#Japan #Harajuku #Pacific Philharmonia #Support21

Bringing Classical Music to Children

A remarkable event unfolded from July 24 to 26, 2026, at the WITH HARAJUKU venue in front of JR Harajuku Station. Over 200 children participated in the "Supported by WITH HARAJUKU Children's Music Cafeteria," organized by the Social Welfare Corporation Support21. The initiative aims to provide children an opportunity to experience high-quality arts without being hindered by their familial or economic situations.

This three-day event showcased live performances by the Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo, which has a collaborative history with Support21. Special sponsorship was provided by Silverbacks Principal Co., Ltd. The basement space of WITH HARAJUKU served as the venue, featuring four mini-concerts each day, which dynamically crafted programs to engage the young audience.

Children aged 5 to 15 attended with their guardians, delighted by the orchestral performances and meals. The concerts included pieces like Bolero, where a percussionist made a surprise entrance via an escalator, and the interactive Radetzky March, encouraging the audience to clap along. Initial performance plans lasting around 20 minutes extended to nearly 30 minutes thanks to the excited responses of the children.

Comments from attendees reflected their awe; one 15-year-old boy from Myanmar noted, "I realized the difference between listening on my smartphone and experiencing it live up close," while an eight-year-old girl expressed her aspirations, saying, "I loved the flute. I want to be a musician when I grow up."

Despite the intense summer heat, organizers took extensive measures to ensure the children's well-being, providing salt candy and mineral water courtesy of Tokyo Yakult. Meal vouchers were also distributed for participating eateries in the vicinity, allowing children to enjoy food alongside the musical experience.

Yukiko Kenmotsu, a violinist from the Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo, shared her thoughts: "Experiencing live sound is invaluable for children. I'm pleased they could feel the differences compared to listening on their phones." Audiences, both participants and visitors from afar, found joy in the melodies that filled the event space over the three days. A representative from WITH HARAJUKU expressed hopes that those who enjoyed music there would return as adults.

Moving forward, Support21 plans to continue broadening cultural and artistic opportunities for children in collaboration with corporations and organizations, working tirelessly to address the disparity in musical experiences that many face due to their socio-economic situations.

About the Children's Music Cafeteria

The Children's Music Cafeteria, launched this year by Support21, collaborates with the Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo to offer cultural and artistic support for children. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in cultural and artistic exposure that children experience due to varying backgrounds. After over 34 years of assisting refugees and people of foreign descent, Support21 leverages its expertise to deliver musical experiences and light meals, addressing existing disparities in cultural exposure.

About Support21

Founded in 1979 to support refugees through the Indochina Refugee Aid Association, Support21 became a social welfare corporation in 1992, continuing its mission to assist those with foreign roots, including Chinese returnees and their families, in establishing their lives in Japan.

About the Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo

Established in 1990, under the direction of Music Director Noriyuki Iimori, the Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo explores a diverse array of genres, from classical to opera and even anime scores. Since 2018, the orchestra has regularly performed in Nerima, emphasizing outreach activities to share music with children and uphold community engagement through consistent performances.