This is a report from the first day of the pre-concert training camp held on March 27, 2019.

The final training camp has finally begun.

This will be a long 6 nights and 7 days tour, with a training camp right before the show, followed by performances in Morioka and Tokyo, and the recording of "Untitled Concert."

The venue for the final training camp will be Morioka Civic Cultural Hall.

Once we gathered at the venue and finished setting up, the first thing we did was have an orientation.

Mr. Tanaka from the event secretariat said that the theme of this event was "moderate tension and excitement," and while he said that it would be fun, he also encouraged everyone to take care of their health as it was a long event.

Next, Mr. Iijima introduced the staff.

He said that we should not forget that the performance is possible thanks to the cooperation of many staff members.

Once the orientation is over, practice begins.

Feeling the unique resonance of the hall, the students' concentration seems to be even higher than during practice sessions up until last month.

(Director Ryuichi Sakamoto was also watching the rehearsal from the side of the stage.)

After the afternoon practice, it's time for dinner.

Hot meal catering. The members commented that the sight of people lining up to serve the food made them feel like they were eating at a school lunch.

Also, as a gift,
We received "Kesen Numa Strawberries" from the family of percussionist Mizuho Miura.
We received "Chocolate Nanbu", a popular Morioka snack, from the parents of members from Iwate Prefecture. Thank you very much!

During the break, we were interviewed by the Iwate Nippo Newspaper.

Members from Iwate were interviewed and spoke about their enthusiasm for the concert.

The current 13 members are from (or live in) Iwate Prefecture: violinist Takeda Ryoji, violinist Taguchi Yota, violinist Yoshida Sakura, violinist Iwabuchi Rina, violinist Kitagawa Seiya, violinist Fujiwara Chiji, violinist Murakami Reo, violinist Takahashi Nana, violinist Saito Reiri, flute Endo Nami, trumpeter Endo Hiroto, trumpeter Fujita Salem, and tuba player Higashidate Yuuma.

Comments from the local members will be published in the Iwate Nippo newspaper. (We will report on the published article in this report.)

And this is another scene from break time.

Director Sakamoto was playing the piano.

Drawn by the quiet, penetrating sounds, the members and staff naturally gathered round and listened to the performance.

After the break, Director Sakamoto joined in the performance and practice resumed.

During practice for the pieces to be performed at "Untitled Concert," members who were unable to take part in the recording listened to the performance from the audience.

Violinist Akane Hatakeyama, who will be starting work in April and therefore unable to take part in the recording, said, "We've never had a turn to play a song until now, so today was the first time I've heard Tohoku Youth perform from the audience. It's very moving." She gazed intently at the stage.

And the first day of practice ended.

From the hall, head to the accommodation, Ogaru Inn.

(Even though it's the end of March, it's cold and snowing...)

I'll be taking care of you for the next four days!

We'll take a nice rest at the inn and prepare for the practice that's still to come.

Well, the first day ended successfully!

We will continue to report on the progress of the training camp from tomorrow onwards!