19.03.2025 (Caucasian Journal). The Caucasian Journal is honored to welcome Maestro Usui TOSHIKI, an internationally acclaimed Japanese pianist often described as a "cultural bridge" between Japan and Georgia. Beyond his virtuosic performances, Usui serves as general manager of the Yokohama and Omi Sinfoniettas.
Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Dear Usui-san, welcome to Caucasian Journal. First of all, I must say that I attended your performance in Tbilisi last year and became your fan. Thank you for your art! I was intrigued, however, to learn you are an honorary citizen of Sighnaghi, a small but extremely picturesque town in Eastern Georgia. Can you share the story behind this connection, to start our conversation?
Usui TOSHIKI: Thank you very much. It has been almost 10 years since I first visited Georgia. During my second visit, I went to the city of Sighnaghi. My first impression of it was that it was a perfect city, with traditional architecture, rich nature, and wonderful wine and food. Since then, every time I visit Georgia, I have had wonderful times visiting many wineries in Sighnaghi and holding concerts.
Additionally, when the mayor and deputy mayor of Sighnaghi visited Japan, I had the opportunity to deepen our exchanges. I travel to numerous countries and cities every year, but I feel that Sighnaghi is the city with which I have the deepest connection. I feel a duty to introduce this wonderful city to Japan and the countries I will visit in the future.
AK: I try to avoid questions that you already answered in the past, but your mention of the Georgian Military Road in an earlier interview compelled me to delve deeper. That historic road, with its breathtaking mountain views, has been a muse for many poets. But how did it come to resonate with a young musician from distant Japan? And have you walked along this road?
UT: When I was an elementary school student (7 to 12 years old), we learned about the Georgian Military Highway in school in Japan. At that time, Georgia was part of the Soviet Union, and the lessons conveyed the idea that there were many fascinating cities and cultures within the USSR.
Even as I continued my studies over the years, the term “Georgian Military Highway” somehow remained unforgettable and lingered in my mind. Perhaps it was foreshadowing my future visits to Georgia. I still haven’t had the chance to fully experience the Georgian Military Highway, so please plan something for me to explore it!
AK: With pleasure! I understand that your connections to Georgia are deeply rooted in your friendship with composer Vazha Azarashvili [ვაჟა აზარაშვილი, 1936 – 2024]. Could you share some highlights of your artistic collaboration and personal bond?
UT: Maestro Azarashvili's artistry has given me an immense treasure in my musical life. Two events left a deep impression on me. The first was 10 years ago when I met him for the first time, and the second was when I saw him for the first time in several years after the end of COVID-19 restrictions.
When I first met him 10 years ago, I remember being nervous, even scared, to speak to such a dignified and historically significant maestro. But as we bonded over wine at a supra afterward, I was amazed at how approachable and friendly he was. That memory of experiencing his warmth and personality remains vivid and joyful in my mind.
 | ||
Source: X Toshiki Usui/碓井 俊樹 |
AK: Your international cultural endeavors span the globe, from Salzburg to Hong Kong. What role does Georgia play in your artistic life? How does Georgian music feature in your performances?
UT: I take 150 to 200 flights annually, traveling to various countries. Each country I visit possesses a distinctive history, traditions, and culture. Among them, Georgia stands out as a country of remarkable historic music, wine, and excellence in other fields as well. The beautiful sounds emanating from traditional architecture and vast nature, as well as the delicious foods, feel entirely fresh to me as if I’m continuously absorbing them like oxygen.
It is well-known through social networks and websites that I frequently visit Georgia. People often ask me, “What kind of country is Georgia?” I proudly introduce Georgia as a country with immense potential in every aspect. Georgian wine receives high praise in all the countries I visit, and after explaining that, I play music by Georgian composers, which always convinces people. Moving forward, by performing Georgian music, I will continue to present both the historical and contemporary brilliance of Georgia to the world.
Georgia stands out as a country of remarkable historic music, wine, and excellence in other fields as well. The beautiful sounds emanating from traditional architecture and vast nature, as well as the delicious foods, feel entirely fresh to me as if I’m continuously absorbing them like oxygen.
AK: Are there specific Georgian-Japanese collaborative projects you'd like to highlight?
UT: In Japan, there has already been a significant introduction of Georgia, including its wine. However, only a portion of Japanese people are aware that many outstanding composers and performers from Georgia are achieving great success worldwide. Among them, I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Mr. Azarashvili through a serendipitous connection. Currently, together with Zen-On Publishing in Japan, we are steadily advancing the publication of Mr. Azarashvili's works. At the same time, opportunities to perform pieces by Mr. Azarashvili and other Georgian composers are increasing among Japanese musicians. It is becoming more widely known in Japan that Georgia is a country of distinction even in the field of arts.
AK: How do you perceive Japan's cultural significance in Georgia? And more broadly, what is Japan's global cultural impact? Are there areas for improvement?
UT: It has been proven that Georgia and Japan have had cultural connections throughout human history. This is evident not only in various instruments and musical pieces but also in cuisine. Introducing Japanese culture in Georgia serves as a way to remind both countries of their long-standing and traditional histories.
Looking back on Japan’s long history, it is clear that it has always been influenced by other countries. Isn’t this the case for every nation? Introducing Japanese culture to other countries provides an opportunity to recognize the commonalities and brilliance of other cultures through Japanese culture.
AK: You are primarily known as a classical pianist. Is this how you define yourself? What is the position and significance of classical music in today's world?
UT: Yes, that’s right. While I am active as a pianist, I have also always wanted to connect many people and cultures through music. For that purpose, I always needed to study the composers and music history in the countries I visited. Classical music, much like nations, has continuously evolved over its long history. Like cuisine and culture, music retains its foundational elements even when something new is created. That foundation is, in fact, classical music. Classical music has established a very important position in the world.
AK: Could you share some memorable experiences from your diverse artistic life and travel - not necessarily related to Georgia? Maybe you tell us about your hobbies or other interests?
UT: I have had many memorable experiences. In my artistic life, performing in the Middle East and Africa has left me with many fascinating memories due to the cultural differences. I have also traveled extensively, and among those travels, my experiences in Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, and Easter Island have become great treasures for me. The common thread among them must be their incredible natural beauty. I am also delighted that Georgia still retains its abundant, wonderful nature.
AK: Finally, are there any further insights or perspectives you'd like to share with our readers?
UT: Japan and Georgia, which share many commonalities, are likely to continue their deep exchanges across numerous fields in the future. Perhaps, just as I became interested in the Georgian Military Highway when I was an elementary school student, it might be beneficial to have special programs in school education for both countries to learn more deeply about each other.
AK: Thank you very much!
No comments:
Post a Comment