Rafael Hiroshi Fuchigami

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Why did you decide to study in Japan?

I wanted to study about Shakuhachi which is Japan’s traditional musical instrument.

How is your life in Japan?

I enjoy my life in Japan. There are diverse cultural activities in Japan and the university which I study is wonderful with excellent practice rooms, research lab, library and high level teachers. Japanese society is noticeably different from Brazilian society and such cross-cultural experience is enriching. As a member of the NFSA, I have made friends from various Latin American countries and localities. They support me in many ways and I enjoy interacting with them.

Tell us about your present study or research.

Currently I am doing a PhD research on the shakuhachi in the field of Music Education at the Tokyo Music University. I also study how to perform Shakuhachi at the International Shakuhachi Kenshu-kan and learn how to perform in an ensemble.

Did your consciousness as a Nikkei change in any way through studying in Japan?

I am not sure if my identity as Nikkei has changed, but I feel that my relationship with Shakuhachi and Japanese music has deepened. I hope to contribute to the promotion of traditional Japanese musical instruments as Nikkei and as a Shakuhachi performer and a researcher.

What is your dream for the future?

My dream is to set up a practice hall for Shakuhachi either in Sao Paulo or in Porto Alegre. I also want to implement activities to promote Shakuhachi in Brazil by teaching how to perform the instrument to as many people as possible and perform Shakuhachi not only in Brazil but also in other countries.

Please give a message to students who are considering studying in Japan.

If you want to study in Japan, make sure to study Japanese language well!

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