Yoshi's Diary

Beijin tour Day2

2009-07-08T05:22:00.002+09:00

I woke up early on the second day. After having breakfast at my hotel, the guy from the agency took me and other guys to Temple of Heaven since we had time in the morning.
This famous temple, surrounded by the national park, was built in 15th century.
Unforunately, we didn't have chance to visit Forbidden City, but I was happy to see one of Chinese historical site.
National Park itself is also famous for tai chi practice of Chenese people.
To my surprise, quite a few people were practicing tai chi with techno music!
People practicing tai chi seem to enjoy themselves being seen by other poeple who also enjoy watching them.
In the afternoon we arrived at National Convention Center to have our performance.
It was the first time for me to perform with san-shin player.
San-shin is pluckled instrument in Okinawa, sounds like shami-sen.
This san-shin maestro, Mr. Yonaguni, also plays Kokyu, a traditional violin-like instrument in Okinawa. He is a funny guy.
Because of some trouble with PA system, our performance of this day was so-so, but we had a good time.
In the Evening we were invited to a restaurant which was famous for Beijin Duck.
Dinner was great, and someone ordered my favorite "huangjiu" for us.
Thank you!!

Beijin Tour Report Day 1

2009-07-07T03:59:00.003+09:00

It was my dream to visit China.
Japanese culture has been influenced by China since ancient era.
Chinese character was imported, then Hiragana and Katakana has been developed from certain chinese characters.
Chinese language has changed through its history and as a matter of fact, its pronouciation has also changed. That's why there are so many different pronounciation we have in Chinese charater today.
Even today Chinese culture and history apeal many Japanese poeple. The movie like Red Cliff and the Game like the Romance of three kingdom are one of the most popular entertainment in Japan.
When I read the story of the three kingdom which was written based on the history of the three kingdom era (about 200AD), I remember I was really impressed and suprised because of the wisdom, intelligence and integrity of ancient Chinese people.
So, I was so excited when my friend Natsuki, who is an excellent singer living Okinawa, called me and asked if I Could make it to have some gig in Beijin.
My first impression of Beijin when I got out of Beijin international airport and got to the city was HUGE.
Everywher I saw a lot of huge skyscripers, huge briges and huge streets. Since I live in Tokyu I must get used to city things but Beijin was different. Really HUUUUUUGE.
Well I did nothing on this day because I spent most of day time for transportaion. But Natsuki and I were invited to the reataurant near the hotel for dinner by the agency who organized this tour.
We had a good time over spicy Sichuan cusine and Beijin Beer.

How's going, my friends?

2009-06-11T11:47:00.002+09:00

Hi, guys.
This is Yoshi.
How's goin'?

Next weekend I'll go to Beijin, China.
I'm gonna play keyboard for a singer "Natsuki" from Okinawa.
She has an amazing voice, like Charlotte Church, definately you should check her out.
If it's possible, I'll upload some recordings to youtube someday.

oh, I composed several songs which are the mixture of Japanese traditional music and western comtemporaly style.
I'm gonna uoload those tunes soon.

well,
Thanks for visiting my blog.