I could never have predicted, as someone born in Japan, that I would end up being part of such a vibrant and relevant Glasgow entity as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

This city literally hums as an international hub of creative expression and excellence – always to be celebrated, never to be silenced.

I salute my parents as hard working immigrants in the United States, and my teachers who also moved globally to spread their wisdom. They made it possible for me to become a musician and to recognise that music holds both great power and humanity in bringing all diasporas to live, work and breathe together.