I moved up to Tokyo right after I graduated from high school. I first lived with my cousin in Kasumi-cho (near Roppongi) and that is where I began my music career. In those days, there were a few jazz clubs in the Iikura area, and since the Japanese military base (presently the site of Japan's Defense Agency, now Tokyo Midtown) was taken over by the American army, we got to play a lot of Jazz music there. In those days, they still had streetcars and Roppongi still had a rustic feel about it. I remember coming home from work and seeing the only neon light of a Chinese restaurant "Furin" shining next to the Haiyuza Theater.

In 1962, I moved to the States and studied at the Boston Berklee College of Music. After three years, in 1965, I came back to Japan and started looking for a place in Roppongi. I guess I loved the feeling of living in a place surrounded by lots of people. Plus, the offices I did business with were all located in the Roppongi area. Because of some advice I gave when the live music club "Pit Inn" opened in Roppongi, I was able to play there regularly and on the top floor of this building was the Sony music studio. Also, many of my "creative" friends were living in the area. Once I started living here, I realized that everything was so convenient. There was no reason to move out of Roppongi. It was so easy to get a taxi and to ride the subway. To this day, I still can't drive (lol)

One of my most memorable restaurants would have to be "Chanti", a place that was gaining popularity right after I came back from the States. I knew the owner, the late Mr. Kawazoe (Hiroshi) and that was another reason why I went there a lot with my music buddies. Another place that brings back memories would be the bookstore "Seishido". There was one right at the Roppongi intersection and another one on the other side of the road where they sold secondhand books. I often went to this one but I'm sad to say that the one at the Roppongi intersection no longer exists.

As for "Roppongi Hills", it is a popular tourist attraction but as a local, I guess we just have to wait patiently until it's popularity fades. I am excited to see how Roppongi will change one year later, two years later, after the commotion dies down. And I hope to see more cultural elements in Roppongi.

I travel a lot for work and I have visited many different countries but recently, I have become especially interested in Tibet. I guess this is because it is so different from Roppongi, there is nothing there and it's difficult to breathe because of its high altitude. So when I get back, I feel an appreciation for civilization and I see how I take everyday life for granted. It is not only Roppongi but also Tokyo where everything is so flexible and convenient, we are able to eat anything from all around the world, and it is a great place for people to work. On the other hand, I don't really think Ropongi is an ideal environment for raising adolescent age children.

Roppongi's biggest merit is its' convenience but I also hope that it becomes a place where people can relax. However, people are selfish so they continue to develop the land to make it seem more and more convenient and end up spoiling the neighborhood. If we look overseas, especially in Europe, each city has its historical buildings and shops and it tries to keep its classical beauty. That is why you feel nostalgic no matter how many times you visit these cities. When I went to Italy the other day to look for a concert hall, I visited a place with lots of greenery and enjoyed a leisurely walk around town. I was hoping Roppongi would be like that one day. But then again, Roppongi is just like New York's Time Square so that might be impossible.

Lastly, I wish for a place for musicians to hang out, maybe at a small jazz club so that we can get together and have jam sessions.