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Mao Fujita is an internationally acclaimed pianist who is based overseas. Last month, two days after performing at Carnegie Hall in the US, she was in Noto. Supporting violinist Midori Goto's reconstruction project, the pair toured the disaster-stricken areas to deliver music. A duet that resonated in Noto The charity concerts included visits to hospitals and facilities. This time, they also performed in gymnasiums and on tatami mats. Fujita's thoughts on visiting Noto. Mao Fujita: "There were so many smiles. They never faded. They must have been through so much pain and hardship, yet they must have been through such things." The earthquake and heavy rains took away our everyday lives. Mao Fujita: "When we live our normal lives, everything goes smoothly. That should have been the case here as well, but suddenly a big hole appeared, and no matter how we fill it, I think it is very difficult to fill a hole that has opened up. I would be happy if our music could fit into that small space. It's really frustrating." ■ "Preludes" by three composers ◆ Tonight, we will be playing preludes, which mean "beginnings." These are works by three composers selected by Fujita. I would like to ask Mao Fujita. (Q. Why did you choose pieces by three composers?) Starting with Chopin, Scriabin, and Professor Yashiro, all three of these composers were born in different generations. However, I found it very interesting how great composers incorporated their own essence into their works using the same subject of the prelude, and I wanted to share it with you all. (Q. You have performed in various large halls, but what was it like performing in the disaster area?) As expected, it was a different environment than usual, visiting various facilities and hospital wards, but we were very close to the audience. While we were playing music, I could see how everyone was looking, how they were breathing. It was a very good experience to be able to share such things instantly. (Q. I heard that you are a big fan of the Yokohama BayStars. Do you check the latest information frequently?) I'm in Germany, and I can't use Yahoo, but I check the information on the Internet that is available in Germany. It was the first time in my life that I experienced the No. 1 in Japan. I was born in 1998, and Yokohama became the No. 1 in Japan in 1998, but I was born two months after they became the No. 1 in Japan. I'm very happy. Thank you for the wonderful performance. [TV Asahi News] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp