On May 2nd, a legendary Japanese rock musician, Kiyoshiro Imawano, passed away at the age 58. The cause of death, carcinomatous lymphangiosis. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2006. After a two year break, he had a "comeback" concert in Budohkan in 2008. Fans must have thought he had "conquered" the cancer. Well, he didn't, but that does not mean he lost.
I wasn't a fan, so it may seem strange to some on this sunny Sunday morning in Southern California I am watching YouTube videos of his performance one after another, while holding back my tears. As I was thinking upon his life, something hit me so hard that I could not do anything but write this blog.
Today I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge what an incredible contribution Kiyoshiro Imawano's life was to a lot of people. His songs and non-compromising ways that he expressed his views on the world touched the heart of many and made them stop and question conventions.
He was the guy who wrote a punk rock version of the Japanese anthem, Kimigayo. His album containing the song got temporarily banned. In the face of disagreements, he always stood his ground in such a manner his opponents just curl up his tail and back down. Miraculously he did this with love. He might as well have been the Gandhi of Japanese rock.
I have so much more to say, however, I would like to leave the readers to "feel" his songs. For anyone who cares to listen, here is the link.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Welcome to Marco Polo Projects!
Hi, everyone! Welcome to Marco Polo Projects!!!
This is a very exciting day for me, since I am starting my first English blog (Gasp!). I actually had a Japanese blog about two years ago. I think it lasted about a month, then I gave up on it, since I really do not have any spare time to write, what with my extra hectic job, my ex-girlfriend, and being a mom to a 10 year old.
Well, this time I am determined to be persistent. Stay tuned.
So, first things first. Let me tell you about Marco Polo Project and what it means to me.
Marco Polo, as many people may probably know, was a trader and explorer from the Venetian Republic in the 13th century. He was one of the first westerners to travel the Silk Road to China.
As a child, I heard the stories of Marco Polo, which made a strong impression on me. To me, Marco Polo symbolized freedom, adventures, and romance of losing and finding oneself in a foreign land. Someday, I vowed to myself, I will travel the whole world like Marco Polo.
Thirty-some years later, I find myself in Los Angeles, California. I have lived my dream of losing and finding myself in a foreign land (quite literally). I have been to England, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and China. Not quite the whole world, however I would like to think I have not done too badly.
Marco Polo, in his time, facilitated trades of goods between East and West. I facilitate an idea exchange between East and West. Marco Polo Projects is a forum for the like-minded. I will blog about what I find odd, fascinating and cool about Japan, my home country. I would love to hear what you find odd, fascinating, cool and captivating about Japan too!
This is a very exciting day for me, since I am starting my first English blog (Gasp!). I actually had a Japanese blog about two years ago. I think it lasted about a month, then I gave up on it, since I really do not have any spare time to write, what with my extra hectic job, my ex-girlfriend, and being a mom to a 10 year old.
Well, this time I am determined to be persistent. Stay tuned.
So, first things first. Let me tell you about Marco Polo Project and what it means to me.
Marco Polo, as many people may probably know, was a trader and explorer from the Venetian Republic in the 13th century. He was one of the first westerners to travel the Silk Road to China.
As a child, I heard the stories of Marco Polo, which made a strong impression on me. To me, Marco Polo symbolized freedom, adventures, and romance of losing and finding oneself in a foreign land. Someday, I vowed to myself, I will travel the whole world like Marco Polo.
Thirty-some years later, I find myself in Los Angeles, California. I have lived my dream of losing and finding myself in a foreign land (quite literally). I have been to England, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and China. Not quite the whole world, however I would like to think I have not done too badly.
Marco Polo, in his time, facilitated trades of goods between East and West. I facilitate an idea exchange between East and West. Marco Polo Projects is a forum for the like-minded. I will blog about what I find odd, fascinating and cool about Japan, my home country. I would love to hear what you find odd, fascinating, cool and captivating about Japan too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
