COMMUNITY

SUPPORTERS

  1. Sayuri Yoshinaga
    Sayuri Yoshinaga

    PROFILE

    Debuted in 1957 with the radio drama "Akadō Suzunosuke". First appeared in a film in 1959 with "A Whistle Calling the Morning", and has appeared in 123 films, from "A Town with a Cupola" and "Looking at Love and Death" to his latest work "Hello, Mother". First performed with director Ryuichi Sakamoto at the NHK Hall "Bonds to Peace Concert" in 2010, and has held "non-war, non-nuclear" concerts throughout Japan and overseas. Released four CDs with themes of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Okinawa, and Fukushima in the CD "Second Movement".

    MESSAGE

    When I look at the moon and the stars, I wonder from where Sakamoto is watching over us.

    I would like to deliver the powerful and beautiful performances of the young people of Tohoku to director Sakamoto forever and ever.

    I want to grow together with TYO and I will walk together with all the members who want to grow.

  2. Non
    Non

    PROFILE

    Actor and artist. Active in a wide range of genres including music, film production, and art.

    In 2016, she voiced the main character Suzu in the animated feature film "In This Corner of the World," and won the Special Jury Award at the 38th Yokohama Film Festival. In February 2022, she will release the film "Ribbon," which she wrote, directed, and starred in (specially invited to the GALA section of the 24th Shanghai International Film Festival). In September of the same year, she won the "Best Actress Award" at the 46th Japan Academy Awards for her role in the film "Sakanako," which was released. In December 2024, she will appear in the film "A Hotel Worth Itself," and in February 2025, she will appear in the live-action drama "Happy Kanako's Hitman Life" on DMMTV.

    In terms of music, she will release her second full-length album "PURSUE" in June 2023.
    In 2024, she won the 16th Itami Juzo Award.

    MESSAGE

    To everyone in the Tohoku Youth Orchestra

    I am deeply impressed by the way you have overcome the disaster, deepened your bonds through music, and grown stronger.

    When I perform the readings with you, I receive a lot of energy. Your beautiful performance, full of youthful energy, and your reliable appearance as you forge ahead toward a bright future inspire me to do my best.

    Please continue to bring courage to many people through your music.
    I will also do my best, using the power I have received from everyone at TYO.

  3. Mari Watanabe
    Mari Watanabe

    PROFILE

    Born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture in 1967. After graduating from Yokohama Futaba Gakuen and International Christian University, he joined TBS as an announcer in 1990 and went freelance in 1998.Currently narrates TV Tokyo's "Unknown Gulliver" (every Saturday from 6pm).Writes a column about sweets in the "Marie Room" column of the Hobonichi Itoi Shimbun and narrates "Hobonichi School."

    Hobonichi HP: https://www.1101.com/
    Watanabe Mari HP: https://www.watanabemari.com

    MESSAGE

    After seeing the instruments broken in the earthquake, Sakamoto Ryuichi started repairing them so that the children could get back into their club activities, and the following year he held a recital so that they could show off the results of their practice.
    From the stage, which included everything from choral to rock to idol songs,"It was so much fun!" "I'll definitely practice and get better!"I'll never forget the sight of the children returning to the wings of the stage with sparkling sweat and smiles,and Director Sakamoto watching over each and every one of them.From these activities, the seeds of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra were born,and through repeated practice and performances, it has gradually spread its rich branches and leaves.We were often surprised by the difficulty of the pieces that the director assigned to them.But that was because, rather than any consideration that they were disaster-stricken children,it was because of the determination to grow strong together in front of music, equally and　sincerely.So every note played by the children is filled with Director Sakamoto's hopes and spirit.

  4. Mari Adachi
    Mari Adachi

    PROFILE

    Guest principal viola player of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. 

    MESSAGE

    We first met at Dai Fujikura's composition workshop. I was amazed at how everyone was able to create songs with such free and open ideas. I am always encouraged by the way the Tohoku Youth members, who are like a big family of all ages, take music seriously. I will never forget the innocent look in Sakamoto's eyes as he looks at them with excitement. I will continue to support you!

  5. Oko Arai
    Oko Arai

    PROFILE

    Graduated from the Department of Musicology and Composition at the Faculty of Music, Tokyo University of the Arts. Selected for an International Emmy Award for the composition of an NHK educational program.

    He has composed many concerts for the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra, and NHK Symphony Orchestra, as well as music programs such as "Untitled Concert" and "Tokyu Silvester Concert." He is the general director of the Yokohama Music Festival. He was involved in inclusive arts research at Tokyo University of the Arts and developed the "Anyone Can Play Piano®︎," an instrument that can be played with one finger. His publications include "Ohanashi Classical" (Arte Publishing) and "Musician's Story" (Ongaku No Tomosha). He is a visiting professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, the University of Tokyo, and Senzoku Gakuen College of Music. Director of Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.

    MESSAGE

    To communicate is to connect. People with diverse backgrounds engage in dialogue toward a common goal, accept differences with others, and co-create through musical works. That is an orchestra. I think the wonderful thing about orchestra activities is that you can learn about the connection between music and society. The Tohoku Youth Orchestra, which was launched at the suggestion of Ryuichi Sakamoto, has gone beyond being a reconstruction support project for the earthquake disaster to become a place where the minds and bodies of young people can circulate and stay forever fresh.

  6. Yoshihide Otomo
    Yoshihide Otomo

    PROFILE

    Musician

    MESSAGE

    I still vividly remember performing together with Sakamoto-san and the Tohoku Youth Orchestra in 2013, conducting an improvised performance. Everyone's smiles and the serendipitous music and sounds that emerged from them created the most wonderful atmosphere, unique discords, and harmonies. I would be delighted if we could collaborate again in some form in the future. 
    I look forward to it!

  7. Fuminori Maro Shinozaki
    Fuminori Maro Shinozaki

    PROFILE

    Nicknamed "Maro". He was taught by his parents from the age of three and entered the Vienna Conservatory in 1981. The following year, he made his concert debut at the Konzerthaus. After returning to Japan in 1988, he served as concertmaster for the Gunma Symphony Orchestra and the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, and became concertmaster for the NHK Symphony Orchestra in 1997. Since then, he has been active both domestically and internationally as the "face of the NHK Symphony Orchestra." "MARO World" started at Ginza Oji Hall in 2004. The string ensemble "Maro Company" was formed from this series. For these achievements, he received the "33rd Music Pen Club Music Award in 2020". In addition, he was the youngest person ever to receive the Kitakyushu Citizens' Culture Award in 1979, the Fukuoka Prefecture Culture Award in 2001, and the Arima Award in 2014.

    In 2024, he will release his first picture book, "Music is Magic," and an essay, "The Moment Music Exceeds Human Understanding."

    MESSAGE

    "Life is bright because we have dreams"
    Music is equal for everyone, and through its reproduction and transmission, it gives many dreams. It also allows us to share joy, anger, sorrow and happiness with people all over the world, regardless of language, race, religion or generation.
    I grew up hearing my parents tell me, "If you play music, you can make friends all over the world!" Thanks to that, I was blessed with many wonderful encounters and irreplaceable experiences.
    I hope that music will continue to be a part of each member's life, that the orchestra's performances will give dreams and hope to many people, and that it will become a bridge connecting the world. Let's all work together to increase the number of good people on Earth!

  8. Kazune Shimizu
    Kazune Shimizu

    PROFILE

    He studied under Louis Hiltbrand at the Geneva Conservatory. In 1981, at the tender age of 20, he won the piano category at the Long-Thibaud International Competition in Paris, and also won the Recital Prize. He has performed with many famous orchestras and conductors both in Japan and abroad, and has been active in a wide range of fields. He is also active in the field of chamber music, and has earned the trust of his co-performers. He has released many CDs to date. He boasts a wide repertoire including Chopin, Beethoven, and Rachmaninoff, and in 2021 he will celebrate his 40th anniversary of his debut and is active as one of Japan's leading pianists.

    MESSAGE

    I still remember the performance of "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" that we performed together. I hope that you will continue to carry on Ryuichi Sakamoto's thoughts for a long time. I'm rooting for you.

  9. Shota Nakano
    Shota Nakano

    PROFILE

    From 1999, he studied at the Juilliard School Pre-College. After graduating from the Juilliard School Graduate School in 2009, he was awarded the 15th Idemitsu Music Award.

    He has performed with the NHK Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Dutoit, the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kenichiro Kobayashi, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Seiji Ozawa, and the NHK Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ashkenazy, among others.

    In recent years, he has been the soloist in Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" conducted by Eiji Oue with the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, and Ryuichi Sakamoto's "Mediterranean Themes" conducted by Kah-Chung Wong with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, to great acclaim. He has also appeared in Schonfield's "Four Parables" conducted by Jonathan Nott with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, and "Einstein on the Beach" held at Kanagawa Prefectural Hall. His performance with the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, which the late Ryuichi Sakamoto devoted his efforts to, was broadcast on TV and other media. His rich expressiveness and transparent tone, backed by his overwhelming technique, are highly praised.

    Based on classical music, he has expanded the scope of his musical activities to include composing, arranging, and jazz performance.

    He served as a lecturer at the Hamamatsu International Piano Academy in 2023, following 2021.

    MESSAGE

    I am very honored to be appointed as a supporter of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra. The days and moments of our performance together at the memorial performance for Director Ryuichi Sakamoto in March 2024 are still deeply engraved in my heart. I was deeply impressed by how each member of the orchestra cherished their own will and faced the music, and the thoughts of Director Sakamoto. Their performance conveyed an endless passion for music, and it was a happy moment to play music together. I hope I can be of some help so that this wonderful orchestra's activities can continue in the future.

  10. Tatsuki Narita
    Tatsuki Narita

    PROFILE

    Second place at the Long-Thibaud International Music Competition (2010) and the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition (2012). He has performed with many famous conductors and orchestras in Japan and abroad, receiving high praise, and has also demonstrated his overwhelming technique and diverse expressiveness in recitals and chamber music. He also actively collaborates with contemporary composers, and in September 2022 recorded Ryuichi Sakamoto's "Sonata". The instrument he uses is the Stradivarius "Tartini" (on loan from the Munetsugu Collection).

    MESSAGE

    I had the opportunity to perform with the Tohoku Youth Orchestra in March 2024. It was a truly happy and precious memory.
    The Tohoku Youth Orchestra is an orchestra unlike any other in the world, with Ryuichi Sakamoto's free spirit reflected in its sound. I hope that they will continue to cherish that spirit.
    It was wonderful to see all the members, who are passionately trying to feel what it means to make music, regardless of generation or era, and transcending history and time. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of work you will do in the future. I will continue to support you.

  11. Rina Matsuda
    Rina Matsuda

    PROFILE

    1st place in the 10th Japan Mozart Music Competition. In 2002, he held a solo recital at Toppan Hall with the theme "16-year-old Ysaye player". 1st place in the 73rd Japan Music Competition, 2007 Sarasate International Competition diploma award. He studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts Music High School and the Toho Gakuen School of Music Soloist Diploma Course, and graduated from the Nuremberg University of Music in Germany and completed the graduate school. In addition to major orchestras in Japan, he has performed with numerous orchestras and famous conductors such as the Hungarian National Philharmonic, Janacek Philharmonic, Suk Chamber Orchestra, and Vietnam Symphony Orchestra.

    MESSAGE

    In 2024, we performed together at joint practice and on stage in Tokyo, and I was deeply impressed by this warm and wonderful youth orchestra that shares the will and thoughts of the professor, and the power of music to move and connect hearts. We hope that it will continue to build history with its unique beauty, strength, and joyful atmosphere.

  12. Miho Hazama
    Miho Hazama

    PROFILE

    Graduated from the Kunitachi College of Music and the Manhattan School of Music Graduate School. Made his major debut as a jazz composer in 2012. Received the Idemitsu Music Award in 2014. His album "Dancer in Nowhere" was nominated for the 2020 Grammy Awards. He has been the principal conductor of the Danish Radio Big Band since 2019, and the permanent guest conductor of the Metropole Orchestra in the Netherlands in 2020.

    In 2023, he will release his 10th anniversary album "Beyond Orbit".

    MESSAGE

    I was feeling disheartened and thinking, "When people are hit by unprecedented disasters, musicians are so powerless," when I heard about the Tohoku Youth Orchestra from Ryuichi Sakamoto. The Tohoku Youth Orchestra has proven that music can nourish people's hearts, and it is a great hope for me that has made me realize the great power of music, which is invisible to the naked eye. I hope that the orchestra will continue to convey through music the love of making music and the joy of performing together and sharing that joy with everyone.

  13. Takayuki Tsujii
    Takayuki Tsujii

    PROFILE

    Former Patagonia Japan Branch President / Ex-Patagonia Japan GM

    MESSAGE

    I would like to wholeheartedly support the community-oriented, heartfelt activities that have continued since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

  14. Yosuke Yamashita
    Yosuke Yamashita

    PROFILE

    In 1969, he formed the Yamashita Yosuke Trio, making a huge impact on the jazz world with his free-form, energetic performances. He has enthusiastically performed with jazz artists from Japan and abroad, as well as with Japanese drummers and symphony orchestras in other genres. In 2019, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Yamashita Yosuke Trio. In 2020, he released the solo piano album Quiet Memories. In 2024, he received the Mainichi Art Award.

    Official website：https://www.jamrice.co.jp/yosuke/

    MESSAGE

    At the request of Ryuichi Sakamoto, we performed Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" together at the first Tohoku Youth Orchestra concert in 2016. I was able to participate in the training camp just before the concert, and I was deeply moved by seeing so many young Tohoku musicians enthusiastically facing music.
    Please continue to convey the joy, strength, and beauty of music to the world, without forgetting the feelings that Director Sakamoto has entrusted to the Tohoku Youth Orchestra.

PARTNERS

Digital Garage, Inc.Kakaku.com, Inc.

ADVISORS

  1. Dai Fujikura
    Dai Fujikura

    PROFILE

    Composer

    MESSAGE

    "My encounter with the Tohoku Youth Orchestra began when Ryuichi-san asked me, 'Would you be able to lead a composition workshop, like Dai-kun is doing with El Sistema Japan in Fukushima, for our Tohoku Youth?' Ryuichi Sakamoto has been my hero since childhood. Since meeting him in 2009, he always treated me warmly. I am happy to be able to support, even if just a little, the Tohoku Youth Orchestra activities that Sakamoto cherished so much.”

  2. Marihiko Hara
    Marihiko Hara

    PROFILE

    Musician

    MESSAGE

    When I first heard the Tohoku Youth Orchestra perform, I felt the beautiful sound that Director Sakamoto treasured amid the fading sound. Then this year, I was blessed with the opportunity to perform with them at Horyuji Temple in Nara Prefecture, and as the sound of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra rose up, I felt my body being enveloped in the joy of music. I look forward to thinking about and creating music together with them in the future.

  3. Akira Asada
    Akira Asada

    PROFILE

    Critic, Professor at Kyoto University of the Arts

    MESSAGE

    It's sometimes said that "In times of crisis, protecting life and rebuilding livelihoods are urgent tasks, while music and other arts are non-essential." However, people who manage to survive a crisis often seek art as one of the things that "makes life worth living," alongside basic necessities. The Tohoku Youth Orchestra, founded by Ryuichi Sakamoto after the Great East Japan Earthquake, has responded to this fundamental human need. It has carried out remarkable activities for "emotional recovery" and beyond, aiming towards new creations. 
    I sincerely hope that it will continue to bloom in a rich tapestry of hues in the future.

  4. Jun'ichi Konuma
    Jun'ichi Konuma

    PROFILE

    Music and Cultural Critic, Poet, and Professor at Waseda University

    MESSAGE

    A diverse group of people, differing in age, personality, quirks, and instruments, come together to perform a "piece" that exists within a specific timeframe. This experience is available from a very young age. The Tohoku Youth Orchestra provides such a precious opportunity. Through playing together, one can reflect—both physically and cognitively—on others, oneself, and the atmosphere (the space and time). Not everyone has the chance to have this experience. I hope this valuable opportunity will be carefully nurtured and developed. That is my sincere wish.

FORMER MEMBERS

  1. 2024 9th term
  2. 2023 8th term
  3. 2022 7th term
  4. 2021 6th term Inactive due to spread of new coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
  5. 2020 5th term
  6. 2019 4th term
  7. 2018 3rd term
  8. 2017 2nd term
  9. 2016 1st term

PICKUP FORMER MEMBERS

  1. Violin　Mio Naito

    Obstetrician-Gynecologist

    I'm currently an obstetrician-gynecologist, but I feel that I was able to learn at TYO the importance of communicating with people involved, regardless of their profession. I hope that all of you who love music will continue to carry on this orchestra that Director Sakamoto created. I'm rooting for you!

  2. Violin　Akane Hatakeyama
    Violin　Akane Hatakeyama

    JA Kyosai staff

    I served as captain for two or three terms. As captain, I was in an organization with a wide range of ages, so I had many opportunities to communicate with a large number of diverse people, which was stimulating. In particular, as captain, I was conscious of "acting for the members" and "conveying the same thing in a way that suits the person." I am currently a member of JA Kyosai, which was sponsored by TYO, and I am working hard to be a part of it even after graduating. I hope that the orchestra will always remember the love from the director.

  3. Violoncello　Hidetoshi Abe
    Violoncello　Hidetoshi Abe

    Office worker

    I first met Director Sakamoto when I participated in the Lucerne Festival Ark Nova Matsushima 2013, and then joined TYO. The concert in Kumamoto was the most memorable. I think it was a concert that allowed TYO, which had been on the receiving end of support, to become the supporter. I think it was an opportunity to appeal to people far away that the reconstruction of Tohoku, which had suffered enormous damage, was progressing steadily, and it was a moment that led to the emotional reconstruction of the local people. I think this project, which allowed those affected by the 3.11 earthquake and those affected by the Kumamoto earthquake to cooperate with each other and move forward, was very meaningful.

  4. Contrabass　Ryusuke Kaneko
    Contrabass　Ryusuke Kaneko

    Elementary school teacher

    I joined TYO at the invitation of a friend. Although I was affected by the Fukushima disaster, I did not suffer serious damage, so I did not have a good understanding of the disaster. However, by participating in performances at various locations as a volunteer performer and learning about the disaster-stricken areas, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the disaster. I feel that performing in the disaster-stricken areas and interacting with people from various backgrounds in the orchestra are useful in my current job. I hope that you will enjoy your activities to the fullest so that we can all come together as one as TYO.

  5. Contrabass　Asuka Yoshida

    School administrative staff

    When the first term was established, I was invited to join TYO because they didn't have enough double basses. I was put in charge of the section leader, and I always tried to make it easy for the other members to play. I wasn't originally from Tohoku, but through my experiences at TYO and memories with various people, I grew attached to Tohoku, and decided to get a job in Tohoku to show my gratitude and give back to the people of Tohoku. To all the current students, Director Sakamoto is now far away, but I'm sure he is still watching over us. I'm rooting for you from behind the scenes, so please continue to spread music and charm from Tohoku as long as TYO lasts! TYO is the best!

  6. Oboe　Ayae Suka

    I joined the orchestra because I wanted to play in an orchestra again with my friends from my school days. My best memory at TYO was playing with the Kumamoto Youth at the opening performance of Kumamoto Castle Hall. I think the encounters at TYO will last a lifetime. Please express your gratitude to those who support you through music!

  7. Horn　Kanae Matsuzaki
    Horn　Kanae Matsuzaki

    Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist

    My experience at TYO was valuable and important to me. I learned about the earthquake, thought about the meaning of our music, and I think I grew a little as a person. Currently, I work as a speech-language-hearing therapist, hoping to get a job that supports people in social distress. For all the current students, it has been a while since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and I think that there are fewer members who remember the earthquake. In that context, I would be happy if you could think about what kind of music you want to create and what kind of feelings you have, and convey that through music!

  8. Trumpet　Momo Hasegawa

    Junior high school teacher

    I have always loved Director Sakamoto's music, and I wanted to improve my skills by interacting with people of my generation from the three affected prefectures and performing in a different environment, so I decided to join TYO. At TYO, we put effort into having a wide range of connections, not just with the trumpet section or people of my generation, and I feel that this experience is connected to who I am now as a junior high school teacher. I wish the Tohoku Youth Orchestra continued success.

  9. Trombone　Tsubasa Kono

    Systems Engineer

    I joined TYO because I had a hunch that it would definitely be fun. That hunch turned out to be a big hit. I was able to spend a meaningful time with a variety of people. The most memorable moment was when tuba player Tomizawa-san sprinted after the bus (laughs). I'm currently working as a systems engineer to change the waste in the world with IT!

  10. Tuba　Yuta Tomizawa
    Tuba　Yuta Tomizawa

    High school teacher

    I found out about Tohoku Youth when I saw an advertisement for recruiting members on social media.

    At the time, I had just finished playing in a brass band, which I had been doing for 10 years, from elementary school through my third year of high school, and I was looking forward to starting something new in college. So when I saw the recruitment ad, I immediately knew it was it and applied.

    Every day of my activities with Tohoku Youth was fresh and new to me, and now it's a precious part of my youth. In addition to orchestra practice, I also went out with the university students after practice, helped a girl who was in elementary school at the time with her homework on the nights of training camps and before practice, and even played tag in between practices until I got sore...I have so many memories I can't even begin to list them all here.

    I currently work as a high school teacher in Niigata Prefecture. I value a challenging and serious attitude when interacting with my students, and I feel that this mindset is something I learned through my time with Tohoku Youth.

    Life is a gift of connections, and I believe that music, too, is enriched by encounters with people. I hope that all current members will use the encounters and experiences they have with Tohoku Youth to shape their lives and the way they live their lives. There may be times when you worry or things don't go as planned. But all of that will lead to that moment when you finish the performance and think, "I'm glad I continued."

    Participating in Tohoku Youth is a special experience that you can only have as a student. If there's something you want to do, it's important to just give it a try. If you show your willingness to take on the challenge, I'm sure the seniors and the office staff will support you.

    I've written a lot so far, but what I want to say is, "Tohoku Youth is the best!" I hope you enjoy your activities with Tohoku Youth, and above all, the music, to the fullest!

  11. Percussion　Miu Kishima
    Percussion　Miu Kishima

    Copywriter

    I joined TYO after my mother recommended it to me after seeing a recruitment ad in the newspaper. I became interested in design and the arts, and decided to go to art university. I am currently working as a copywriter, hoping to design space and communication using words as a universal tool. For all of you current students, I think TYO has changed a lot since I was a member, but there are probably sounds that only TYO can produce now. I'm sure that experience will become a part of you! Enjoy your time as a member to your heart's content!

  12. Percussion　Miku Asano
    Percussion　Miku Asano

    I joined TYO at my mother's recommendation and was a member from the 1st to the 9th term. I have been a member for a much longer period than other members, so I remember very fondly the time I had fun reminiscing with friends at the training camp just before the 9th term concert. One of the great things about TYO is that there are many members with different values ​​than me. I hope that all current members will get involved with various people and broaden their perspective and future!