一般財団法人　連帯　東北・西南　RENTAI　TOHOKU-SEINAN

[Introduction]

We invited an Italian Violinist, Mr. Gian Paolo Peloso, to Japan for playing violin in various parts of the southern part of Iwate Prefecture. He is holding concerts in various parts of the world, while teaching violin at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. (http://www.gianpaolopeloso.com/)

It was a five-day exhausting tour with the distance we travelled reached at approximately 2,000 kilometers , but with the significant support of friends and acquaintances from Japan and abroad, it was very fortunate that we were able to carry out the tour on schedule without any trouble.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of them for their cooperation.

[At the former Okawa Elementary School site]

From 2 p.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018, we held a solo concert of requiem on the site of former Okawa Elementary School in Ishinomaki City.

Although we worried about the weather the most, the rain subsided during the opening time, and people of the Okawa district led by Mr. Takeyama gathered to listen to violin solo concert under the tent that they had kindly prepared for this event. We had emotional feeling as though seventy-four deceased children and victims gathered beside us to listen to the music. We appreciate the cooperation of Mr. Takeyama and his friends.

[At the main hall of Chuson-ji Temple]

On Saturday, May 19, 2018, we held a solo concert of requiem in the main hall of Chuson-ji Temple from 9:30 a.m.

This event was held with the valuable effort of the priest, Mr. Shinshou Haseki. We had the pleasure of Mr. Yamada and Mr. Sugawara's (the chief priest) company on the concert. The Chaconne of the Bach filled the main hall, and it was a moment of emotion.

[At the former town office building of Otsuchi Town]

On Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 2:30 p.m., we held a solo concert for requiem in front of the former town office building in Otsuchi Town.

We strongly support the activities of Eigo Takahashi, Buddhism priest, representative of the "Society for the Future and Life of Otsuchi," a civil group urging the save of the former town office building. We believe that the preservation of the old town office buildings is also important in the meaning of expressing gratitude to the world for the Otsuchi Town, which is emerging with a great deal of support from both Japan and overseas.

At 2:46 p.m., the time of the earthquake struck, all the members prayed silently, with the anchor of the Otsuchi Town Mayor, Mr. Yutaka Ikarigawa, serving as the facilitator. In the same harsh cold as on the day of the earthquake, around 60 people gathered together.

The activities of the day were reported in Mainichi Shimbun and the Iwate Daily next day, which we would like to introduce as follows.

<In front of the former town office building for the performance of memorial services for the victims of Otsuchi, an Italian musician>
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, May 20, 2018, morning edition

<Violin Concert in Otsuchi old town hall, the tone of requiem echoed through,>
Source: "Iwate Daily, May 20, 2018, morning edition"

[At Senmaya International House]

From noon on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at the Senmaya International House, we hold a luncheon party named "Green & White Day" on the theme of "Ecology".

Wishing to hold a large-scale event, such as soirees held in Italian towns, at some time in Senmaya as a part of the town's revitalization, we held a small banquet as a starting trial on the sites of the Senmaya International Club.

In Italy for such occasions, based on the theme of ecology, local people bring their own glasses and plates that can be used repeatedly. They gather and deepen their exchanges until late at night enjoying conversations and the dishes which are served on their plates in exchange with the tickets they purchased in advance.

Since the reserve period for this event was short, we thought it would be better even if only our intended image can be understood by local people, so we held the event during the bright daytime, thinking about the children. We would like to see this project should be developed into a gathering hosted by the Senmaya area in the future. To begin with, we believe that deepening the friendship between the elderly and young men and women in the local community leads to town revitalization and regional development.

Since there were many participants from foreign countries, we wanted them to enjoy the Japanese tea ceremony after lunch. So we asked Mr. Murakami, who looks after Senmaya, whether there would be anyone willing to serve tea on Sunday. He introduced us Ms. Kiyoko Senda (Urasenke) , and thanks to her, six ladies set up a tea ceremony site. It was very popular among not only foreign visitors, but also other Japanese participants. We thank to these ladies very much.

The event was also participated by children and teachers from Ofunato. We were really happy to see that they were talking and falling down laughing happily in spite of those from Ofunato and other places were strangers for them. We felt the future is brighter. We wished to continue our long-table lunch, with the children as a core, who are the bearers of future.

[At Higashiyama Junior High School and Senmaya High School]

On Monday, May 21, from 10:45, a concert was held at the Ichinoseki Municipal Higashiyama Junior High School (from close bond to Dr. Akimi Kosaka), and from 14:40 on Tuesday, May 22, at the Iwate Prefectural Senmaya High School (from close bond to Dr. Waka Yamamoto).

We have given the young students who will be the leaders in the future a concert of Peloso who are active globally. Approximately 150 students from 1st to 3rd grade of Higashiyama Junior High School and approximately 250 students from 2nd to 3rd grade of Senmaya High School listened enthusiastically to the performances with bright eyes. I would be happy if those students could feel some kind of important message