In October 2006, on the occasion of the Japanese release of the bilingual edition of Jim Kacian's Presents of Mind, a special performance of sections of the book was held in Kumamoto, featuring the author reading his poems, accompanied by Jeff Cairns, shakuhachi master and sensei. Inspired by the success of this performance, this pair convened at the recording studio of Richard Gilbert, chairman of the translation team Kon Nichi, which had created the translations of the book. Gilbert is also an experienced studio producer and recordist from his days in Los Angeles. Joining the group was Takke Kanemitsu, haiku poet and one of the translation team. This group recorded the entirety of Presents of Mind, featuring again the author reading each poem, followed by the Japanese version read by Kanemitsu, and concluded with a shakuhachi improvisation by Cairns.

"The CD is quite soothing and pleasant to hear. Such a recording puts me in the frame of mind to write haiku, even after a long stressful day at work.” Curtis Dunlap