#Japan #Ibaraki #A-Bomb Piano #Peace Concert #Tsuichura

Commemoration of Peace: The A-Bomb Piano

On October 13, 2025, the Craft Civic Hall in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, will host a poignant event featuring the last performance of the A-Bomb Piano, accompanied by a special screening of the film Mother's A-Bomb Piano. This concert celebrates 80 years since the bombings and marks the conclusion of a national tour of A-Bomb Pianos. Attendees will experience the touching melodies played by the internationally known A-Bomb Piano, which has survived the devastation of war and symbolizes resilience and hope.

The Heart of the A-Bomb Piano

The A-Bomb Piano used in the concert was affected by the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, placed just 3 km from the epicenter. It suffered extensive damage from the blast wave and heat rays but has been skillfully restored by tuner Mitsunori Yagawa, who has dedicated his life to sharing the piano's story. Over the years, this piano has traveled across Japan, bringing its powerful message of peace to children and communities alike.

The performance will feature renowned pianist Masataka Komano, along with the Tsuchiura Second Elementary School Choir, who gained national recognition at this year's 80th Ibaraki Choral Competition. Their harmonious voices will amplify the emotional experience of the concert, merging music with meaningful narratives.

The Story Behind the Film

Mother's A-Bomb Piano tells the heartfelt story of a daughter tracing her roots through the lens of the A-Bomb Piano, inspired by Yagawa's own journey. The film explores the inner struggles faced by survivors and the challenges their families encounter over generations, emphasizing the importance of remembering history as a means to heal and unify communities.

Final Concert of the Tour

Yagawa initiated his national tour of A-Bomb Piano concerts in 2001, catalyzed by his commitment to restore and tune an A-Bomb-damaged piano handed down by a survivor. Since then, he has conducted over 3,000 performances throughout Japan, educating attendees about the value of peace through music. This concert series aims to foster understanding and reflection on the importance of peace, especially as the tour comes to an end with this final performance in Ibaraki.

Event Schedule

• - Date and Time: October 13, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 3:40 PM
• - Venue: Craft Civic Hall, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki
• - Agenda:

- 12:30 PM - Opening remarks
- 12:35 PM - A-Bomb Piano performance by Tsuchiura Second Elementary School Choir
- 1:15 PM - Screening of Mother's A-Bomb Piano
- 3:20 PM - Performance by Masataka Komano and a talk by Mitsunori Yagawa
- 3:40 PM - Closing remarks

• - Admission: Free for high school students and below; Adults 500 yen (half of the proceeds will be donated to peace initiatives)
• - Sponsors: Ibaraki Cooperative Association
• - Supported by: City of Tsuchiura, Tsuchiura Board of Education, Japan Confederation of A-Bomb Victims Organizations, and others.
• - Collaborating Partners: Yagawa Piano Workshop, Ibaraki Film Center, Craft Civic Hall Tsuchiura.

A Legacy of Peace Advocacy

The Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi has long been committed to supporting peaceful living and reflecting on the repercussions of war through various initiatives. This concert series serves as a continuation of these efforts, promoting awareness and education about the impacts of conflict. In 2025, International Cooperative Year, the Pal System emphasizes the necessity of community engagement and the role that each individual can play in fostering peace.

As we celebrate this final concert, it's essential to practice what it means to live in a peaceful society. The A-Bomb Piano serves as a powerful reminder of the past and an instrument of hope for building a better future for the next generation. Together, we will continue to share the significance of peace while recognizing the rich history behind the A-Bomb Piano, ensuring that its legacy lives on for young people in the years to come.