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El Sistema Japan Music Project

El Sistema Japan is currently holding a "Monthly Supporter Campaign" for their "String Ribbon - Child Care Facility Project" from September 1 to October 31. This initiative aims to empower children in care facilities through music education, particularly focusing on violin lessons.

The program, which began its collaboration in April 2021, has expanded to three locations: Kawasaki City’s Shin Nihon Gakuen, Hiroo Friends in Shibuya, and Takakaze Children's Garden in Yokohama. The project seeks to bridge the widening gap in experiences faced by children, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, by providing them access to enriching artistic environments.

Established in 2013, the music support volunteer organization "String Ribbon" collaborates with Shinji Tanaka, the head of Tanaka Violin Workshop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. The organization repairs and lends violins, violas, and cellos, which are no longer in use, to children in care facilities at no charge, enabling them to partake in music lessons with guidance from volunteer instructors. Up until 2020, they had conducted classes in six facilities across Kanagawa and Tokyo, reaching over 5,000 children.

After a hiatus due to COVID-19, El Sistema Japan resumed its activities in April 2023 at Shin Nihon Gakuen, with plans to expand to the other facilities in 2024. Currently, 27 children are enrolled in the violin program, which emphasizes high-quality music education in a supportive environment. This aligns perfectly with El Sistema Japan's mission of ensuring that even children from troubled backgrounds can enjoy music together.

The children not only practice their instruments daily but also perform at Christmas events and other recitals throughout the year, getting the chance to share their progress and joy in music. Classes are held in an ensemble format where they engage in musical games, help each other learn, and encourage one another.

Additionally, renowned violinist Mayumi Kanagawa participates as a Special Supporter, further inspiring the children.

Feedback from the children reveals their excitement: “I love being able to play the violin!”, “I’m so happy to perform together with friends!”, and “It was thrilling to receive an encore; I loved seeing the audience enjoy our music.” These sentiments highlight the joy and community fostered through the program.

Moving forward, El Sistema Japan is committed to working alongside instructors and volunteer fellowships in maintaining ongoing programs and striving to reopen classes in other paused facilities. Currently, the "String Ribbon - Child Care Facility Project" operates solely on donations as they are not receiving funding from government bodies or corporations at this time.

To continue supporting children eager to play instruments, the Monthly Supporter Campaign was launched for this specific period. Those who become supporters during the campaign will be offered special incentives.

For further details, please visit our dedicated campaign page. It includes voices from participating children and messages from instructors. Your support as a supporter would be invaluable to us.

About El Sistema Japan

• - Organization Name: El Sistema Japan
• - Location: 3-24 Kanda Ogawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0052, Japan
• - Representative: Jo Kikukawa
• - Established: March 2012
• - Website: El Sistema Japan

El Sistema originated in Venezuela in 1975 to protect children facing poverty and violence through music education programs. Today, its teachings are embraced in over 70 countries and regions. Japan’s initiative began in Soma, Fukushima, following the Great East Japan Earthquake, focusing on rebuilding confidence and dignity through music for affected children. The program has since expanded to include locations in Iwate, Nagano, Tokyo, and more. The vision stands as an inclusive society fostering freedom and creativity through music, where everyone can connect and thrive.