Yosuke Yamashita Solo Piano Concert at the Wakita Museum of Art in Karuizawa

Concerts held in Karuizawa attract audiences from far away, such as Tokyo and Kobe, because the tickets are cheaper than those in Tokyo and the venues are more intimate, providing a sense of presence.

In late October, a solo piano concert by jazz master Yosuke Yamashita✨ was held at the Wakita Museum of Art in Karuizawa.

It was limited to the first 100 people, and advance tickets were 6,000 yen.

It seems it sold out immediately, and on the day of the event, with a large audience, chairs were placed in a 180-degree arc around the piano, allowing us to enjoy the performance up close.

At 82 years old, Mr. Yamashita has a small build, but his piano playing was powerful and fast.

The Wakita Museum of Art has a lovely courtyard.
After the performance, there was a time for everyone, including Mr. Yamashita, to chat while having food and drinks there.

Whenever I hear the words 'free food and drinks,' I get so happy😀

And it was... warm potage, hojicha, sandwiches, sushi, oyaki, sweets, fruits, and more, beautifully arranged with flowers,
we ate until we were full,
and what's more, they told us to take the leftovers home as a souvenir...

Karuizawa is a small town, so you are bound to see familiar faces.
We chatted while saying things like, 'We see each other so often, don't we?' and sharing our thoughts on the wonderful music.

It is a relaxed time unique to Karuizawa.

I thought the 6,000 yen ticket was a luxury for me, but along with the complimentary, heartfelt light meal, it was a Karuizawa experience that left me feeling enriched💖

It seems Yosuke Yamashita will be suspending his activities by the end of the year.
I wonder if he got tired after playing alone for two and a half hours~~?

I hope he rests well and resumes his activities once he is feeling better.