December 9, 2009
Frank Mills – “Music Box Dancer”
December 9, 2009
This song is one of my all-time favorites.
I remember when my sister Mia danced to this with her first grade class for May Day.
It is one of the few songs that can make me happy and it can also bring so much emotion in me, sometimes even tears. The tune brings purity and innocence, something that we can never get again, but the wonderful feelings come back when we hear it.
December 9, 2009
Omar Akram – “Free as a Bird”
December 9, 2009
Above is a song that I have been listening to a lot recently. When I listen to it, I think of life, especially all that I have gone through, the ups and downs, happiness and sadness.
I think of all my loved ones and all that they have done for me.
I see my loved ones who passed away and I get another chance to tell them how much I care for them and all that I am doing now.
I entered the world of politics about fourteen years ago as a young man ready to fight the world, upset at the cruelty of humanity for all the suffering inflicted on so many people. Now, I can look back and see that even in this cruel world, we can find joy. I encourage many of you who are suffering, to keep trying, and to at least believe there is hope for joy. I hope you can feel my positive energy.
When I listen to this song, I close my eyes and I can picture a couple dancing together under the cherry blossom trees as the flowers fall gently down with a cool light wind;
on a cliff overlooking the ocean with a soft mist as the sun slowly sets;
under a graceful snow fall, lightly falling from the heavens as if they too were dancing with the beautiful music;
and under a black night with stars sparkling, and a few stars streaking across the night’s sky here and there.
True love surpasses everything, even when it is goodbye forever.
December 9, 2009
“Hana” & “Warabigami” – Rimi Natsukawa and Jake Shimabukuro
December 9, 2009
My grandparents have all passed away. As I reflect on them and their generation who faced racism, death, and so much struggle, I feel deep gratitude. They helped to change the United States to make it better for the unborn generations to come such as mine. To my grandparents and their generation: “Okage sama de. Because of your sacrifice and love, I am who I am. Domo arigatou gozaimashita.”
Below is a mix of two songs, “Hana” & “Warabigami” sang by Rimi Natuskawa with ukulele music by Hawaii’s own Jake Shimabukuro. I dedicate this song to my grandparents and their generation for everything they have done for us. “Hana” means flower and “Warabigami” is about a young child born into this world. The Issei (first) and Nisei (second) generations sacrificed for us, the unborn children in their thoughts. I pray to them.
Grandma and grandpa Sakai and grandma and grandpa Karamatsu, I miss you. Until we meet again.
“That’s How You Know” – Amy Adams [Enchanted movie soundtrack]
8)
“Can I have this Dance” – Vanessa Anne Hudgens and Zac Effron
Nice dance.
🙂
“Nada Sousou” – Rimi Natsukawa
This song is my farewell song to my family and friends when my time comes to leave this world.
😉
“When You Say Nothing At All” – Ronan Keating
“When You Say Nothing At All” is one of my favorite songs because it is a great song if you have a significant other.
8)
“Take On Me” – Aha
“Take On Me” is my all-time favorite song!
😉
“You’re the Inspiration” – Chicago
Chicago 17 was the first album I bought. When my sister Mia and I were of elementary school age, we would sing this in the car when it played on the radio in 1986 while my parents were driving.
🙂
“Cherry Oh Baby” – UB40
UB40 is one of my all-time favorite bands. I grew up listening to their songs up to today with their most current hits. This is one my favorite songs from them because it has an upbeat tempo.
😛
“Play Me” – Neil Diamond
When I was a young kid, I played my mom’s Neil Diamond records. He was my first favorite singer. I would sing all his songs.
🙂
“Here comes the Sun” – The Beatles
A great sentimental song by the Beatles.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 