On September 13th, it was revealed that actress Matsushita Nao has been invited to perform "Imagine" at the upcoming '12th John Lennon Super Live' memorial concert at the Nippon Budokan on December 8th.

Matsushita is not just an actress but also a gifted pianist. She commented, "It will be my first time to perform at the Budokan. I hope that I'll be able to enjoy it and won't be too nervous."

According to the announcement, the offer came directly from Yoko Ono herself. Yoko has been taking piano lessons since she was a child and sympathized with the actress/pianist.

It was revealed that Matsushita had been exposed to The Beatles a lot during her childhood thanks to both of her parents. This is also why she didn't hesitate to accept the offer. She said, "Back then, I loved listening to 'Long and Winding Road' and John's 'Woman'. Yoko is a cool woman, and I look up to her. My heart is probably going to race like crazy when I get to meet her in person."

Her rendition of "Imagine" will only be the second time in 10 years that the song gets performed at the 'Super Live'. The last performance was done by Sakamoto Ryuichi. Matsushita expressed, "I'm being enchanted by the melody line of the song even moreso than its lyrics and message. I wonder how I can add a personal note to it."

As usual, all of the proceeds will be used to support the construction of schools in developing nations. The past eleven concerts already helped to establish 117 schools in 28 countries. This year's proceedings are expected to help build at least another 10 schools.

With such a spirit in mind, Matsushita added, "Although I'm really not that great, I hope I'll be able to contribute through music. It would be great if my piano playing gave people energy and courage."

Aside from Yoko herself and Matsushita, you can look forward to performances by Ayaka, Anne, Okuda Tamio, Saito Kazuyoshi, THE HUMAN BEATS, Fujimaki Ryota, flumpool, Yoshii Kazuya, LOVE PSYCHEDELICO, ROY (THE BAWDIES), and many more. More performers and the complete set list of the '12th Super Live' have yet to be arranged and announced.

Sources: Sanspo (1,2), Official Website