Mitsuru

When I was about 11, my Dad gave me a cassette tape of Chopin’s nocturnes and told me to just listen to it and let the beautiful melodies carry me to places that I have never been to. "Just go with the flow," he said. Although I did not quite get it then, I certainly understand it now. I had it on my Walkman and cassette player for years until it died a natural death due to the inevitable wear and tear. I have since bought a similar recording on CD years ago where I would usually listen to the very familiar tunes in my quiet moments. It helps my mind relax and dream of the future in stressful times. And today, I am returning the favor. I say Dad, let the familiar melody of your favorite nocturne bring you joy wherever you are today. Requiescat in pace. Happy Birthday Akihiko-san!

You used to tell me when I would admonish you about your drinking that just like Edgar Allan Poe with his Amontillado, you need your beer to summon the creative spirit from deep within you. Yes, you were quite an artist albeit a temperamental one everyday you pursued the muses, challenged the gods and wrestled with the demons that came your way. Although in the end you succumbed to the frailties that made and unmade you. This I can say-- You put up a good fight, laughed your heart out and enjoyed the ride… Tonight, I will drink a bottle of beer in your honor but instead of an Ice-cold San Miguel, I’ll toast a Michelob for you. So, I say Kampai to you Akihiko! +++ My Japanese father AKI was born in autumn 2 years after the end of the Second World War and left in May, 18 summers ago to play chess and drink with his buddies in the great beyond. He would have been 61 today. # I'll share with you this lovely piece of music by Stanley Myers. It is the theme from o...