2016.09.02
ソフィーと語る
佐藤賢太郎

 ソフィーとの片言英語ですが毎日話をしています。それは勿論不十分な会話ですが、お互い解るところで理解しているつもりです。それを補うようにしてこのように英語で書いてもらっています。家内と3人で話をしたときです。宇宙から見たら日本人もフィンランド人も区別はありません。「あなたはもしかすると宇宙から、つかわされた妖精かもしれませんね」と言った。それに応えるように、うなずき、彼女は笑顔で嬉しそうな顔をしていた。私は彼女の生い立ちも何も知らない。しかし宇宙で生まれたとの共有する存在価値があるようです。

私がこのような好奇心がなかったら里山アート展もウ‐フィングもしてはいないだろう。創造力、好奇心は私を動かす原動力になっていると思う。そしてそれは多くの方に喜びを還元してゆくと確信しています。ソフィーとの出会いは素晴らしい感動する時間であった。彼女は間もなくここを立ちます。ここでの思い出は決して忘れないというけれど、忘れてしまうだろう。ガッカリしないでおこう。全力で私は今に生きる、それでいい。

2度と巡り合わない人であっても、そうできる人と出会えたことが人生を豊かにしていると思う。

 

My stay here

I cannot understand where I have come. Where I am is Kentaro’s paradise, but it is also mine. It is interesting how at home I feel here, and at the same time Kentaro-san and Makiko-san say that they feel so relaxed around me. It makes me happy to know that I am not bothering them even though they give me so much. I think we all simply enjoy each other’s company. Cosmos have brought us together - we make each other happy.

 Kentaro-san will melt your heart as soon as you see him smile. Makiko-san will also make your heart melt as soon as you see her smile.  I know that our immediate bond has led to the fact that I get very special treatment, as they have opened their heart and home to me completely. I am confused, what have I done to them to deserve this? Kentaro has showed me his studio and many different special spots in this amazing, wonderful nature. Yesterday we drove to the top of the mountain. The view was so breath taking  – mountains and rice fields for miles. I told Kentaro that with this view, we should have a beer and the edamame we picked today and Makiko should be with us. This lead to a very special evening together at the secret view spot, us three and Kentaro’s and Makiko’s dog. We discussed life, the bond we had formed; that Makiko felt so relaxed around me and how happy we were to share that moment. It was all very emotional and special. 

The next day, this all only continued. I have felt like Alice in Wonderland. We walked through a river in the mountains for two hours, and I was moved by the beautiful nature. I feel so lucky.

 When it comes to my work tasks, I have done many different things – some that I have never done before in my life. I have chopped wood with axe and chainsaw, picked edamame, done weeding, polished sculptures, cleaned the gallery every day, shopping, broken glass of doors (yes! art!), used brush cutter, cooked and distributed posters for one of Kentaro’s upcoming events.

 Makiko and Kentaro 

Kentaro and Makiko are not like some of the busy busy people I have met in Tokyo. Kentaro and Makiko value slow life, but work hard at the same time. The have a truly organic lifestyle and eat so delicious food, straight from the garden. They also have their own small onsen in the nature, with fresh natural water and the sounds of the forest in the background.

 Kentaro has an artist’s soul and wonderful thoughts about life and what is luxury in life. I think it is wonderful that he knows the value of the magnificent place he has created and wants to share it with other people. He is interested in an international lifestyle, and has therefore invited us foreigners to witness his paradise.

 Makiko is also a wonderful spirit. Her smile and warmth is enchanting. She is a master chef and has that twinkle in her eyes; she is playful and can brake into spontaneous dance.

 In the small town of Toyomi, I can see that the neighbors really like this cute couple. Many people have visited, and it is clear that everyone feels at home and welcomed to the Sato couples dining room.