● A Passage to Kumano / HIRO

The pilgrimage routes to Kumano shrines in the central Japan were registered as World Heritage in 2004. HIRO visited there in 2003 and was inspired to write this tune.

"As I walked the path in the mountain, I felt like seeing people in the old days, men and women, young and old, walking along with me. Many people, generations by generations, made pilgrimage in quest of peace and happiness, the truth of life." (HIRO)

● Seaside Bossa Nova / HIRO

"When I walked along the shores near Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania in 2003, a fresh breeze from the Indian Ocean caressed me and swept away all the dust and dirt within me. I wrote this tune expressing the refreshing and happy feeling I had then on a sweet bossa nova. (Well it was as if the breeze said to me, "It's alright. Just the way you are!")" (HIRO)

● Hidamari / HIRO

"Hidamari" is a Japanese word for a "suntrap," or a sunny place. HIRO's piano reminds me of a happy moments of lazy afternoon, spending time seeing the clouds slowly drifting away. (Editor)

● Old Stories / HIRO

"When I visited Persepolis in 2004, I wondered: "What in the world happened here?" "Why did this magnificent and splendid palaces have to perish?" "Is it a human nature to repeat creation and destruction?" I express the deep emptiness and sorrow I felt then on a minor bossa nova." (HIRO)

● Sunset / HIRO

"From the hill near my home, I can see the beautiful scenery of Set Inland Sea. Sometimes I can see the sun go down slowly into the calm water. The color of the sky changes minute by minute. A flock of birds fly away home. Slowly, and slowly does the sun go down and finally hides away into the sea." (HIRO)

● A Passage to Kumano / HIRO

The pilgrimage routes to Kumano shrines in the central Japan were registered as World Heritage in 2004. HIRO visited there in 2003 and was inspired to write this tune.

"As I walked the path in the mountain, I felt like seeing people in the old days, men and women, young and old, walking along with me. Many people, generations by generations, made pilgrimage in quest of peace and happiness, the truth of life." (HIRO)