On Friday, February 21, 2025, we hosted the Emperor’s Birthday Reception in celebration of the 7th year of the Reiwa Era at the Hilton Portland Downtown. Approximately 300 guests joined us for this special occasion.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all who made this event possible — our guests, partnering companies, and dedicated volunteers. Thanks to your support, we were able to celebrate the enduring friendship and strong ties between Japan and the United States in a warm and memorable atmosphere.

Photo by Consular Office of Japan in Portland.

 In November, I appeared as a guest at the 3rd Annual Recital of Takohachi & Kotorikai Shamisen. As Maido Mind, I performed and joined Takohachi in the piano-arranged version of “Hitohira Snow Globe.”

On June 1, we held the 4th Annual Recital of Nozomi Music School. Every student gave a wonderful performance, showcasing the results of their dedication and hard work. It was a heartwarming event that reflected their growth and passion for music.

On May 31, 2025, we participated in The World Fusion project led by Bala, held at the beautiful Lan Su Chinese Garden. As part of this multicultural music collaboration, a piano performance was featured, contributing to the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of the event.

We perform monthly concerts in the Portland Japanese garden as Maid Mind with Yumi, offering a unique musical experience featuring the pure tones of the shinobue flute and Nozomi’s clear, resonant vocals.

On May 20, we participated in Multicultural Night and performed a Japanese music piece from Lupin the Third for the Sherwood community. The performance featured a special collaboration with my twin sons on saxophone and myself on piano, sharing a part of Japanese culture through music.

In October, I performed as Maido Mind on the luxurious stage at a friend’s home, serving as the opening act for a private concert. I played guitar and drums in a session, resulting in a more lavish collaboration than usual.