Here is the English translation of my latest essay: 2025/4/6
I discovered an outstanding channel on YouTube that I’ve been watching frequently: "Gensen Classic Channel" (Carefully Selected Classical Channel)
The host is a young woman with deep knowledge of and a great passion for classical music. She delivers content related to classical music with brilliant structure and storytelling. While watching the program, something struck me: Virtually all the great composers in history did not lead smooth, trouble-free lives. To put it bluntly, they were all unhappy, constantly plagued by financial problems—struggling simply to survive. Many of them, including Mozart and Mendelssohn, lived short lives, perhaps in part due to such mental stress.
As regular readers of this column may know, I have previously pointed out that Europe is, in fact, still a class society. Despite being massive geniuses—on a level comparable to Ohtani—not one of these great composers managed to live a life of luxury or ease. They were always scrambling to make ends meet. None of them were from royal families or wealthy aristocratic backgrounds. Within the master-servant structure of the class system, they were all "servants." Not a single one of them could make a living solely through composition. Why? Because they lived in a class society—medieval or early modern Europe—not in the modern digital age we live in now. Until I watched the above-mentioned channel, I had naïvely assumed that every composer survived through the support of a patron, as part of the so-called noblesse oblige. That narrow "view" I held from a younger age has now evolved into a "transcendence." Hence, I am now sharing this essay with the world.
As I have already written, on New Year’s Eve 2020, I discovered two remarkable talents: Murata Natsuho and Yoshimura Himari. I refrained from comparing their abilities directly, concerned about potential misunderstanding. I praised them both equally. But in truth, they are different.
To characterize them: Murata Natsuho is a superlative genius, whereas Himari is a formidable genius. Clearly, Natsuho is always a step above. To make it even clearer: Natsuho is a genuine superlative genius. Himari is a top-tier academic achiever. In a twist of fate, the end of March proved this point.
From March 20–23, Himari performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, as previously mentioned. Thanks to this, I once again recognized the excellence of DECCA’s sound engineering. Himari has indeed grown as a musician through her studies at the Curtis Institute. But ultimately, it’s not much more than that. A top academic achiever performed with the Berlin Philharmonic at 13 years old. There have been many child prodigies who achieved similar feats at similar ages. Of course, Himari’s performance was brilliant and received thunderous applause. But even so—Natsuho stands above.
Unlike Himari, who receives frequent media attention, Natsuho proved her superiority in modest venues with just a few hundred attendees, on both March 30 and April 1. She may have had her own thoughts, but she never let them show—proving she transcends such concerns. She also proved she is a superlative genius who consistently operates on a higher plane.
As I’ve written, I watched Himari’s performance via the Berlin Philharmonic’s digital concert platform. I also viewed the full interview conducted with her before the concert. That footage was impressive. But it also confirmed that Himari is a top-class academic achiever. This was the second time I had seen her interviewed.
The first was when she gained significant public attention compared to Natsuho, in a report by the self-deprecating and laughably biased journalist Okoshi—an admirer of Kang Sang-jung and a driver of anti-Abe media coverage—after he left NHK and joined TV Asahi’s “News Station.” They featured Himari prominently, celebrating her acceptance into Curtis at age 11. I saw that footage on YouTube. Her comments at that time clearly reflected the mindset of a top academic achiever. It was cute and harmless back then.
But this time, in her recent interview, her comments on the nature of genius need to be corrected. She said something like: “You’re called a prodigy when you’re young, but after 20, that goes away. So I want to do everything I can now.” Himari-san, that’s completely wrong. Look at Ohtani—he is the perfect example. True genius—superlative genius—remains genius at any age. What you described applies only to top academic achievers. In reality, you were talking about the state of the music world.
Japan has an extraordinarily rich classical music scene. There are music universities throughout the country—it’s one of the most musically advanced nations. Yet, very few can make a living from their carefully honed musical skills. I know someone in Osaka, a graduate of a nationally renowned music university, who pursued her studies through graduate school. She now works night shifts in Osaka’s Kitashinchi district to pay back a scholarship loan of around 6 million yen. Japan offers generous scholarships and benefits to international (especially Chinese) students, but this is the reality for Japanese musicians.
I interpret Himari’s comment as meaning she wants to establish a foundation now to avoid such a fate. That’s perfectly reasonable—but it has nothing to do with being a genius. It reflects the failure of national policy, and the government's disregard for the arts.
Now, let’s get to the main topic. On March 31, in Nikkō, the weather at Tōshōgū Shrine felt like a return to midwinter. For a while now, I’ve wanted to photograph Tōshōgū. Last year, on June 4, I finally visited Kanazawa—a long-time dream—thanks to Natsuho’s concert on June 3 with the Gunma Symphony Orchestra in Takasaki. Similarly, this time, I was led to visit Nikkō and Tōshōgū because of Natsuho’s guest appearance in "Passion of Music: Japan 2025", hosted by AAGT on March 30 (Suntory Hall Small Hall) and April 1 (Yokohama Minato Mirai Small Hall). She performed Chausson’s Poème—a piece considered both famous and challenging in many respects. Once she chose this piece, I began listening on YouTube to performances by Heifetz, Ginette Neveu, Milstein, Grumiaux, Henryk Szeryng, and other violinists of the highest order. I also used these performances as background music for my photo albums in “文明のターンテーブル” (Turntable of Civilization).
Natsuho delivered the greatest performance of this difficult piece in history. It was utterly astonishing. Chausson must have wept with joy from beyond the grave, never having imagined such a perfect and beautiful rendition of his work. In other words, Natsuho proved herself to be the greatest violinist in human history.
On March 30 at Suntory Small Hall, I sat in the center of the second row. I had taken an earlier Shinkansen to arrive first and claim a front-row seat, even grabbing an early lunch at Daimaru Tokyo. But I misjudged the time slightly and found a long line already formed when I arrived—so I gave up on the front row. Luckily, I got my desired seat in the second row.
After brilliant performances by young musicians (including very young children), Natsuho appeared last as the guest and played Chausson’s Poème. I was stunned. It was the greatest surprise of my life. Because I witnessed the greatest violin performance in human history. The entire audience must have felt the same. The atmosphere changed completely—the audience became one with her music. It was a powerful first-time experience for everyone there. Even the gifted boys and girls waiting backstage must have felt the same.
We are no longer in a class-based society. Nor are we in a world of apprenticeships. This is the online age, where ordinary YouTubers can earn hundreds of millions. Even people like Hyakuyū, with their absurdly grotesque programs, are making fortunes.
If the two (Himari and Natsuho) were to stream content online for 10,000 yen per view: I wouldn’t watch Himari—but I would watch Natsuho.
What follows this is the real main theme: Transcendence. But as it’s time for dinner, I will end this essay here with the above conclusion—for now.
This is a continuation of the previous chapter, but unfortunately, once again, I don't have the time today to write this as a finished, polished paper.
This paper is a super-massive work inspired by the performance of Natsuho Murata, who has emerged in Japan as the greatest violinist in human history.
It is a revolutionary paper—one that could truly be said to shift the paradigm of the classical music world. Yes, it is no exaggeration to say that the paradigm of the classical music world is finally changing.
Nearly every great composer who has left their mark on human history, to put it bluntly, lived a surprisingly unfortunate life. One could even argue they lived lives more tragic than ours, the ordinary people.
This paper, in fact, is a Nobel Prize-level thesis that proposes to fundamentally transform the nature of the classical music world.
But as with many great inventions that arise from surprisingly simple discoveries, this paper is also, in a sense, extremely simple.
In this draft, I will write in bullet points, or rather, in the form of a memorandum for the completed version.
Natsuho Murata, in an interview—I believe it was with Ongaku no Tomo—mentioned that she was considering studying abroad in Germany and was working hard to learn the language.
However, her performances on March 30 and April 1, particularly of Chausson’s Poème, surpassed even Heifetz and proved her to be the greatest violinist in history. There is absolutely no need for her to go to Germany.
The elite recognize the elite; geniuses recognize geniuses.
Natsuho, in terms of character as well, is every bit as remarkable as Shohei Ohtani. She is the embodiment of humility, harboring deep gratitude for every person who has taught her along the way.
Having already proven herself to be the greatest violinist in history, Natsuho is now, in truth, someone who should be teaching others.
As a person of true innocence and genuine humility, Natsuho will no doubt continue to draw inspiration from everyone she has learned from.
Natsuho should remain in Japan.
Unlike myself, she lives in a truly happy family, surrounded by wonderful parents and two younger sisters.
It has been my belief since I was young that geniuses do not need hardship.
A genius must spend their days in smooth sailing, honing their natural talents to perfection. Struggles of daily life, language barriers—these are, in reality, unnecessary and meaningless.
Rather than wasting time on such things, Natsuho must perform every violin piece worthy of remaining in human history with the supreme artistry that only the greatest violinist can achieve, and share it with people around the world.
Natsuho, myself, and Ohtani—we are all true geniuses. To put it bluntly, we've never even thought about money. All we want is to master the talent we were given in our respective fields.
For true geniuses, money follows naturally from behind. Ohtani earns the highest income in MLB history, perhaps in the entire history of athleticism.
Natsuho, too, will receive an equivalent income in the history of classical music, trailing behind her greatness.
Why? Because this is the age of online platforms.
What Natsuho must do is sign with a company that has the highest level of video and audio technology in the world. She doesn’t necessarily need to sign with a music agency.
Because she has no need to replicate what performers did in the pre-online era, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
In fact, such endeavors can be left to someone like Himari, who has become a giant and idol-like figure through TV Asahi’s backing.
Natsuho can simply record the music she loves with the best tech team she partners with, and release it on a pay-per-view basis—10,000 yen per person—every time she completes a new performance.
For instance, if the Chausson Poème from March 30 or April 1 were recorded like this and about to be released at 10,000 yen per person, everyone in the audience, myself included, would buy it immediately.
Even the young prodigies who listened backstage would certainly buy it.
At least several hundred thousand people around the world would make the purchase. Simple math: your revenue would be in the billions of yen.
If millions of people purchased, your income would be in the tens of billions of yen.
Every time you complete a piece you wish to play, you deliver your performance to people around the world—with audio and visuals that replicate the experience of listening from the front row, directly in front of you.
That is your true mission as the greatest violinist in history, who has even surpassed Heifetz.
Most likely, your lifetime earnings will exceed even Ohtani’s, and will become the highest ever for an artist in human history.
And remember—Ohtani’s physical career lifespan is, compared to that of a violinist like you, dramatically shorter.
Japan has several companies that possess the highest levels of video and audio technology. I truly hope that one of them has the ears to recognize that you are the greatest violinist in history.
If not in Japan, Decca may be an option. But if Decca cannot distinguish between Natsuho and Himari, there is no need to cling to it.
Let me repeat: This is the era of online distribution.
If I could be sure of hearing your performance from the very center of the front row, I would gladly attend the concert. But even with assigned seating, the chance of getting through by phone on the day tickets go on sale is practically zero. Plus, I have to travel from Osaka.
Considering those costs, if I could buy your performance online as described above, I wouldn't mind paying even 20,000 yen per person.
Because online means connecting instantly with the whole world, a 10,000 yen price tag is more than sufficient—it's fair.
In truth, hearing that performance at that price, from the front row, is practically free.
And by doing so, we can finally realize the dream of your teacher, Mayuko Kamio—where the world’s top musicians and orchestras visit Japan.
As the greatest violinist in history, you sign with, say, SONY, and distribute your recent performance to the world.
World-renowned performers and orchestras will line up to come to Japan just to collaborate with you.
In Tokyo, it could be Suntory Hall; in Osaka, Symphony Hall or Festival Hall?
But in any case, you must distribute and deliver your work to the world online.
Všetky čerešňové kvety v Kjóte rozkvitli v rovnakom čase. Dnes je pekný deň, ideálny na fotenie. Je to rovnaké ako minulý rok. Problém globálneho otepľovania je schéma, ktorú vymyslela Čína v spolupráci s kanadským medzinárodným podvodníkom Mauriceom Strongom, aby premenila čínsky špinavý vzduch na peniaze. A pokrytci po celom svete, vrátane Al Gorea, skáču do rozbehnutého vlaku. V dôsledku toho nastala smiešna situácia: Japonsko platí Číne ročne obrovské sumy peňazí pod zámienkou obchodovania s emisiami a iných podobných systémov. Vyššie uvedené je úryvok z článku od Masayuki Takayama, ku ktorému som pridal svoje vlastné slová, ale som presvedčený, že trafil klinec po hlavičke. Mimochodom, v ten deň na zápase Major League Baseball v Spojených štátoch bola teplota ako v zime a diváci mali teplé oblečenie, aby sledovali zápas.
Realita je úplne opačná. Japonsko je často každoročne vystavené vysoko škodlivému znečistenému vzduchu (PM2,5) z Číny. Nielen to, ale každý rok sa z Číny dovážajú veľké množstvá veľmi škodlivého žltého piesku (obsahujúceho žiarenie v dôsledku čínskych testov atómových bômb v púšti Gobi). Je vecou spravodlivosti, aby Čína, ktorá výrazne poškodzuje zdravie japonského ľudu, bola braná na zodpovednosť. Japonský ľud si zaslúži spravodlivú a značnú kompenzáciu za škody spôsobené znečistením Číny. Organizácia Spojených národov a pseudomoralisti po celom svete so svojimi pseudomoralistickými zmýšľaniami, ktoré nie sú o nič lepšie ako mysle žiakov základných škôl, by sa mali prestať nechať oklamať čínskymi klamstvami. Zosnulý Tadao Umesao, ktorý sa narodil v Kjóte, študoval na Kjótskej univerzite a stal sa najväčším svetovým etnológom a antropológom; na rozdiel od vás žil niekoľko rokov takmer vo všetkých čínskych provinciách a vykonával terénne práce v Číne a krajinách čínskej sféry, v dobe, ktorá bola oveľa ťažšia ako teraz. Dospel k záveru, že Čína je krajinou „priepastného zla“ a „pravdepodobných klamstiev“. Medzinárodné spoločenstvo musí konečne uznať, že jeho záver je správny.
Visi ķiršu ziedi Kioto ir pilnībā uzziedējuši vienlaikus. Šodien ir jauka diena, ideāli piemērota fotogrāfiju uzņemšanai. Tas ir tāpat kā pagājušajā gadā. Globālās sasilšanas problēma ir Ķīnas izstrādāta shēma kopā ar Kanādas starptautisko krāpnieku Morisu Strongu, lai pārvērstu Ķīnas netīro gaisu naudā. Un liekuļi visā pasaulē, tostarp Als Gors, lēkā uz šo ceļu. Rezultātā ir izveidojusies smieklīga situācija: Japāna katru gadu maksā Ķīnai milzīgas naudas summas emisiju tirdzniecības un citu līdzīgu shēmu aizsegā. Iepriekš minētais ir fragments no Masayuki Takayama raksta, kuram esmu pievienojis savus vārdus, taču esmu pārliecināts, ka tas trāpa naglai uz galvas. Starp citu, tajā dienā Augstāko beisbola līgu spēlē Amerikas Savienotajās Valstīs temperatūra bija kā ziemas vidus, un skatītāji bija ģērbušies siltās drēbēs, lai skatītos spēli.
Realitāte ir gluži pretēja. Japāna katru gadu tiek bieži pakļauta ļoti kaitīgam netīram gaisam (PM2,5) no Ķīnas. Ne tikai tas, bet katru gadu no Ķīnas tiek ievests liels daudzums ļoti kaitīgu dzeltenu smilšu (kas satur radiāciju Ķīnas atombumbas izmēģinājumu rezultātā Gobi tuksnesī). Tas ir taisnīguma jautājums, ka Ķīna, kas būtiski kaitē Japānas iedzīvotāju veselībai, ir jāsauc pie atbildības. Japānas iedzīvotāji ir pelnījuši taisnīgu un ievērojamu kompensāciju par Ķīnas piesārņojuma nodarīto kaitējumu. Apvienoto Nāciju Organizācijai un pseidomorālistiem visā pasaulē ar savu pseidomorālistisko prātu, kas nav labāks par pamatskolas skolēnu prātiem, vajadzētu beigt ļauties Ķīnas meliem. Nelaiķis Tadao Umesao, kurš dzimis Kioto, studējis Kioto Universitātē un kļuva par pasaules izcilāko etnologu un antropologu; atšķirībā no jums, viņš vairākus gadus dzīvoja gandrīz visās Ķīnas provincēs un veica lauka darbus Ķīnā un Ķīnas sfēras valstīs, laikmetā, kas bija daudz grūtāks nekā tagad. Viņš secināja, ka Ķīna ir "nepilnīga ļaunuma" un "ticamu melu" valsts. Starptautiskajai sabiedrībai beidzot ir jāatzīst, ka viņa secinājums ir pareizs.
В Киото в одно и то же время расцвели все сакуры. Сегодня прекрасный день, идеальный для фотосъемки. То же самое, что и в прошлом году. Проблема глобального потепления — это схема, придуманная Китаем совместно с канадским международным мошенником Морисом Стронгом, чтобы превратить грязный воздух Китая в деньги. И лицемеры по всему миру, включая Эла Гора, подхватывают эту идею. В результате возникла нелепая ситуация: Япония ежегодно платит Китаю огромные суммы денег под видом торговли выбросами и других подобных схем. Выше приведен отрывок из статьи Масаюки Такаямы, к которой я добавил свои слова, но я уверен, что она попадает в точку. Кстати, в тот день на игре Высшей лиги бейсбола в США температура была как в середине зимы, и зрители были одеты в теплую одежду, чтобы посмотреть игру.
Реальность совершенно противоположна. Япония часто подвергается воздействию крайне вредного грязного воздуха (PM2.5) из Китая ежегодно. Более того, каждый год из Китая ввозится большое количество крайне вредного желтого песка (содержащего радиацию в результате испытаний атомной бомбы Китаем в пустыне Гоби). Это вопрос справедливости, что Китай, который наносит значительный вред здоровью японцев, должен быть привлечен к ответственности. Японский народ заслуживает справедливой и значительной компенсации за ущерб, нанесенный загрязнением Китая. Организация Объединенных Наций и псевдоморалисты по всему миру, с их псевдоморалистическими умами, которые не лучше умов учеников начальной школы, должны перестать обманываться китайской ложью. Покойный Тадао Умесао, родившийся в Киото, учился в Киотском университете и стал величайшим этнологом и антропологом мира; в отличие от вас, он жил почти во всех провинциях Китая в течение нескольких лет и проводил полевые исследования в Китае и странах китайской сферы в эпоху, которая была намного сложнее, чем сейчас. Он пришел к выводу, что Китай — страна «ужасного зла» и «правдоподобной лжи». Международное сообщество должно наконец признать, что его вывод верен.
Bunga sakura di Kyoto semuanya mekar pada masa yang sama. Hari ini adalah hari yang baik, sesuai untuk mengambil gambar. Ia sama seperti tahun lepas. Masalah pemanasan global adalah skim yang dirancang oleh China bersama dengan penipu antarabangsa Kanada Maurice Strong untuk menukar udara kotor China menjadi wang. Dan orang-orang munafik di seluruh dunia, termasuk Al Gore, sedang mengikuti kereta muzik ini. Akibatnya, situasi yang tidak masuk akal telah timbul: Jepun membayar China sejumlah besar wang setiap tahun dengan bertopengkan perdagangan pelepasan dan skim lain seperti itu. Di atas adalah petikan daripada artikel oleh Masayuki Takayama, yang mana saya telah menambah kata-kata saya sendiri, tetapi saya yakin bahawa ianya mengena di kepala. Secara kebetulan, pada hari itu, pada permainan Besbol Liga Utama di Amerika Syarikat, suhu seperti pertengahan musim sejuk, dan penonton memakai pakaian hangat untuk menonton perlawanan itu.
Realitinya adalah sebaliknya. Jepun kerap terdedah kepada udara kotor yang sangat berbahaya (PM2.5) dari China setiap tahun. Bukan itu sahaja, malah setiap tahun, kuantiti besar pasir kuning yang sangat berbahaya (mengandungi sinaran hasil ujian bom atom China di Gurun Gobi) dibawa masuk dari China. Ini adalah soal keadilan bahawa China, yang secara ketara memudaratkan kesihatan rakyat Jepun, harus bertanggungjawab. Rakyat Jepun berhak mendapat pampasan yang adil dan besar untuk kerosakan yang disebabkan oleh pencemaran China. Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu dan pseudo-moralists di seluruh dunia, dengan minda pseudo-moralistik mereka yang tidak lebih baik daripada pelajar sekolah rendah, harus berhenti tertipu dengan pembohongan China. Allahyarham Tadao Umesao, yang dilahirkan di Kyoto, belajar di Universiti Kyoto, dan menjadi ahli etnologi dan antropologi terhebat di dunia; tidak seperti anda, dia tinggal di hampir semua wilayah China selama beberapa tahun dan menjalankan kerja lapangan di China dan negara-negara sfera China, dalam era yang jauh lebih sukar daripada sekarang. Dia menyimpulkan bahawa China adalah sebuah negara "kejahatan besar" dan "pembohongan yang munasabah." Masyarakat antarabangsa akhirnya harus mengakui bahawa kesimpulannya adalah betul.