“Heart of Japan” Public Symposium & Concert

Lecturer: Madoka Mayuzumi, Haiku poet

Panelists: Madoka Mayukumi, Haiku poet

            Professors from Columbia University

Chorus: Japan Choral Harmony

            Akira Senju, conductor

March 11, 2012 will mark the first anniversary of the magnitude-9.0 Great East Japan Earthquake.  In its wake, the world marveled at the orderly conduct of the Japanese people, despite their having lost loved ones in the tsunami or been driven from their homes due to the nuclear accident.  How do people in Japan react to and emotionally confront such calamities?  Insights will be gained by examining haikus composed by the victims themselves and discussions involving US experts in Japan studies.  This will be followed by the world premiere of a choral work dedicated to the people of Fukushima.