It’s been fifty-two years since I first visited Japan. Back then I was the 19-year-old drummer for Stan Kenton’s big band, long of hair while short of experience, but with no lack of enthusiasm to be here. I’m typing this month’s column while seated in my hotel room in Nagoya, the primary purpose of this trip being a visit to the Tama Drums factory. My appearance is now short of hair while long in years and experience. Let’s consider my added heft as evidence of a life enjoyably lived. Aside from my own evolution, what has changed in Japan, and what has remained the same? Peter’s first visit to Japan, 1974 Japan figures prominently in my life. As I mentioned, my first visit was in 1974, but I have been drawn to the country and its people for much longer. Was it the book of haiku that I received from […]

May 2026 Issue