The Beauty of Music and Art

I’ve always wondered how it would be to go to a show that is completely in a foreign language. Since I considered this thought as being a vital part of my Japanese adventure I bought myself a ticket for a show in a museum/gallery and jumped into a metro to reach my destination. I would be lying to say that I was relaxed throughout the whole transition. Luckily enough I found the Japanese metro system much easier than the London one. For once, I got to the venue earlier than I thought (without Google Maps, I am proud).

Sitting in a well-organized queue in front of the museum I was preparing my line for when I get the ticket desk. I kept on repeating the same line over and over again in my mind. Looking around me I realized I was the only foreign person. That made me feel quite anxious. But then I remembered the fundamental truth that all anxieties and fears are only in my mind so I decided to let go and enjoy the experience. Que sera sera. I was a foreigner at a Japanese show after all. In the end I didn’t had to say anything but my name at the desk, I was handed a few fliers with information about the show and the exposition that was on (so sad I can’t read Japanese).

There is one thing I’ve learned about Japanese people since being here. In most of the cases, they are just as scared of speaking English as I am of speaking Japanese. Fair game of fears…

The gallery contained the work of Keiko Minami and Hamaguchi Yozo. I found the art to be simple yet intricate, each piece evoking a particular memory or a scene. Art that conjures simplicity calling upon a nostalgic thought waiting to be explored and set free to mingle in unknown lands. I think the exposition tied in perfectly with the dreamy music provided by Ichiko Aoba, the artist of the night. Even with my little Japanese knowledge her music spoke to me in a mysterious way and the sudden realization that I could understand more than I thought I would made me happy. If you are ever in Japan you need to see one of Ichiko Aoba’s shows…it’s a lovely experience.

With her music in that cosy gallery I felt at home and I was finally able to let go of my silly self-conscious thoughts. I even ended up exchanging a few words with her in Japanese at the end. In situations like this I really wished I could have said more. My frustration of not knowing more Japanese was making me a bit sad. But the good news is that I am a quick learner…

Domo arigatou gozaimashita (どうもありがとうございました) Ichiko-san and Yamasa museum for such an amazing ‘native’ experience.

Link to the Musée: www.yamasa.com/musee/en/

Ja mata ne (じゃあまたね)…see you later.