Our first concert was truly special.
We put our hearts and souls into this stage. Huge thanks to the “Iwate no Otodama Choir,” our musicians, and everyone who supported this brand-new project. We couldn’t have done it without you!
※岩手日報令和8年2月10日付
※岩手日報社の許諾を得て転載しています
Echoes of Iwate’s Soul
Choral voices, piano, and flute evoke nature, folk traditions, and Kenji Miyazawa’s poetic world.
Composer Sumiko Sato presents original works for her homeland, including “Rice-Washing Song” and “Homage to Deer Dance”.From December 1, you can buy tickets at any Seven-Eleven or FamilyMart store throughout Japan.
Sales URL: http://ticket.pia.jp/pia/event.ds?eventCd=2543321Iwate Otodama Concert
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: Doors 13:30 / Start 14:00
Venue: Tosai Classic Hall Iwate (Iwate Prefectural Hall), Medium Hall, Morioka
Performers:
Conductor: Yoshiko Kawakami, Conductor: Noriko Kirita, Composer & Piano: Sumiko Sato,
Performance: Iwate Otodama Singers
Tickets: General ¥2,000 advance / ¥2,500 door; Students (HS and below) ¥1,000 advance / ¥1,500 door *Advance sales until February 27, 2026
Tickets: Ticket Pia [P Code: 314419]
or Iwate Otodama Concert Executive Committee (Kirita) TEL 090-4633-3598,
Email iwate.otodama2026@gmail.comDecember 21, 2025 Sun.
Christmas Music @ Uchimaru Baptist Church
Friday, November 7, 10:35 AM – 11:20 AM
Hachiman Elementary School
Instructor: Sumiko Sato
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 JSTThe 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.”
