I was among those interviewed for NHK-FM’s program “Minyo wo Tazunete”, featured in a special three-part series
titled “Exploring Sake Brewing Songs in the Homeland of the Toji”.

Part 3: Nanbu Toji (Iwate Prefecture) Tuesday, October 21 | 11:25–11:50 JST

In this episode, I had the opportunity to share my perspective on the sake brewing songs passed down through the Nanbu Toji tradition.
The interview was conducted in my home in Iwate, where the program director traveled from Tokyo and the sound engineer from Sendai to meet in person.
Their thoughtful visit created a quiet and intimate setting that allowed for a meaningful exchange.
I hope the atmosphere and voices captured during the recording will resonate through the broadcast.

Broadcast Schedule
Part 1 Tanba Toji (Hyogo) October 7 (Tue) 11:25–11:50 JST
Part 2 Echigo Toji (Niigata) October 14 (Tue) 11:25–11:50 JST
Part 3 Nanbu Toji (Iwate) October 21 (Tue) 11:25–11:50 JST

The program will be available for streaming after the broadcast via NHK Radio’s Rajiru★Rajiru service (availability may vary by region).

Date: September 21, 2025
Time: Doors open at 3:30 PM, Opening at 4:00 PM, Closing at 6:30 PM
Venue: Hanamaki City Cultural Hall (16-22 Wakaba-cho 3-chome, Hanamaki City, Iwate)
Contact: Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Association Secretariat, Tel: 0198-31-2117
Sumiko accompanies the communal singing.

Date and Time: Saturday, September 20th, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Venue: Hanamaki City Cultural Center
Lecturer: Sumiko Sato
Open to all residents of and commuters to Hanamaki City (Lottery for over 30 applicants)
URL: https://www.city.hanamaki.iwate.jp/bunkasports/shogaigakushu/1019894/1016419/1024075.html
Contact: City Lifelong Learning Division, Yoshida · Otsuka (tel. 0198-41-3587)

Saturday, June 28, 14:15-14:30
Sumiko will appear on “Hiroki Kamiyama’s Nobi Nobi Saturday” on IBC Iwate Broadcasting radio to talk about the Piano Concert 2025, “Weaving Tones: From Ihatov to the Future” on July 5 (Sat) in Morioka and July 6 (Sun) in Hanamaki.
Don’t miss it!

July 5 (Sat.) doors open 12:30 pm / Concert begins 1 pm / Venue: Cafe West38 (Morioka Bus Center 3F)
July 6 (Sun.) doors open 2 pm / Concert begins 2 pm / Venue: Kenji Miyazawa Ihatov Center

🌟 Music That Reunites – A Special Homecoming Concert 🌟
“Two musicians from Tohoku, having studied music in Seattle, once dreamed of holding a charity concert for those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Though the pandemic put their vision on hold, their passion never faded. Now, after years, they reunite in Iwate to finally bring their music to life, filled with hope, remembrance, and resilience.”

Seminar on “The World of Kenji” in 2025
“Kenji Miyazawa and Music“
June 11(Wed.) 10:30-11:30 AM
@Yasawa Elementary School
Lecturer: Sumiko Sato

Date and Time: Saturday, April 19th, 1:30 PM
Location: CAFE WEST 38 (3rd Floor, Morioka Bus Center) 1-9 Nakanohashi-dori, Morioka
Admission: Free (One drink order required)
Performers:
Sumiko Sato (Piano)
and friends

https://akiyoshi-jazz.com/events/event/20250419-2/

In December 2024, Japan’s “traditional sake brewing” was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. In the same month, following the renewal of the contract for “Kome-togi Uta” (rice washing song) for the sound installation at the Seattle Convention Center, the CD “Nanbu Sakaya Uta Project Vol. 1” is now available for purchase at the Michi no Eki Ishidoriya “Sakashokan” (7-17-3, Nakaterabayashi Ishidoriya, Hanamaki, Iwate), which reopened in 2023, in addition to Rinpusha and Inaka Lab, starting March 13th. The price is 2,200 yen (tax included). There is also a Denshokan heritage hall adjacent to the facility where you can learn more about the sake brewing culture of the Nanbu Toji, so please come and visit us.

Excited to share that my piece, “Rice Washing Song,” has been renewed for the Summit Sound playlist at the Seattle Convention Center! Join me and 99 other local artists as we fill the newly built hall with music until August 2027. Located on Pine St. between 9th and Boren, Summit Sound is an outdoor oasis where you can enjoy live music 7 days a week, 7am-11pm.

“Gauche the Cellist” and “The Beginning of the Deer Dance”
Performed by Shizuko Ushizaki, Toshiya Ushizaki
Piano: Sumiko Sato
December 1 (Sun.), 11:00 am
Admission 1000yen
Morioka Takuboku/Kenji Youth Museum Exhibition Hall (2F)
1-1-25 Nakanohashidori, Morioka-shi, Iwate 020-0871
https://seishunkan.jp/archives/events/events-277