Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe…

This week here in Japan was an intensive one. We were in Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe and also near Toyota City in the mountains visiting a blueberry farm. In Nagoya we had our recital which I spoke about last week, it went really well and it was a success. Many people that Akiho invited were there and they were all very happy with the concert, also Akiho's family was there which it made it even more special. It was the first time for me singing a whole recital here in Japan and I hope there will be many more to come. It was a long one with songs, arias and duets.

We took a day trip to Kobe there is the port and bay area which we visited at the blue hour and the ilumination of the buildings was really nice, but before, we went to the famous china town of Kobe and we ate at a restaurant chinese food. We also ate some very tasty Kobe beef which is very famous in Japan for being really good.

At the blueberry farm we sang with karaoke "Nessun dorma" it was a last minute thing. The farm was celebrating its 20 year anniversary. The owner and some other people there, are friends of Akiho since around 15 years. There, we ate some fish and nice grilled meat and veggies, and of course we got to pick our own blueberries fresh from the trees and they were delicious. I do love eating them, so I was quite happy to be there. There were around 50 people seating and eating and listening to live music, some female trio, a band, an imitator, the owner playing guitar himself and us singing last minute that opera hit.

Then went again back to Nagoya so sing another concert and we stayed at a hotel in one othe towers in Nagoya station at the floor 22 with an incredible view of the railway and the city, our stay there was a gift from one of Akiho’s best friend, thank you dear Hirobe. This time was a concert for the recently deceased Kumiko Oshita, which was Akiho's teacher from when she studied here in Japan, and her singing mama. Akiho was included to sing a the end of the concert, she sang a lied and " O mio babbino caro" , she offered me to sing one song and I decided to sing Jurame by M. Grever. At the end of the concert spontaneously the organizer (another singer and student of Kumiko") asked us to sing the duet of "Tonight" from West side story. The concert went really well and it was really special to sing for Kumiko, which I am sure she was present, and I am sure she is very proud of Akiho's singing and of nice career she is making in Germany.

Next week will be full on again and I am really looking forward to what is to come. Until then, take care.