We had a fun time in Imazu during the weekend of June 16-17, 2007. On the 16th (Sat.), there was a 3-hour Lake Biwa Cruise to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Biwako Shuko no Uta. Jamie and Megan Thompson sang the English song in the chartered boat and also on Chikubushima. We also introduced and sold the CD on the boat and quite a few people bought it. In the evening, we attended a lecture about the song and also a dinner reception where we met the mayor of Takashima. I gave him a free copy of the CD.

Photos: https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=581

Newspaper (Kyoto Shimbun):
https://photoguide.jp/pix/displayimage.php?album=587&pid=17364

On the next day Sunday, the Thompson sisters sang the song at the Biwako Shuko no Uta choir contest in Imazu. We also sold the CD there. There were 25 choirs from Shiga, Hokuriku, Kyoto, etc. Each choir had to sing two songs, one must be Biwako Shuko no Uta, and the other can be any song. The 1st place prize was 100,000 yen.

We could also experience rowing on the same type of boat used by songwriter Oguchi Taro 90 years ago. The local junior high school kids took us for a boat ride on Biwako near Imazu Port. Great fun.

Photos: https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=582

On June 19 (Tue.), e-radio (FM Shiga) introduced our CD and song on an afternoon radio program hosted by Chiho Ono (not my relative). I was in Tokyo so I couldn’t listen to the program, but a few of our friends have told us that they heard it. I think that was the first time a radio station played the song from the CD. Thanks to Chiho.

And on June 24 in Hikone’s Viva City Hall, Jamie sang the song at an international event organized by a local int’l exchange organization called VOICE. We were able to introduce and sell the CD there as well.

Enjoy!