25th Jun. 2014

 

Shinano river

 

On the way from Kyoto to Morioka, I drove through the Shinano river after a long absence, and I envisioned a Japanese soul in the brilliantly shining surface of the river. I survived the Great Hanshin Earthquake and held the Idaki Shin charity concerts all over Japan feeling that to nourish human sensitivity was a key for coping with a crisis. And our concert was designed to do so. After having held it in the Tohoku area we drove down to Niigata and saw the Shinano river traversing the city. I felt that something great would happen there, so I decided to hold our charity concert. As I had envisioned at first, there were some difficulties. However, the circumstances turned out to our favor after some time, and I came to sell more tickets than the actual number of seats. So I had to ask people to return some of the tickets. I felt sorry for this and decided to hold another concert. However, the second concert was not easy, and I faced the coldness of society and an atmosphere of people, and at the same time, I was supported by people with warmth at heart. To keep on doing our activities was the strength, and finally I came to encounter God. This was unforgettable experience in my life. I realized that Great Being would always exercise its provision when I remained truthful to it and expressed my deepest wish. Today also I realized, at the sight of Shinano river, that once having encountered a soul, human beings remained unified forever in our internality. I felt warmth at heart and tears came up in my eyes, realizing the eternal nature of a human encounter. The brilliantly shining surface of the Shinano river expressed sadness and love. I felt grateful to people who have been supporting us and I swore to reward their hearts. The vision of the river is eternally shining within my heart. Thank you very much.