Hidemi-san
Elizabeth Morgan (Bronx High School of Science)
My connection to Japan is direct. It is visceral and practically umbilical. Once a week since I was five
years old, I have sat hip to hip with my piano teacher, Hidemi Kitajima. Hidemi is a mentor to me, and my
personal ambassador of Japanese culture. As Commodore Perry exposed Japan to Western Culture, Hidemi
has enlightened me with Eastern thought and culture. I have been raised exposed to her Eastern ideals,
which value perfection through hard work and practice.

Hidemi describes herself as upholding old fashion Japanese values. These ideas stem from an ancient
tradition of living with a highly structured society that emphasizes respect, honor, and discipline. The code
of the samurai, the bushido, stresses the following virtues: rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honor,
loyalty, honesty, filial piety, and wisdom. Hidemi is aware of how she behaves in society, and prefers to
deal formally with those that she feels deserve respect either because of age, social standing, or
accomplishments. Though she has adopted contemporary American fashion, she rejects more informal
manners of young Japanese as well as American youths who have no respect for tradition.

Hidemi’s teaching techniques incorporate the Japanese belief in a resilient mental strength. When I
played my first recital at the age of five, Hidemi made a list of things to do to prepare me for the
performance. The list included no sugar for one week before the performance, eat plenty of fish, get
sufficient sleep, and remain focused from first strike until the last note is played. Steeped in these
principles, her Japanese rigor demands focused practice. This technique is similar to the principles of
martial arts. This Japanese practice of fitness and self-defense encompasses meditation, mental discipline
and character development. It also encourages self-confidence. By applying Japanese elements of martial
arts to my music, I am able to master the complexities of Schubert.

In middle school, Hidemi wanted to share her culture with me; she took me to lunch at a Japanese
restaurant that offers the highest example of Japanese cuisine. The restaurant was decorated with traditional
Japanese art and artifacts. She pointed out the rice parchment lamps (washi), and lacquered (urushi) plates,
and described the process of how these items are made. Though simple shapes and patterns, these
adornments impressed me by their beautiful subtleties and perfect constructs. The fineness and beauty of
these crafts are the part of the Japanese culture embodied in Hidemi. She is not of the high-tech Japan
which produces complex equipment and leads the world in technological production for cutting edge audio-
video equipment, cameras, automobiles, and robotics.

While discussing Japanese architecture, Hidemi related how she brings tourists to the flashy Golden
Temple (Kinkaku-ji). Visitors are immediately impressed by the top two stories of this pavilion which are
covered in pure gold leaf. But in contrast, Hidemi describes that the spiritual beauty of the Silver Pavilion
(Ginkaku-ji) is often lost to Western visitors. This Zen Buddhist sanctuary is not constructed of silver, but
the elements blend to make a peaceful and harmonious whole, it is a place for rest and solitude, far
removed from the hustle and bustle of New York City life. Behind the temple is a magnificent two part
garden made of rocks and sand. The temple stresses the importance the Japanese put on peace and
harmony. I think Hidemi’s nature is similar in beauty to that of the Silver Pavilion; it is a bit like a Japanese
secret. But someday I would like to experience both pavilions in person.

Embodied in Hidemi is the ideal of total health in body, spirit and mind. She is well versed in
traditional Japanese exercise and massage. Hidemi has helped my mother with her arthritis by teaching her
Tai Kyoku Ken. Her exercises stress slow movements executed in a harmonious way to maintain joint
flexibility. If my fingers are cold, she will rub them to increase circulation, focusing on specific pressure
points. She has learned these healing techniques from her grandmother and shares them with me.

Hidemi is an international concert pianist. Her piano playing reveals aspects of her Japanese culture as
well as what she has adopted of American culture. Japan reminds me of my petite, talented and wonderful
piano teacher. Her Japanese spirit fills our home whenever she comes. She is a true blend of traditional
Japanese virtues as well as contemporary style. I am fortunate to have had the benefit of her instruction and
this special cultural exposure.

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