Maiko Horisawa
Exploring the Therapeutic Power of Music
I have always believed in the profound power of music, and I am deeply passionate about sharing it with those who need it most. Over the years, I have had the privilege of bringing music to people in hospice care, pediatric wards, and other settings where access to the healing power of music is limited.
A few years ago, I began receiving letters from those whose lives had been touched by my music. One mother, whose child suffers from muscular dystrophy, shared the story of how her son, who usually struggles to move, found the ability to dance to one of my songs. Others have shared how my music has helped them overcome sleep disorders, manage pain and find peace amid physical suffering.
Intrigued by these responses, a group of physicians initiated scientific research on my voice, exploring its potential to balance the autonomic nervous system. Remarkably, their studies revealed that 75% of participants experienced a shift in their brainwaves from a state of tension to relaxation after listening to my voice.
In recent years, research has also highlighted the potential of music to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. As an artist, I am encouraged by the growing body of evidence that supports the therapeutic use of music in healthcare and wellness. I am currently preparing to present these findings, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, at an upcoming academic conference.
meet in person and indirectly through music. I am delighted to have an opportunity to present an original song written in collaboration with the extraordinary songwriter Steven Argila. I look forward to sharing the song in person on the upcoming performances and look forward to contributing to the ongoing dialogue about how music can play a vital role in improving our health and well-being.
Maiko Horisawa
Biography
Maiko Horisawa is a major recording artist, songwriter, and lyricist. She is also an award-winning educator, entrepreneur, and author who has brought life-changing transformation experiences through her original voice and breathing methods.
After graduating from Kunitachi College of Music, one of Japan’s most prestigious conservatories, Horisawa honed her bel canto technique in Italy and mastered gospel singing in the U.S. A challenging battle with vocal polyps led to a loss of voice, but through resilience, she developed a unique vocal method, enabling a triumphant return. Her debut album, Sol Aura Vita (2001), topped the Healing Chart in Kansai, followed by acclaimed albums Wonderful World (2007), Ave Maria (2008), Re-Birth (2009), and Departure (2011).
In 2012, Horisawa ventured to Los Angeles, where she collaborated with legendary producer Steve Dorff, known for his work with Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, and Whitney Houston. Together, they created the album Kindred Spirits (2014), released by Yamaha, which debuted at number one in the Amazon New Age category.
Horisawa’s exceptional vocals have been featured in many film and television projects, including the Netflix series THE DAYS (2023) and film Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (2016). She has performed both domestically and internationally at renowned venues such as Blue Note and Cotton Club. Since 2017, she has been invited to perform in special ceremonies at some of Japan’s most significant shrines, including the Ise Grand Shrine.
In 2007, Horisawa founded Amato Musica in Tokyo, where she established a voice and self-development school. Her innovative, single-day transformation techniques, inspired by ancient Japanese martial arts, have guided over 10,000 students, including politicians and executives. This method can expand one’s vocal range by 2.5 octaves in just one day. Her bestselling book, Transforming Your Speaking and Singing Voice in a Day, has sold over 200,000 copies, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice and self-development coach with seven Amazon Japan bestsellers.
In 2023, Horisawa received the Higashi Kuninomiya Peace Prize for her contributions to music and global harmony.
About The Song
In Japanese mythology, there is a concept that deeply resonates with me: “I am you, and you are me.” This belief, that we are all living beings and fellow members of the earth regardless of our origins, inspires the way I write music, craft lyrics, and develop voice and self-improvement methods.
It has been my privilege to share in Mr. Hara’s profound vision for peace: “We are born to praise one another.” For over a decade, our friendship has been anchored in our strong commitment to promoting world peace. I actively support his vision through my efforts as a recording artist and educator. Together, we collaborate to create music that transcends boundaries, uniting us all in a shared sense of humanity.
"We Praise The World"
Today marks a day of change.
“We are born to praise one another.”
We can begin by praising ourselves, recognizing the goodness within.
Then, extend that praise to those with whom we find ourselves in conflict—
seek out something wonderful in them, and acknowledge it.
This simple act holds the power to create change.
Let’s make today a day to wish happiness for others. We all struggle, suffer,
love, learn from history, and dream.
By praising one another, we can grow together.
Step one is a courageous act of love.
Let us be the guiding light, leading others like the sun.
Collaborators
Steven Argila (Producer)
“It was such an honor to collaborate with Maiko Horisawa to create this special song. The song encourages us to find goodness within and extend that recognition to those around us, even in times of conflict. Maiko’s voice brings a special warmth and depth to this message, and I hope you enjoy this inspiring song.”
Biography
Steven is a songwriter, film composer, arranger and music director. As a graduate of The Juilliard School, his classical training equips him to excel across a wide spectrum of musical styles, ranging from orchestral scores to punk. . His work spans feature films, documentaries, animations, television series, video games, pop records, classical recordings, and musical theater. Notable projects include NBC’s hit series “Mad About You”, “Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict” and more.
Steve Dorff (Producer)
“I produced Maiko’s album “Kindred Spirits”. I have been lucky enough to collaborate with some amazing artists such as Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, Jermaine Jackson, and Whitney Houston. I enjoy my work very much. I know many great singers, and Maiko is one of the best.
She has a beautiful voice. “Kindred Spirits” is one of my favorite songs I’ve written over the years, and it is one of those special songs for me that has a magical aura about it, a perfect blend of music and lyrics. I was waiting for that special artist to come and sing this song.”
Biography
A three-time Grammy nominee and five-time Emmy Award-winning music producer, he has written and produced music for major artists such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, The Carpenters, Kenny Rogers, Cher, Alison Kraus and many Hollywood films. He has composed and produced music for Hollywood movies and artists such as Celine Dion.
Music is Education
I believe there are many parallels between education and music. Music has the power to inspire courage in the most troubled hearts, and a gentle melody can cultivate kindness even in times of conflict, transforming hearts and minds. Songs that promote peace can restore calm through deep breaths and foster a collective desire for harmony through the shared joy of singing together. I believe in the value of mutual respect and the role music can play in helping to build a society where harmony and joy are shared. Music is a truly unique art form, and I sincerely believe that music with meaningful lyrics is a form of education.
Creating an Art Olympics : A Vision of Cultural Harmony and Peace, seeking for those who are willing to support the vision
Ultimately, I envision an Art Olympics that transcends language, borders, and race. This would be an event that utilizes the educational power of music as art to share the beauty of diverse cultures from around the world, promote mutual respect, and accelerate the path to world peace. I propose a special moment where the world comes together to sing a theme song centered on the vision of peace.
Additionally, I aim to present this music to the United Nations as a gift for world peace, with all proceeds donated to humanitarian causes while using the highly sophisticated and sustainable music business system. I believe the Art Olympics can be a powerful opportunity to foster mutual respect and peace. If you know of anyone who can offer advice or introductions to help realize this goal, I would be deeply grateful.
Film & TV Works
Netflix Series “THE DAYS”
Film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
Disney+ Series “Gannibal”
Film “Corpse Bride”
NHK Taiga Drama Series “Kirin ga Kuru”
Video Game “Zone of the Enders”
Film “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV”
and many other projects
Contact us
【Music Video】Maiko Horisawa
Kindred Spirits Short Film MV『かけがえのないもの』
Written and Directed by Shinsuke Sato
