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Toshio Matsuura | A Rare Solo Interview with Jane Birkin, and New Challenges in 2012 Gallery

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Toshio Matsuura | A Rare Solo Interview with Jane Birkin, and New Challenges in 2012 Gallery

<strong>Jane Birkin with Japanese Musicians, Her Music, and Her Love</strong><br />Just before her US tour last November, Jane held a one-night-only concert. She was one of the first to visit Japan after the earthquake, engaging in charity activities, showing her concern and taking courageous action for the country. OPENERS is exclusively publishing this solo interview, conducted amidst her busy schedule.

<strong>Jane Birkin with Japanese Musicians, Her Music, and Her Love</strong><br />It has been 20 years since Serge passed away, and 40 years since I participated as a vocalist on his album, 'Histoire de Melody Nelson.' I had been thinking of doing something, but nothing concrete came to mind. Then the earthquake happened, I visited Japan, and I sang. After returning to France, I thought of working with Japanese musicians again. Nobuyuki Nakajima, who is the music director for this tour, and I listened to all of Serge's albums again, and we chose songs that featured trombone and trumpet. I am also mindful of 'Histoire de Melody Nelson.' The theme this time is Serge as seen by the Japanese people.

<strong>Jane Birkin with Japanese Musicians, Her Music, and Her Love</strong><br />He told me that things I considered flaws – not having a chest, looking boyish – were not flaws at all, and praised them. That's how I regained my confidence. Falling in love at first sight feels fated, but I don't think it lasts very long. He truly loved me. For 25 years, he maintained a sincere affection for me. If this was love at first sight, I don't think friendship would remain after the romance faded, but our friendship continued.

<strong>Jane Birkin with Japanese Musicians, Her Music, and Her Love</strong><br />Meaning emerges through music. Like when Nob (Nobuyuki Nakajima) played the piano at a concert in Berlin, and the audience was so moved they stood up – perhaps it's about sharing something.

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Toshio Matsuura | A Rare Solo Interview with Jane Birkin, and Her New Challenges in 2012 Gallery