There are many convenient communication tools available now, including Zoom and Skype, but “face-to-face” communication is still exceptionally effective. The overall effect is even greater when playing an ensemble. Although the original purpose of my return to Japan was to commemorate the 13th anniversary of my mother's death, it was a busy but enjoyable six weeks of playing ensembles, going to the theaters with friends, catching up with cousins and the family over lunches and dinners. However, what I especially felt this time was the decline in my physical strength, probably because I had stayed in the United States for three years and refrained from traveling long distances because of COVID-19. Before the COVID-19 crisis, I was able to adjust to the jet lag and the fatigue from long trips more quickly as I was traveling overseas much more often, but this time, the jet lag and the fatigue remained forever throughout the stay. Maintaining and boosting physical strength is a new year’s resolution for 2023.

 

What made me extremely happy this time was I met new players to play ensembles. They are mainly from the APA in Japan, who are the residents near the Chuo Line, Tokyo. I had the opportunity to practice with a new cellist (experienced and a very good player) and a flutist. I may be able to play ensembles with them at the upcoming International Music Festival in April 2023 in Tokyo.

 

In the United States, Norm, who I and our cellist, Steffen, played with at the concert in February 2022, was unable to continue due to his severe wrist pain. Although we are very sad about the fact, it seems we will be able to resume practicing Mendelssohn's piano trio (OP49) from the middle of this month with a young pianist, Andrew.

 

Talking about the current affairs in Japan, which I saw and heard during my stay, is very similar to that in the rest of the world. First of all, the public's distrust of politics and politicians is conspicuous in the mountains of problems such as increasing defense budget, restarting nuclear power plants, rising prices, the recession, increasing unemployment rate, expansion of the poor, political and social scandals relating to religious cult; the Family Federation for World Peace（日本統一教会 or 世界平和統一家庭連合) and so forth. With the declining birthrate and increasing aging population of the nation, the policies to improve the economy are not clear. While the prospects for the Japanese economy were unclear or pessimistic, in the media, there seemed to be many critics who quibbled as anti-establishment without stating any directions or constructive opinions.

 

Seventy-eight years have passed since the end of World War II, and Japan is currently in a period of transition in every aspects, including politics, economy, society, and values. Although the nation faces various problems, Japan is yet a very safe, clean, and well-mannered "paradise" in addition to its superb food. I often hear the opinion that the Japanese people have a high degree of "public morals or cultural standard" (民度), but it is difficult to speak optimistically about how to steer a country that can develop (independently) in the long term while maintaining that high level of unique standard. I very much appreciate hearing about any of readers' opinions on this matter. Out with the old, in with the new: may you be happy the whole year through. Happy New Year!