KASHIKO

There have been many examples of Western music being performed using traditional Japanese instruments. In addition, many new pieces incorporating elements of Western music are being created in the world of Japanese music. I had been interested in such an endeavor for a long time, but I had no knowledge or experience of Japanese music, so I never had the opportunity. Fortunately, I met koto player Naito and had the opportunity to have him play my own composition on the koto. In recent years, many kotos with multiple strings have been used to make it easier to play Western music, but I was particular about the tense sound that is unique to the 13-string koto. In the end, Naito had many difficulties in performing, but I think he was able to express the ``space that is not flashy but maintains a comfortable tension'' that has existed in this land since ancient times. Originally, the land existed before people, and people praised and feared its blessings, beauty, or threats. I think that all cultures in the world were born and nurtured from this initial recognition. Even as scientific progress illuminates all darkness, I would like to believe that a humble attitude toward things that existed before humans remains a pillar of the culture shared by all who live on this earth.