#Japan #Tokyo #Eric Carle #TSM #PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE

Celebrating Creativity in Music at PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE

The unique kids’ park, PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE, themed around the beloved world of Eric Carle's picture books, is set to enhance its atmosphere with a captivating new BGM (background music). This initiative is a result of a collaborative project between A&B Holdings Co., Ltd., led by President Jun Noda, and Tokyo School of Music & Dance (TSM). The competition aimed to engage students in the creative process of composing music that complements the experience of visiting this one-of-a-kind park.

Background and Purpose of the Project

As PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE approaches its fifth anniversary in November 2026, the project has launched with the goal of further enriching the park's appeal. By providing families with a multi-sensory experience through music, the park aims to deepen visitors' immersion into the enchanting world of Eric Carle’s storytelling. The objective is simple yet profound: to create unforgettable moments for families as they explore the park together.

Competition Results

The competition was a fierce contest that saw participation from seven teams comprising 14 students specializing in composition and recording. After thorough evaluations, three teams won awards with one standout declaring the Grand Prize.

• - Top Prize: Saki Ujihara, whose composition will serve as the official BGM in the park.
• - Excellence Award: Yugo Ishido, whose piece will be used for the park's closing music.
• - Excellence Award: Zen Takahashi & Zen Ishibashi, whose work will feature on social media.

Documentary Video Release

In addition to the music, a documentary video detailing the creative process of this project has been released. Viewers can witness the journey from kickoff, facility tours, recording sessions, to the competition and the award ceremony. This glimpse showcases the dedication and talent of the students as they tackled the challenge of creating music for the park.

Comments from Stakeholders

President Jun Noda of A&B Holdings expressed his excitement about working alongside music students to create new compositions for PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE's fifth anniversary. He stated, “I’m thrilled that our collaborating musicians took these vibrant sounds and crafted them into experiences that will surely inspire the imaginations of the children visiting the park.”

Yumi Kawai, Manager at A&B Holdings, noted the thrill of uncertainty and potential that comes with working with budding talents: “The diverse areas of the park called for creative compositions, and I refrained from imposing specific ideas to encourage their natural expression.”

Takuya Matsuzoe, an assistant professor at TSM, highlighted the practical experiences students gained through this project: “Students not only created sounds for actual environments but also received real-time feedback, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional expectations.”

Voices of the Winning Students

Saki Ujihara, the lead composer of the Grand Prize-winning piece, shared her enthusiasm about expressing Eric Carle's colorful world through sound. “Transforming the essence of the stories into music was both a challenge and joy. I aimed to incorporate playfulness and variations in tempo, harmonizing with different narratives,” she explained. The joy of being selected for the official BGM was overwhelming, as it proved her capabilities as a creator.

About TSM

Since its establishment in 1988, Tokyo School of Music & Dance has been at the forefront of nurturing talent in the music and entertainment sectors. Offering hands-on experience through industry projects, the school collaborates with leading companies to provide students with opportunities to enhance their skills in real-world settings, including concert production and performance arts.

About PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE

Launched in November 2021, PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE welcomes families and children to explore the vibrant universe inspired by Eric Carle's stories. With various areas dedicated to art and physical activities, the park emphasizes learning through play. Weekly workshops cater to different age groups, showcasing a plethora of creative activities designed to foster growth and development in children.

For more details, visit their official website: PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE.