Thank You for 23 Years
Even with Disabilities, One Can Play the Piano
- Endless Challenges, Believing in Tomorrow -

Tokio Sakoda, President of UNHEARD NOTES Piano Para Committee
September 20, 2024

In 2001, the first meeting of the Japan Disabled Piano Teachers' Association took place, and over the past 23 years, we have worked alongside the growth of disabled pianists. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the people who have supported us throughout this journey.

I was born in Kagoshima and, during my studies in Vienna, I witnessed inhumane treatment towards disabled people. This experience made me realize the importance of supporting people with disabilities.

After my retirement, I founded the Japan Disabled Piano Teachers' Association to nurture disabled pianists, and since then, I have organized events both domestically and internationally. I strongly believe that if societal attitudes change, it will promote greater participation and advancement for people with disabilities.

With this conviction, I continued my work with the UNHEARD NOTES Piano Para Committee (UPC). By showcasing the efforts and talents of disabled pianists, I am confident that society's views will change, allowing people with disabilities to thrive in the future.

Today, concerts featuring disabled pianists are being held across the country, and as I witness their growth, I entrust my mission to the next generation. I hope that these activities will continue to evolve and inspire hope for the future. Thank you very much to everyone.

Pamphlet (PDF)

To the members of the UNHEARD NOTES Piano Para Committee
and to everyone who has supported us

"Thank you for 23 years of support"

UNHEARD NOTES Piano Para Committee
Kazuko Kondo, Vice Chairperson
September 20, 2024

The UNHEARD NOTES Piano Para Committee will conclude our activities with the "International Special Music and Traditional Performing Arts - Aizuwakamatsu Festival," which will be held on September 20, 2024, at Fugado Hall in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture.

Originally, we were scheduled to participate in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, but due to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and Israel, we have decided to withdraw from the Paris Games. Instead, a performance in Aizuwakamatsu, proposed by Ms. Yoko Ueda Clint, will take place, featuring a unique fusion of classical music and traditional performing arts.

Our chairperson, who did not want to extinguish the dreams of the Paralympic pianists who had eagerly awaited their chance to perform on the international stage every four years, accepted this wonderful proposal with gratitude. In January 2024, the chairperson made the decision to take on this new challenge, despite having suffered the great loss of his beloved wife in March 2023.

During this period of mourning, he took time to reflect on his life and work. The city of Aizuwakamatsu, which holds a special place in his heart, became the fitting location for his final performance. Supported by the passion of Ms. Yoko Ueda and the organizing committee, we will make every effort to ensure that this event becomes a shining stage for the pianists who have turned their disabilities into strengths, as well as for the traditional performing artists who continue to refine their craft.

Although withdrawing from the Paris Games and the loss of his beloved wife have been great challenges, the commitment to our ideals remains unwavering. However, recognizing the limits in leading international activities, we have decided to end our public role with this Aizuwakamatsu event.

In the future, we will continue our activities as music therapists. We sincerely appreciate the support and opportunities we have received from everyone over the years.

Reflections on the Conclusion of the UNHEARD NOTES
Piano Para Committee (UPC)

--Thoughts from a Disciple Involved in Its Activities --

Pianist / Secretary of the Unheard Notes Piano Para Committee
Akiko Yagishita
September 20, 2024

The current UNHEARD NOTES Piano Para Committee, which first raised its voice at Bunkyo Civic Hall in 2001, will conclude its 23 years of activities with the "International Special Music and Traditional Performing Arts - Aizuwakamatsu Festival," held as part of the 63rd Aizuwakamatsu Citizen Cultural Festival at Fugado Hall on September 20, 2024. For about the last ten years of these 23 years, I have served as an auditor and secretary, learning from everyone along the way. As we bring the committee to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thoughts, even if my writing may be humble.

My encounter with Mr. Sakoda occurred when I was 15 years old. Preparing for my entrance exams to Musashino Academia Musicae, I was fortunate enough to be granted lessons with Mr. Sakoda, who had just returned from studying in Vienna, thanks to the earnest recommendation of my then teacher. During the lessons, I heard authentic German and English spoken, and I felt the aroma of foreign cultures. After entering music school, Mr. Sakoda's class overflowed with students more than any other class, and under his enthusiastic guidance, we all studied with great effort. I was also fortunate to have a senior student with a visual impairment in a higher grade, who taught me Braille, which was a rare and valuable experience.

A few years later, I had the chance to live in Vienna, where I encountered a society where people of different backgrounds—able-bodied, disabled, Black, White, and war-injured individuals—lived together, creatively navigating life in the same country. Although the progress of diversity and lifestyle development differs across countries, I felt Japan was lagging behind.

After returning to Japan, I joined Mr. Sakoda's music school as an instructor. Many of the parents of children with disabilities who came to visit us would hesitantly ask, "Would you be able to teach our child?" When I responded, "Of course, I'd be happy to," they were overjoyed. We continued learning together for a long time.

Recently, I came across a news story about a young man with an intellectual disability (who, despite his condition, has a keen sensitivity) who was accepted into a German music university to study Baroque cello. His parents began a crowdfunding campaign to cover his study abroad expenses. Compared to the past, I feel that Japanese society is also changing.

After retiring, Mr. Sakoda devoted himself to establishing and developing the Japan Research Group for Piano Instructors of Disabled Students. Through our committee's activities, the number of participating countries grew to nearly 30. By spreading our initiative to 30 countries worldwide, we hope that each nation will continue to offer "opportunities for people with disabilities to showcase their abilities."

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to assist with the support concerts for the International Piano Festival for Disabled Individuals, as well as the World and domestic competitions. I was particularly touched by the love and dedication of the parents who supported their children and took action to help them shine on the stage. The various scenes and sounds from those moments are etched in my memory.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported our cause and contributed their efforts.