When one speaks of Hakuju—the milestone of turning 99—it is an age at which simply living each day in good health is remarkable in itself. While everyone has their own way of enjoying their later years, I traveled to Akashi City (to the ”Ours Hall” Akashi City Community Large Hall to attend a tenor recital given by Mr. Tsutomu Ando—an acquaintance from my corporate days who has now reached this extraordinary age. What first astonished me was the turnout: despite the venue bei

Chapter 18: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750; Died at age 65) Eisenach is a small yet culturally rich city situated at the northwestern edge of the Thuringian Forest; it was here that Bach was born as the eighth child of his father, Johann Ambrosius Bach. Bach stands as the greatest musician of the Bach family—a lineage that produced musicians for two centuries, whose members were, generation after generation, devout Protestants. After losing his mother at the age of nine and

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, music becomes an indispensable presence for us music lovers. Classical music in particular—even as the number of active performers is said to be declining—possesses a profound artistry and emotional depth that nourish the soul and stir our most delicate feelings. But the allure of music extends beyond stimulating individual sensibilities. It also has the power to foster friendships. I myself have met many friends and deepened my bon