. >>> world renowned russian conductor gergiev was in japan for concerts. the maestro took time to sit down with nhk world. he spoke about his longtime interest in japan and the cu cultural ties with his home country. ♪ >> reporter: gergiev is considered one of the greatest conductors in history. he's no stranger to japan. he's visited here more than 100 times. he spoke with us before a rehearsal. >> i'm very, very used to performing in japan from 1984 when i was totally unknown here. so it's a big part of my musical life. >> reporter: gergiev even held a special concert for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. ♪ >> i love japanese culture. i love the spirit, in many ways quietness but also concentration and focus, discipline. and then japan also can be very near fairy tale devotion spirit to music. >> reporter: he's passionate about bringing together musicians in the asia pacific region. in july the maestro organized the international festival in eastern city of vladovstock. >> we saw fantastic potential in cooperation with the asia pacific r