Encounter with the koto at the age of 9. Neither she nor her family could have imagined that this would be an event that would drastically change the direction of his life. However, he became so obsessed with the koto that it occupied most of his life, and by the time he won the Grand Prix at the National Elementary and Junior High School Koto Music Contest at the age of 14, and the Grand Prize and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award at the Kumamoto National Japanese Music Competition at the age of 16, his family Despite the opposition, his desire to become a professional musician only grew stronger.

Major debut and admission to the University of the Arts
Take a step towards your dream

The opportunity came unexpectedly. After winning the competition, he signed a contract with Nippon Columbia. She made her major debut in 2017 at the age of 19 with her first album "Reo 2018st". The following year, in XNUMX, she released her second album ``Reo Encounters: Encounter''. Her long-held goal of entering Tokyo University of the Arts was achieved, and the voices of opposition from her family gradually turned into support for her.

For LEO, who had been exposed to the freedom of international schools, studying at the University of the Arts was a bit of a culture shock. KotoSongThis is because there are times when students learn about teacher-pupil relationships and customs. For example, when you are in first grade, you must experience the tradition of having your teacher guide you from the entrance to the classroom. Please check your luggage and be careful when getting on and off the elevator. This is a common knowledge and behavior for uchideshi in traditional performing arts, but he said he felt nervous when he was on duty.

``I grew up in an international school where there was no hierarchy like that of seniors and juniors in Japanese schools, so I was confused by the customs and behavior at those times, so I was worried to the point that I thought about taking a break from school for a while and distancing myself.But what kind of experience did I have? My teacher advised me to try making it a plus instead of a minus, so I persevered.I'm glad I continued instead of running away.''

Western and Japanese classical music are synchronized
LEO's new album attempt

This year, they will be releasing a new album in March. The program consisted mainly of classical works by both Japanese and Western composers. For example, an attempt was made to take up Kengyo Yatsuhashi's masterpiece ``Midare'' and Bach's ``His Armando from the Solo Violin Partita No. 3''. In fact, Kengyo Yatsuhashi and Bach are both musicians from the 17th century. This perspective is refreshing, as Japanese and Western music are recreated on LEO's koto from a modern perspective. Selected contemporary music includes Dai Fujikura's ``Ryu'' and Ryuichi Sakamoto's ``1919.'' It made me realize that the koto is such an expressive instrument, with its delicateness, boldness, and sense of speed, and its possibilities. There is also a piece in which he co-stars with his mentor Kazue Sawai, which is particularly powerful on the album.

Also, in April, the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony OrchestraAt the performance at Suntory Hall, we are also waiting for the premiere of a new koto concerto by contemporary musician Dai Fujikura. ``During my time at the University of the Arts, my individual activities were restricted, so I've been looking forward to releasing an album and doing concerts,'' he says.

I asked him if he had any classmates or koto players that he considered to be his rivals. ``I know there are people who play classical music better than me, but there's a part of me that can't be beaten by anyone, so I don't see myself as a rival.'' He is proud that his passion for the koto is second to none. The hearts of people who have lived a life centered around the koto are so unwavering that there is no need to recognize it as an effort.

``I don't just want to do it myself, I want to spread the word about the koto.I'm always thinking about what I can do to make that happen.Rather than thinking about the distant future, I want to make it happen a little in the future, one or two years from now. I like planning and executing things." He is a person who achieved his dream even though those around him opposed his decision to become a koto player. He tries to quietly steer the direction of his life on his own. He is a person who has the strength to rely on himself without depending on anyone. That's LEO.

However, aside from the koto, his true face is that of a normal boy who has just turned 23. He loves cooking, and there is no limit to how elaborate he can become. I asked him what kind of food he would like to cook. ``The curry, which is made by mixing various spices, has a very high quality.And then there's the hamburger steak.We add gelatin to lock in the meat juices and give it a juicy texture.''He tells us his secrets. It was given to me. He also loves fashion, and his current favorite brand is Rick Owens. ``I'm happy because I can buy my favorite clothes with the money I earned,'' he says with a laugh. His words conveyed the pride of a young artist.

open up one's luck
Staying calm and not drowning in the catharsis of youth

On the other hand, LEO also says: "I'm really lucky. I was able to win the ``Kumamoto National Japanese Music Competition,'' which is the gateway to success in the Japanese music world. Luck definitely played a role in factors such as the number of participants that year, the selection of songs, and the order of performance. It was my luck that a record company producer found me at that competition.I understand that there are many factors that cannot be explained by my own ability or effort.''

He has the objectivity and passion to look at himself calmly, without getting drunk on the catharsis of youth. His strength in controlling two different perspectives propels him further forward. In the spring of 2021, activities will be in full swing, including the release of a new album and concerts. LEO's koto continues to reverberate.

Let's continue to watch him walk steadily and lightly one step at a time.

→Read the current location of young koto artist LEO (Part 1)

LEO 　

Koto artist. Born in Yokohama in 1998. Her real name is Reo Konno. She began playing the koto at the age of 9 in music class at Yokohama International School under the guidance of koto musician Curtis Patterson. She later studied under koto composer Kazue Sawai. When she was 14 years old, she won the grand prize at the National Koto Music Competition for Elementary and Junior High School Students. At 16 years old, she was the youngest person in the history of the ``She is Kumamoto National Japanese Music Competition'' and won the Grand Prize and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award. In March 2017, she made her major debut with her 3st album "Reo 1st". In 1, she appeared on the MBS documentary program "Jonetsu Tairiku" and TV Asahi's "Untitled Concert". She released her second album ``Reo Encounters: Encounter'' in August. In 2018, she performed at Suntory Hall's "Adult Day Concert". She won the 8th Idemitsu Music Award. She is currently a lecturer at the Sawai Koto Academy.

◆2021 concert information
Please see LEO's official website for details.

Thursday, February 2th Hakuju Hall Reclining Concert 25th LEO Koto Recital