On December 3, 2010, NHK Hi-Vision aired a special on jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi. At 81, she still shone as a performer, reminding the author of scientist Fumichi Saito. The program recounted her discovery by Oscar Peterson, her move to Berklee, and collaborations with jazz legends. Despite hardships, including raising a child with limited means, she retained eyes of remarkable clarity. A testament to resilience, artistry, and the enduring spirit of true giants.

An essay from December 3, 2010, reflecting on a documentary about jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi that aired on NHK Hi-Vision. The author praises her as a “true adult,” comparing her to the scientist Bun’ichi Saito for her continued activity at the age of 81. He reads a deep, soulful lament hidden beneath her words about her struggles after moving to the U.S., particularly the moment when she said, “Money can’t solve the most important things,” after leaving her daughter with her family. The author captures the instant her clear eyes became slightly clouded, expressing both her extraordinary talent as an artist and her profound human suffering.

NHK Hi-Vision aired the “Toshiko Akiyoshi Special” starting at 8:00.
December 3, 2010

(It has just finished. She is already 81 years old… like Fumichi Saito, who wrote Kenji Miyazawa as a Scientist well past 80. What extraordinary people they are—true giants. Another genuine giant has appeared.)

She came from New York at NHK’s invitation.

(I felt a little heavy-hearted since my work had just ended. Although I have many masterpieces by jazz greats stored in iTunes, I rarely listen to jazz. Still, I overcame that reluctance and was glad I watched from the beginning.)

(She opened the program by playing the piece she always performs at her concerts…)

In 1953, at what is said to be Japan’s first live house, the Tennessee Café, she was discovered during Oscar Peterson’s tour of Japan. With his support, she released Toshiko’s Piano. She then went to the United States alone and enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Along the way, she performed with Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and others.

She married and later divorced.

To support her child, she went to the employment office… she could do nothing, not even typing. Her sister took the child in… her mother was still alive too…

“Money can’t solve the most important things in life, but it can solve many others.” Of course, at that time she had little to spare—barely enough to pay the rent.

So she entrusted her child to her family. That was a mistake.

(She tried not to show it… but when she casually placed her hand on her throat, I realized she was crying inside. Later, when the camera caught her expression, it became clear. Her eyes, normally so clear and cloudless, had dimmed slightly.)