Challenging the Tokyo Marathon 2012!

"TOKYO MOON," which aired its first broadcast of the new year on the special day of New Year's Day, has now entered its third year since its inception. This time, we introduce a rare solo interview with Jane Birkin, who performed in Japan at the end of last year, and also declare a certain resolution here.

I, Matsuura, have entered the "Tokyo Marathon 2012" to be held on February 26th, and will be challenging a full marathon for the first time. Through "JustGivingJapan," a fundraising tool born in the UK in 2001 that allows individuals to collect donations online, I will be raising funds for the Hataichi Fund (The Nippon Foundation), which continues to provide psychological care and support for the daily lives and education of children orphaned and affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011.Great East Japan EarthquakeI will be raising donations for the Hataichi Fund (The Nippon Foundation), which continues to provide psychological care and support for the daily lives and education of children orphaned and affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011.


Tokyo Marathon 2012
http://www.tokyo42195.org/2012

Theme: "Serge from the Perspective of the Japanese"

──Did you feel any difference between your visit in April this year and this time?

The planes were full, and the smiles of the people in Tokyo hadn't changed. Also, I received messages of gratitude from people I met in Japan, even though I was just doing what I wanted to do.

──This year marks the 20th anniversary of Serge Gainsbourg's passing, and you've structured your concert using only songs he created, haven't you?

It's been 20 years since Serge passed away, and 40 years since his album "Histoire de Melody Nelson," on which I participated as a vocalist, was released. I had wanted to do something, but I couldn't quite figure out what. Then the earthquake happened, I visited Japan, and I sang. After returning to France, I thought I wanted to do something with Japanese musicians again.



By touring with them, I also thought that people around the world would remember the tragic events that occurred in Japan – the earthquake – for a long time. This tour will continue until the summer of 2012, possibly even to France. It started by chance, but it has now developed into such a significant movement.

Friendship Continues After Love Fades. A Truly Special Love.

──If you could name one thing that changed due to your encounter with Serge?

I married an Englishman (John Barry) at 17 and later separated, which was a very difficult time for me. It was then that I met Serge while I was trying my hand at musicals and comedies. He told me that the things I considered flaws – like not having a bust or looking boyish – were not flaws at all, and he praised them. That's how I regained my confidence. He then adopted my daughter, Kate, and we began our life in France.



I believe he truly loved me. He maintained his sincere affection for me for 25 years. If this was love at first sight, I don't think friendship would remain after the love faded, but with him, friendship continued even after that. Shortly before he passed away, he gave me a diamond. It was truly a special love.

That said, I haven't experienced that many romantic relationships. I've only met four men in my life: John, Serge, the film director Jacques Doillon, and the writer Olivier Rolin. However, I haven't met anyone in the last 10 years. But there's no point in moping about it, so I go out to various places, meet people, and see the scenery. And I want to be useful to someone. That's why I continue to work.

Meaning Emerges Through Music

──Thank you very much.