We just got back to our hotel after an amazing day of filming. We started the day in Happoen Garden, a lush oasis amidst the urban sprawl of downtown Tokyo. We could not have asked for a more picturesque location to record in than here, amidst the buzz of cicadas, the whisper of the wind through the trees, and the occasional splash of coy from the pond. We almost forgot that we were still in Tokyo– but nearby skyscrapers occasionally poked their heads through gaps in foliage, reminding us where we were… It was incredibly hot work, but the staff of Happoen Garden were kind and accommodating, even going so far as to supply us with towels soaked in ice water to help combat the sweltering heat.

In the middle of the afternoon we changed locations, trading the natural beauty of Happoen Garden for a view of Tokyo Bay, with the city’s majestic skyline rising behind it. We arrived at dusk and filmed into the night, trading natural light for the city’s warm tungsten glow. As the sky continued to darken, the bay slowly filled with brightly lit boats enjoying a Summer evening’s cruise. At long last we completed our recording for the day, and returned to our hotel to rest up and prepare for what is yet to come.

It is fantastic being able to add Japanese musicians to our new Songs Around the World, and we can’t wait to get back to work again tomorrow! And speaking of tomorrow, please stay tuned as we will be launching a new episode in the next 24 hours!

Peace and Love from Tokyo!

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