Sweden × Japan Music Bridge – Premium Concert 2026
What an incredible experience!
On Monday, October 12, I had the joy of performing on the beautiful stage of Vega Hall in Takarazuka, together with my dear friend, pianist and composer Shinichiro Yamamoto, and the wonderful SCA MASS CHOIR with no fewer than 145 singers!
The concert was part of the Sweden × Japan Music Bridge project, and I really couldn't think of a more fitting name. Because that is exactly what music does – it builds bridges between people, countries, and cultures.
145 Voices Coming Together
There is something truly special about singing with such a large choir.
Every person has their own voice, their own expression, and their own life story. But when all those voices come together, something amazing happens!
One of the songs we performed was All I Need, for which I wrote the lyrics and Shinichiro composed the music.
This song has taken on a very special meaning during this tour.
First, we performed it with the KORG Gospel Choir in Tokyo, then with the students of Heian Jogakuin in Kyoto, and now with 145 singers in Takarazuka.
The same song, but three completely different musical experiences!
I find it fascinating how music comes alive in a new way every time it is performed. Each voice brings something unique, and together we create something that none of us could ever achieve alone.
A Bond of Friendship Between Sweden and Japan
Shinichiro and I have had the joy of collaborating through music, and sharing the stage with him means so much to me.
I have been traveling to Japan for many years, and the country has become like a second home to me.
Throughout all these years, I have met so many wonderful people through music, and every visit has brought new friendships and precious memories.
This concert became another one of those memories that I will carry with me for a long time.
My heartfelt thanks to Shinichiro, all the amazing singers of SCA MASS CHOIR, the organizers, and the audience who made this concert possible!
145 Voices. One Music. β€οΈ
π¬ I have uploaded a video to YouTube featuring some of the songs from the concert. You can watch it here:
Special Friends in the Audience
Several dear friends were in the audience.
Among them was my "Japanese mother," Yukiko Yamaoka Idland.
Her husband, Alf Idland, was from Stavanger, Norway, and served as a pastor in a Lutheran congregation in Kobe. He was also my very first manager in Japan.
Sadly, Alf passed away in 1995.
But Yukiko and I have stayed in touch ever since, and she has been like a mother to me here in Japan.
Two Wonderful Church Visits the Day Before
The day before the concert, on Sunday, October 11, I also had the joy of singing at two churches.
In the morning, we visited Grapevine Christian Church in Ashiya.
In the afternoon, we continued to Mustard Seed Christian Church in Kobe.
Visiting Japanese churches, sharing my music, and telling people about my life and my Christian faith is a very important and much-loved part of my journeys to Japan.
It is wonderful to experience how faith and music can bring people together, even when we come from different countries and speak different languages.
Between the two church visits, we were invited to the home of Yumiko Soga.
Yumiko used to be the secretary to my former manager, Mitsuno-san, and translated all our correspondence.
She had such a lovely, cozy home!
I am incredibly grateful for all these encounters and for everyone who welcomes me with such warmth.
What wonderful days!
Thank you, Japan! β€οΈπ―π΅
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