Aikido 53

I had the honor of meeting my friends Hero and Miwako with their daughter Naomi. They took me to their Aikido class. There I was able to watch and learn about this Japanese martial art form.
Aikido is a martial art that does not damage or kill. It is not violent. It simply restrains and focuses on peace and harmony. Here the teacher is about to demonstrate a technique.

Masanobu Kimura 52

One of the great joys of my time here in Sapporo was meeting Japanese composer, Masanobu Kimura. He lives here in Sapporo and is a university professor who teaches composing. He is a very active composer and I now have several of his CDs. He has already collaborated with Erica and has turned one of her poems into a beautiful song.
He has also arranged three concerts for me and has assisted me in connecting to concert venues in other parts of Japan. His calm gentle manner is refreshing. His wisdom and musical expertise is impressive and his kindness to people, animals and the earth is instructive.

After concert fun 51

After the concert we were served various fruits and beverages and had informal conversations with each other. Music brought us together and deepened our connections with each other. Here you see the ones who stayed to the very end of the evening. I am looking forward to my next concert at Mahoroba scheduled for Saturday September 13, 2008

Concert at Mahoroba 50

We sang to a sold out crowd. As a result I have been invited to return to sing another concert on September 13.
It was a very moving event. I have never sung a concert where there were so many tears. The music connected across culture and language and touched our hearts. It once again confirmed my inner sense about the power of music.
We need more places like Mahoroba where people come together to learn how to live more meaningfully, spiritually and responsibly.

Making contact 49

Erica( on the right) assisted greatly by translating for me. I spoke and sang at this event. Here in these pictures I am singing a call and response song that involves the audience.
They were engaged and enthusiastic singers.

Akiko Watanabe 48

I had the honor of meeting pianist Akiko Watanabe when I heard her play in downtown Sapporo. I was so impressed that I asked her to accompany me on the concert at Mahoroba. She plays the piano with great care and sensitivity. I was fortunate to have found her.

Mahoroba 47

On August 23rd. I had the pleasure of singing a concert at Mahoroba in Sapporo. Mahoroba means a land filled with peace and bliss. Mahoroba is a comprehensive organic store that serves as a community center. They offer classes, workshops lectures and concerts to the public. I was honored to be invited there by Shuhei Miyashita who is the chief executive officer. Here you see Shuhei at his desk along with a picture of Mahoroba.