On this day, we met over some exquisite suikiyaki at Minami-san’s house in Hie-daira on the slopes of Mt. Hiei to talk about Shiozawa’s artistic activities and show support for the revival of Japanese arts, culture and spirit.

Over dinner we enjoyed lively conversations, some of which included important topics like the future of Japanese education, and the role of art and culture at schools.

When a passionate child fan of a character from a certain children’s education company that Shiozawa is involved with asked for his autograph, he gladly agreed and posed for a commemorative photo.

It’s really encouraging to have good friends with whom we can share what we can leave for the next generation.