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PDI lauds koto player Kazuko Ueno
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Posted on May 13 2004
The Pacific Development Inc. lauded the participation of well-known Japanese musical player Kazuo Ueno for her significant contribution during the 36th voyage to Saipan of the Wakai Nekko No Kai Ocean University last weekend.
Ueno was born in Hiroshima on Jan. 15, 1938, and graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music majoring in Japanese music. While in college, Ueno was awarded the Antaku Award.
The music teacher has performed in countries such as the United States, New Zealand, and in Europe. In November last year, she performed in London, Berlin and Paris with 70 others. She has performed on NHK-FM broadcasting and commercial TV.
Currently, she is the head of To No Kai, and a teacher at the So Music club in the Yamanote Gakuen Junior and High school.
Her recent visit to the CNMI was the second but it was her first time to render a performance aboard the Wakai Nekko No Kai Ocean University.
According to PDI coordinator Gordon Marciano, Saipan students were very impressed with the size of the instrument called the koto, which is similar to the standing Western harp.
Ueno plans to return to Saipan to continue to share the music, as she was very impressed with CNMI students and how interested they were and also how much they enjoy music and dance.
The Wakai Nekko No Kai is a youth organization founded and chaired by Hideo Kato. It has continually visited the CNMI since 1968. Kato, being one of the first exchange students from Japan, has supported the voyage to promote friendship across international and cultural boundaries. This year’s trip was its 36th.
The voyage of Wakai Nekko No Kai has introduced over 15,000 students to the CNMI while fostering friendships among CNMI and Japan students.
