Maki Nibayashi

Occupation:
Technical Adviser

Time in Japan:
Sweet 16 years of coming and going


Where are you from?
I was born in Boston, MA, US.

What brought you to Japan?
The US Navy. I' been interested in Japanese history and culture for a long time and had been yearning to study authentic karate. So when given a choice of duty station, I chose Japan, arriving August 31, 1984. That same night I was taken to Shibuya and thought I'd seen Madonna at least 1000 times. I was introduced to traditional toilets... But I also soon discovered a dojo, daibutsu, kannon, Chiyonofuji and onsen to warm, inspire and motivate me.

What do you do?
Five years ago I was asked by the conductor/arranger Yasuo Minami to be diction coach for the soprano Yumiko Samejima during their recording of traditional American songs. The next project was of jazz standards, which Yumiko and I did with the famed jazz pianist Louis Van Dyke in a cathedral turned recording studio in the Dutch countryside. Together with engineer Paul Pouwer, I did all of the editing and mastering, rendering the finished product just in time to make the scheduled release date. So now, I'm involved with all phases of production, from song selection to jacket photo selection.

Who was your biggest influence?
Personally, Malcom X. He taught me freedom in truth. Professionally though, I really owe it all to Yasuo Minami. He demonstrated great faith and courage to call on me. And since then he's continued to give himself unconditionally, sharing his knowledge and energy with everyone. I am eternally grateful, honto ni arigato.

What was the weirdest thing that you ever saw or experienced in Japan?
Standing in front of Kannai Station around 6pm waiting for my friend to see the baseball game, I noticed a little commotion. A normal looking middle-aged salaryman wearing the usual garb, was standing at the top of the stairs peeing on everyone that walked by. Then he just disappeared into the throng. But truth is, there are others I've conveniently forgotten.

What's the one thing a person should see in Japan before leaving forever?
I've been very fortunate to have seen many things off the beaten path - cherry blossoms in the wild, rustic villages in the distance while cross-country skiing improvised courses, sunrises and sunsets from peaks from Kyushu to Hokkaido, over 100 hot springs, remote temples, and bamboo groves, exotic wildlife, etc... There's so much beauty to enjoy if you just get out there and appreciate it.

Any advice for a successful life in Japan?
Just like anywhere, balance. Particularly in Japan, it's important not to impose ideals. Learning this will enable you to taste more of the flavors you like, as you won't have to be biting your tongue so much.

Donald James Berry spoke to Maki Nibayashi.

Do you know somepne who has an interesting life in Japan? Email us at maki@tokyoclassified.com