"Dear All,
In the end of June, I was diagnosed with throat cancer.
After much thought and consideration,
I have decided to take time off of work
in order to concentrate on treating it.
I deeply regret causing so many people
considerable inconvenience.
However, the first wealth is health,
and hence this bitter decision.
I will not able to attend the fast approaching
First Sapporo International Art Festival 2014,
a project that I have spent the past
two painstaking years in preparation for.
I would like to express my sincerest apologies
to Fumio Ueda, the Mayor of Sapporo,
the citizens of the city,
the managerial staff, contributing artists,
and everyone who has helped realized this project.
Although I will be absent,
all of the programs will be of highest quality
-- this I promise.
I would like nothing more than for everyone
to enjoy the festival in my place.
Furthermore, I had planned a performance
on July 30th commemorating
Park Hyatt Tokyo's 20th anniversary.
I was looking forward to attending the anniversary
along with all of the guests,
and to present new material written for this occasion.
Therefore, it deeply upsets me
to have to cancel this concert
to have to cancel this concert
during a time of celebration.
I would like express my deepest apologies
to those involved in putting this together,
and to those who planned to attend the concert.
Lastly, I would like to apologize for all of the burden
I will undoubtedly be casting upon everyone
who has been working with me on various other projects.
Please bare with me while I regain my health.
I promise to return after a full recovery.
Thank you very much.
July 10th, 2014
