This blog entry is loosely based on an article I wrote for Nikkan San as a part of my bi-weekly column “The Way of the Pianist” to be published on July 30th.
It’s been about a week since my arrival in Tokyo.
How rich is Japan in its greeneries and waterscapes – it surprises me every time I land here.
The jet lag wakes me up before the rest of the world. As I take a walk outside watching the sun rise, the cicadas start to penetrate through the morning stillness. Its energetic ring washes the sleepiness out of everything.
Pigeons are everywhere in the world, but I swear the Japanese pigeons are more expressive. Why is that, I cannot say, but their calls are somewhat sentimental and nostalgic to me.
In the sound environment that is unmistakably Japanese, I play my concerts. Among the people coming to the concert venues wiping their sweats off their brows, I find several faces that belong to my friends who have been coming to my concerts for years, some even longer. Sharing the music I have been cultivating abroad to the people in my home country is special to me, especially after the pandemic, now that I know how I cannot take coming back home for granted. With the renewed appreciation of the opportunity to play back in my home country, each note has buoyancy. I can almost see the notes flying out to the audience.
I teach lessons and master classes here, too. I wonder if it’s that music students are so used to practicing in tiny practice rooms. Or if its the Japanese humility. They let out only so much of the dozens of hours spent on the piece, considering its various possibly interpretations. As someone raised in a culture of individuals that rewards self-assertion and confidence, I feel like I can help.
“Think of the piano keys as the keys to your hearts. Release all the feelings with each note of this melody, out to the four corners of the hall.”
“Don’t play to please yourself, sitting in front of the keyboard. Play to the emergency exit sign at the very back of the hall, and throw your inner self to that green glow.”
Most pianists, after my suggestions, achieve such musical transformation. The audience often break into spontaneous roaring applause.
How can I contribute to the future of my country as someone who has cultivated her worldview and musicianship in the U.S.? The exchanges I get to have through my musical activities in Japan give me various hints to considering my big questions.
(Photo caption: Japanese food in Japan are especially delicious. But I have also come to appreciate its visual presentation, each ingredient and color enhancing the others around them, creating such beautiful harmony with the dishes they are served on as well as with each other. )
