This translation is provided by Trueman Nishi -san and K. Hatano -san.
Wonderful People
It’s thanks to all the people concerned that we concluded this US tour successfully.
What impressed me most was the magnificence of the people we met in California. Soon after we arrived there, some of the students became sick. The humidity was lower than we had expected, which gave us a sore throat. The host families, however, looked after the students as if they were their own children. All the band directors and local staff we met there were very kind. There were no words to express my appreciation, and at the same time a question occurred to me: Why are they so nice?
The crowd reactions at the parade and concerts were also impressive; round of applause and standing ovations. Elderly people and children gave us words of praise after our performances. Elderly people sometimes talk to us in Japan, too, but it’s quite unthinkable for children to come to praise us.
“Why can they communicate their feelings wholeheartedly?”
In Japan, when you convey your feelings directly or say what your think in a straightforward way, you might be a target of criticism. But in the US, I assume, it’s a sign of politeness to express your feelings when you find something wonderful. Even though you can say Japan has been Americanized, I felt a great differences in cultures in this regard.
All the people we met there were honest-hearted. When they enjoy music, they are free of all calculation. During the half-month stay in the US, I think we were in the atmosphere where there’s no cunning doings or thinking. I’m sure I’m not the only one who felt refreshed there.
The image of America that is reported in the media here is not always a good one; highlighted mainly are arrogant words by the self-proclaimed-world-leader President and the horrors of war. But what I found once setting foot in the US is that a large number of people living there were such loving people with unlimited consideration and good humor.
I look forward to see how the students brought this great experience to Japan and apply what they have learned to the future. I’d like them to be such persons that will genuinely appreciate beautiful and wonderful things and share their kindness to others. If that comes true, this US tour meant something that taught them how to live in their life from now.
Maestro Tanaka, my whole family (my wife Haruko, children Tenshin,Fujiko,Mariko & Yoshi) want to thank you for sharing with us your world of music that we will treasure for years to come. And most of all, thank you for giving us KYOTO TACHIBANA.
Words are not enough to express our gratitude.
Tanaka-sensei, you are simply “The Magnificent”.
Sayonara, sayonara, sayonara.
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Paul, you your family and all the host families deserve much of the credit. Your open arms to the band members created a first and lasting impression and the results are validated by Tanaka’s words of how he saw the kindness and open hearts of the American fans. Thanks
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