Mr. Asano: THANK YOU!

January 2019

Those of us who follow Nobu's career would recognize him instantly: a handsome, slim, neatly dressed gentleman who seems always to be by the side of our beloved pianist.

It is a familiar sight: Mr. Asano, dressed in dark, appears with Nobu on stage, guiding him to the piano in gracious choreographed movements, and then quietly steps back into the wings or behind the piano.

Nobuyuki Tsujii is a passion of mine (as a fan, that is ^_^) since 2010, and Mr. Asano has been a major enabler of that passion. It was through the good grace of Mr. Asano that I have been able to gain access to greet Nobu backstage after his concerts.

My acquaintance with Mr. Nick Asano began in 2010, when I ran into Nobu and him at the San Francisco International Airport, on our separate paths to a Nobu recital in Northern California. They were in a rush as I rudely approached, "introducing" myself to Nobu. Instead of giving me the cold shoulder that I so deserved, Mr. Asano was friendly and receptive from the start.

Sadly, Mr. Asano has now parted ways with Avex Classics (Nobu's record label); the trip to the U.S. this past September (with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) was the last time that Mr. Asano would be traveling with Nobu for Avex.

I cannot describe the sadness that has descended on me since I heard the news, not just for myself, but for Nobu, who has called Mr. Asano his "father on tour", and a "very good father."

With his permission, I have posted a tribute to express my thanks to Mr. Asano personally, as well as on behalf of all Nobu fans.

It can be read here, if you please => "Mr. Asano, THANK YOU from ALL Nobu fans!!"