#Japan #Tokyo #Akiko Iijima #Hibaku Piano #Kaneko Kensaku

Hibaku Piano Concert: Future Message 2026

The much-anticipated 'Hibaku Piano Concert 2026', titled 'Future Message 2026', is set to take place on August 10, 2026, at the Japan Bridge Auditorium in Chuo City, Tokyo. This unique concert will feature the haunting melodies of the Hibaku Piano, a piano that survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, along with powerful poetry readings, inviting audiences to reflect on peace.

Tickets are currently available through Confetti, a service managed by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd., a notable entity based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This concert promises to be an enlightening experience as it transcends generations and genres through the remarkable power of music and words.

What is the Hibaku Piano?

The term 'Hibaku Piano' refers to pianos that were situated within approximately 3 kilometers from the epicenter of the atomic bomb blast on August 6, 1945. These instruments, which endured the ravages of war, have been restored, and several remain playable to this day. The Hibaku Piano gained international recognition when it was featured in the Nobel Peace Prize Concert held in Oslo, Norway, in 2017, marking a significant moment in its storied history. Moreover, the piano inspired the film 'Mother’s Hibaku Piano,' which premiered in various theaters across Japan in 2020, drawing attention to the human stories connected to these resilient instruments.

The Concert's Lineup

This year, the concert will spotlight renowned pianist Kensaku Kaneko alongside acclaimed soprano Akiko Iijima and a talented group of students from Clark Memorial International High School. The performance aims to communicate the importance of peace through the voices and perspectives of young artists, encouraging younger generations to engage in the ongoing conversation about peace.

Audiences will be treated to a variety of performances ranging from songs such as 'Judgment of the Atomic Bomb,' enriched with the bright tones of violinist Yamato Sakuma, to emotional renditions by soprano singer Maniko Sakaita, who has overcome serious health challenges to convey her hopeful voice.

Additionally, the concert features lingering melodies from pianist Rino Ishii, alongside reading of significant texts such as 'The Story of the Hibaku Piano' and a piece that clarifies the essence of Japan’s Article 9 in its constitution. Notably, the poems of Shuntaro Tanikawa, including 'Let’s Not Go to War,' will resonate through Iijima’s reading, supported by students from Clark.

Real-life testimonies and narratives will also be shared by Kimisoru Yagawa, a skilled tuner of Hibaku Pianos who responsibly transports these precious instruments across Japan. Film director Toshihiro Godo, known for his work on the aforementioned documentary, will also take part in the concert, offering deeper insights into their evocative stories.

Event Details

• - Concert Name: Hibaku Piano Concert: Future Message 2026
• - Date: August 10, 2026
• - Location: Nipponbashi Auditorium in Chuo Ward, Tokyo
• - Participants: Kaneko Kensaku (Piano), Yamato Sakuma (Violin), Maniko Sakaita (Soprano), Rino Ishii (Piano), Akiko Iijima and Kaiso Koiso (Reading) with students from Clark Memorial International High School.

Guest Appearances: Kimisoru Yagawa (Hibaku Piano Tuner) and Toshihiro Godo (Film Director)

Schedule

• - Afternoon Performance: Doors open at 14:00, performance starts at 14:30
• - Evening Performance: Doors open at 18:00, performance starts at 18:30

Ticket Prices

• - A Seats: 4,000 yen
• - B Seats: 3,500 yen
• - Students: 2,500 yen (up to high school level)

(Prices include tax, reserved seating)

Tickets can be purchased through the Confetti website, ensuring you don’t miss this extraordinary event that cultivates a message of hope and peace through music.

For more details on ticket purchasing and special benefits for Confetti members, visit Confetti's service page.