Hino Citizens’ University: An Afternoon of Relaxed Opera Through Song and Chat

The event was held with Professor Masanobu Shibayama of Showa University of Music as the guest speaker.

It was a wonderful lecture at my alma mater, Hino Daiichi Elementary School, where a professor from my alma mater, Showa University of Music, spoke about opera and sang.

As mentioned in the story about Mr. Toshiaki Murakami, whom Hino City is proud of, I was taught by Mr. Murakami’s mother in the choir club at this First Elementary School.

At that time, I also received vocal coaching from Mr. Ito, who gave private lessons and was my teacher’s instructor. That gave me the courage to aim for Takarazuka.

But I had no confidence in anything besides singing, so upon entering junior high, I changed my path to pursue vocal music at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.

After entering music college, I considered becoming a civil servant like my father, continued singing, tried jobs utilizing my voice, worked as an exclusive campaign girl for a certain company (because I was cute back then), and then moved into hosting work… Ultimately, while not becoming a civil servant, I chose the path of city council member.

Art is an important learning experience that enriches life.

To all young artists, I hope you walk a path where, even if it’s winding like mine, you ultimately have no regrets about the life you chose.

That’s precisely why, before giving up, I want to create many opportunities for you to test your own abilities.

That is how I feel.

It might sound like a policy only for artists, but as I mentioned earlier, “art is an important learning experience that enriches life.”

When your heart is weary, there should be many arts and cultures that heal you.

Among them, you might find joy in living by connecting with those who stand on stage in Hino City, expressing love, joy, suffering, and sorrow. Seeing a beautiful painting might spark a desire to move forward and bring about change. Powerful calligraphy might make you feel its dynamism, giving you strength and the courage to rise again.

That is precisely why nurturing young artists is essential for the policy that enriches and strengthens everyone’s hearts.