This set for live performance is the story of rebirth.
As an adult, I felt conflicted with the career I had gone to school for, and the artistic dreams that still haunted me. Everyday, at home on my bedroom wall, I’d see a black and white photo of my grandmother, Ayako, practicing her instrument, the okoto, which she played until her last visit home from the hospital in her mid 90s. It was my grandma’s musical dedication, and encouragement from my friends, that helped turn my life course towards the arts. While it hasn’t always been straight-forward, it has been a good ride so far, with high hopes for more. So, to this day, I think of my grandma as my hero, along with so many inspiring artists around the world who keeps me going on this musical journey.
Eri Kikuchi 