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.

On November 16, 2024, we had the privilege of performing as guest artists at the Kotori Kai Shamisen Recital with TAKOHACHI.

Accompanied Yasukazu Kano Sensei, the world’s number one Shinobue flute player, and performed with Team Bachido, the creators of the International Shamisen Community in California, as we presented dynamic and cool Japanese songs.

It was an unforgettable and extraordinary experience!

On November 15, 2024, we welcomed special guests to our monthly performances in the Japanese Garden. We were fortunate to host the world’s best Shinobue flute player, Yasukazu Kano Sensei, from Japan .
Joining us from California was Team Bachido, the creators of the International Shamisen Community. Their collaboration brought an electrifying and unforgettable experience, leaving the audience inspired and exhilarated.

In February 2024, at a reception celebrating the Emperor’s birthday hosted by the Japanese consulate, I had the honor of performing a solo of the Japanese and American national anthems. It was a privilege to have this opportunity in front of 300 guests including state government officials, business figures, and cultural figures.

Maido Mind hold monthly performances at the Japanese Garden. Please come and enjoy the Shinobue flute by Yumi from Takohachi and the piano and voice by Nozomi. Here is our performance schedule in 2024:

Jan 26 / Feb 9 / Mar 15 / Apr 12 / May 31 / June 21 / Jul 26 / Aug 23 / Sep 13 / Oct 18 / Nov 15 / Dec 1

On June 15, we held the third Nozomi Music School Annual Recital. Various performances, including choir, singing, piano, Shinobue, violin, saxophone, clarinet, tone chimes, and dance, were showcased, ending in great success.

On May 12, Nozomi was responsible for the background music for the kimono show at the charity event, Earthquake Relief Concert with Kimono Show, held at Classic Pianos. She also led the singing in the final chorus.

This year in March, I conducted Japanese music at Multicultural Night held at SHS. We ended the program with Japanese songs representing the four seasons performed by the Nozomi Music School Choir.

In January, Nodoka, one of our students, and Nozomi performed songs and piano at the Sherwood Art Center. We are grateful to the warm audience.

On May 22, I accompanied the choir concert at Ridges Elementary School. I have been volunteering and practicing with this choir for the past two years.

In a beautiful melding of culture and melody, Nozomi Music School proudly embraced a prestigious invitation from the Japanese Consulate to lead and conduct an enchanting Japanese kids’ choral performance. This special event unfolded on September 16, 2023, within the welcoming halls of the First Congregational Church of Christ, marking an unforgettable day of music, unity, and cross-cultural celebration.

We’re Maido Mind! Since 2022, Yumi Torimaru and Nozomi have been performing variety of music monthly at the Portland Japanese Garden.

Our second Nozomi Music School Annual Recital showcased our students’ dedication and talent, highlighting their journey from diligent practice to on-stage artistry at the JIBC.

In January 2023, Nozomi Music School hosted the Takumi Family’s vibrant taiko drum concerts, part of their 1,000-performance journey in the U.S.

Nozomi has been conducting the JIBC choir since last year, continuing her role with passion and dedication.

In May, Nozomi rocked out with some Japanese music at the ‘Multicultural Night’ at SHS. 

I have been in charge of mentoring young music teachers in Japan. The recorded video can be purchased.

More on this: https://youtu.be/ZKObxq2NF9k

Kiwamu & Nodoka, our students,  wowed at Sherwood Art Center in May and June. Amazing tunes, cool growth. Be part of it!

Continuing our heartwarming tradition, Nozomi volunteers weekly for choir lessons at Ridge Elementary School. She was also thrilled to accompany these young kids on piano during their seasonal performance.

In March, Nozomi played accompaniment for kindergartens at Japanese famous school, Kinone-en. 

The Portland Japanese Garden organization has acquired the Salvation Army campus near Northwest Portland’s Forest Park. Nozomi played the piano to celebrate it.

https://www.oregonlive.com/hg/2022/04/portland-japanese-garden-buys-salvation-armys-white-shield-campus-as-education-conference-center.html

https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-japanese-garden-to-expand-with-eye-on-arts/

We’re Maido Mind! Since 2022, Yumi Torimaru and Nozomi have been performing variety of music monthly at the Portland Japanese Garden.

Nozomi Music School’s first recital showcased our students’ dedication and talent, highlighting their journey from diligent practice to on-stage artistry at the JIBC.

Nozomi started to perform Japanese music with Yumi (Takohachi) to spread Japanese culture through music. You can check our performances on YouTube.

「Sakura Sakura（Cherry blossoms)」https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFDgIB5R2sg

「Koinobori」https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K3zwkcay8w

「Osyogats（New Year)」https://youtu.be/5_QRXmWilf8

「Yuki（Snow)」https://youtu.be/ze_mY4mldGQ

Nozomi has been conducting the JIBC choir since this year, continuing her role with passion and dedication.

On January 27, 2022, I organized a Zoom lecture for a famous school in Osaka where Nozomi used to teach.

https://f.osaka-kyoiku.ac.jp/tennoji-h/2022/02/04/2021_ongakusentaku2/

Nozomi volunteers weekly for choir lessons at Ridges Elementary School. She was also thrilled to accompany these young kids on piano during their performance and the graduation ceremony.

On June 15, 2022, Nozomi visited a music class at the high school in Osaka where she used to teach.