Where is Masato?

Subject: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:30 AM

There are clues in other threads.... pls someone paste them here.... I hope to get good news about my friend while I am out of town on a trip and can only check HERE.

(Mudcat member not recently as active, lives in JAPAN, well-known music folklorist)

LIVE, Masato.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:39 AM

As I posted in the other thread:

Masato is professor emeritus at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, it seems. There are quite a few people with the same name. This Wikipedia page (on a Japanese version of Auld Lang Syne) makes it clear which is the right one:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aogeba_t%C5%8Dtoshi

I couldn't trace him using Hitotsubashi U's website. I have seen him listed as co-author of a few papers, but they aren't free to download and the abstracts don't give email addresses.

Perhaps it's time to use the Google People Finder?

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: ClaireBear
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:43 AM

You might ask Naemanson, who has met him in person and has better ways than most of us to get information from Japan.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:49 AM

I am praying for our old friend's safety. Masato, first chance you get, please check in. There are many here concerned for your safety.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 11:26 AM

Thanks all.

Yes, OUR friend.

Someone with time to pore thru FB might find him there. Lotta peeps same name, not all w/pix, but profiles might spot him.

Come to us, Masato.

~S~

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: maeve
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 11:30 AM

"About the Tohoku Earthquake off the Pacific Coast

The massive earthquake that occurred off the coast of the Northeastern (Tohoku) region of Japan on March 11, 2011 caused unprecedented damage and devastation. I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the many victims of this disaster.

Hitotsubashi University is working to confirm the safety of all University students. Please respond as soon as possible to the e-mail from the University sent to confirm the safety of each student. If you have any questions or require advice, please do not hesitate to contact the University.

The University is considering appropriate responses to the various problems arising from the disaster. As soon as decisions are made on such matters, details will be posted on this page. " from http://hit-u.ac.jp/eng/news/2011/0315_1.html
*********************************
It will take some time for the University to verify the safety and location of its students and current staff. We'll need additional patience to verify Masato's safety unless someone here has a way to contact him directly; I doubt the University would appreciate multiple emails from us.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: maeve
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 11:33 AM

From another thread:
**********************************
"Subject: RE: BS: 8.9 earthquake off Japan, tsunami
From: Naemanson - PM
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 03:28 AM

I met Masato several years ago. I know he lives in or around Tokyo so he was well clear of the tsunamis. He is also clear of the nuclear fallout for now.

As for him checking in on Mudcat I believe he had an elderly parent to care for plus he will be subject to the rolling blackouts.

I believe he is OK. "
************************************

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 12:09 PM

Thanks, Brett. If U speak pls give him my love.

~S~

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Little Robyn
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 02:26 PM

And from me too.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 02:27 PM

Ditto.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 03:06 PM

I have his address, though I don't know how much that might help. Since Google maps are static pix, I can't tell anything by looking at it. Sounds as though the university is doing as much as possible to locate all. Thanks for that info, maeve.

Masato, you have been missed before this. May you and yours be safe and well. Please post when you are able.

Thank you,

kat

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 09:22 PM

Masato,
If you need a safe place to stay, there is room for you and your family in Maine. We will sort out airfare. Just do what you have to to stay safe.
SINSULL
Portland, ME
PM me for specifics. Mary

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:46 PM

Masato, you HAVE been missed before this.

~S~
Puder bad

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Janie
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 11:18 PM

Echoing all the others.

Janie

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: georgeward
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 01:23 AM

As am I.

- George

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: masato sakurai
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 01:50 AM

Thank you, everyone. It was a severe earthquake, but I'm not injured at all.

Masato

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 02:37 AM

good to see you reporting in, Masato

sandra

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 04:00 AM

Good to hear from you, Masato.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 04:34 AM

私達は安全であることを幸せである

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 04:39 AM

It's a relief to hear from you, Masato. You are an important part of our community.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: maeve
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 05:57 AM

Thank you, Masato. This is good news indeed.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 08:03 AM

!!!!!

~S~

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:30 AM

Traveling, temporarily back on a puder WITH a keyboard-- much love to you, and please know that you continue in my thoughts and prayers as you, your friends, and most of all perhaps your family ride out this situation with your usual grace, wisdom, creativity, and compassion.

Remember that you take us all with you,

~Susan

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:32 AM

He sent me a PM and indicated that he is fine, as is his family. He is suffering from intermittent power outages, other than that he is OK.

Mick

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:41 AM

Masato-

A good post to read on a day of very troubling news.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 12:10 PM

Oh I'm so glad to hear this. I haven't met Masato, but he's one of the Mudcat family and I enjoy his posts. Good news!

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: open mike
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 12:50 PM

This is blessed good news!! (among all the bad news) Thank goodness you are o.k., Masato!

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 04:13 PM

"He is suffering from intermittent power outages . . .".


Believe me, I know the feeling.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: My guru always said
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 06:27 PM

Very glad to hear this news!

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 06:37 PM

Good news. I've been watching and waiting, too.

Linn

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Janie
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 06:43 PM

Good news! Hope all you hold dear are also safe, and my good thoughts for healing, recovery, and comfort of the heart for all the people of Japan.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Stewie
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 06:52 PM

Best wishes, Masato.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Genie
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 04:43 AM

Masato, I too am relieved and happy to know that you and yours are doing well and have not been hurt by the recent disasters in Japan.   I realize that the repercussions of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant damages may last longer and spread farther than we know so far, but I pray that you and your country will make it through this ordeal strong and vibrant.    You have been such a valuable contributor to our community and I hope that will continue for a long time to come.

Genie

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 10:14 AM

Good news amid so much trouble.
Thank you for posting.
Mary

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 07:52 PM

Great to see you're safe and well, Masato!
We have regular updates on your country's current problems here in Britain. It is very sad to see what's going on.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Haruo
Date: 18 Mar 11 - 04:13 PM

‚±‚Ì쳌î•ñ‚ÍŠm‚©‚ɘN•ñ‚Å‚·‚æ쳌I[This information is good news indeed!]

쳌t'j [Haruo]

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 06:35 AM

Still thinking of you, Masato.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 04:19 PM

What's new, Masato?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 07:26 PM

Masato Sakurai---When his name appears on a post, I have utter confidence in the scholarship and the accuracy of the information that is presented. Masato, I've thought of you much since the earthquake. I am glad we now have assurances right from you, that all is mostly well with you.

And Susan, thanks for seeing the need to start this good thread.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Haruo
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 08:33 PM

And I listened again recently to your wonderful gift CD, the compilation of variations on "Go tell Aunt Rhody" by JJ Rousseau... ;-)

Haruo

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 09:05 PM

And I too, out here in Idaho, am glad that you and yours are well. Many Japanese-Americans in our city are worried about their relatives; some have not heard from them yet. A student at the University received very bad news and flew home.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Joe_F
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 07:40 PM

When I am recommending the Mudcat to one of the surprisingly many people who haven't heard of it, I always say: If you have an obscure question about 19th-century American popular music, there's a fellow in Tokyo who will be right on top of it.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Haruo
Date: 03 Oct 13 - 02:52 AM

But where has he been since this thread?

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: bradfordian
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 07:28 PM

Masato Sakurai posted regularly on Mudcat upto 2011, on the occasion of an earthquake in Japan. One of our most erudite contributors, he has not been heard of since. There are those of us who know when the time is right to move on to other things, and those of us who will keep going as long as we can.
Unfortunately, sometimes there are those of us who feel a little loss when one of our number is no longer active on the site (and there are many of these who kept us enlightened and amused over the years). For the most part, we know where the story ends, but sometimes our inert curiosity just needs that closure...so Masato Sukurai (Mudcat contributor---for there may be others of the same name) where are you, how are you doing these days?
It would be re-assuring to know that you are ticking over well.
Certainly, if there were any plaudits for your Mudcat contributions, then you would justifiably be in receipt of many!

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 09:34 PM

Masa to Sakurai is one of the Mudcatters I have the most respect for. I pray he is OK. He is part of the fabric of this place. Thanks, Bradfordian, for this post. I hope he sees it and comes back to us.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 10:15 PM

Masato did post after the quake to say he was OK.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 14 - 06:10 AM

A Japanese Professor emeritus (which is who he is) might find the recent behaviour on this site rather demeaning, I'd be worried you may have lost his support. I work not far below that level and the morlocks here would dearly like to have a go at me recently. Robust debate is one thing, what's been going on here another, and he may have walked away: someone he values should contact him at his university and apologise - after sorting out the mess here.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: GUEST,Bob Coltman
Date: 03 May 14 - 07:50 AM

Masato, I for one miss your always enjoyable posts, and hope that the passage of time will allow you to resume informing and pleasing us all here at Mudcat.

With warmest best wishes,

Bob

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 May 14 - 07:11 PM

Why not contact him directly through his University email, Bob? You've not been involved in the offensive behaviour and you might help your interest by telling him certain people have calmed down here. I don't know for certain what's up, but as I work on the Warburg Institute at Research Fellowship level researching aspects of mediaeval and early renaissance philosophy, from the viewpoint of a pure academic I have been more than normally insulted myself by them, they went far beyond robust behaviour. The academic world can be rough too, true, but never so ill-behaved as recently here, and I can well imagine a Japanese professor may have been far more sensitive than a Brit.
It may equally be any number of other things, his work taking him in another direction, or I don't know what. But unless someone takes an initiative, you'll never find out and never be able to set matters right if they're wrong.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: bradfordian
Date: 04 May 14 - 05:51 AM

Guest, by implication, you appear to be saying "he is around". We trust he is ok too. We do not wish to pursue this to the nth degree, merely to know that he is "ok". I do not know who his employers are, so not able to contact by email
Not being an in depth reader of this forum, I do not know of the "offensive behaviour" to which you refer (apart from the usual trolls) -- and I wonder if you are inferring that any of this was directed at Masato. It's just that the question lies unanswered -- like someone lost the letter of resignation.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 04 May 14 - 06:48 AM

Offensive behaviour happens in certain (avoidable) threads. And not in others.

As far as I can recall (and I'm only going by memory), the conversations that Masato contributed so richly to were not on volatile topics where the nastiness tended to crop up. (Someone please don't post links if I'm wrong - I'll take your word for it!!)

Therefore, the flaming is easy to miss. If you want to miss it.

I've always appreciated Masato's wise and helpful input too, hope he is well, and would love to see him back.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 May 14 - 03:03 AM

maeve posted this earlier in the thread - blackouts will no longer be occurring but his elderly parent might still need care.

sandra



15 Mar 11 - 11:33 AM

From another thread:
**********************************
"Subject: RE: BS: 8.9 earthquake off Japan, tsunami
From: Naemanson - PM
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 03:28 AM

I met Masato several years ago. I know he lives in or around Tokyo so he was well clear of the tsunamis. He is also clear of the nuclear fallout for now.

As for him checking in on Mudcat I believe he had an elderly parent to care for plus he will be subject to the rolling blackouts.

I believe he is OK. "
************************************

Subject: RE: Wish I knew his email
From: Haruo
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 02:00 AM

There are substantive matters I would really appreciate his input on. Unfortunately I can't find an email listed at his former university, Hitotsubashi, where he was professor of English Linguistics and British and American Folklore. When one googles him most of the information is about a 27-year-old sports figure of the same name. I suppose there's just a chance the young ballplayer may know how to contact his namesake...

Subject: Question about Seattle The Peerless City
From: GUEST,Isolde, KUOW
Date: 18 Jun 14 - 06:43 PM

Dear Haruo,

I saw your comment from 2008 about the performance of Seattle the Peerless City.

We are going to perform it at KUOW's performance studios tomorrow morning and we were wondering if when you guys performed it you had the sheet music, or if you improvised the tune?

You can email me at [e-mail].

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 14 - 07:41 PM

He may have moved, there is a recent academic paper here bearing his name among the authors.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Janie
Date: 19 Jun 14 - 12:57 AM

Appears to not be an uncommon name in Japan, Guest. Do you have reason to think it is the same person who has contributed so much here on Mudcat? I hope so. He has been a fine contributor here. Hope all is well with him.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 14 - 02:46 AM

It is not likely two academics will publish under the same name, as a bad paper by one will damage the reputation of the other.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Jul 18 - 04:40 AM

I emailed Masato a couple weeks ago to check on him, but my email was returned as undeliverable. I did find an interesting article about one song he researched.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2011/01/26/national/popular-school-song-traced-to-19th-century-u-s-book/#.W0m07NJKiUk

Popular school song traced to 19th-century U.S. book
KYODO NEWS

JAN 26, 2011


A university professor in Tokyo says he has found the original version of a song that is often sung at graduation ceremonies in Japan in a music book published in the United States in 1871, clearing up a long-standing mystery about the song’s origins.

Masato Sakurai, a professor emeritus at Hitotsubashi University, said the melody and fermata musical notations of the original “Song for the Close of School” are exactly the same as the Japanese school song “Aogeba Totoshi,” which bids farewell to teachers and the years spent at school.

The words of the U.S. song were written by T.H. Brosnan and the music by someone known only as H.N.D., but there is little information about them, according to Sakurai, 67, who researches English philology as well as folk songs from Britain and the United States.

Sakurai has been conducting research on the original versions of school songs over the past 10 years and found the entry for “Song for the Close of School” earlier this month when he was looking at classic songbooks and carols.

The original song is about saying goodbye to friends and classrooms, according to Sakurai.

“There were no documents in Japan to help us track down the origin of the song and it is no longer known in the United States,” Sakurai said. “I hope more will be found out (about the song and the writers) in the future.”

---

Also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aogeba_T%C5%8Dtoshi

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Jul 18 - 07:09 AM

I hope he is (but fear he is not) enjoying retirennet somewhere full of his books.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: GUEST,Harpy
Date: 15 Jul 18 - 09:52 PM

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2011/01/26/national/popular-school-song-traced-to-19th-century-u-s-book/#.W0v3y4op




masato was 67 in 2011 so he
must be 74 now

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Haruo
Date: 19 Jul 18 - 11:43 PM

I wonder if someone at Hitotsubashi University can provide some info on him.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Jul 18 - 01:31 AM

Possible, Haruo - but I don't want to push too far and invade his privacy. You know I'm a retired investigator and I'm very good at tracking people down - but I also know when not to.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: keberoxu
Date: 20 Jul 18 - 03:40 PM

What a shame.
Masato's post here is his latest Mudcat post --
may it not be his last.

Subject: RE: Where is Masato?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Aug 18 - 01:45 PM

Refresh in case Masato looks in.

~S~