Commissioned for the 18th Regular Concert of the J.S.B. Band (Kagoshima), this work is dedicated to the memory of the young pilots of the Chiran Special Attack Corps. Through this requiem, the composer and the ensemble hope to ensure that the reality and memories of these young men will never fade through the power of music."Every day, newspapers and television report the number of victims lost to wars and acts of terrorism. Yet for those of us who have never experienced war ourselves, can we truly understand the weight of those lives lost? This question became the starting point for commissioning this work.

Shortly after the opening of the Chiran Peace Museum, I lived in Chiran. I had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from a former special attack pilot who had devoted himself to preparing the museum for its opening. The stories he shared left an unforgettable impression on me, one that remains vivid even today. I have always carried those thoughts within me: 'Someday, perhaps these truths could be passed on to future generations through music.'

Twenty years later, I encountered composer Masamicz Amano. When I shared my wish and asked him to compose such a work, he graciously accepted.

Soon afterward, we traveled together to Chiran, where, with the cooperation of the town, we spent several hours touring the Chiran Peace Museum and listening to detailed explanations. During the visit, I glanced at Mr. Amano and saw large tears running down his cheeks. On the drive back, he said to me with conviction, 'Mr. Higashi, I promise I will compose a truly meaningful piece.' I replied, 'Thank you,' and at that moment I felt from the bottom of my heart that I had made the right decision in asking him - a feeling I still remember as vividly as if it were yesterday.

Perhaps none of us can ever arrive at a definitive answer regarding history, war, or the justification of the special attack missions. Even among our own members, some struggled emotionally with performing this piece. However, rather than debating right or wrong, I believe what we can do today is ensure that the historical reality of the Chiran Special Attack Corps is never forgotten and is passed on to future generations.

It is our sincere hope that through music, something of these truths and memories will reach all who listen, and that this work may offer an opportunity to reflect once again on the value of peace."

( Hisateru Higashi, Resident Conductor, J.S.B. Band)