This Summer's Big Event!

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, a place every Nagoya resident has visited at least once. It's said to have the largest variety of animals in Japan. A giant mural, symbolizing connection to the future through mosaic art, was created on the wall of the elephant enclosure. We received donated used tiles, and many parents and children participated in tiling, even under the scorching midsummer sun. The mural was designed by Nagoya-born manga artist Tatsuya Egawa! It's a magnificent piece, evoking a sense of animals crossing a rainbow bridge towards the future.

The animals themselves are depicted just as they are in the zoo. This means there's a specific animal with the same markings for each depiction. It's fun to try and find them! The finished mural is simply breathtaking, with incredible impact. When you visit Nagoya, please make sure to stop by Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

A New Song Born from the Program

Through the efforts of everyone who placed the tiles, this mosaic art will connect to the future and be passed down through generations. From parent to child. The thought that children will grow up, bring their own children, and visit it makes my heart swell. Sayaka Aoki and I both went to place tiles privately. I placed mine around the belly of a penguin flying under the Higashiyama Tower, depicted in the center. If I had the time, I could have stayed there all day. Since I don't have children, I hope you all will carry on this story (laughs).

And as an added bonus to this project, a new song was born from the program. To commemorate the mural's completion, Sayaka Aoki wrote the lyrics, Sonar Pocket composed the music, and I sing it. The title is "Higashiyama no Kaze, Te to Te Tsunagare" (Higashiyama Wind, Hands Held Together). It's quite an epic song about the bond between parent and child. And it's rather difficult... (laughs). I sang it once on the show's live broadcast, and again live from Higashiyama during the mural unveiling ceremony. The more you sing it, the more overflowing with kindness it becomes. I hope to one day present it to everyone outside the Tokai region!

I also participated in the annual 24-hour TV event in Nagoya again this year. Thank you all for your generous donations.






"Higashiyama no Kaze, Te to Te Tsunagare"



The scent of a gentle breeze, I remember walking hand-in-hand under the summer sun

The scent of a warm mother, I remember you holding my right hand



When asked if I'm happy, I gaze at the sky and suddenly think, yes, perhaps I am happy



There are times of melancholy, I notice I'm sighing a lot, but still, I can't help but smile

Is this what being an adult is like? How is everyone else? Maybe it was different in the past



Suddenly stopping, the scenery I look back upon, when I survey it, happiness is there



The scent of a gentle breeze, I remember walking hand-in-hand under the summer sun

The scent of a warm mother, you who held my right hand



Running up the stairs, everything that unfolds there, someday, yes, that is my hometown

You who make me smile now, I will bring you here, holding your right hand



The scenery I show you, everything must look different, right?

You taught me the meaning of kindness and affection, didn't you?



I will always embrace you, when you are sad, I will hold you tight, so tight

Even when we fight as adults, I want to hold you in my heart forever



On a gentle slope, you turn around, wave your hand, and run towards me, I won't forget that summer day



The light shimmering on the water's spray, the sky you point to is blue

Your eyes, your gestures, everything about you is gently enveloped by the Higashiyama wind



Even if someday you make today a memory, a distant recollection

If you ever stop trying to walk looking upwards

If you ever find something more important than yourself

Come here, because the smile you've almost forgotten should be here



Hands held together, connected to someone yet unseen



The scent of a gentle breeze, I remember walking hand-in-hand under the summer sun

The scent of a warm mother, I remember you holding my right hand, and I will walk towards tomorrow