#Japan #Tokyo #New Japan Philharmonic #Sado Yutaka #Tokyo Memorial Hall

Peace Commemoration Concert at Tokyo Memorial Hall

On August 12, 2025, a remarkable event will take place at the Tokyo Memorial Hall located in Sumida's Yokoamicho Park. Under the direction of the renowned conductor Yutaka Sado, the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a Peace Commemoration Concert, emphasizing the importance of peace through music. This concert marks a significant moment, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and is part of a broader initiative titled "After80: Connecting Peace Through Music", showcasing a series of events in Sumida to reflect on the themes of peace and remembrance.

Historical Context

This concert holds deep historical significance, particularly in the context of the 1945 Tokyo air raids, which resulted in the loss of approximately 100,000 lives, predominantly in the downtown area of Tokyo. The Sumida area, where the concert will be held, was particularly affected, suffering extensive damage. In honor of this tragic past, the Sumida Trifony Hall has dedicated itself annually to promote messages of peace through music.

This year, as we reach the 80th anniversary since the war's conclusion, the programming aligns with the sentiments of remembrance and hope. The period leading up to August 15, the day marking Japan's surrender, has been designated as a significant timeframe for reflection and commemoration, with the concert representing the finale of the ongoing project.

Venue and Significance

The Tokyo Memorial Hall, situated within Yokoamicho Park, was established following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 to honor the victims. Originally named the "Disaster Memorial Hall", it serves as a resting place for the remains of those who perished in both the earthquake and the subsequent air raids during World War II. Currently, it houses around 163,000 remains, making it a vital site for remembrance.

Concert Details

The concert is set to feature prominent artists, including:

• - Conductor: Yutaka Sado
• - Baritone: Kyung-Won Han
• - Boy Sopranos: Kenji Ito and Kengo Nakata from the Tokyo FM Children's Choir
• - Chorus: Kuritomo Choir
• - Orchestra: New Japan Philharmonic

Program: The concert will include a performance of Gabriel Fauré’s famous "Requiem, Op. 48", a work that profoundly embodies themes of sorrow, hope, and peace.

Despite the conclusion of applications for audience attendance, the organizers are pleased to offer free live streaming of the concert performances at the following times:

• - First performance: August 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM
• - Second performance: August 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM

Links for live streaming will be provided closer to the event date.

This event is hosted by the Sumida Trifony Hall, a foundation dedicated to cultural promotion in Sumida, and the Tokyo Memorial Association, with support from the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation.

Join us in celebrating the power of music to honor peace and remember the past, as we look forward to a hopeful future.