The title of Kitaro's 1998 release pays tribute to our planet. The title loosely translates to Goddess of the Earth or Mother Earth. This was Kitaro's first studio release in four years since Mandala.

The tracks resonate with the history embodied in some of Mother Earth's most precious gifts, pre-Columbian wind and percussion instruments dating back to the 1300's. These instruments are used in Kitaro's music to connect the old with the new. Wood is the natural building block supplied by Mother Earth and used to create virtually everything humans need; from fire, to shelter, to shrines & to music.

This new album is based in part on chanting meant to facilitate communications with nature. Much of Gaia music was inspired by Kitaro's witnessing of the "On Bashira" or "Mi Hashira" festival in Japan.

The music here is derived from the festival's activities. Every seven years, eight selected groups of individuals are chosen to be spiritually cleansed. They participate in cutting eight individual trees. Prior to cutting, participants ascend a mountain and, in an attempt to spiritually connect, speak with the heavens through the trees. As people watch and become physically involved in the activity, the trees are allowed to fall down the mountain. The trees eventually become one of eight posts, the cornerstones and foundation of the ceremonial shrine. Through these events, respect is attained as nature helps these individuals become in touch with themselves.

(The album cover reflects Gold Lake from Kitaro's previous home at Ward, Colorado at 9,200 feet)

Record Tracks:

01. Yamadashi
a) Tanne
b) Prayer
02. Misty
03. Gaia
04. Wood Fairy
05. Satobiki
06. Kiotoshi