Top Story: 14.April 2007

Interview with Koshida-san

I had a nice chance to meet Mrs. Koshida in Japan in January. We spent about an hour drinking coffee and talking about various topics. When I first met her in March 2006, I realized there is something unique about her. We discussed about our favorite jazz pieces, and she told me she also likes Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood. Her silent wisdom and warm compassion towards life moved me.

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I was born in Chuo-ward, Tokyo. Now my home town isn't comfortable to live. So I hardly ever visit there. I begin my typical day with making miso soup for breakfast. My work begins from afternoon, so I make lunch listening to music program on radio. I end my day by reading a book to fall asleep.

Q: When did you first time begin to listen Jazz?

A: In my high school days. A friend of mine introduced me Johnny Guitar. Then I often listened to a music program on radio. And I started collecting favourite records little by little.

Q: How do you think about the current situation of Japan and the new prime minister’s actions? Personally, how do you think about the 9th article of the constitution?

A: We Japanese are under dangerous situation like before World War II. The government seems to want to being a war. I'm a member of "Association of 9th article". Committing to 9th article, we have been in peace for 60 years.

Q: If you could choose to give a nobel prize of peace to some Japanese person, who would you give it to?

A: I'd like to give it to Kuroyanagi Tetsuko-san. She is an ambassador of peace for UNICEF. I guess there are more suitable persons, but I don't know very much.

Q: How do you feel when America or some foreign country makes a movies related to Japan, such as Sayuri (Memoirs of Geisha)? How do you feel to see them?

A: I haven't watched Sayuri, but I think there are few movies made by foreign country that are less understanding about Japan.

Q: What are your favorite novels?

A: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, Wild Swans (By Jung Chang) and Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami.

Q: Some people say that Seijinshiki is a waste of government’s money. How do you feel about it?

A: Myself, I couldn't attend the ceremony. For what reason? I couldn't realize I grew up very much. Maybe it's not a waste.

Q: How do you feel about the young Japanese people? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the youth in Japan? What would be your message to them?

A: I'm not familiar with the young people. But I dare say only one thing that they haven't been disciplined. Because our generation couldn't discipline them. It's our fault.

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