les dominicains, Guebwiller, France

What a crazy ride it has been with Yogetsu Akasaka since our project officially started last June. I accidentally became his manager and have loved witnessing his music gaining popularity across the globe.

In an unparalleled fusion of traditional Zen spirituality and modern artistic expression, we recently visited the historic Les Dominicains de Guebwiller in France. I also brought my family to Guebwiller, as this Alsatian town is a special place for us. My wife hadn’t been to the EU for 4 years, so it was wonderful sharing my work and having her enjoy a vacation.

The 13th-century Dominican monastery and church have been meticulously restored over the decades. As we toured the grounds, I was struck by the tangible sense of history. Yogetsu would be performing in a space that has witnessed eight centuries of worship and artistic creation.

On August 23rd, Yogetsu collaborated with yoga teacher Rachel for an acoustic session. Their set incorporated gentle vocals and acoustic hand-pan music. As the transcendent harmonies filled the sanctuary, attendees flowed gracefully from yoga pose to pose. The music guided their movements like a river, enhancing their practice with its soothing ebb and flow.

The next evening was the main event - Yogetsu's solo sound journey concert. As he stepped on stage in full Zen regalia, I could feel the excitement building. The sold-out medieval church was dimly lit by professional lighting that danced with the music's reverberations.

Yogetsu masterfully combined ancient and modern elements, from beatbox to electronic looping. A highlight was when he chanted the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum." In Buddhism, this invocation of wisdom and compassion purifies negativity. The steady, hypnotic rhythm of Yogetsu's voice washed over the rapt audience.

Next, Yogetsu brought out his prized possession - a scroll inscribed with the Heart Sutra, one of the most essential texts in Mahayana Buddhism. Hearing him intone the ancient Sanskrit words verbatim was a chilling, spine-tingling moment. This scripture about the nature of reality has been passed down since the 7th century.

As Yogetsu's set progressed, he built layer upon layer of transcendental sound using a dram, throat singing, and a looping machine. The final piece was mixed chanting and live music from the looping machine. Its otherworldly timbre echoed through the church like a call from the cosmos.

Watching the audience afterward, I saw many with tear-filled eyes and blissful expressions. Yogetsu's performance elevated their consciousness, invoking a sense of the sacred. He received a rapturous standing ovation. This event exemplified the universality of music and spirituality. Yogetsu blended ancient tradition with modern beats to transport listeners into the gap between thoughts where true peace resides. The visual juxtaposition of his Zen robes alongside high-tech gear also created an exciting synthesis. As Yogetsu's manager, I couldn't be more proud to see him bridge cultures and evolve as an artist. He turns ritual into riff and mantra into melody. Boundaries dissolve in the resonance of his compositions. This nomadic musician's life may sometimes be crazy, but the rewards are ample. His concerts leave crowds spellbound, uplifted, and reminded of music's power to unite us all.

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