TYO 5th Remote Graduation Ceremony

The fifth season of the show has been canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
I heard that some members were in tears when they received the news of the cancellation.

In addition to the performances, the "Graduation Ceremony" held after the annual concert was also an important time for the members and administrative staff.

Although the members cannot gather together,
We wanted to somehow create an opportunity to close this term and see off the graduating members,
On March 29th, the day the Fukushima performance was supposed to take place, we held a "remote graduation ceremony" using a video conferencing tool.

In this report, I would like to give you an account of the graduation ceremony, following the program.

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Tohoku Youth Orchestra 5th Graduation Ceremony Program

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1. Opening speech

Hirokazu Tanaka, Secretary General of TYO Tokyo, served as emcee for the graduation ceremony.

2. Introduction of the 5th graduating members

We were introduced to five graduating members who will be graduating from university and entering the workforce in April.

Hideaki Abe (cello)
Hinako Isogai (horn)
Sakura Onami (trombone)
Ryoya Kano (horn)
Atsushi Tsutsui (trombone)

Five of them will be graduating from the club.

3. Representative Director Masato Oshiki’s speech at the ceremony

We received a speech from Masato Oshiki, President and CEO of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra General Incorporated Association.

"Thank you to the 107 members of the 5th Tohoku Youth Orchestra for your hard work over the past year.
The activities of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, which was launched to help with the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in March 2011, are now being exposed to the invisible threat of the coronavirus.
I am truly disappointed that we will not be able to hold the three concerts that were the fruit of all the hard work we have put into practicing.

I'm sure everyone in the group came out today with a smile on their face,
When I think about what they must be thinking as they face this day, I feel overwhelmed.
You have all overcome the Great East Japan Earthquake,
I hope you will use the disappointment of having your efforts over the past year end in this way as a springboard.
I hope you will transform this into the strength to face tomorrow.

The members range in age from 4th grade elementary school students to university students, with a 12-year age gap.
I think the experience of elementary, junior high, high school, and university students working together is something that cannot be experienced in normal school life.
Through the group activity of the Youth Orchestra, not only do elementary school students learn from university students in their 20s, but I think the university students also learn a lot by supporting the elementary school students in their daily lives and performances.
We are confident that the monthly practices and summer camp that have brought people of all ages together will be an experience that each individual will never forget.

This year, we were not able to hear your youthful and energetic performance in the large halls in Fukushima, Tokyo.

Iwate Nippo, Kahoku Shimpo, and Fukushima Minpo are our directors, and many of their newspapers have published articles about us.
In addition, his collaboration with the Kumamoto Youth Symphony Orchestra was featured on NHK BS.
In addition, it was featured in many media outlets, including magazines such as Fujingaho.
I believe that the people in the disaster-stricken areas have been able to see that you are all working enthusiastically again this year.
The role of the younger generation, who will play a key role in keeping the Great East Japan Earthquake in memory forever in Japan and the world, and who will carry the future, is to express their creativity through music and share it with the world.
I believe the Tohoku Youth Orchestra was able to fully achieve its objectives.

This year, the Japan Youth Cultural Center will be presenting the "Japan Youth Cultural Center Awards" to recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to the development of youth culture.
I was awarded the Kurushima Takehiko Award, a prestigious award that has been given for 59 years.
Starting with the "Children's Music Revival Fund" which was launched immediately after the earthquake,
We would like to thank Ryuichi Sakamoto, Toshio Yanagisawa, the secretariat and all those involved, who have been working to support the reconstruction effort for so long,
We are extremely pleased that the contributions of our sponsors who have supported our activities, the parents who have supported our members behind the scenes, andthe work of so many people, including former members, have been recognized by the public.

To the five of you who are graduating today, thank you for all your hard work over the years.
I will now be leaving the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, but my request to you is,
Never forget the significance and importance of connecting with people through music.
I hope you continue to play instruments in the future.
Also, for those of you who will be continuing for the 6th term, let's continue practicing in the new year so that we can further refine the songs we practiced this year and perform them in 2021.

At today's graduation ceremony, I hope that everyone can look back on their activities and deepen their friendships. Thank you very much for your hard work over the past year.

4. Congratulatory speech by Representative and Director Ryuichi Sakamoto

"We were supposed to be performing in Fukushima at this time today. It's truly unfortunate.
I hope that we can resume these activities soon."

"Congratulations to the five graduating students.
I think you have had a valuable experience so far, so I hope you will make use of the experiences you have gained here in the future of your long life. And I hope you will never forget music in your life."

"I'm also very disappointed that I wasn't able to hear everyone play the Ninth, or the new piece that I finally completed five years ago.
We hope to make this happen next year, so we hope the five graduating students will come and listen. If you have time, please come and join us.

"The fact that you are all alive at this time, which will likely become a world-historical event in the future, is truly special, so I don't want you to waste your time. I want you to spend your time thinking about how you should live your life."

5. Congratulatory speech (Conductor: Toshio Yanagisawa)

"Congratulations to all the graduating members of the 5th Tohoku Youth Orchestra.
I truly miss being able to see you all in person.
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, which was our starting point,
I believe this is also one of the greatest human crises our generation will ever experience.

As I have said many times in the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, an orchestra is a collaborative effort. It cannot function without each individual fulfilling their responsibilities.
We hope that the activities of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, which have been cultivated across generations, will be of some use to you when you enter society.
I think it is very difficult to work together with strangers across generations in a company or organization.
There was a time when I myself struggled and worried about how to cooperate in situations both at home and abroad.
If you feel like that, try listening to music. It will calm your mind and help you regain your composure.
Also, please feel free to consult with members of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra and other adults.
We are always here for the Tohoku Youth Orchestra.
I look forward to the day when I can meet you all and play in harmony together."

6. Messages from related companies

Secretary General Hirokazu Tanaka read out messages from the relevant companies.

--------------------------------------------------■Digital Garage

The dented ball bounces back.
The wounds you incur will eventually heal.
The Tohoku Youth Orchestra was born after overcoming the disaster and has a youthful, flexible sensibility and the power of beautiful music.
It taught us that it has great power in helping us recover mentally.
I hope that they will continue to revitalize Tohoku, Japan, and the world.

Digital Garage is
I support the Tohoku Yule Orchestra.

--------------------------------------------------■JA Zenkyoren National Headquarters

Congratulations on your graduation.
Nine years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and recovery is still only half-way through.
We are grateful for the dedication you have shown through your activities with the Tohoku Youth Orchestra.
I think there are a lot of people who were encouraged by this.
"Helping one another" cannot be achieved by simply waiting for someone to lend a hand.
All the experiences you have gained through your activities with the Tohoku Youth Orchestra,
We at JA Zenkyoto hope that this spirit will be fully utilized in the new world and that the circle of people who "cared for others" will continue to expand.
Above all, we wish all of you graduating all the best in your future endeavors.

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■ JA Kyosai Ren Fukushima

Congratulations to all members of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra on graduating.
I know that you are all feeling extremely disappointed that the concert has been cancelled, and I can only imagine how you feel.

However, we believe that all the members have learned a lot and grown through this activity over the past year. As those involved, we hope that one day you will have the opportunity to convey your feelings to the people of Tohoku through your musical expression.
I sincerely hope that you will each continue on your own path without losing heart and without giving up.
I would like to conclude my congratulations and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

JA Kyosai Rengo Fukushima Headquarters Director Michio Hattori

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■Fukushima Toyopet

We would like to express our deepest respect to all of you who are graduating for your many years of musical activity.
I hope that this valuable experience will be of great use to you in your future life.
I sincerely pray for you.
All members of the troupe are looking forward to our performance in Fukushima next spring.
Fukushima Toyopet Co., Ltd. President and CEO, Nobuo Sato

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■Fukushima Minpo Newspaper Co., Ltd.

I would like to express my deepest respect to all of you who are graduating from the club for all your hard work. Thank you for your hard work.
The cancellation of this performance must have been extremely disappointing for all the members of the troupe.
But you will be able to accept this challenge.
I believe that you have now renewed your passion for your musical career.
With the advice of Director Sakamoto and Mr. Yanagisawa,
I pray that you will make even greater strides.
Let's make next spring's performance a success.
The Fukushima Minpo Press will provide its full support.

Masayuki Takahashi, President and CEO of Fukushima Minpo Co., Ltd. Hideyuki Araki, Director of Tohoku Youth Orchestra and Director of Fukushima Minpo Co., Ltd., Representative of Koriyama Headquarters

7. Farewell speech (5th term captain) Shiori Tajima

"Congratulations to all of you who are graduating and to all of you who are graduating.
I am sad that the graduation ceremony has turned out this way and that we are unable to celebrate in person.

The time I spent working with everyone was so much fun and stimulating, and I looked forward to every practice session.
Even with the Ninth Symphony that we worked on this time, Director Sakamoto had set a big goal of holding a concert to connect the disaster-stricken areas a year ago, and I was worried whether it would be possible to make it happen. However, the fifth term of activities began and we grew rapidly, and we could see the completion at a speed never seen before.
I also witnessed the Tohoku Youth Orchestra deepening its connections across a wide range of generations, which is a distinctive feature of the orchestra, and I got a strong sense of what the Tohoku Youth Orchestra should be like.

The Tohoku Youth Orchestra has been able to grow in this way thanks to all of you, the elders, who have used your past experiences to watch over and support us.
We will not forget you all and will continue to work hard to ensure that the Tohoku Youth Orchestra's future activities are fulfilling.

Although the actual event was cancelled, the fact that we all worked hard towards a common goal and had fun together will never be forgotten.
We are also looking forward to being able to perform with all of you again as the 5th generation members.
Finally, all members of the club wish all graduating members the best of luck in their future endeavors.

5th Captain Tajima Shiori"

8. Reply speech (3rd and 4th term captain) Hinako Isogai

"Today, all of us at the graduating club would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone at the administrative office, the many members and alumni, Representative Director Oshiki, Mr. Yanagisawa, and Director Sakamoto Ryuichi for holding this graduation ceremony in their presence. We would also like to express our gratitude to Captain Tajima Shiori for her farewell speech.

Over the past few years, my time with the Tohoku Youth Orchestra has flown by in the blink of an eye. When I first joined, I was worried about whether I would be able to fit in with everyone, and I sometimes felt anxious the day before going to practice. However, the seniors who had graduated and the other members were so kind to me that before I knew it, I was looking forward to going to practice.

The most memorable part of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra's activities was the volunteer concert. I was able to see the disaster-stricken areas outside of my hometown of Aizuwakamatsu, which I had only seen in photos and on TV, and learn about the current state of Tohoku. Seeing people moving forward despite the tragedy, I strongly felt that I too wanted to spend each day feeling grateful for the fact that I have a normal life.

At times, we clashed due to differences in musicality. But looking back, I think that was because we were giving it our all to the music. Thanks to everyone's passion and Mr. Yanagisawa's guidance, our concerts have been full of energy and have moved people's hearts.

And there is a treasure I gained from this Tohoku Youth Orchestra. That is friends. We probably would not have met without the Tohoku Youth Orchestra. I will never forget the monthly practices, the hot spring training camps, the last training camps, the Tokyo performances, and the regional performances. We received gifts from many people, and we all ate snacks while drinking tapioca. Having a BBQ with Director Ryuichi Sakamoto is a truly precious memory.

Unfortunately, this year's performance was canceled due to the coronavirus, and I shed tears of frustration. I hope that next year the situation will be resolved and we will be able to hold a concert. I would love to be able to help out then.

Thank you very much to everyone who has supported us until now. The days I spent with you are irreplaceable memories. I feel like I can make music with this orchestra forever, but graduation will come in the blink of an eye. Please cherish each practice and spend each day. Also, it seems that some people neglect their studies if they are too absorbed in music. Please work hard at music while consulting with your credits.

Lastly, on behalf of the graduating members, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the people involved, including Representative Director Oshiki, who supported us, the alumni, conductor Toshio Yanagisawa, the staff of the secretariat, and Director Ryuichi Sakamoto. Thank you very much.
From now on, we will each walk our own path, one step at a time. Even if we encounter a big wall in the future, we will move forward with strength, using the many memories, lessons, and pride we have gained from the Tohoku Youth Orchestra as fuel for our lives. Thank you very much. I would like to conclude my speech by sincerely praying for the continued development of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra.

March 29, 2020 Hinako Isogai

9. Closing remarks

The graduation ceremony ended with closing remarks from Secretary General Hirokazu Tanaka.

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After the remote graduation ceremony, we held a remote social gathering.

From this point on, members other than graduating students can also turn on their videos and participate.

During the social gathering, Director Sakamoto shared a recommended list of books and movies that he would like the members to experience at this time.

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Recommended by representative and director Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Books and movies you'll want to enjoy now.

＜Book＞
Susumu Kudo "Where did the Japanese language come from?"
Shinichi Fukuoka "New Edition Dynamic Equilibrium"
Rovelli: "Time Doesn't Exist"
Markus Gabriel, Michael Hardt, Paul Mason (edited by Saito Kohei) "The End of Capitalism or the End of Humanity? A Great Divergence for the Future"
Saito Seiya "The Origin of the Japanese People"
Ende "Momo"
Carson "Silent Spring"
Tezuka Osamu's "Phoenix"
Rilke "Duino Elegie"
Taizo Shima "The Origin of Nakedness"
Camus "The Stranger"
Kafka "The Trial"

＜Movie＞
Yasujiro Ozu "Tokyo Story"
Fellini "The Strada"
Akira Kurosawa "Dersu Uzala"
Tarkovsky "Stalker"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGRDYpCmMcM
Hou Hsiao-hsien "A City of Sadness"
Hayao Miyazaki "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind"

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I hope that while you're still at home, you can take in as much new information as you can and use it to enrich your musical life.

The remote social gathering came to a close with a five-note cheer via screen.

We look forward to the time when this situation calms down and we can all gather together again as the Tohoku Youth Orchestra.