Dear Yuko Nishikawa Sensei,
Life is short, lasting only 50 years, as we say. By now, 50 years seem like ages ago. It is an unchanging destiny that ‘humans are born to perish inevitably’. Nevertheless, humans toil away, for some reason. In this age of affluence, humans toil away, in pursuit of even more money and status…
Until quite recently, I feel there were many accomplished artists who lived for pure pursuit of their arts, regardless of money and status. The same can be said for our teacher, Shigeka Hanayagi Sensei. Shigeka Sensei didn’t pay much attention even if she received telephone calls from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, which flustered me. Moreover, when I suggested that we apply for subsidies because it was financially difficult to organize dance events, Sensei said that she will graciously accept subsidies if offered (by the Agency for Cultural Affairs), but she felt it lacked class to ask (for the money). She was adamant on this point. I was awe struck by her attitude. I am unable to transcend above good and evil, and I cannot live with the same resolution as our Sensei. However, I find myself pursuing the image of Sensei, as a role model.
Sensei told me that there is perhaps only one person in a hundred people that can understand what I am thinking. Nevertheless, Sensei was always supportive, and said that she believed in me and that I should continue to work hard. Those words are my cherished gems. When young people ask me for my opinions, I almost always tell them that “you don’t know who is looking at you. If you are working hard and giving your best, somebody will always help you.”
Coming from Nagoya and being something of a weakling, I have faced hardships and have almost given up on numerous occasions. But I have been able to remain in this business, even without a distinguished family background, only because many people have given me helping hands. And now, I don’t have much room left in my life. So, I wish to stay away from troublesome matters, and achieve what is possible in my capacity.
After a long hiatus, I am planning to stage “Shin Nihon Ongakusho” at the National Theater, Small Theater on February 26., next year, themed on human ties. I would be delighted if you could attend.
Shigeharu Kato
Organizer, Kikakushitsu Nihon no Gei.
Lyricist
Dear Mr. Shigeharu Kato,
Thank you very much for your letter. We go back over 30 years, ever since we met as a producer and a dancer at “En no Kai” organized by Shigeka Hanayagi Sensei, and after that you have helped me with my “Yuko no Kai”.
“You are fine now. Keep on going as you are. If you have any questions, ask Kato-san.” These are the last words of instructions Shigeka Sensei have given me. What is fine with me? Why Kato-san? Ever since I came under the tutelage of Shigeka Sensei, her lessons were like esoteric Zen dialogues. Thus, the implication of the first half of her words has always remained as a homework for me. Considering that I am still able to continue dancing even in the absence of Sensei, who had been my moral support, I realize that Sensei had discovered a budding of resolve within me, who had been irresolute. Hence, “you are fine now.”
As for the last half of her words, they make sense to me, after reading your letter. I now realize that the absolute trust Sensei had in you was based, not only on your accomplishments as a producer but also on your steadfast work as a lyricist, built on deep understanding of classics. You are engaged in cultural field that is not easy to make a living out of, yet you spin beautiful lyrics from human lives. You are an artist who walks placidly before me.
I am grateful to Sensei for making the connection with you, so that I would not nip the budding resolve within me, and instead would be able to let it grow.
I look forward to your production in February. I also have great expectations for your lyrics to the cello performance by Mr. Kentaro Yoshii, which is scheduled to premiere in fall 2024. Please take care despite the summer heat.
Sincerely,
Yuko Nishikawa