SANTUBONG: For Kitaro, music-making is more than just producing pleasant sounds; it is a deeply spiritual process involving connection with the nature.
Having lived in the mountains in both Japan and the United States, sometimes at an elevation of 3,000m, he said the music he creates is deeply influenced by living in nature.
“The sounds of birds singing and the wind blowing are integral elements of my music.
“Once the music doesn’t work, I stop and think about why it isn’t working. Sometimes, it’s because too much human, commercial feeling is coming through.
“True nature is much more glorious and pure,” he said during the question-and-answer (Q&A) session during his ‘The Best of Kitaro: Natural Inspirations’ workshop at the Sarawak Cultural Village here on Friday (June 28).
During the session, an audience member asked Kitaro about his continued inspiration from nature over the years, especially considering the world’s drastic changes since his debut.
He responded by saying that despite not having formal education, he remains creative and eager to learn to produce unique sounds.
“I have created many pieces of music without formal education in music schools or universities.
“I love music, and playing the synthesizer has allowed me to produce unique sounds. I bought my first synthesizer, and even though it initially made no sound, I kept learning. The natural movement and system are amazing,” he added.
Kitaro also shared personal anecdotes from his youth.
“When I was 17, just before high school, I loved playing tennis and running. Sports taught me that physical activities make anything possible.
“Japan has a rich local culture, and I have learned a lot from the people here. I prefer sharing energy rather than teaching. It’s about sharing experiences and connecting with others.”
As Kitaro prepares for his performance tonight at 9.40pm, his fans can look forward to a musical experience deeply rooted in his connection with nature and his journey as an artist.
