Month: May 2016

The Tohoku disaster, memorialized by its date “3/11,” proved to be one of the most trying times in Japanese history. The earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters that occurred on March 11, 2011 devastated the country, especially those living in Fukushima.

With the perseverance so essential to Japanese culture, the citizens of Fukushima refused to have their spirits broken in the aftermath of the devastation. From the disaster came the rise of the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta. The Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta is composed of young Japanese musicians from middle schools in Fukushima City. These students found solace and healing in the creation of music. With great passion, they practiced their instruments for months until achieving perfection. Their music has proved to be more than pleasant rhythms: it is a symbol of strength and hope.

The Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta took their talents to Boston Symphony Hall recently in an event made possible by the the TOMODACHI Initiative of the U.S.-Japan Council, Japan Society of Boston, Keys of Change, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, and the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

The performance began with a videoclip of the Japanese students visiting Boston for the first time. Images flickered across the screen of the students excitedly exploring the city of Boston and learning about its history. Being a part of the Sinfonietta has allowed the youth to visit places they had never been to before, and see the world while sharpening their craft.

Speeches of reflection and gratitude were given before the performance, setting the mood for what would be a night full of emotional energy. Speakers included Panos Karan, founder of the non-profit organization Keys Of Change that works to bring music to those living in difficult circumstances across the globe.

All eyes followed the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta as they took the stage. Brilliant notes filled every inch of Symphony Hall, the music as lively as the spirits of those creating it. It was hard to believe that the larger-than-life sounds being heard were coming from the children on stage. The beautiful and moving music played as a testament to how far these youth had come since the Tohoku disaster.

For some, the night ended with tears. For most, the night ended in roaring applause and standing ovation. For all, it ended with hope.

Only this was not an ending – this was a beginning. The beginning of the triumph of the survivors of 3/11, their energy channeled into profound music being played across the world.

“You were Boston Strong – now we are Japan Strong!”

In the Boston area and want to see up and coming talent? Look no further than the Red Room. The Red Room is a part of Cafe 939, owned by Berklee College of Music. Berklee is home to some of the world’s greatest young musicians. Notable names that got their start at Berklee include John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, and Annie Clark. The Red Room is a great place to support local talent and catch a glimpse of artists who will help mold the future of music.

Bands Jive McFly, Cherry Mellow, and ZILLA recently took the stage at the Red Room. The concert awarded listeners a multitude of sounds, from the funk vibes of Jive McFly to the aggressive rock notes of Cherry Mellow to the soulful jazz of ZILLA. The variety of genres made for an energetic live show that kept audiences guessing what was next. It was a unique combination that made for a memorable night. Undeniable was the talent of the young musicians who came from different backgrounds and homelands to make their mark on the Boston music scene.

Check out footage of the concert above, and click here to see which bands will be making their rounds next at Cafe 939 (many of the shows are free).

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23 students from Emerson College were selected to attend a ten-day trip to Japan as TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars. The fellowship is in the name of Daniel Inouye, the first Japanese-American serving Senator who committed himself to strengthening ties between the United States and Japan. The program is part of the larger Government of Japan’s KAKEHASHI Project, which seeks to promote deeper understanding among Japanese and Americans as well as inspire future leaders and encourage participants to take on active roles at the global level.

Students traveled to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shiga to learn about Japanese culture. They were also able to tour government buildings and meet with Japanese officials. Highlights included staying with a local Japanese family in a Minshuku, using chopsticks and eating traditional Japanese cuisine, visiting numerous Shinto and Buddhist shrines, practicing speaking Japanese, creating works of calligraphy, meeting students at a local university, and learning more about the life of Senator Daniel Inouye.

See video below.

Rock band Muse took the stage at Boston’s TD Garden to perform on their Drones Tour. They played a variety of songs from their earlier albums up to the most recent tracks off of Drones. Watch highlights of the concert: