Japanese singer: 'I hope to reunite with Khanh Ly to sing Trinh's music'

-How did you feel when participating in the concert commemorating the 18th anniversary of Trinh Cong Son's death in Ho Chi Minh City recently?

- Returning to Vietnam after 12 years, I had such wonderful emotions during the two concerts. Previously, I received many invitations to participate in programs organized by Trinh Cong Son's family but could not arrange the time.

18 years since the musician passed away is enough time to give birth to a new generation. Young Vietnamese artists perform Trinh's music very well. I enjoy listening to Tung Duong sing.A long road, when listening to pianist Tuan Manh performA place to go and return toIt can be seen that Trinh Cong Son's music has a great influence on the young generation and their youthfulness makes his works more and more widespread.

- When you play the guitar and sing "Diem Xua" and "Ngu di con", how do you feel when performing Trinh's music?

- Up until now, I have loved listening to Khanh Ly sing Trinh's music. I once heard that Khanh Ly asked Trinh Cong Son how to sing when performing his music. He replied that when singing, one must forget that one is a singer and be drawn into the world of poetry and melody. Listening to Khanh Ly sing, I feel that. Their story is a suggestion for me when singing Trinh's music.

Whenever I perform his works, I always let myself immerse myself in the poetry and sing in the most gentle and profound way. With the songGo to sleep, baby.I imagine holding my baby in my arms and letting the melody and lyrics naturally guide my emotions.

- What do you think about a reunion with Khanh Ly on the Vietnamese stage?

-That is what I have been wishing for but for many reasons have not been able to do.In 1980, I met Khanh Ly when she went to Japan to perform at an Asian festival. That year, I also called Trinh Cong Son for the first time to get to know him. Later, when I wanted to record the songOld BeautyIn 1997 I went to Vietnam to meet him.

- Among the occasions of meeting musician Trinh Cong Son, which meeting do you remember the most?

- For me, meeting him in 1997 was a historic meeting. I remember clearly the atmosphere and emotions of the reunion. I had a childhood of war. My father also went to the battlefield. As a child, I grew up with my mother and brother, so when I met Trinh Cong Son, his image reminded me of my brother very much.

We talked for nearly two hours. Through Trinh Cong Son, I understood more about the soul and character of the Vietnamese people. The Vietnamese people are tolerant, patient, and hardworking, overcoming all the hardships of war, always keeping faith and love in life. Thanks to that, I understood more about the meaning of Trinh Cong Son's songs.

Later, in 1998, I had the opportunity to return to Vietnam to participate in a project on mangrove forests in Can Gio. That year, Trinh Cong Son invited me to his house to draw my portrait. In 1999, he and I also had many memories when we carried out the program in Da Nang.

- Outside"Old Beauty"and "Go to sleep, baby", do you want to translate any more of Trinh Cong Son's compositions into Japanese?

- Trinh Cong Son's music carries a part of Vietnamese music history. I would be very happy to contribute to that history, to be a bridge to bring his works to the next generation. I want to translate more of Trinh Cong Son's songs, for exampleWhite summer.But it is not easy to retain his poetic lyrics. I need time to understand the meaning of the songs.

Tokiko Kato, born in 1943, is one of Japan's most famous singers, composers, poets and actresses. She specializes in folk, pop and jazz music. She is also a social activist.

While a student at the University of Tokyo, she won the highest prize in a national singing competition. She was invited twice to perform at Carnegie Hall in Washington (USA). She has won many medals and the most prestigious awards in Japan. In 1992, Ms. Kato was awarded the Chevalier Medal by the French government, a medal given to those who have contributed to French culture and arts.