Mai Kuraki (Singer) × Takato Fukui (Director, Dentsu Inc. Social Solutions Division) "Connecting and Being Connected: The Power of Social Design" Part 2

Connecting and Being Connected: The Power of Social Design, Session 2

 

 

Connecting with the Tsunami Violin

 

Fukui: At the festival inviting local elementary, junior high, and high school students the day after the school visit , we performed songs like NHK's reconstruction support song "Flowers Will Bloom" with guest violinist Tatsuya Yamauchi. It felt like the balloon-structured mobile hall was swaying with emotion.

Kuraki: Honestly, I felt like I was singing in that hall wrapped in a mother's embrace, feeling completely safe. Also, Mr. Yamauchi played the "Tsunami Violin," made from driftwood carried by the tsunami, and its tone was truly wonderful. The rich, resonant sound gently enveloped everyone's hearts in the venue.

Fukui: You also performed with the Tsunami Violin during the song dedication at the Ise Grand Shrine's Shikinen Sengū ritual, held shortly before the festival (Photo=below).

Kuraki: That was a live performance in a truly special space. The person who played for the song dedication was Ms. Kimiko Nakazawa, who has a deep connection to the Tsunami Violin.

Fukui: Her husband is Mr. Muneyuki Nakazawa, the violin doctor who created it. To connect the spirit of reconstruction support, they continue their activities aiming for a 1000-person performance relay using two Tsunami violins.

Kuraki: Everyone is connecting, aren't they? You know how I sang "Furusato" at the song dedication at Ise Shrine? It's a song everyone sang as a child. At that moment, I realized it felt completely different from when I sang it in elementary school.

Fukui: Not just nostalgic ?

Kuraki: It was a feeling of connection with everyone listening . Songs everyone cherishes heal hearts and wash away all kinds of pain. As a singer performing such songs now, I feel deeply bound to those listening.

Fukui: I see . And that's where the sound of the Tsunami violin overlapped, right?

 

I want to grow myself through "social"

 

Fukui: How do you envision your own social design moving forward?

Kuraki: Ahead of my 15th anniversary last year , I launched the "RE:" Project. Alongside nationwide live performances, I've participated in activities like tree-planting in coastal areas affected by the tsunami. "RE:" carries multiple meanings—Reborn, Restart, or Retry. I strongly feel the need to return to my roots, consider what I can do now, take action, and convey my gratitude to many people.

Fukui: Will the " RE:" Project continue?

Kuraki: Since " rebirth" is the theme, I want to continue it in various ways, like helping people rejuvenate their hearts through music. The power to connect grows stronger and stronger through continuity. I want to grow myself through these activities.

Fukui: So you're passing on your power, Kuraki-san .

Kuraki: I'd be happy if the power you receive is then passed on by you to someone close to you. I think what we're doing ultimately boils down to passing on "thoughts" like a baton.

Fukui: I see . As Social Design Engine, we'd definitely like to collaborate.

Kuraki: Thank you.

(End)