The celebration of diversity and creativity, globalization and local identities has been the main theme for the 29th General Assembly of the International Music Council held in Tokyo, Japan from September 28-October 2, 2001. Evolution and cultural advancement itself have always been about the integration of different elements. And now with the advancement of information technology, the reality is that there is no turning back from the world that rapidly seems much smaller and closer with every innovation to be introduced.
When I was growing up in Queens, NYC in a neighborhood of a well diverse ethnic mixture of Jews, Irish, Puerto Ricans, Italians some thirty years ago, the traditional Japanese dish Sushi was considered almost barbaric. Although the description of "a piece of raw fish served on cold rice balls wrapped in seaweed" still does not sound so enticing as to make your mouth water even today, this concept was so �eout�fin the minds of many westerners at the time. But nowadays it has become quite well known around the world and when you go to California, you even encounter sushi rolls stuffed with avocado and coriander leaves. Globalization of delicacies, I would say. My friends used to be fascinated with chopsticks but now, the use of chopsticks has become pretty common in western countries as well, not only as an utensil to eat with but also used creatively by women to keep their hair up, although to me as a Japanese, this notion is as bizarre as sticking a fork in your hair. Yet another example of cultural globalization.
Jazz originating from U.S.A., the melting pot of ethnic diversity, has been a hybrid from its very beginning and thrives on celebrating diversity. It is about seeking inspiration to enable one to create an original voice spontaneously. And in a way, Jazz is one of the forerunners of music promoting globalization. Our Annual IASJ Jazz Meetings prove the very meaning of what I am referring to. The basic messages of our organization, the IASJ, are attracting more and more attention from the classical world. While there will always be obstinate purists of classical tradition (both western and non western) who strive to maintain and uphold their music in its original form, there will also be the daring experimentalists that challenge it. A healthy respect for all expressions of music is the important factor in the evolution of music. I do not believe that there would be any danger of local identities and traditions becoming obsolete just because of the wave of globalization as long as all forms of artistic creativity, which in another words are expressions of unique individuality, are regarded with respect. The importance of this respect for individual uniqueness also applies to the brotherhood and survival of humanity itself. Here we are in the 21st century facing the biggest challenges yet that we must collectively have to overcome. U.S. President Bush's recent statement is saying that "America is supported by the collective will of the world" is the ultimate gathering call for globalization. May peace prevail.