Our Japan tour has come to an end!
Last night's concert in Sendai with the wonderful pianist Saee Tahara marked the end of the entire tour.
It almost feels unreal. After all those months of planning, preparation, rehearsals and anticipation, we have now completed all our concerts and performances!
Altogether, I have met around 3,000 people through my performances. So many wonderful moments, reunions with old friends and new friendships along the way. Both Putte and I feel tired, happy and incredibly grateful. β€οΈ
A New Song – “All I Need” πΆ
One of the great joys of this tour has been working with our dear friend Shinichiro Yamamoto.
Before the tour, Shinichiro and I wrote a new song together, “All I Need”. I wrote the lyrics and a melody, which I emailed to Shinichiro. He then developed the music further, arranged the song and rehearsed it with the different choirs.
We also set aside a day during the tour to record the song in his studio!
Shinichiro is also a wonderful cook and treated us to an absolutely delicious lunch!
It feels very special to end this journey with something new that we can share even after the concerts are over. I really hope you'll listen!
“All I Need” will be released on November 21! π Stay tuned!
Women of Hope – A Conversation About Life and Faith β€οΈ
The day after the recording, we got up early and took the Shinkansen bullet train back to Tokyo. Rutsuko and Mark met us on the platform and took us to TWR Women of Hope, where I was interviewed for a Christian radio program especially for women.
We talked about my parents and how much they have meant to me, how I have learned to face life with joy and gratitude, and how my faith has helped me through both the bright and difficult seasons of life.
We also talked about what it means to live a happy life, what Japan means to me and the message I hope to share with all people through my music.
These are subjects very close to my heart. I believe that every person is created by God, unique and valuable, and that we all have something to offer the world around us, bringing joy both to ourselves and to the people we meet.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to share these thoughts through radio as well, reaching people who may never have the chance to attend one of my concerts.
A Quick Visit to the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in Shinjuku π¨β€οΈ
After the radio interview, we also managed to make a quick visit to the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists' publishing office in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
I have been a member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists since 1990, and it is always lovely to meet the people working at our publishing offices around the world.
Here in Japan, the publishing office has also been incredibly helpful with my new project, Lena Maria's Ministry. They helped print the information leaflets we distributed during the tour and also produced a lovely welcome gift set consisting of a tote bag, a small towel and a notebook featuring artwork from one of my paintings.
This gift set is for those who become monthly supporters of my work with Lena Maria's Ministry.
I am so happy and grateful for their help and generosity! β€οΈ
Iruma – Returning for Another Concert π―π΅
Then we were back in Iruma, in Saitama Prefecture, where I had sung earlier in the tour at Peace International Church.
This time, I performed at Iruma Sangyo Bunka Center, which could accommodate a much larger audience. Several churches worked together to organize the concert, and around 40 volunteers generously gave their time to help with all the practical arrangements.
After every performance on this tour, I have been signing CDs, greeting people and taking lots and lots of photos together with so many different people. Such fun!
And that evening, I had two absolutely adorable girls helping me!!
Sendai – Singing at a 140th Anniversary Celebration! πΆ
The following day, October 16, I had the great joy of taking part in Tohoku Gakuin's 140th anniversary celebration in Sendai.
This educational institution has a fascinating history. It all began in 1886, when two dedicated Christians, one Japanese and one American missionary, founded a small theological seminary with just six students. Over time, it grew into the large university it is today.
What I find especially beautiful is the school's Christian foundation and its motto:
LIFE • LIGHT • LOVE.
Three words that are so close to what I want to share through my own music: Music • Hope • Love.
The concert took place in their incredibly beautiful concert hall, and around 600 people came to listen! It was a wonderful feeling to stand there and sing for such a large audience.
How amazing to be part of a celebration of 140 years of education, faith and vision for the future! What began with only six students has grown into a major university.
Being a small part of this anniversary celebration felt both an honor and something very special. β€οΈ
The Final Concert of the Tour β€οΈ
And then came the day that had seemed so far away when we first started planning everything.
October 17 – the final concert, together with pianist Saee Tahara.
We have worked together before, but this was the first time we performed an entire concert together. And it was so lovely that we got to share this final concert of the tour.
As the last notes of the final song faded away, our entire Japan tour came to an end.
What a journey it has been!
Thank You, Japan! π―π΅β€οΈ
When I look back on these weeks, it isn't just the concerts I will remember.
It's the people.
Everyone who worked to make the concerts possible. All the musicians, choir singers, organizers, interpreters, friends and volunteers.
Everyone who came to listen, shared a few words with me after a concert or simply greeted me with a smile.
And of course, my dear husband Patrik (Putte), who has been by my side throughout the entire journey, helping in every possible way. β€οΈ Carrying, pushing and lifting luggage, my wheelchair, bags and shopping bags through airports, trains and subway stations. Helping me get ready and look my best before every performance. Filming, taking photographs and doing so much, much more...
Thank you, my love!! β€οΈ
Japan has felt like my second home for so many years, and after this tour I feel even more strongly how much this country and its people mean to me.
I came here with a desire to share music, faith, hope and love. And I am going home with a heart overflowing with gratitude.
Thank you to everyone who has followed our journey through this blog, sent greetings and prayed for us.
And above all:
Thank You, God, for every open door, every encounter and everything we have been blessed to experience!
The concerts may be over, but I hope the bridges built through music will continue to live on.
And soon you will be able to hear our new song “All I Need”, releasing on November 21!
Thank you, Japan! Until we meet again! πΈπͺβ€οΈπ―π΅
πΆ Music • Hope • Love πΆ
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