b'C E L E B R I T Y S P O T L I G H T I N T E R V I E W Kishi BashiMusician/FilmmakerKaoru Ishibashi, professionally known as Kishi Bashi,embarks on a captivating musical and historical journey in his documentary A SONG FILM BY KISHI BASHI: OMOIYARI. This renowned composer and songwriter explores the profound legacy of WWII-era Japanese Incarceration in the United States, probing themes of assimilation and the con-temporary struggles faced by minorities in America. He crafts his narrative through improvisational music and storytelling, weaving never-before-seen archival footage from the camps with visually stunning narratives. OMOIYARI is a filmic en-deavor that pushes the boundaries of documentary structure by seamlessly connecting music with the nuance of the human experience of others, as well as himself. Along the way, Kishi Bashi reconciles with his own Japanese American identity whileAbove: Composer Kishi Bashi performs from the scene fromproviding viewers with a unique perspective on how history canthe film A SONG FILM BY KISHI BASHI: OMOIYARIteach us about ourselves with a harmony all its own. Courtesy of MTV Documentary FilmsQ: Could you share how your collaboration with Justin and Q: How did visiting internment camps andthe evolution of OMOIYARI from a symphonic piece to interviewing former prisoners influence the a song film took shape?emotional tone and composition of your music A: You know, at the start, we envisioned a simple short film to for OMOIYARI, and what were the challenges in complement my symphonic piece. But as we delved deeper into choosing the musical style and structure? the project, something extraordinary happened. I found myself A: Initially, my compositions were a reflection of the growing more connected to my Asian American identity, and solemnity and anger that surrounded this history. Justin was there capturing every moment. OMOIYARI However, the more I connected with the stories, the naturally emerged from that journey. more I realized the depth of love, resilience, and loyalty to the United States that existed within those camps, often untold in other historical coverage. It was a challenging journey to balance the musical style that wasnt coming through as bitter or angry, Q: When did you decide to expandbut then again, I look at the world as an optimist. I the project beyond a behind-the- knew I wanted to highlight the positive aspects of scenes project into something their experiences, even in the face of adversity. that encompassed more of the Japanese American Internment Camp history?A: It was a gradual realization. As weQ: Your journey towards understanding your own explored the stories and experiencesJapanese American identity is a significant theme within the internment camps, I felt ain OMOIYARI. Do you feel that youve madeprofound shift happening within meprogress in figuring out this aspect of yourself?and the music. This became a vesselA: Absolutely. Over the years, Ive come a long way for unearthing these intricate layersin embracing my Japanese American identity. Its of history, identity, and emotion. As alike Ive found a missing piece of myself. Seeing the piece of art, OMOIYARI transformedincreasing acceptance of multiculturalism in our over time into something much moresociety has given me the confidence to embrace my profound. heritage as an essential part of who I am today. I am Japanese, and I am American. 18 visionsFall 2023 Sumitomo Corporation of Americas'