Nobuyuki Tsujii
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I have not seen this movie, but I am familiar with its theme song, which goes by the same name. A very somber piece of music that’s capable of telling a story that we are all too familiar with. So when I saw that Nobuyuki Tsujii released a performance of him playing it, I had to listen.
I am very familiar with Nobu’s ability as both a pianist and a composer. Once he takes his seat at the piano, he is in full control. He knows his dynamics well and is capable of a wide range of intensity. Not only in volume, but in emotion as well. Nobu caught my eye a long time ago with a song that has two names: one being “Elegy for the Victims of the Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011” and the other being shortened to “Still We Live On.” This track was born while on tour around that same time. A month later, while in America, he was asked to perform an encore. And then it was born. An improvised piece with him at the piano.
I know it sounds like we got off topic, but I think it’s important to mention it, as this shows Nobu’s skill and ability as a pianist. He can bring out the emotion of any piece that he plays, be it his own or another’s.
Now, let’s dive into “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.” First off, it’s not a Christmas song. So don’t expect sleigh bells. This was originally composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto for the movie of the same name, and it serves as the leitmotif for the film and plays periodically throughout.
There’s a cold, somber winter feeling to the piece. Like what could have been for two people or a classic “right person, wrong time” dynamic. It makes you revisit your past mistakes and think of what you could have done differently. Even more so when the piece picks up in pace. Like that’s the imagined timeline where you did everything right and everything goes the way you’d want it to. Nobu’s skill is oozing out of my speakers here. His attention to detail is heard in every key. He just knows how to imbue his listeners with whatever emotion he wants them to feel. And I can’t think of anyone better to play this piece than him.
Ryuichi Sakamoto died back in March of 2023, and Nobuyuki Tsujii performed this piece as a tribute to him in 2025. There’s sadness following this performance. Not only in the music, but in the pianist, the composer, and the film it’s from. But I think it’s great to talk about this stuff too. These are all emotions we can relate to. It’s how we stay connected.
