Sitting in the same room with Argentine accordionist Raul Barboza, you start to notice that even the way he speaks is musical.

"It is a joy to be alive," the 72-year-old says. "When I wake up in the morning I am always filled with a deep gratitude; my eyes are able to see and my ears are able to hear."

The Japan Times caught up with Barboza while he was in Tokyo to prepare for his Japan tour, which takes place in early December.