I believe civilization and culture in the next millennium will go beyond the framework of art, religion, welfare, economy, politics and other pillars of advanced society. Economy has predominance in today's society, but recently many Japanese firms have become involved in corporate philanthropy by supporting artistic and cultural activities. Personally, in my work as a businessman, I have long been seeking a way of how I could contribute to the creation of welfare culture beyond the walls of economy, art, religion and politics.

Noh, an established Japanese traditional theatrical art form, was accomplished by Zeami, but we should not forget the role of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408), the third Ashikaga shogun, who was greatly taken by Zeami's performances and thereafter supported him. Yoshimitsu aided in the development of Zeami's musical and artistic talents. Zeami learned shomyo - Buddhist vocal music. I believe Yoshimitsu was able to discover Zeami's talent because Yoshimitsu himself was cultured. Likewise, in Europe the Renaissance prospered under the patronage of the Medici, Fugger and other families.

In order for arts and culture to be appreciated and promoted, it is essential for individuals to have an eye to appreciate and a mind to cherish them. Therefore, with that in mind, I studied Noh and now am qualified as a part-time professor at the Hosho school. Through the deep study and appreciation of Noh, I have also come to appreciate other Japanese traditional performing arts which are derived from this form, such as kabuki, nichibu or Japanese dancing, and instruments - kozutsumi (the small hand drum), ozutsumi (the large hand drum), fotosutsumi (the large drum standing on the floor) and fue (the flute). In opera, I recently graduated from Musashino Academia Musicae. Additionally, I began ballet lessons at the age of 42. Through these experiences of learning and performing, I came to realise the value and spirituality of the arts. I also came to appreciate calligraphy, Japanese-style painting and ceramic art, I enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremony as well. Likewise, I appreciate composition and conducting, and truly enjoy Western music and arts such as operas and classical music. ThatÕs why I remain a student of the arts. Through actual experience, one can come to understand the true beauty and difficulty of the arts, and thus appreciate and understand the worthiness of the great masters. For the individual, these are the essentials of culture.

Of course, what I am doing is not comparable to the achievements of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who discovered Zeami's talents and became his patron, or the Medici and Fugger families who appreciated and supported the abilities of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raffaello and others. Yet I believe the existence of such patrons is an integral part of the promotion of art and culture around the world. Financial assistance is not enough to genuinely support those who devote their lives to the arts. Patronising is also not sufficient. All should feel the wonder of art and culture by actually experiencing and genuinely appreciating it. If more people experience, appreciate, support and practise the arts, they will feel no better pleasure.

Every human being has to experience ageing and eventually death. I don't care a bit how much society ages, or how old I become, I am not afraid of death because those who live with the arts will be blessed with constant improvement, excitement, impression, happiness and fulfillment in their lives. This is my artistic spirit.

Haruhisa Handa Chairman,
International Foundation for Arts and Culture.