We will start the Latin Music Project at the "Koto Chikagei", in which Rie Asai will serve as the vice president.

Today’s theme is about "Mr. Tsutomu Sakamoto."

Mr. Tsutomu Sakamoto…

Hello! It’s Rie Asai, feeling full of energy again today!

One of the things I’ve been studying lately is history—especially world history. It feels strange to relearn it now, as I find myself looking at history from a completely different perspective than before. Maybe it's just a sign that I'm getting older?

Studying history always brings back vivid memories of the European tour I took with Mr. Sakamoto.

I was only in elementary school at the time. When Mr. Sakamoto was invited by the Bulgarian government for a European performance tour, I got to go along with him. Even now, my memories of the European countries we visited are still so clear.

Back then, the world was still in the midst of the Cold War. Even though I was just a little girl, it really made me think about a lot of things.

As we flew from country to country, I sometimes had the chance to sit next to Mr. Sakamoto and chat. Whenever we landed, he would ask me, "Rie-chan, what does it look like outside?" (Mr. Sakamoto was visually impaired.) I remember always wondering how best to describe it to him. Every time we landed, even though we were in a brand new country, the airports all looked exactly the same to me!

It’s such a fond memory.

I grew up listening to the sound of the koto played by Mr. Sakamoto and my mother, Daimiko Asai.

To me, those two are the true definition of what a koto should sound like.

It is absolutely beautiful.

Composed by Tsutomu Sakamoto: "Along the Flow of Tone" (Tone no Nagare ni Soute)
It’s one of my absolute favorite pieces! ♪

Rie's Instagram: Along the Flow of Otone

この投稿をInstagramで見る

Rie Asai(@koto_artist_rie)がシェアした投稿

♪Koto Chikage♪
Koto Chikage is located at Nishi-ku, Nagoya-shi, JAPAN.
We offer hands-on workshops of koto, shamisen and calligraphy.

Mr. Tsutomu Sakamoto…　https://kotochikage.com/Blog/Detail/2/14177

The social contribution song "Kirakira no Kakera" has been supported for a very long time.

It is a song from the unit in which Rie Asai participates.

We will introduce you in a short video.

This song is also introduced on Rie Asai's blog.

Social contribution and music

Hello! I'm Rie Asai.

When you travel around the world, you have many opportunities to think about social contribution.

I think it was when I was about 10 years old. It was when I took a concert trip to Europe.

I went around several countries, so I forgot which country it was, but when I arrived in a certain country.

Children smaller than me surrounded me, and a lot of small hands came out in front of me.

He seemed to want something. I remember that I was so surprised that I almost cried and ran away.

It was the first time I encountered poverty in the world.

It can be said that it is an original experience that I wanted to contribute to society.

Social contribution song for earthquake reconstruction and Cambodia support

It's a song from the unit I'm participating in.

Social contribution song ♪
"Kirakira no Kakera"

by Rie Asai

♪Koto Chikage♪
Koto Chikage is located at Nishi-ku, Nagoya-shi, JAPAN.
We offer hands-on workshops of koto, shamisen and callography.
Why don' t you come and join us?

社会貢献と音楽〜Koto Chikage Blog

The new, Rie Asai's blog theme is "Bible and Koto, Japanese harp".

"Bible and Koto, Japanese harp"
https://en.kotochikage.com/Blog/Detail/2/14124

Psalm 98

5  Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break for in song, rejoice and sing praises.

6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm.

by Rie Asai

"Bible and Koto, Japanese harp"　https://en.kotochikage.com/Blog/Detail/2/14124

Thank you very much for coming from the United States for the calligraphy experience.

We experienced calligraphy and made a wonderful "cherry blossoms". It's a wonderful artwork. I also enjoyed the sound of the koto.

Rie Asai went to Michael Jackson's movie.

Rie Asai, who learned a lot through studying abroad and research activities in the United States.

For Rie Asai, Michael Jackson is his most respected artist, entertainer, and peace activist as the embodiment of his musicality, artistic beauty, and love for peace and humanity.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, we performed with all our heart.

About Fiesta Filipino 2026 Performers

Koto
Rie Asai

Shakuhachi
Tozan Hirano

Mai
Seiga / Kohga / Kotoha

At the noble Fiesta, which is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, all the performers will play and dance with all their hearts.

The "Koto and English Kids Summer School" to be held in July and August 2026 is full, so applications will be closed.

This kids summer school project is a special project that Rie Asai, who studies Japan and the world and nurtures true international people, is working hard.

Thank you for your support.