Maya Lullaby
My mother was born in Kyoto in 1926 as ‘Masako’, but we always called her ‘Maya'.
Although now very old, she still lives on her own in her old house. Yet she still enjoys an independent life.
My mother has always been very active and curious, which at the time was not a given for women in Japan.
She was a singer of French chansons and worked in the Bungakuza Theatre in Tokyo. She also wrote several screenplays for television dramas.
In her thirties, she fell in love with my father who was the son of Korean immigrants. As a result of this, she became active in defending human rights.
She often told me about the life of my maternal grandmother who had suffered under the patriarchy. Indeed, my mother's family came from the conservative haute bourgeoisie of Kyoto. Yet this is also why Maya became interested in feminism. She did extensive research on the history of the status of women in Japan and published books on the subject.
Nevertheless, her performances and publications remained fairly limited. In site of all, she always kept a positive spirit. For her, independence and freedom have always been paramount.
But for the past few years, Maya has been living detached from everything that is not essential. She appreciates nature, some simple food, songs, a short walk. In short, everything her senses offer her on a daily basis. Because everything is nothing and nothing is everything…
I also kindly invite you to take a look the slideshow Maya Lullaby.
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