“We will never forget that day. We will keep moving forward.”
In order to remember the Great East Japan Earthquake, to preserve the memories of suffering, sacrifice, and courage, and to pass those stories on to the next generation, we held a concert last year to mark 10 years since the disaster. The theme of the event was, “We will never forget that day. We will keep moving forward.” With these words in mind, Seiko will continue to use the power of song to expand the bonds of wa (circle and harmony) that connect hearts and minds during the ongoing period of reconstruction.
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About the concert
What is the Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan? Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, Seiko has been holding the Sound of “Wa” Concert in three prefectures of the Tohoku region and in Tokyo. As the Seiko Group has manufacturing bases in Iwate Prefecture (Morioka and Tono cities), Miyagi Prefecture (Sendai city) and Fukushima Prefecture (Koriyama city), the company has deep, longstanding ties with the Tohoku region. The indefinable term Wa in the title embraces various themes: a “circle” of support for reconstruction activities, a “circle” symbolizing the joined hands of those who suffered in the disaster and their supporters, a “circle” of dreams and aspirations for the future, a spirit of “harmony” that fosters togetherness of people working to rebuild, the “essence” of a vibrant Japan, as well as a strong desire to strengthen bonds of “harmony” between people. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake the concert represented an opportunity for people to show support for disaster victims, but today it serves as a stage for victims to participate and to express their desire for reconstruction and their hopes for a better tomorrow. We will continue to send out messages from Tohoku and Tokyo to bring smiles to the faces of everyone involved.
2023 Activities
This year’s theme "Spreading Smiles"
The Tokyo performance this year is dedicated to the theme of "Spreading Smiles." Thirteen years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami disaster. Now, a younger generation is not even familiar with those events, so we have decided to use music to connect them with the wonderful, uplifting feelings created in that reconstruction time. This concert will emphasize the importance of smiles in helping us all to be more positive in our outlook, regardless of circumstances.
A large monitor has been installed in the show window of SEIKO HOUSE. In addition to videos reviewing the history of the concert, on the day of the event, scenes from the venue will be broadcast live.
From March 4th to 11th, a large monitor will be set up in Seiko House, showcasing videos that highlight the history of the concert, which has been held 45 times since 2011. On March 10th, the Tokyo International Forum concert will be broadcast live starting from 6:00 PM Japan time. On the following day, at 2:46 PM, the exact time of the earthquake, the "Bell of Hope for the Future" on top of the Seiko House will ring.
Information about the Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in FY 2023
| Date | Title | Place | Venue | Guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 10, 2024 | Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan 2024 in Tokyo | Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo | Tokyo International Forum Hall A | Yukari Ito Ken Matsudaira Ryoko Moriyama Junko Yagami TOKYO CITY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA etc. |
Message from the Executive Committee Chairman
Shinji Hattori, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan
Thirteen years have passed since the disaster, but we cannot forget the events of that day. The Seiko Group has been proud to work together with the late maestro Norio Maeda (who died in 2018) to hold a series of celebratory concerts in various places, beginning right after the earthquake. This year’s concert in Tokyo marks the 46th event in that series. We are always grateful for the participation of a variety of top-class artists, and for the bonds of “wa” (harmony) that continue to deepen as a result of these performances.
Music possesses a mysterious power—an ability to heal and uplift people. Through the power of music, we will continue to deepen the bonds that connect us and the smiles that inspire us. With the slogan, "Never forget that time, and keep moving forward," Seiko will continue this series of East Japan support concerts. We sincerely ask for your ongoing support.
History of Seiko’s Activities
FY 2023
“Wa” On Stage: East Japan Support Concert 2023 in Tohoku
The concert was held on September 23, 2023 in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, on October 1st in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, and on October 8th in Soma City, in Fukushima Prefecture.
FY 2022
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2022 in Tohoku
The Tohoku version of the Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan was held in Yamada Town, Iwate Prefecture on September 4, 2022; in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture on September 23; and in Shichigahama Town, Miyagi Prefecture on October 2. Each local event marked the first time in three years for this concert to be held as a live performance. The event in Shinchi Town marked the 40th time in total that this concert was held.
FY 2021
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2022 in Tokyo
The 2022 Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan was held at Shibuya Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Tokyo. It was the first time in three years for the concert to be held in front of a live audience, although seating was limited due to COVID concerns.
©Naoya Ochiai
FY 2020
Visiting Minamisanriku Town to Pay Respects, Miyagi Prefecture
In 2015, the Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony was held in Minamisanriku Town. In the concert, local children enthusiastically played stringed instruments called sanshin (an Okinawan version of the traditional samisen). They learned this instrument from members of the Self-Defense Force who came all the way from Okinawa to support the town’s rebuilding efforts. Shinji Hattori, CEO of Seiko Group Corporation and the chairman of the organizing committee, once again toured the surrounding area and saw the state of recovery for himself.
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2020 in Tokyo
On October 5, 2020, the Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2020 in Tokyo, which had been postponed due to COVID-19, was held at Orchard Hall in Tokyo. Although there was no audience, the livestream event brought the power of the music to people throughout Japan.
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan 2021 in Nippon Budokan – 10 years after the disaster
March 11, 2021 marked 10 years since that fateful day. To recognize this milestone, we held the Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan 2021 in the enormous Nippon Budokan to further spread the Wa of hope for reconstruction, and to unleash the power of music to heal and to bring people together.
FY 2019
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2019 in Tohoku
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2019 in Tohoku” was held on September 8, 2019, in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture, on September 22, in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and, on October 5, in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture. The concert held in Tono City was the 35th in total.
FY 2018
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2018 in Tohoku
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2018 in Tohoku” was held on July 15, 2018, in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, on August 26 in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, and on October 27 in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture. This concert was held in Kitakata City and was the 30th in total.
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2019 in Tokyo
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2019 in Tokyo” was held on March 11, 2019, 8 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya.
“Through the power of music, we want to restore “the sense of the ordinary ” that was lost after the disaster.” The artists who identified with these words sang in voices that reflected their emotions towards people in the affected areas.
FY 2017
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2017 in Tohoku
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2017 in Tohoku” was held on July 8, 2017 in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, on July 23 in Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, and on September 24 in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture.
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2018 in Tokyo
Seven years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2018 in Tokyo” was held on March 12, 2018, at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya.
The stage was decorated with about 600 hope-filled “Cherry Blossoms Cards” from the whole country, expressing hopes for reconstruction, and bringing to the venue the voices of disaster victims and supporters.
FY 2016
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2016 in Tohoku
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2016 in Tohoku” was held on July 24, 2016, in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, on August 21 in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, and on September 19, in Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture.
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2017 in Tokyo
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2017 in Tokyo” was held on March 11, 2017, 6 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya.
This edition of the reconstruction-supporting concert, held in the stricken areas and in Tokyo since immediately after the earthquake, marked the 24th staging of the concert. Over 2,000 people, ranging from elementary school students to the elderly, gathered at the venue to wish a prompt recovery in the affected areas.
FY 2015
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2015 in Tohoku
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2015 in Tohoku” was held on September 5, 2015, in Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, on September 22, in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, and, on October 12, in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture.
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2016 in Tokyo
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2016 in Tokyo” was held on March 11, 2016, 5 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, at Bunkyo Civic Hall.
This edition of the concert, which represents an opportunity to unite in spirit residents in disaster-stricken areas with their supporters through the power of music, marked the 20th staging of this concert.
FY 2014
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2014 in Tohoku
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2014 in Tohoku” was held on July 19, 2014, in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, on July 20 in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, on August 5 in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, on August 9 in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, and on September 13 in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2015 in Tokyo
The “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2015 in Tokyo” was held on March 11, 2015, 4 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, at Hibiya Public Hall.
People in the affected areas were asked to write their thoughts on 2015 headbands inscribed with the word “Wa” and supporters were asked to write words of encouragement next to them: the headbands were later displayed on stage and in the Ginza/Wako's store-front window.
FY 2013
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2013 in Tohoku
In September 2013, with the goal of further expanding the circle of support activities, we set up an executive committee for a series of concerts titled “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony.”
Soon after, the “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony in Tohoku” was held on September 7 in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, on September 8 in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, on September 13, in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, on September 14 in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, on September 16 in Watari Town, Miyagi Prefecture, and on March 23 in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture.
Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony 2014 in Tokyo
On March 11, 2014, 3 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, as an opportunity to unite in spirit, not just people within the disaster areas, but also people from the disaster areas with their supporters, the concert that until then had been held in the disaster areas, was held for the first time in Tokyo (at the Nippon Seinenkan).
FY 2012
On May 27, 2012 the “Happy Big-catch Flags Concert” was held in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture.
About 100 “Happy Big-catch Flags” with messages for people in the affected areas were presented to fishermen in the Miyako region.
FY 2011
In 2011, when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, Seiko celebrated its 130th anniversary. All the various commemorative events were canceled and in their place we launched the “Seiko 130 Actions” campaign with the goal of completing over 130 reconstruction-supporting projects in the three years following the earthquake.
As a result of the combined efforts by our company (which included decontamination work in the stricken areas, the cleaning of photographs washed away by the tsunami, donation activities and shipping of daily necessities) and the actions of volunteer groups and individuals, the total number of projects reached 138 in three years.
As part of these activities, in addition to offering material support, the desire to be close in spirit to people in the affected areas through the power of music led us first to cooperate with Norio Maeda’s “Norio Maeda Concert KIZUNA” (held in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, on August 22, 2011, and in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, on August 23) and then to launch the “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony.”
Record of Activities
Seiko has been holding the “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony” in 3 prefectures of the Tohoku region since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, and in Tokyo since 2014.
Click 〇on the map to view past concerts.
Click the button below the map to view past concerts.
FY 2011
FY 2012
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2022
Participants' Voices
Presenting the voices of all those who participated in “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony” You can select voices by prefecture.
Tono City, Iwate Prefecture
A support concert held in a disaster relief effort areaThe concert executive committee members in the Tono civic center
Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, we sent food supplies to the affected area, which we prepared and distributed in the space just in front of the hall where the concert was held. For 29 days from March 11, we continued to send food to the affected area in the form of rice balls, amounting to 142,400 rice balls for the whole city.
It has now been 8 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and with various disasters seeming to occur around the world every year, memory of the earthquake is fading. Yet even though the development of infrastructure is progressing, the damage to people’s hearts takes much longer to recover. With this in mind, we feel a sense of connection to this concert held in the civic center where we once provided relief to evacuees. We feel certain that this event has given courage and inspiration to those affected by the disaster and many others.
Tono City, Iwate Prefecture
I want to support the childrenYoshinao Hata, Television Iwate
I have keenly followed these concerts since the very first one was held. The coastal towns hit by the tsunami that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake were left covered in debris and sediment, robbing them of their vibrancy. And then Miyako City received 10,000 flower seedlings. The person behind this was my own niece, who was herself born in Miyako. Seeing the people of her hometown in such despair, and hoping to comfort their hearts with flowers, she made a long-shot call to Hana Company Ltd., the publisher of “Hana no Jidai, Kokoro no Seiki” (Age of Flowers, Century of Heart), a book an acquaintance had recommended to her. Despite the sudden nature of the call, the company president kindly listened directly to her proposal. As chance would have it, the president turned out to be the high school friend of my elder brother (my niece’s other uncle). Also feeling saddened by the suffering of his hometown, he soon made my niece’s suggestion a reality. The story of these flowers is how I became acquainted with producer Ikeda and associates.
As time goes on, we will see children take to this stage from a generation that has not known this terrible disaster. It is my desire that the children of the new generation raised in these coastal towns still under reconstruction can enjoy a wonderful environment of “Wa” (circle of support and harmony), and that I can help to build it.
Kamaishi City Iwate Prefecture
After the earthquake, music helped me get in touch with my feelings.Concert performer NPO Gabacho Project
My home was destroyed by the tsunami, and I lost touch with my emotions because of such a tragedy.
What saved me were the volunteers singing “Furusato” at the evacuation shelter.
After the earthquake, I realized for the first time what hardship is, and the tears flowed naturally. Until then, I had studied music professionally and understood music at a logical level, but it was when I felt it “in my heart” that I understood for the first time the great power of music. Next time, I want to be the one to save people with music.
Kamaishi City Iwate Prefecture
Delivering the thoughts of a deceased friend through musicConcert performer Black ★ Kamalins
“Black ★ Kamalins” was formed in 2008 and consists of five music lovers from Kamaishi.
They continued to play even after losing Mr. Matsumoto, a core member, to the earthquake.
We want to connect with various people through the power of music and deliver hope and strength.
Tagajo City Miyagi Prefecture
Reconstruction is still underway. We want to build the future of Tagajo together with the students.Concert Executive Committee Member, Tagajo Junior High School
On the day of the earthquake, the sea struck the city of Tagajo and 40% of the School district were affected.
Seven years have passed, but until last year there were still temporary housing units in the city. Reconstruction is still underway.
When Tagajo junior and senior high school students gathered together to create a piece of music, I felt very energized.
I hope to work together with the students to build a new future for Tagajo.
Matsushima City Miyagi Prefecture
I want to deliver smiles and strengthConcert performer Matsushima Madura Take Yamai
Established in September 2011 with the desire to give strength to people who have lost their strength after the earthquake.
In Sendai, the sparrow dance has been transmitted from generation to generation for many years. I want to see everyone between the age of 2 and 70 dance happily and I want to bring smiles and strength to everyone.
Matsushima City Miyagi Prefecture
Thoughts from HawaiiConcert performers Umiumi & Hula Honi Ke Aloha
People in Hawaii, after hearing about the Great East Japan Earthquake, created the song “Kaa Na Ale” by adding lyrics in Hawaiian to the melody of “Hanamizuki”
“The returning waves will bring you back to me.
They will take me to where you are ”
The message of the song is that, “If you get separated, you can be together again someday.”
This is our message to all of you.
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Tokyo
I was trying to cheer up everyone in Tohoku, but Tohoku is actually cheering ME up.The late Norio Maeda, music supervisor of “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony”
The starting point of the concert was when, immediately after the earthquake, I played on a piano that had been damaged in the disaster.. Every time I go to the disaster areas, I get a strong sense of the persistence and resilience of the people in Tohoku. To the point that I feel energized.
This concert will continue forever.
Tokyo
Restoring “the sense of the ordinary” in the disaster areasKazuichiro Ikeda, member of the Executive committee of “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony”
We first planned this concert, not out of the desire to provide material support to the affected areas, but because we wanted to create something together with disaster victims. Therefore, moving from the belief that to support the disaster-stricken areas we need to restore “the sense of the ordinary,” we want this initiative to continue in the future.
“Wa” bulletin board
Here you can read articles on the “Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan in a Spirit of Harmony” and on the three prefectures of the Tohoku region after the earthquake.
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The Seiko Group undertakes community support activities through music that deepen bonds with people.
