JCC E-Magazine February 2025

Special Feature

JCC speaks to Mr Oi Takeshi, a Japanese classical and contemporary crossover pianist, who will be here to perform in Singapore this March to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his solo debut. Alongside performing, he has remained active in media writing, and lecturing and has recently focused on piano education.

Congratulations on celebrating 10 years since your professional debut! What is an unforgettable experience during the past 10 years that you will always remember?

Over the past 10 years, I have performed concerts in cities all across Japan. While the dazzling concert scenes have left a strong impression, one memory stands out above all. After the massive earthquake in 2011, I loaded relief supplies into a car and performed a charity concert in a school gymnasium that had become an evacuation centre.

Instead of an acoustic piano, I played on a battery-powered keyboard with about 50 keys. Many people huddled together and listened intently to the music.

In such extreme circumstances, musicians may feel powerless, but it was a moment that made me strongly believe in the healing power of music.

As a Japanese classical musician, how do you celebrate your Japanese roots in your music?

In Japan, there is a belief that gods reside in all aspects of nature. Similarly, it is thought that sound holds divine presence, and music possesses a spiritual power.

Furthermore, as seen in the concept of wabi-sabi*, we perceive the spaces between sounds, asymmetry, and even a sense of loneliness itself as forms of beauty. (*A sense of beauty and aestheticism unique to Japanese culture, in which people find unique flavor and beauty in simple and old things.)

From this perspective, shedding light on Western music becomes a deeply fascinating endeavour.

What are your goals for your career and music moving forward?

Although I am rooted in Japan, I have lived in Europe since the age of 10, which naturally led me to learn about concepts like race and nationality from a young age.

Moving forward, I hope to expand my performances to both Asia and Europe, reflecting on how I can contribute to people through music.

Have you been to Singapore before? What do you look forward to the most about performing in Singapore for the first time?

Although Singapore is one of the world’s leading metropolises, I have never had the chance to visit until now.

When I think about Singapore, I always feel a sense of reliability as a leader of Asia and an exciting thrill of anticipation. I am most excited about meeting and communicating with all of you who are active in Singapore!

Also, since I love food, I can’t wait to try a variety of Singaporean dishes. Please let me know your recommended dishes!

Do you have a message that you would like to relay to Friends of Japan Creative Centre or your Singaporean fans who are looking forward to your concert in Singapore?

I believe that art is something that allows us to connect and enjoy together as fellow inhabitants of Earth, transcending barriers of race and language.

Music, in particular, is the ultimate tool for sharing moments in real time.

I am looking forward to sharing each and every moment with you at the venue.

See you there!

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