Ai Kawashima performed for earthquake victims in Kobe
Singer-songwriter Ai Kawashima (川嶋あい）, 24, on January 16 held a free concert at Minato no Mori park in Kobe as a tribute for victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, which occurred on January 17, 1995. The park, which opened last year, is a popular spot for local artists. Some 300 fans gathered in a light snow for the performance.
Kawashima has been dreaming to become a singer from a young age. Her father vanished before she was born, and she was raised by her mother. She first began learning to play the piano at the age of three. Kawashima’s mother died when she was just 3 years old. She was taken to an orphanage and eventually adopted by the Kawashima family, owners of a construction company. Her adoptive father died when she was 10, and her adoptive mother died when she was 16. Every year since her adoptive mother’s death, she has held a concert on August 20th in her memory. Now she is singing not only for her mother, but also for people who listen to her songs, wishing for world peace. Kawashima has also helped to establish schools in poor countries, 3 schools have already been built, her goal is to build 100 schools.
Before she became famous, she set herself the goal of performing 1000 times on the street, finally accomplishing this after she became well known.
Kobe earthquake occurred on Tuesday, January 17, 1995, at 05:46 JST round Kobe. Approximately 6,434 people lost their lives; about 4,600 of them were from Kobe.
Kawashima played three songs, including “I Remember,” and “Tabidachi no Hi Ni.”for the earthquake victims in Kobe.
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