Nov. 13 - Ann and I absolutely love our neighborhood of Azabudai in central Tokyo. We feel extremely fortunate to live amidst so much green space, even as we are conveniently located in the center of a vibrant city. One of our favorite features of these surroundings is Suntory Hall, an absolutely marvelous setting that provides visual beauty, but also amazing acoustics for concerts.

Ann is the Director of the Tokyo American Center, a part of the Embassy's Public Affairs Section. They sometimes partner with Suntory Hall to promote cultural exchange between the United States and Japan. For example, some music students from New York's Juilliard School of the Performing Arts met recently with Japanese students at the Center to talk about student life in the United States. Ann told me that these young Japanese and American students engaged in a lively exchange of ideas spurred by their common love of music.

Of course the visiting Juilliard students performed at Suntory Hall. This Hall also has an active music education program and stages free lunchtime concerts to make wonderful music accessible to all.

For these reasons, Ann and I were delighted to accept a recent invitation to attend the Suntory Hall's 23rd anniversary gala celebration. This concert of warm and rich cello and bass music featured performers from around the world. Ann and I very much enjoyed this delightful and varied musical evening along with the rest of the audience.

Until next time,

Jim