Russia's military invasion of Ukraine has had a major impact on many areas.
Tomomi Nishimoto, a conductor who once served as the chief conductor of a Russian orchestra, says, "I want you to become a world that expresses your intentions through culture and art, not fighting."
Mr. Nishimoto, who was also the chief conductor in Russia
Tomomi Nishimoto, who is from Osaka City and is also the city's "Osaka International School of Culture and Culture", studied abroad in Russia after graduating from the Osaka College of Music, and served as an art director and chief conductor in a local orchestra. It is active in the world.
Mr. Nishimoto, who has many orchestra friends and friends in both Russia and Ukraine, heard the news of the military invasion and immediately contacted his friends.
So far, it seems that it has been confirmed that it is safe.
Mr. Nishimoto is hurt by the fact that Russia invades Ukraine.
Tomomi Nishimoto
"I knew that the relationship was getting worse year by year. There was no gap in the art, and I worked with respect for each other, so I have a strong feeling of no way. When I think about it, my heart seems to tear. "
There are many members of Ukraine's hometown in the Russian orchestra
Mr. Nishimoto spelled the following in his blog updated on March 3, and asked him to stop the invasion as soon as possible.
Mr. Nishimoto's blog on March 3
"There were many members in Russian orchestras and opera houses who have Ukraine as their hometown. In music, I often felt that they were connected by love and respect. Is not at war. To save an irreplaceable life, war cannot save. "
Russia and Ukraine have a deep cultural connection
When Mr. Nishimoto lived in Russia, he often saw Russians familiar with Ukrainian folk songs and food.
He said that the two countries felt that they had a very strong cultural connection.
Tomomi Nishimoto
"Even if there is a border line, human interaction was so deep in everyday life that I never felt that the citizens were fighting. I don't want anyone to have a war. I live with my thoughts. "
The inherited art and culture will collapse
Art and culture that have been nurtured over a long history in Russia and Europe, where multi-ethnic cultures are intertwined.
Following the military invasion by Russia, Russian representatives and groups have refused to participate in contests and performances in various parts of Europe, which has had a major impact on artistic and cultural activities.
Germany's Munich Philharmonic Orchestra announces the dismissal of Valery Gergiev, the principal conductor of Russia.
The Russian music news site has sent a message that Tugan Sokhiev, chief conductor of the Bolshoi Theater, a classical ballet hall of fame, has resigned in a negative position against Russia's military invasion.
Mr. Nishimoto feels a sense of crisis that the art and culture that has been passed down until now may collapse.
Tomomi Nishimoto
"(The two conductors) are my brothers and disciples. I strongly feel the danger that the wonderful activities that I have accumulated so far will be taken in the opposite sense and will collapse. I have been doing such artistic activities to create works based on the songs and works of the singer and what has been left behind through various histories and introduce them to the world. Destroying them creates a chain of hatred. May come "
"Voice from Japan, the only country that was bombed"
Now that many residents from Ukraine have left their hometowns and evacuated to other countries, Mr. Nishimoto says that there is something he can do from Japan as well.
He taught me a song titled "Crane" that has been sung in Russia.
I think that this song, which is based on the atomic bomb dropped on Japan and wishes for peace, will be the key.
Tomomi Nishimoto
"The general public in Russia has a very strong feeling for the atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that were dropped on Japan, and songs based on that are still being sung. I think it is also necessary now to deliver it to Russian people from Japan. I have a sound source for "Tsuru" that I played in Japan five years ago, so I'm wondering if I can send it on my blog or Twitter. "
"A world that expresses our intentions with culture and art"
Mr. Nishimoto says that he hopes that the world where people can interact deeply through culture and art will return, rather than the act of "war."
Tomomi Nishimoto
"I don't think there is a situation where cultural and artistic activities are prioritized locally in a situation where human lives are being lost. Until now, we have been the splendor of human beings or human beings. We have expressed in art, including the ugliness of human beings and the darkness of human beings. As soon as this battle is over, we will express our intentions through culture and art. Express the situation in which you are placed. I long for a world like that. "
(Interviewed by Nara Bureau reporter Mai Honjo)