Fondly gazing at the beautiful presence of Mount Fuji once again today, I headed to the concert hall. I always look forward to the concert messages, which are far beyond anything I could ever imagine. Today as well, I was surprised by a message containing the word “Dai-dō (the Great Way),” a term I had never heard before, and from this arose a joy in coming to understand the true nature of human beings. Before me, I saw the path of the soul, and with it, the landscapes in which the souls of my ancestors had lived in the land of Mitaka for 1,300 years. Even if it was but a vision, I felt deep joy at being able to see such scenes and spent a truly enriching time. I was overwhelmed and deeply moved by the sound of Master Idaki Shin’s piano, through which I could physically experience life united with the whole. It became a supreme and unforgettable experience. In the second part, I listened with all my heart, wishing only to engrave these magnificent sounds onto my soul. I was filled with awe, wondering whether such sublime sounds could truly exist in this world; I was deeply moved, and my soul could do nothing but tremble. I was profoundly grateful to be able to experience and truly feel that the concert message title, “Dai-dō and Love,” refers precisely to this kind of experience, and it became a source of strength for living. When I am given an experience such as this, I come to realize at a glance how small and confined my everyday way of living can be. I physically feel that human life is united with the whole— a life that is free, with no boundaries or fixed rules. It was an experience through which I came to understand deeply that reducing such a rich and abundant life into something smaller and smaller is not something that can simply be excused or overlooked. When we live dynamically and freely, life rejoices and comes alive most fully. And the sense of vitality that arises from living at the very center of the world is nothing other than life itself—purely and unmistakably “being alive.”
With all my heart, I wish to give form to my earnest hope that the next concert will be fully attended, and to create a path by expressing the feelings that arise within me each day. The next concert will take place the day after tomorrow at the Vienna Hall of Fuchū no Mori Arts Theater. I sincerely hope many of you will join us. Thank you very much.