Mayumi Itsuwa is popular in Japan as well as in some parts of South Asia, especially Indonesia. One of her songs called "Kokoro no Tomo"(friend of heart) became a big hit in Indonesia when the country was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami years ago. The song kept people's mind spirited and helped the country reconstruct itself. I got inspired by the song and its effect on Indonesian people, and this painting is based on the inspiration.
The title is "Sky Cafe". I wanted to pick a subject befitting this soothing season of May. タイトル「スカイ・カフェ」。この爽やかな五月にふさわしいテーマで描いてみました。
From "the Story of Creation". "Looking carefully through the muddy ocean, the Creator saw a fish and a serpent amid many loaches. Planning to make them into models of husband and wife, the Creator summoned them,,,", 元始まりの話より「創造主がどろ海の中を見澄ますと、沢山のどぢょうの中に、うを（魚）と巳（み）が混じっている。夫婦のひな形にしようと先ずこれを引き寄せた、、」
Title "Joyous Prayer Service". Since the old, old time, humans have offered song and dance to God to show our appreciation. In Tenrikyo Church, too, special song and dance are in its prayer. This painting depicts the prayer service.タイトル「陽気つとめ」。古来より人々は歌と踊りで神への感謝を伝えてきました。天理教でも、特別な歌と踊りで祈ります。この絵はそれを表現しています。
