REIWA

Here you see the Tokyo Recorder Orchestra playing the premiere of the first movement of REIWA with the title THE EMPEROR IS COMING in Tokyo on September 29, 2019.
REIWA is the name of the new Japanese era, that started in Japan with the coronation of the new Tennō Naruhito on May 1, 2019. It is translated with beautiful harmony and follows the last era of HEISEI.

When I read about the ceremonies and the naming of the new era, I was deeply impressed by how Japan manages to be the most modern country in the world when it comes to technology, but still keeps so strong ties to its oldest traditions.
For Japan, these are not contradictions, but two sides of one medal. I find this truly admirable.

The three movements play in different times and places. The first movement REIWA is about the last public performance of Tennō Akihito, who came to speak to his people the last time to say good-bye and to thank them on April 30. When I read his speech I was truly moved by the modesty of the words he chose. I think the Japanese can be happy they had such a Tenno. So this music is to greet and honor him, showing joy, excitement, and thankfulness, as he enters the royal hall.