# From “Sabre Dance” to “Skater’s Waltz” — At 68, Finding a Small Sign of Recovery Through Music and Kanji July 15, 2026 (Wednesday) Reiwa8

## Introduction

Today, I became very interested in the classical music being played in the first-floor lobby and dining room of Matsuyama Eden no Sono.

I had heard the piece before, but I did not know its title.

After looking it up, I discovered that it was Khachaturian’s “Sabre Dance.”

## Music That Makes You Feel “Something Is About to Begin”

The intense rhythm at the beginning, like “ta-ta-ta-ta-ta…”

I am not a music expert, but the moment I heard it, I felt, “Something is about to begin.”

Rather than feeling like traditional classical music, it felt as if I were watching a scene from a stage performance or a movie.

In fact, “Sabre Dance” is a piece from the ballet music Gayane, and it represents a dance by warriors holding sabres.

That must be why the tension and powerful energy of the music remained so strongly in my mind.

Even when we do not know a piece of music, sometimes our hearts respond first.

Learning the title of the piece has given me even more pleasure in imagining the story and background behind the music.

## “Skater’s Waltz” in My Room

Now, in my room, I am practicing “Skater’s Waltz” little by little.

Rather than truly playing the piano yet, I am still at the stage of searching for the right notes and moving my fingers.

I am not good at it.

But I enjoy it.

At the age of 68, I can encounter unfamiliar music and create sounds with my own hands.

I think that alone makes the time very meaningful.

## Today’s Kanji: “Kaihou” (Recovery)

Today, I also wrote the kanji “快方” (kaihou).

The expression “快方に向かう” means that an illness or injury is gradually moving in a better direction.

For me, while I am still recovering from my left shoulder fracture, these two characters had a very special meaning.

There are still days when I feel pain, but little by little, the things I can do are increasing.

Touching the piano, listening to music, and writing kanji.

If I can move just a little forward compared with yesterday, I think that is enough.

Looking at the two characters “快方,” I felt that not only my body but also my heart is moving toward a better place.

Today, I also wrote the kanji “解放” (release/freedom).

As the pain and limitations of my body gradually change, I feel that my heart is also beginning to expand little by little.

Rather than comparing myself with others, I want to keep moving forward from the person I was yesterday.

Music, words, and learning may all be like small wings that help me move ahead.

After this, I will relax my body in the massage chair and then go to dinner.

I am grateful for being able to spend another day in my own way.

#ChallengesAt68  
#ClassicalMusic  
#SabreDance  
#SkatersWaltz  
#PianoPractice  
#KanjiPractice  
#Recovery  
#LifelongLearning  
#SmallJoys