Performing Beloved Classics Written by Serge Gainsbourg


Great East Japan EarthquakeJane Birkin has shown deep empathy for Japan during its time of hardship, sending messages of encouragement immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake and holding a benefit concert in Japan in April 2011. The "Jane Band," comprising Nobuyuki Nakajima (piano), Asuka Kaneko (violin), Shuichiro Sakaguchi (trumpet/trombone), and Tsutomu Kurihara (drums), was hastily assembled during that emergency visit. They subsequently embarked on a world tour, spanning a year and a half across 74 cities in 27 countries, and are now set to conclude their journey in March, back in Tokyo where it all began.



The "VIA JAPAN" world tour, named to signify ongoing support for reconstruction and to keep the memory of the earthquake alive globally, also included fundraising activities in each location. For this performance, beloved classics penned by her late partner, Serge Gainsbourg, are set to be presented, including "La Fille aux Cheveux de Coton," "L'Anamour," and "Ballade de Johnny Jane."




"Every time I step on stage, I think of all of you. Those affected in Fukushima, those who were irradiated, those unable to return to their homes, the fishermen and farmers in Sendai where I once performed, those who have decided to stay in their hometowns – you are my pride. I believe there is no other nation with such dignity in the face of such a disaster." Jane Birkin shares her thoughts for the disaster victims, singing to help them find a new path forward in this special concert. With this final Tokyo performance, we aim to reaffirm our commitment to reconstruction.