To myself in the future,
Before I begin, reflecting over the past 10 years or so, there has been the ongoing reality of looking after, and to be at the final moments of aging parents, along with dancing. Last year, my father passed away, and that has been a milestone for the Nihon Buyo community as well as for myself privately. It’s something that many people go through, and I think I did my very best.
Dear Yuko-san in 2024; as you dance in the reproduction of “Kage-hime” with Kentaro-san’s cello performance that you have long wished for, what do you think you will freshly gain from fine-tuning stage composition and choreography; tasks that have been on your agenda? Please enjoy the challenge along with the pain that comes with it!
To Yuko-san, in 2025; what will you dance at your father’s memorial dance recital? Whatever the program maybe, practice hard and do your best. But with a sense of composure as well. Just like how your father led his life.
To Yuko-san, three years away from now; the program you started in the hope of making social contributions through Nihon Buyo has materialized. You initiated the program on suggestions by Mr. Masato Takahashi of UPNEXT and Mr. Mitsuru Tamatsuka of Tama Pro aiming to shape future generations of Japan. Congratulations.
Kanade-san, a fellow disciple of Shigeka Hanayagi sensei is working hard to appear on stage upon her sixtieth birthday. She invited me to join her on stage. Yuko-san, would you be able to dance well, beyond your Koki (seventieth birthday)?
How long would you be able to go on? As my mother has said, if we could strive to do our best, age gracefully, and leave the stage with gratitude, that will epitomize the greatest aspiration of a dancer.
To me in the future, I wish you all the best!
Yuko Nishikawa
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