An Hour Filled with Love and Hope to Gently Embrace Trembling Hearts

The recent Great East Japan Earthquake brought about a disaster unprecedented in our history, primarily affecting the Tohoku region. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected.

Two weeks have passed since the event, and my heart aches for those still missing and those continuing to live in evacuation shelters. This week, as an extended one-hour special, I aired songs that left a particular impression on me from the playlist I selected to encourage everyone after the disaster. Radio, a medium where personalities calmly called for rational responses against television that stoked anxiety and continued to encourage people through music, may have been a source of strength for many this time. I myself felt I was close to succumbing to my own weakness many times if I hadn't been listening to music. In that sense, I was reminded of the great power of music and felt truly grateful to be working in the music industry. I believe this hour was filled with love and hope, gently embracing trembling hearts.

REVIEW｜TRACK LIST

With Love from Jane Birkin──"La Javanaise"

At the beginning of the program, actress and singer Jane Birkin, from Paris, sang an a cappella rendition of "La Javanaise," a signature song by her late ex-husband Serge Gainsbourg (who would have been 80 this year). She also expressed her deep sorrow over the earthquake and sent a message of encouragement to the people of Japan.

special thanks: Kumiko Tanaka, Tom Watson

That was for you, that was for the Japanese, that was for you right now when you had the most terrible earthquakes and tsunami and now..and now, the nuclear plant…I don’t know what to say...I’ve been talking to my friends, Sachiko, Kazumiko every night typing away on the internet asking how you are, trying to send messages, trying to do what I could from France, writing condolence book in the embassy.

I send this song to the people of Japan who are facing the devastation of the great earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster at this very moment. I don't know what to say... Every night, I exchange messages with my friends in Japan via the internet, checking on their well-being and thinking about what I can do from France. I also visited the Japanese embassy in Paris to sign the book of condolences.

You feel so impuissant, but I think you can’t say (what) you are thinking about I’m thinking about you. We are thinking about you. We admire you so very very much

You may feel utterly powerless right now. Yet, you may be in a situation where you cannot express what you are thinking. I am thinking of you now. We are all thinking of you and send you our deepest love.

Anyone Ive’ known who’s been in Japan this last week said there’s an extraordinary sense of dignity, something of being so bouddhique of helping other people out when you must be so afraid yourself, not showing it, being so courageous. That’s something we’ve all learned.

Everyone I know who has visited Japan this past week has said the same thing: there is an extraordinary sense of dignity here. A kind of Buddhist-like composure in helping others, even when you must be so afraid yourself, showing such courage without revealing it. We have all learned so much from this.

Maybe something with about Japanese mentality, maybe, because of living on a crack. Maybe, you don’t get too nostalgic about yesterday. Maybe one doesn’t think too much about tomorrow. And maybe you’re just trying to stay strong for today. And all that, really you’ve given us great lessons.

Perhaps this is related to the spirit that resides within the Japanese people. Or perhaps it is inherent in those who live in seismically active regions. Alternatively, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying too much about the future, you may simply be striving with all your might to remain strong for today. Through all of this, you have truly taught us invaluable lessons.

So, my love to you, deepest love to you. We’ve been friends for more than 40 years, and I remember you clapping, when I touched you, how the girls used to cry, how they made the little portraits, all the presents I got, all the sweetness I got from those crews in Japan.

I wish to send my heartfelt love to the people of Japan with whom I have nurtured a friendship for over 40 years. I will never forget the cheers from the Japanese audience, the sight of fans overcome with emotion at a mere touch, the many gifts I received, and the warmth I felt from everyone in Japan.

And now in the North East, all the people that have lost absolutely everything. And for those living in shelters what I can do is trying to raise money, to sell this bag on the internet, to do concerts, to go tonight to Salle Pleyel.

For those in the Tohoku region who have lost everything, and for those living in shelters, I believe what I can do now is to raise funds. I will be auctioning my beloved Birkin bag. Tonight, I will attend a concert at Salle Pleyel to support the recovery efforts.

To be with Japanese people running around towards restaurants and all the people I know asking if their families are all right back in Japan. So, this is what I could do today, which was La Javanaise, which was from Serge Gainsbourg And Perhaps the most lovely song when I used to finish all my concerts with it. So it’s yours,

I am asking everyone I meet, whether in restaurants or on the street, and all the Japanese people I know, if their families back home are safe. Today, what I can do is offer you a song. "La Javanaise," written by Serge Gainsbourg, is a beautiful song I used to perform at the end of my concerts, and I dedicate it to all of you in Japan.

It’s Jane Birkin in Paris,
Arigato, Keep yourself safe. Kiotsukete......

Thank you, I pray for your safety. Please take care...
Jane Birkin

As part of her charity efforts for this disaster, she will be auctioning her own bag (Hermès Birkin) on eBay. Those interested are encouraged to participate.

Auction Start Dates | Round 1: April 4 - 14
Round 2: April 11 - 21
http://www.ebay.fr

IT'S YOUR WORLD──An Event to Send Support to Disaster-Stricken Areas Through Sharing Music

The Great East Japan Earthquake, the largest earthquake in recorded Japanese history, occurred on March 11. Hundreds of thousands were affected, many lives were lost, and numerous people remain missing or are forced to live in evacuation shelters. As the extent of the damage gradually became clear after the earthquake, I felt immense shock, fear, and sadness, along with frustration at my own inability to do anything. Amidst this, I continued to consider what I, as someone involved in music and as a DJ, could do. The answer was to organize a music event, share music there, and send a message of support to the affected regions. Within hours, I called DJs in my contact list and asked them to perform. Unfortunately, I had to give up on those who were not in Tokyo or whose phone numbers had changed. The road to recovery will surely be a long one. I hope this event will be the first of many, held continuously. Regarding electricity, we will strive to use the minimum necessary, and if attendees can turn off their lights when they leave home, the burden will be minimized.

Let us enjoy music together, converse, and pray for the swift recovery of the affected areas. All proceeds from the admission fee on the day will be donated as relief funds to the victims through the Japanese Red Cross Society. We ask for your cooperation.

The Future Beyond Time Spent with Cherished Family──The Film "SOMEWHERE"

I saw a preview screening of this film before the earthquake, but over the past two weeks, I've been deeply contemplating the bonds of family. I now feel compelled to go to the theater again and rewatch it. I have a one-year-old son, but after seeing the film, I found myself wishing for a daughter as well. Pay attention to the fresh performance of Elle Fanning in the role of the daughter.

©2010-Somewhere LLC