#Japan #Bunkyo Gakuin #Fujimino #Indigo Master #Piano Concert

Introduction

Bunkyo Gakuin University, led by President Tsutomu Fukui, is stepping up its commitment to the community with a planned fusion performance entitled ‘The Blue World’ set for March 26, 2026. This event promises a captivating blend of music through two pianos combined with traditional techniques, designed to enhance the engagement of local residents with the arts.

Community Engagement Through Art

This initiative aligns with the university's ongoing mission to contribute to the community and foster cultural collaboration. As part of this event, Associate Professor Yukino Watanabe will showcase his talents as a pianist. Additionally, the university is inviting 50 students from local elementary, middle, and high schools to participate as concert monitors, allowing them to experience a rich artistic environment first-hand. Following the concert, these students will write reports, providing them with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of arts.

Highlights of the Performance

• - Innovative Collaboration Between Tradition and Music: Yukino Watanabe will join forces with indigo artisan Reita Moriya for an extraordinary performance. Together, they will perform pieces including Brahms’ Sonatas for two pianos while Moriya creates spontaneous visual art using traditional indigo dye techniques.
• - Engagement with Youth: To instill a passion for the arts in future generations, the concert will invite 50 local students for free (first come, first served). This will not only allow them to enjoy high-quality music but also inspire their creative instincts.
• - Art Exhibition: From March 23 to March 26, an exhibition of Moriya’s work will be held in the gallery of the performance venue. This exhibition will further enrich the artistic atmosphere of the event, showcasing the intersection of traditional crafts and modern artistic expression.

Event Details

• - Event Name: ‘The Blue World’ - Fusion of Two Pianos and Indigo Artist
• - Date and Time: March 26, 2026, starting at 18:30 (doors open at 18:00)
• - Venue: Fujimino Stella West Hall, 2-1-8 Oi Chuo, Fujimino City, Saitama Prefecture
• - Featured Performer: Yukino Watanabe, Associate Professor at Bunkyo Gakuin University.
• - Program: Works by Rachmaninoff and Brahms (2-piano version; F minor Op. 34b).
• - Ticket Sales Begin: February 3, 2026, available at the Fujimino Stella West box office and online.
• - Ticketing Information URL: Fujimino Ticket
• - Organizer: Japan Environmental Management Corporation, designated manager of the Fujimino City Cultural Facility.

Meet the Artist - Reita Moriya

Born in Kanagawa in 1982, Reita Moriya began exploring plastering techniques independently and later went to Belgium to study specialized plasterwork. Upon returning to Japan, he innovatively intertwined traditional indigo dyeing with his plastering techniques, establishing himself as an ‘Indigo Master.’ His work has been showcased in many prestigious galleries and public installations, and he is actively involved in educational outreach and collaborative projects with musicians to explore new possibilities in the arts. More information can be found on his website.

Conclusion

Bunkyo Gakuin University's initiative exemplifies the integration of education, culture, and community through the collaborative power of the arts. The upcoming ‘Blue World’ performance promises to be a unique event that fosters creativity and appreciation for traditional art forms among the younger generation, ensuring the continuity of cultural richness in the community.