Support for Young Musicians: The 2026 Concert Series at BIG SHIP

The 'Embark Concert' series, held at the Honjo Community Plaza BIG SHIP, is now seeking talented young musicians for its 2026 season. Since 2015, this initiative has aimed to provide a platform for emerging artists while also enriching the cultural life of the local community. This unique venue is not only notable for its ship-like exterior but also features a superb multi-purpose hall that offers excellent acoustics for performance.

Mission of the Concert

The primary goal of the 'Embark Concert' is to alleviate the challenges young musicians face when trying to garner attention and engage audiences. Despite their exceptional talent, many find it difficult to attract an audience and organize concerts without incurring financial losses. The concert series offers a performance opportunity, paying selected artists a fee of 60,000 yen (including tax) to support their endeavors, while also introducing the audience to vibrant music that resonates with the passion of youth.

Application and Selection Process

Each year, the concert is open for applications from young musicians aged 18 to 40. The selection is based on video performances and submitted materials, with emphasis placed on the ability to evoke emotions through performance. Uniqueness of choice of pieces and the vision for music and cultural promotion are also considerations. Five groups will be selected for the concert series, with judges including the music producer Yoshishige Tanaka, director Midori Yamanaka, and guest judge Masaki Tanokura, the solo concertmaster of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. Since inception, the series has received over 600 applications, which can also be submitted online through the BIG SHIP website.

Audience Engagement and Experience

These concerts attract not only local attendees but also visitors from afar, with nearly 90 guests joining each performance. Prior to each concert, attendees have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch for a mere 1,000 yen (tax included). This setting fosters community engagement and conversation among music lovers. After the performance, the audience is invited to share their impressions through a voting system, contributing to an interactive experience. The highest-rated performer is given the opportunity to return for a special concert with a performance fee of 110,000 yen, further incentivizing quality and audience participation in the selection of performers.

Highlights and Past Winners

The 2025 Grand Prix winner was FemmeFatale, a band of five featuring talented musicians including pianists, a bandoneon player, and a violinist. Their original compositions and performances of Argentine tango have gained significant recognition, including at the Tokyo University of the Arts festival.

Audience Testimonials

Audience feedback reflects the appreciation of this initiative. A female attendee in her seventies expressed her gratitude for the affordable lunch and outstanding performances, while another devoted listener travels from Chiba to attend, emphasizing the value of such events in the Sumida area. The feedback showcases the concert's role in energizing the community, bringing them closer through music and collective enjoyment.

What Musicians Are Saying

Musicians also voice their appreciation for the platform provided by BIG SHIP. One young performer highlighted the venue's support in attracting audiences, allowing them to focus on delivering their music. Another musician praised the collaborative spirit among staff, stating that the warmth of the audience contributes to the overall concert experience.

Future Aspirations

Yoshishige Tanaka has articulated ambitions to further this outreach, believing that very few projects across Japan support young musicians in such a dedicated manner. He hopes for a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, classical, traditional, and even rock, to apply for the concert, enhancing the cultural diversity offered to the community. His vision includes extending this initiative beyond Sumida City, sharing the experience with audiences worldwide.