という先生の教えと、その頃になると、お免状が貰える時期とも重なって、辞めるという選択肢を考えることはなかった。邦楽といえば、近代音楽と音階も旋律もリズムも違う。どちらかと言えば地味な印象を若い頃は持つ人が大半だろう。しかし、箏も三味線も、奥の深い楽器であると香壽恵は言う。音の作り方の妙というか音を作る過程をじっくり味わうことができる。　香壽恵は、カナダで箏の演奏をしたいと思い始めていた。そして箏を持ってこなかったことを次第に悔やみ、箏を借りられる場所を探した。

箏を通して伝えられること

　ある日、UBCの新渡戸庭園で行われた邦楽の演奏会で、尺八の奏者の一人Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos氏に出会う。尺八の奏者が日本人ではないことに驚きはしたが、同時に香壽恵の『日本人ってなんだろうという』というテーマが頭をよぎった。Ramos氏の知り合いから箏を借り受けた香壽恵。それはまた、新たな世界へ踏み出す一歩となった。精力的にイベントに出演して演奏していると、バンクーバーでは多くの人たちが興味を持って演奏を聞いてくれることを知り、箏が楽器として世界に受け入れられる可能性を肌で感じるようになった。

　「箏はどんな音楽にも合わせることができます。楽器のひとつとして、多くのカナディアンに演奏してもらえたらいいですね」。Ramos氏が尺八を日本人以上の情感で演奏することができるように、日本人しか箏を演奏できないわけではない。他のカルチャーを背負った人が弾くことで、もっともっと世界は広がっていくし、楽器の音にも広がりが出るのではないか…。バンクーバーに来て初めて気付かされたことだった。日本人って何？という香壽恵の疑問を解く鍵は、今後は箏を通して見つかるのかもしれない。

インタビュー

バンクーバーでしか出来ない音楽を見つけた

―今の音楽活動について、具体的に教えてください。

香壽恵：日系コミュニティーのイベントや、学校のイベントなどに参加しています。また、尺八のAl (Ramos氏)と一緒に、西洋の音楽が出来ないかと思って、シンセサイザーを交えて、ジャズやロックなどにも挑戦しようとしています。お箏って、結構どんな音楽にも合うんですよ。

―では邦楽は演奏されないのですか？

香壽恵：お箏で日本の音楽という枠、エスニックミュージックという枠にとらわれないものをやっていきたいんですね。例えば、箏の演奏をMTVで放送するみたいな、もっとメインストリームの音楽の中で演奏していける楽器となればいいと思うんです。箏が世界中の誰でもが知っていて、みんなが演奏している、例えばギターやピアノのような楽器になれば楽しいなって思うんですよ。

―それは、バンクーバーに来てから考えたことですか？

香壽恵：そうですね。マルチカルチャーなバンクーバーだから、もっとグローバルに音楽を楽しめると思うんですね。音楽って本来はそういうものではないでしょうか？　音楽に国境はないんですよね。お箏のルーツは中国にありますが、ここで、中国や韓国のお箏を演奏している人たちにも出会って共感を持ったし、世界にはいろんな音楽があって、楽器もあって、それをマルチに受け入れることができたら、音楽はもっと楽しいものになるに違いないと思うんです。

―曲が視聴できる素敵なウェブサイトをお持ちですね。

香壽恵：あれは、何の気なしに2年前に自分で立ち上げたんです。ソフトを使って作った簡単なものですよ。カナダでの活動を載せていければ楽しいかなと思いましたし、このサイトを見てメールをくださる方とかがいます。カナダでの活動が増えた分、サイトに載せることも多くなって、今のようになりました。また、イベントで知り合ったカメラマンの人が写真を、または、ビデオを撮る方が映像を提供してくださって、それも掲載しています。初めは自分の記録のために作ったものですが、今では、多くの方とのつながりによって充実してきたものになりましたね。協力していただいているのは、私の音楽に共感していただいている方々なので、活動を通して様々な方々と音楽だけでなく、ビジュアル的なコラボレーションもできるという可能性が広がってきました。

―今後の夢はなんですか？

香壽恵：将来的に選択肢は3つあると思います。Ph.Dを取るか、ミュージシャンになるのか、働くのか…なんですけど…。音楽をやっていきたいですが、それだけでは食べていけないでしょうし、働くとは思います。どちらにしても、お箏は生涯やっていきたいし、カナダにはまだまだ残って音楽を続けたいと思っています。バンクーバーは特殊な場所で、アジア人がマイノリティーでは、もはやないんですね。そういう場所って少ないと思うんです。だから、バンクーバーはお箏を演奏していくには良い環境なんですよね。バンクーバーでしかできない、そんな音楽をこれからもやっていきたいですね。

聞き手　編集部