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The Tohoku Dream Project: Bringing Harmony and Joy to Children

The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, based in Suginami, Tokyo, is once again set to host the Tohoku Dream Project this August in Iwate and Fukushima Prefectures. Following a successful initiative that has supported the region since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the organization plans its first-ever concert in Tokyo in January 2026, marking nearly 15 years since the disaster.

What is the Tohoku Dream Project?

Launched in 2019, the Tohoku Dream Project builds on the orchestra's established outreach efforts to inspire and support children through music. Since its inception, the Japan Philharmonic has conducted over 360 events aimed at providing musical experiences in areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The project has garnered recognition, including the 16th Goto Shinpei Award in 2018 for its influential activities in disaster relief through music.

Targeting local children, the Tohoku Dream Project enables participants to showcase traditional arts and cultural activities through orchestral performances. The project has achieved significant milestones, conducting five concerts in Morioka and three in Koriyama, fostering inter-community engagement and sharing coastal information amidst cultural interactions.

In 2023, Iwate Prefecture partnered with the Japan Philharmonic to establish an implementation committee that oversees various events, ensuring a broader platform for the children's artistic expressions. A further collaboration with Fukushima Prefecture was initiated in 2024, allowing for multifaceted cooperation beyond the dream project.

Children’s Involvement in the Project

During the orchestral performances, children who are passionate about their local art forms, including folk dancing, choir, and band activities, are invited to participate as performing partners. The project emphasizes the support of children's smiles to promote the ongoing recovery in Tohoku. Professional musicians engage with local groups through pre-concert exchange programs. These programs feature mini-concerts, workshops, and lessons that enable productive interactions between orchestra members and participating children, resulting in significant personal growth and skill development.

Upcoming Concerts

Tohoku Dream Project 2025 - Exciting Orchestra in Iwate

• - Date: August 6, 2025 (Wednesday)
• - Time: 15:30 (Doors open at 14:45)
• - Location: Tohsai Classic Hall, Iwate
• - Conductor: Masashi Ohii
• - Piano: Miyushi Kaneko
• - Program Highlights:

- Part 1: Orchestral Favorites: Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance, Anderson's Jazz Legato, Rimsky-Korsakov's Spanish Caprice
- Part 2: Piano Showcase: Beethoven's Für Elise, Liszt's La Campanella, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
- Part 3 & 4: Features local children’s performances and a community sing-along.

• - Ticket Prices: ¥3,000 for adults; ¥1,500 for children (4 years to high school)

Tohoku Dream Project 2025 - Exciting Orchestra in Fukushima

• - Date: August 11, 2025 (Monday, holiday)
• - Time: 15:30 (Doors open at 14:45)
• - Location: Kenshin Koriyama Cultural Center
• - Conductor: Masashi Ohii
• - Piano: Miyushi Kaneko
• - Program: Similar to the Iwate concert, emphasizing local talents and audience participation.
• - Ticket Prices: ¥3,000 for adults; ¥1,500 for children (4 years to high school)

Tokyo Performance Preview

• - Date: January 7, 2026 (Wednesday)
• - Location: Tokyo Arts Theatre
• - Conductor: Daisuke Nagamine
• - Special Guests: Local children and regional artists will showcase Tohoku’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The Tohoku Dream Project not only serves as a musical cultivation initiative but acts as a healing touch for a community striving for recovery and revitalization. Through these concerts, we aim to widely promote the cultural activities of Tohoku’s children and spread joy through music. For ticket purchasing, inquiries can be directed to the respective ticket centers and websites provided in the concert overview.

For more information about the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and ongoing projects, please visit official website.