Jiro tells youth don't be shy, learn from past

Japanese guitarist Yoshida Jiro

Yoshida Jiro, a jazz guitarist, preaches confidence and patience to young people as they try to find their path in life.

“Don’t be shy ... and learn from the past,” Jiro, 56, said in an interview with The Korea Times.

Jiro, who is in town for the 5th Culture Communication Forum, said he was initially shy to be among fellow cultural experts at the forum hosted by the Corea Image and Communication Institute.

“I was very nervous at first, but I’m glad I came here,” he said, where he had the chance to collaborate with 15 other cultural experts.

He added that young people need not rush to find an answer for everything.

Jiro, who received a master’s degree from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, has worked with the Joe Chambers Jazz Band and Phyllis Hyman’s group. He served as a musical director for the “Save the Rainforest” documentary, and has created music for television commercials. He said exploring different works of art helped him find new ideas and express his emotions more clearly.

Walking around Seoul for two days, Jiro said seeing the recently built Dongdaemun Design Plaza was impressive and awe-inspiring. He is a big fan of Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi-British architect who designed the building, which opened to the public in March.

Aside from his various works, he is known as a “humanitarian” where he was chosen as the 51st United Nation’s WAFUNIF goodwill ambassador. WAFUNIF stands for World Association of Former United Nations Internes and Fellows.

Having traveled to many countries, he feels that people, himself included, should do something to make the world a better place for future generations.

“Now I feel it is time we should think about how we can help this generation, not only with our music but with our actions. Doing this will lead to a better future in the long run.”