the ends of the earth

View the ends of the earth → © 2011 tomo. All rights reserved.

Last night pianist Derek Kealii Polischuk premiered my new work “The Ends of the Earth” at Michigan State University (which is not at the end of the earth).  It’s a demanding piece, probably the most difficult piece I’ve written.  The … Continue reading →

shaman ritual

View shaman ritual → © 2010 tomo. All rights reserved.

I recently returned from Korea, where I was fortunate enough to attend a ‘performance’ on Jindo island of a shaman ritual called Ssitkim-gut.  This ritual for the dead is filled with singing (accompanied by percussion instruments), mourning, celebration, and drinking. We were … Continue reading →

a pilgrimage

View a pilgrimage → © 2010 tomo. All rights reserved.

I once stayed the night in Paris hostel, where I met a man who was on a pilgrimage from Belgium.   He shared with me his wine and crackers and explained he was going by foot to visit a particular … Continue reading →

sunsets

View sunsets → © 2010 tomo. All rights reserved.

Sometimes the photos take themselves, and you just press the button.

out of place

View out of place → © 2010 tomo. All rights reserved.

One can’t help but be surprised by the architecture in Honolulu. Overall, many of the buildings erected in the ’60s and ’70s seem to have little to do with this place; masses of concrete dropped upon a lush green landscape. … Continue reading →