法人別リリース

Yamaha Unveils "THE JOYFUL PIANO" Concert Movie, Performed by Three People...

Yamaha — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0900

HAMAMATSU, Japan, Feb. 7, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ -
Yamaha Corporation
- Special Website of Unprecedented Concert Also Released -

Yamaha Corporation is pleased to announce that the movie and special website of an unprecedented piano concert was opened to the public from February 7. Held at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on December 21, 2023, "THE JOYFUL PIANO" was an exceptional concert in which three people with disabilities in limbs played Beethoven's 9th Symphony with an orchestra and chorus. They played the "AI-assisted Piano (*)" that automatically synchronized to and accompanied the pianist, allowing them to play physically manageable parts and delegating the rest to the AI.

Inspired by the passion of the pianists to play the 9th, no matter what their disabilities or experiences are, Yamaha decided to support their dream with the power of technology. The concert was planned to communicate their courage and joy of playing music to the world and encourage people to take a new step forward.

Concert movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc1GSwpw1sw
Special website (English): https://www.yamaha.com/en/about/initiatives/the-9th/

The 9th was played in the style of a piano concerto. The arrangement, unlike any other in the world, made the performance of the three pianists stand out, with the orchestra and chorus harmoniously responding to the piano.

Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202402016083?p=images

Comment by one of the pianists
Ms. Hiroko Higashino: "I felt that I finally enjoyed playing Beethoven as I always wanted to, when the orchestra, the space, the audience and the AI-assisted Piano -- the four of them came together in harmony. I feel it is out of date to give up something because of a disability."

Comment by Yamaha representative
"Since its foundation, Yamaha has always striven to make music 'accessible to everyone,' or to make it something 'anyone can enjoy.' As part of such efforts, this concert has successfully proven that with technology that compensates one's weakness, anyone can try to fulfill a dream regardless of handicaps, age or characteristics. The event not only delivered a moving experience to the audience but also inspired people to take a step forward with courage and passion. Building on this, we will continue to extend a system that supports everyone with or without a disability, including beginners interested in playing the piano, with the aim of making music 'accessible to everyone.'"

(*) AI-assisted Piano
This innovative instrument responds to a key strike by seamlessly generating accompaniment and pedal movements that align with the melody. It assists the players, regardless of disability, experience or age, to realize the performance they desire. For this concert where three people with disabilities attempted to play Beethoven’s 9th together with an orchestra and chorus, new technologies including "ultra-low latency sound generation" have been introduced based on Yamaha's reproducing piano called "Disklavier (TM)," allowing the players to feel more connected to the piano. Moreover, to assist the three pianists to do their best and shine among the orchestra and chorus, technologies that reflect their individual playing styles and physical movements have also been adopted.

Yamaha Launching Demonstration Project for Online Tours of Sights in Japan

Yamaha — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:00:00 +0900

HAMAMATSU, Japan, Feb. 10, 2020 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yamaha Launching Demonstration Project
for Online Tours of Sights in Japan
- Multi-language Audio Guide Application Also Tested for Viability by Future Travelers to Facilities in Japan -

Yamaha Corporation has developed the online “Video Tour” and “Remote Tour” programs, both of which make it possible for people to enjoy seeing spots in Japan remotely and safely from their homes. The company is holding a demonstration project for the online tours in February. Furthermore, demonstrations of the new “Audio Guide/Explanatory Guide” application (*), which can be used safely to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in museum and elsewhere, will also be conducted in preparation for the resumption of inbound travel to Japan.

The demonstration project is being carried out as part of the project to strengthen the profitability of arts and culture on consignment from the Cultural Affairs Agency, in connection with the agency’s Strategic Project to Create Culture and the Arts for fiscal 2020.

Details of the agency’s project are available on its dedicated website: https://bunka-syueki.jp/

Note:
(*) The demonstration of the “Audio Guide/Explanatory Guide” application is conducted with people residing in Japan. After the demonstration, Yamaha will consider making the application usable at other facilities including those outside Japan.

Image1: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100577/202102090790/_prw_PI1fl_sc4Zm46k.png

Overview
1. “Video Tour/Remote Tour” for anyone to enjoy from home
Yamaha offers two types of tours one can take to enjoy sightseeing from home without going out. “Video Tour” makes it possible to enjoy visiting various locations on video with multi-language subtitles and several interactive functions. “Remote Tour” allows people to enjoy traveling in Japan through real-time video. Furthermore, participants can send applause and cheers to the venues visited and/or send tips to them just by tapping the buttons on their smartphones while enjoying the “Remote Tour.” This function is powered by Yamaha’s original technology “Remote Cheerer.” One can take part in both types of tours through the “OMOTENASHI GUIDE” application.

Example of “Video Tour” and “Remote Tour” (for illustration purposes only):
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100577/202102090790/_prw_PI2fl_qxOaiAC2.png

2. Multi-language “Audio Guide/Explanatory Guide” for use at spots
Yamaha will also conduct the demonstration (*) of its new “Audio Guide/Explanation Guide,” which can be used safely to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infection in museums and elsewhere. Providing audio guidance via visitors’ smartphones helps reduce physical contact, which could be caused by sharing dedicated rental devices, as well as close contact among visitors that could otherwise be made if the guide gives them vocal explanations nearby. This function can be used by launching the “OMOTENASHI GUIDE” application at each facility.

(*) Please refer to the previous note.

Image2: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100577/202102090790/_prw_PI3fl_gjG6SN48.png

For more information, please visit the following websites:

OMOTENASHI GUIDE powered by SoundUD:
http://omotenashiguide.jp/en/

Remote Cheerer powered by SoundUD:
https://soundud.org/en/serviceinfo/remote-cheering-system-remote-cheerer-powered-by-soundud-beta/

The demonstration project’s dedicated website: https://bunka-syueki.jp/

Source: Yamaha Corporation

Yamaha Promoting Introduction of Instrumental Music Education in Primary and Secondary Schools...

Yamaha — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 15:00:22 +0900

HAMAMATSU, Japan, Dec. 19, 2016 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yamaha Corporation
Yamaha Promoting Introduction of Instrumental Music Education in Primary and Secondary Schools in Vietnam
- Selected as Certified Project of "Public-Private Initiative to Disseminate Japanese-Style Education Overseas" of Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology -

Yamaha Corporation is implementing a project to introduce instrumental music education in primary and secondary schools in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (hereinafter Vietnam). This initiative has received official recognition under the "Public-Private Initiative to Disseminate Japanese-Style Education Overseas" ("EDU-Port Japan") of Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (hereinafter MEXT).

In Vietnam, no "Course of Study" is provided in the primary and secondary schools for teaching pupils to actually learn to play musical instruments. The music subject currently provides four lessons: singing, general knowledge of music, music theory, and solfege.

Yamaha has been spreading the merits of learning music through playing instruments to many schools in various countries and regions. Building on this experience, Yamaha, in cooperation with Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training, began to provide support for instrumental musical education in January 2016, with an eye to the revisions in the "Course of Study" for primary and secondary schools that are scheduled in 2018.

(Photo1: Then Japanese Minister of MEXT, Mr. Hiroshi Hase, observes the activities of a recorder club at a Vietnamese school. (C) MEXT
http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M000120/201612137150/_prw_OI1fl_57sfjdps.png)

(Photo2: Recorder class in progress at the Japan International School in Hanoi
http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M000120/201612137150/_prw_OI2fl_cd5FQUmi.png)

Beginning this fiscal year, MEXT began "EDU-Port Japan" through a framework involving collaboration of Japan's public and private sectors. The objective of this project is to spread overseas the Japanese educational system, which has drawn considerable positive attention from abroad, through an "all-Japan" public-private collaborative effort. This project is divided into four parts: A public-private collaborative platform, country-specific working groups, international forums, and pilot projects.

Recently, Yamaha's initiatives were selected as a certified project of "EDU-Port Japan." As a result, it is now possible to move forward with these education initiatives with the support of MEXT.

Aiming to provide opportunities for the children of the world to become acquainted with the beauty of music, Yamaha will develop the project, including improving music textbooks and preparing teacher training programs in Vietnam, drawing on the knowledge gained through collaboration with Yokohama National University and Kyoiku Geijutsusha Co., Ltd. (one of the music textbook publishers in Japan), and other groups and corporations.

Please access the following URL for videos of the visits to schools of then Minister of MEXT Hiroshi Hase. (In Japanese only)
https://youtu.be/t0a3RMG1eNI

Amateur Bands Representing Eight Countries/Regions Mainly within Asia Battle for No.1 Slot

Yamaha — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:00:22 +0900

HAMAMATSU, Japan, Nov. 8, 2016 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yamaha Corporation
Amateur Bands Representing Eight Countries/Regions Mainly within Asia Battle for No.1 Slot
- Asian Beat 2016 Band Contest Results Announced, A Band "Gift" Representing South Korea Wins Grand Prize -

On November 5, Yamaha Corporation held the Asian Beat 2016 Finals at Tokyo Big Sight to determine the best amateur bands from eight countries and regions, mainly within Asia.

In all, eight bands were selected to showcase their talent and unique flare as national or regional representatives at Asian Beat 2016 after winning local contest finals for which 661 bands competed. Asian Beat welcomed a world-class bass player, Mr. Nathan East, as a guest judge to review each band.

The Grand Prize was awarded to "Gift", a band from South Korea which was highly praised for their impressive sound, high-level performance both as individuals and as a band, and the quality of their original song. The Second Prize was awarded to "leMeow" representing Canada, and the Third Prize to "POSEIDON" representing Malaysia.

The winning band's performance is scheduled to be uploaded to the Asian Beat Website* in late November.

*Asian Beat Website: http://asia.yamaha.com/en/about_yamaha/asianbeat/

(Photo1: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M100577/201611086036/_prw_OI1fl_C4lkwfbH.JPG)

Contest Results
Group Prizes
                          Country/Region         Band Name
Grand Prize             South Korea           "Gift"
Second Prize           Canada                   "leMeow"
Third Prize              Malaysia                 "POSEIDON"

Individual Prize
                          Country/Region      Name (Band Name)
Winner                  South Korea           Seung Tae ("Gift")

Grand Prize Winner: "Gift" (South Korea)
(Photo2: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M100577/201611086036/_prw_OI2fl_0UI6a2z2.JPG)

Second Prize: "leMeow" (Canada)
(Photo3: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M100577/201611086036/_prw_OI3fl_nNlNMPaf.JPG)

Third Prize: "POSEIDON" (Malaysia)
(Photo4:
http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M100577/201611086036/_prw_OI4fl_nDJ67Rxy.JPG)

Event Overview
Event Name:      Asian Beat 2016
Date & Time:     4 PM - 6:30 PM, Saturday, November 5, 2016 (Doors Open 3:30 PM)
Venue:              Tokyo Big Sight (3-4-10 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Countries:          Canada, mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia,
                         Singapore, Ukraine
Guest Judge:      Nathan East (Bass Player)
Prizes:               Grand Prize:   $3,000 Yamaha Musical Instrument Voucher
Second Prize:      $1,500 Yamaha Musical Instrument Voucher
Third Prize:         $1,000 Yamaha Musical Instrument Voucher
Individual Prize:  $1,000 Yamaha Musical Instrument Voucher

Event Sponsor: Yamaha Corporation

(Photo5: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M100577/201611086036/_prw_OI5fl_8eu63GDA.JPG)

Asian Beat
Asian Beat is a global competition sponsored by the Yamaha Group to determine the No.1 band from amateur band competitions hosted in countries and regions mainly within Asia. Yamaha Corporation provides amateur bands with venues to perform in a contest format to promote band performances and national band scenes. This contest, which began as Band Alert in 1998, marked the 19th such competition.

Yamaha's website: https://www.yamaha.com/en/

Asian Beat 2016 Media Invitation

Yamaha — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:31:57 +0900

21th October 2016
Yamaha Corporation
Amateur bands representing eight countries and regions mainly within Asia battle for No.1
Asian Beat 2016 Media Invitation
Date & Time:4 PM - 6:30 PM,Saturday, November 5, 2016 (Doors Open 3:30 PM)
Event Venue:Tokyo Big Sight Conference Tower 1F (Reception Hall B)
Guest Judge: Nathan East (Bass Player)
On Saturday, November 5, Yamaha Corporation will hold the Asian Beat 2016 Finals at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto - ku, Tokyo) to determine the best amateur bands from eight countries and regions, mainly within Asia.

Asian Beat is a global competition sponsored by the Yamaha Group to determine the No.1 band from amateur band competitions hosted in countries and regions mainly within Asia. Yamaha Corporation provides amateur bands with opportunities to perform in a contest format to promote band performances and national band scenes. This contest, which began as Band Alert in 1998, marks the 19th such competition.

This is the first time Asian Beat will be held inside Japan's largest comprehensive musical instrument event, Musical Instruments Fair Japan 2016 (Friday, November 4 - Sunday, November 6). This year, Asian Beat welcomes world - class bass player, Nathan East, to the jury. In addition judging participating bands, Mr. East is scheduled to perform during the event.

Event Overview
Event Name:  Asian Beat 2016
Date & Time:  4 PM - 6:30 PM, Saturday, November 5, 2016 (Doors Open 3:30 PM)
Venue:  Tokyo Big Sight Conference Tower 1F (Reception Hall B) (3 - 4 - 10 Ariake, Koto - ku, Tokyo)
Entry Fee:  None* *Musical Instruments Fair Japan 2016 ticket required.See Musical Instruments Fair Japan 2016 site for ticket info: http://musicfair.jp/2016/ticket/
Countries:  Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Ukraine
Guest Judge:  Nathan East (Bass Player)

Prizes: Grand Prize:$3,000 Yamaha Musical Instrument Voucher
          Second Prize:$1,500 Yamaha Musical Instrument Voucher
          Third Prize:$1,000 Yamaha Musical Instrument Voucher
          Individual Prize:$1,000 Yamaha Musical Instrument Voucher

Event Sponsor: Yamaha Corporation

Asian Beat 2016 Website: http://asia.yamaha.com/en/about_yamaha/asianbeat/

About Musical Instruments Fair Japan
Musical Instruments Fair Japan is the largest general musical instrument event in Japan and the world's biggest consumer - oriented musical instrument show, featuring new products full of the latest technology from the best brands in the world together with other related products, and provides up - to - date information on music and musical instruments.
Musical Instruments Fair Japan 2016 Overview
Dates & Times: Friday, November 4:10 AM - 8 PM
                        Saturday, November 5:10 AM - 6 PM
                        Sunday, November 6:10 AM - 5 PM
Event Venue: Tokyo Big Sight West Hall 1 & 2
1 - Day Entry Fee: 1,500 yen (1,200 yen advanced purchase), including tax
                             High school age or below/Age 70 and above admitted at no charge
Website: http://musicfair.jp/english/