Kai Watanabe's Work

The moment he plucked a single note on the strings of his 19th century guitar in the dining room of the lodge, the area was filled with a soft and dignified emotion. The sound was full of life, as if a drop of pure morning dew were dripping from a young leaf in the depths of a deep forest.

Music has made his life an endless journey. He began playing classical guitar in his early teens, and after serious study at the Manhattan School of Music, he decided not to pursue a career in commercial music. “I've lived all over the world with my guitar, trying to truly connect with people," says Kai. And he truly has: working in casinos, on cruise ships, in mountain villages for study abroad programs. He even once worked playing at a hot air balloon company. And as a babysitter. What a musical adventure!

His improvisational style draws from the Nordhoff-Robbins school of musical therapy, which he encountered while in New York. The method aims to transcend language and communicate with an even deeper expressive realm, especially meaningful for people who have illnesses or disorders of the mind or brain function.

In this practice he does not use prepared music, but draws from "check" sounds that resonate with life's ephemeral vibration. The resulting improvisation draws out the spirit of the self and forges a profound communion with others. For him, this musical connection is one of the deepest connections between people.

When he plays familiar standards, the technique shines forth as well, and gives wonderful life to the sound. His rendition of "Pilgrim's Song," traditionally sung by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, was exceptionally mesmerizing. Its sound transcends the years, and Kai's managed to pluck the heartstrings of all people on their life's journey, echoing in sound their fears, prayers, and hopes. He transported us to a distant world, out of space and time.

During Kai's stay at Kumonodaira we talked long hours about what it means to be alive, about how to feel and see the world, how artistic expression. It was a joy to meet a friend with which I could share my journey, too.

（Text：Jiro Ito　Photo：Yuki Morita、Kenji Akasabi　Edit：Kenji Akasabi）