My brother, Luisito,
Spring has come to Yamaguchi Prefecture, where I live.

I’m sorry for not being able to move forward. I kept thinking about the meaning of doing this.

José Luis Cortés and Ryu Murakami may be one page in Cuban music from the very difficult times when the Soviet Union collapsed. If we don’t do this, who will?

When I found that you were close to Ramón Alom Suarez, the recording engineer for early Murakami and José Luis productions, how small the world is. Or perhaps someone invisible is guiding me?

When I recorded with you guys in Cuba, I realized that for foreigners to record and produce Cuban music, it is important to have someone who understands the country’s musical knowledge. So definitely Ramón played an important role, I guess. There are many things I want to ask Ramon.

I heard that Cuba had a very difficult time in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. I read somewhere that it was difficult to make CDs in that era. On the other hand,  Japan was a time of economic prosperity.

I think music shines brightly in difficult times. At least, music has always been “hope” for me.

I think Ramon is a person who lived through the Cuban music of that era and the reality of Cuba. I told you I wanted to interview Ramon, but it would be difficult with my Spanish skills. The email I’m writing to you is written in Japanese, translated into English, and then translated into Spanish using Google Translate.

So, I have a favor to ask of you.

You have been surprised to see this site and learn that Ryu Murakami was so involved in Cuban music, didn’t you?

Let’s start with an interview with Ramon.

If you write in Spanish, I will translate it into English and Japanese and post it on the site. I plan to post my interactions with you on the site as well. Because it’s a “story”. I think why music is so wonderful because people make it, and it’s about people and their stories.

Let me know what you think.

Hermano, I am always grateful to you and send you a big hug.

I also send kisses and hugs to my family in Cojimar.

Please give my regards to Ramon as well.

Shoko

Hermana,

Perfect, I have already read everything you wrote to me, I will agree with Ramón and we will do the interview. Of course, the union of Japan and Cuba in music is worth making known. It is an incredible world. A hug sister.

Luis