JUNKO OHTSU PRESENTS – AI NO KAZE PROJECT:
to benefit the relief effort of the great earthquake and tsunami hit the northeast region of Japan ten years ago
♪ For making donations, please visit the link below. Thank you♪
https://www.fromportlandwithlove.org/ai-no-kaze-project.html
☆☆☆ From DVD “Ai no Kaze ~ Wind from Northeast” ☆☆☆
These Japanese folk tunes are from the northeast region of Honshu Island, the main island of Japan, which was hit ten years ago on March 11, 2011, by the great earthquake and tsunami.
Artists:
Junko Ohtsu, Violinist
“Superior performance” “Rhapsodic and delicate coloration” – as The New York Times critic praised, Junko Ohtsu has captivated listeners around the world with deep insight and intensity of her music making. She has been featured as a soloist with numerous international orchestras, and in solo recitals throughout the United States, Asia and Europe.
Tomoko Okada, Pianist,
As a graduate of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in Japan and Detmold Music Academy in Germany, Tomoko Okada received numerous awards for her outstanding performances. As a devoted chamber musician, she has performed many concerts with renowned musicians throughout Japan and Europe.
Music arranged by Masahiko Satoh
Produced by Junko Ohtsu
DVD production by Sound Create, Ltd (Aomori, Japan)
— What is “Ai no Kaze”?
During the Edo Period (1603~1868), trading ships called “Kita-mae-bune” (Ship from North), carrying marine and other products, frequented the ports of the northeast region (Tohoku) and the western part of Japan. Before setting sail they had to wait for the “Ai no Kaze” (wind from northeast) to blow. Although there are various theories about the naming of “Ai no Kaze,” a prolific poet Otomo no Yakamochi (c.718~785 CE) composed some beautiful poems (Tanka/Waka) using the word “Ayu” (the poetic name for Wind of the northeast), which is found in the “Man’yoshu,” an anthology of ancient Japanese poems. “Ai no Kaze” also appears in Japanese proverbs and folk tunes, expressing and inspiring deep feelings of love and affection. I hope this beautiful music from Tohoku sent by “Ai no Kaze” fills your heart with love.
It has been ten years since the great earthquake and tsunami hit the northeast region of Japan on March 11, 2011. People in the devastated area have been working hard to recover and revitalize their community, however, it will take many more years for them to return to their normal daily lives.
From Portland with Love Inc. was established in 2014 to support a cultural exchange program between Portland, Oregon and Japan to benefit the great earthquake and tsunami relief effort. I am very grateful to From Portland With Love for letting me work with them, and I hope the “Ai no Kaze” project will expand their good work.
I send you my heartfelt thanks for your support. — Junko Ohtsu
♪ For making donations, please visit the link below. Thank you♪
https://www.fromportlandwithlove.org/ai-no-kaze-project.html