Kazu Matsui
Born in Tokyo in 1954, Kazu Matsui entered the Philosophy Department of Keio University before transferring to and graduating from the Department of Ethnic Arts at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
As a shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) performer, he contributed to numerous American films, including George Lucas’s Willow and Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun. Over the years, he has established himself as a music producer and performer, producing a wide range of CDs.
In 1988, he created a video report, America Now, addressing the crisis in the U.S. educational system and the breakdown of family structures. From 1990 to 1998, he served as a lecturer at Toyo Eiwa Junior College, teaching in the Department of Early Childhood Education. During this time, he delivered lectures on topics such as “Family Breakdown in Developed Societies” and “The Role of Educators” to childcare and education professionals as well as parents, warning of Japan’s trajectory following Western trends.
Between 2006 and 2010, he served as a board member for the Saitama Prefectural Board of Education, assuming the role of Chairperson from 2009 to 2010.
In 2008, the documentary film Sakthi Dancers and Sister Chandra, which he produced and directed, won the Gold Remi Award in the Feature Documentary category at the 41st WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival.
In 2023, his seventh book, Mama ga Ii! (Mom is the Best!), ranked number one in its genre on Amazon Japan.
In 2024, it also topped Amazon Japan’s Popular Gift Ranking.
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