#Japan #Tokyo #Pasona Group #Opera Man'yōshū #Keitaro Harada

Pasona 50th Anniversary Opera: "Man'yōshū"

As part of its impressive 50th-anniversary celebration, Pasona Group is thrilled to announce a special production of the opera "Man'yōshū," produced by renowned composer Akira Senju. This unique performance will take place on November 8th at the Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo, and aims to contribute positively to society by inviting 15 single-parent families (30 individuals) to attend for free through a special initiative.

The opera is based on Japan's oldest collected poetry book, the "Man'yōshū," with music composed by Akira Senju and a libretto by the celebrated poet Madoka Kawai. Since its debut in 2009, "Man'yōshū" has received wide acclaim and has been performed numerous times both nationally and internationally, showcasing the deep emotional stories woven through centuries of Japanese history.

This year’s performance is structured into two main parts: the first, "Asukakaze-hen," captures the love story of the historical figure Nukata no Ōkimi during the Asuka period, while the second part, "Futagoyama Banshō-hen," recounts a tragic tale involving Prince Ōtsu and his sister Princess Ōe. Conducted by maestro Keitaro Harada, the performance features an impressive lineup of soloists, including soprano Sara Kobayashi, mezzo-soprano Mutsumi Taniguchi, tenor Jun Suzuki, and baritone Kei Yonashiro, alongside the SENJU LAB Choir and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.

Pasona Group has been engaged in various social contribution activities aimed at addressing the experience gap faced by single-parent households, particularly in light of the difficulties arising from varying family environments. Previous initiatives have included online excursions to virtually experience the Expo 2025 in Osaka and sports workshops led by professional athletes. Now, through the "Social Contribution Seat" program, Pasona Group aims to invite single-parent families to experience live high-quality arts, thereby creating lasting memories and fostering cultural curiosity and emotional richness among children.

Free Invitation Summary:

• - Content: Invitation to the Opera "Man'yōshū" (Social Contribution Seat)
• - Eligibility: Families associated with single-parent support organizations (15 groups, 30 individuals via lottery, excluding preschool children)
• - Application: Interested families can apply through this link. Please provide the name of the support organization upon application.
• - Deadline: Applications are due by October 31, 2025, at 5 PM (winners will be notified by November 5)
• - Contact: Pasona Group CSR Office, Email: [email protected]

Event Details:

• - Date: November 8, 2025, starting at 6 PM (doors open at 5:15 PM)
• - Venue: Suntory Hall, Akasaka 1-13-1, Minato, Tokyo

The opera presents a dual narrative that intertwines themes of love and loss, hope and prayer, resonating deeply within the human experience.

Musical and Performance Highlights:

Composer Akira Senju reflects on the creation of "Man'yōshū," describing how it began in 2009 with the "Asukakaze-hen" and evolved to include the "Futagoyama Banshō-hen" following the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Senju hopes to cultivate this work to represent Japanese operatic excellence akin to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. He invites audiences to embrace the deep and universal emotions embodied in the narratives presented in both segments of the opera.

Conductor Keitaro Harada shares his excitement about collaborating with distinguished soloists and ensembles for this unique performance, noting that it marks his first foray into conducting a Japanese opera composed by a fellow national. He urges audiences to partake in the harmonious blend of stories reflecting love, sorrow, and hope, brilliantly expressed through Senju's music, at the prestigious Suntory Hall.

Pasona Group's Commitment to Social Contribution:

Since 2005, Pasona Group has solidified its social responsibility stance by establishing a dedicated CSR office. The organization has designated a team of social contribution committee members to spearhead community-rooted initiatives aligned with SDGs, conducting approximately 670 activities annually. The November concert is a hallmark of Pasona Group's commitment to culture and community, aiming to provide single-parent families with exceptional artistic experiences they might usually have limited access to.

This commemorative event not only celebrates Pasona Group's rich 50 years of history but also serves to bridge cultural gaps within the community, enriching lives through the joys of opera.