Japanese July 24, 2002: The 28th YMF starts tomorrow
	The 28th YMF starts tomorrow at last. We will join the festival as usual as volunteer members. We picked up Mr. Michio Kobayashi, a prominent harpsichordist and became a resident of Yufuin from this year, and headed to Tanaka Inn to see face to face with the artists over a wonderful dinner.
July 25, 2002: Eve
	A typhoon is closing to Yufuin. Early in the morning, we visited a nearby shrine before the meeting time. The shrine is called "Rokusho-Gu." Mt. Yufu soars high in the back.
In 1991, a big typhoon hit the area and blown down huge Japanese cedars totaling up to 144. Three largest roots are cut and displayed as the monument. The biggest one has nine meters in circumference and 55 meters in height, and had been standing more than 600 years, they say.
	Many carps in beautiful colors come close when the visitors go across the stone bridge.
Famous Yufuin coach stops at the shrine.
	The typhoon is approaching to us.
My husband went to Kobayashi's new house to pick him up and I headed to Yufuin central public hall in which the festival is held. Many beautiful flowers will be displayed in the hall.
	The flower arrangement is a big work.
Summer-like decoration has completed at the entrance of the stage.
	We could take a short break.
The rehearsals continue on the stage.
The weather has turned to storm at last, but many guests gathered to the hall. The eve has started at last. Mr. Kumpei Mizoguchi, the representative of the festival, makes a few words.
	All the artists showed up in the eve to boost up the atmosphere. The eve is open free to the residents.
Ms. Takei, the conductor of Medieval Music Association, emcees the eve. Natori Tamai, a violinist (above), and Iwahisa Kuroki, a contrabassist (right.)
	Fumiaki Kouno, the music director, and Michio Kobayashi played together a popular song "Karatachi-no-hana", or "trifoliate orange flower."
Today's album
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