Nobuaki Tanaka Memorial 2026, Tokyo, Japan

• October 23, 2026
  Event date:
• October 23, 2026
  Event end:

What to expect in 2026

Nobuaki Tanaka Memorial 2026 is a special choral concert in Tokyo commemorating Nobuaki Tanaka, the founding conductor of the Tokyo Mixed Chorus and one of the major figures in the development of modern Japanese choral music. The official event is presented as Tokyo Mixed Chorus Special Concert “Toukon All Stars – Nobuaki Tanaka Memorial” and brings together six conductors connected with the ensemble for a programme spanning Japanese contemporary choral music, European sacred repertoire, Ukrainian traditional music and newly arranged works.

The concert takes place on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall in Ikebukuro. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m., with doors scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m.

At the centre of the programme is a newly arranged choral version of the second movement of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4, arranged by Kazuki Yamada. The arrangement receives its world premiere at this concert, creating one of the evening’s principal new-music moments.

The programme then moves through works by Michio Kitazume, Yasushi Akutagawa and Krzysztof Penderecki before introducing further world-premiere arrangements by Kentaro Shuto. These include Oleksandr Bilash’s “My Son” and “The Ducks Are Flying,” together with the Ukrainian folk song “The Crane.” The final section features three selections from Toru Takemitsu’s The Wind Horse.

The event is also significant because of its connection with the history of the Tokyo Mixed Chorus. Tanaka founded the ensemble in 1956 and remained closely associated with it throughout his career. According to the ensemble, he devoted decades to commissioning and premiering new Japanese choral music and helped establish a large repertoire of contemporary works.

Rather than being a conventional single-conductor choral concert, the 2026 memorial programme is organised around several conductors. Each conductor takes responsibility for a particular portion of the programme, allowing the audience to encounter different interpretive approaches while hearing the same professional choir throughout the evening.

The concert also has a strong international dimension. Rachmaninoff and Penderecki represent major European musical traditions, while the Bilash arrangements and Ukrainian folk song bring Ukrainian musical culture into the programme. Japanese composers including Kitazume, Akutagawa and Takemitsu provide another central strand.

The result is a programme that connects Tanaka’s long-standing interest in Japanese contemporary choral music with international repertoire and new arrangements. For listeners interested in professional choir performance, Japanese choral history, contemporary music or the work of the Tokyo Mixed Chorus, the event offers a concentrated evening of repertoire and conducting.

Event dates

Nobuaki Tanaka Memorial 2026 takes place on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Date: Friday, October 23, 2026

Doors open: 6:00 p.m.

Performance: 7:00 p.m.

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall

City: Tokyo, Japan

The official Tokyo Mixed Chorus announcement confirms that the doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:00 p.m.

This is a single-performance event rather than a multi-day festival. There are no separate dates or daytime sessions announced for the memorial concert.

Visitors travelling from outside Tokyo should allow additional time for reaching Ikebukuro, particularly during the evening commuter period. The theatre is directly connected with Ikebukuro Station via the underground passage at Exit 2b, making rail travel particularly convenient.

The organisers have also noted that performers and programme contents may change. Visitors should therefore check the latest event information before attending.

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Venue & festival site

The concert will be held at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall, one of Tokyo’s major dedicated concert venues.

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall

Address: 1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan

Concert Hall capacity: 1,999 seats, plus eight wheelchair spaces

The Concert Hall occupies the fifth through seventh floors of Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and has 1,999 seats. The hall also has a pipe organ positioned at the front of the stage and is specifically designed for concert performances.

The concert hall has a substantial acoustic design intended for orchestral and choral performances, making it particularly suitable for the large-scale sound of the Tokyo Mixed Chorus.

This is not an outdoor festival and there is no festival field, temporary stage or multiple performance zones. The entire event takes place inside the Concert Hall.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre itself contains several performance spaces, including the Concert Hall, Playhouse, Theatre East and Theatre West, as well as exhibition, rehearsal, restaurant and public-service facilities. The Nobuaki Tanaka Memorial is specifically scheduled for the Concert Hall.

Full lineup

The 2026 memorial concert brings together the Tokyo Mixed Chorus with six conductors and pianist Kentaro Shuto.

Conductors: Kazuki Yamada, Hiroyuki Mito, Chifuri Matsubara, Kenji Otani, Mitsunobu Takaya and Shigeru Yamada

Chorus: Tokyo Mixed Chorus

Piano: Kentaro Shuto

The official programme assigns individual works or groups of works to the different conductors. Kazuki Yamada conducts the world-premiere arrangement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4, Second Movement. Hiroyuki Mito conducts Michio Kitazume’s A Journey of Words I. Chifuri Matsubara conducts Yasushi Akutagawa’s The Sun, the Cat, the Plane Tree, and Me.

Kenji Otani leads Penderecki’s Agnus Dei, while Mitsunobu Takaya conducts the Ukrainian-related portion featuring the arrangements by Kentaro Shuto. Shigeru Yamada conducts the selections from Takemitsu’s The Wind Horse.

Kentaro Shuto appears as pianist for the Bilash and Ukrainian folk-song section and is also responsible for the new arrangements in that portion of the programme.

Headliners & featured artists

Kazuki Yamada is one of the most prominent conductors in the programme and opens the concert with the world premiere of his arrangement of the second movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4. The arrangement transforms a work originally written for piano and orchestra into a new choral setting.

Hiroyuki Mito conducts Michio Kitazume’s A Journey of Words I, while Chifuri Matsubara leads Akutagawa’s The Sun, the Cat, the Plane Tree, and Me. These selections connect the memorial concert with the Japanese contemporary choral tradition strongly associated with the Tokyo Mixed Chorus.

Kenji Otani conducts Penderecki’s Agnus Dei. Otani has extensive experience leading large-scale choral repertoire and is listed as a regular conductor of the Tokyo Mixed Chorus. His current schedule also identifies the October 23 memorial concert and the Penderecki work specifically.

Mitsunobu Takaya conducts the Bilash and Ukrainian folk-song selections, with Kentaro Shuto providing piano accompaniment. Shuto’s role is particularly notable because he created the new arrangements receiving their first performances during this concert.

Shigeru Yamada conducts the final Takemitsu selections from The Wind Horse, including the First Vocalise, The Legend of the Table and Third Vocalise.

Stages & performance areas

Nobuaki Tanaka Memorial is a single-stage concert.

Main performance stage: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall

There are no separate stages or simultaneous performance areas. All six conductors, the Tokyo Mixed Chorus and pianist Kentaro Shuto appear within the main concert programme.

The 1,999-seat hall provides a substantial performance environment for the professional choir. The concert hall’s stage measures approximately 21 metres across and 13.4 metres deep, with acoustic reflector equipment designed for concert performance.

The large-scale stage is appropriate for the Tokyo Mixed Chorus because the programme is centred on mixed-chorus works rather than small chamber ensembles.

The programme structure will also create visual changes as different conductors take the podium. Instead of changing physical stages, the concert changes musical leadership from section to section.

The pipe organ installed at the front of the Concert Hall is a permanent feature of the venue, although no organ performance is listed in the 2026 programme.

Stage-by-stage schedule

Because this is a single-stage choral concert, the programme can be understood as a sequence of conductor-led sections.

Kazuki Yamada: S. Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 40, Second Movement, in Yamada’s new arrangement. This receives its world premiere as an arrangement for the concert.

Hiroyuki Mito: Michio Kitazume, A Journey of Words I for mixed chorus.

Chifuri Matsubara: Yasushi Akutagawa, The Sun, the Cat, the Plane Tree, and Me for mixed chorus.

Kenji Otani: Krzysztof Penderecki, Agnus Dei.

Mitsunobu Takaya: Oleksandr Bilash, My Son and The Ducks Are Flying, in new arrangements by Kentaro Shuto, followed by the Ukrainian traditional song The Crane in Shuto’s new arrangement.

Shigeru Yamada: Selections from Toru Takemitsu’s The Wind Horse, including First Vocalise, The Legend of the Table and Third Vocalise.

The official programme identifies the works by conductor but does not publish individual start times for each section. The exact internal running order may also be subject to change.

Set times

The confirmed schedule for the evening is:

Doors open: 6:00 p.m.

Concert begins: 7:00 p.m.

Date: October 23, 2026

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall

The official organiser has not published an exact finishing time for the concert.

Visitors should therefore avoid scheduling a tight connection immediately after the performance. The concert contains seven programme groups across six conductors, so the total duration depends on the final performance timings and any interval.

Arriving around the opening time is recommended, particularly for visitors who want to settle into their assigned seats before the first work begins.

Ticket types

The 2026 concert uses reserved seating rather than general admission. The official Tokyo Mixed Chorus ticket announcement lists general advance tickets, general day-of-performance tickets and student tickets.

General advance ticket: Approximately $28.75

General same-day ticket: Approximately $31.95

Student ticket: Approximately $9.58

The original ticket prices are converted using approximately ¥156.50 per US dollar, based on a September 20, 2026 reference rate.

All seats are designated seating, meaning visitors receive an assigned seat rather than selecting any available seat after entering.

The student category provides a lower-cost option for eligible students. Visitors should confirm any identification requirements with the ticket office before attending.

VIP & premium options

No separate VIP or premium ticket package has been announced for Nobuaki Tanaka Memorial 2026.

VIP package: Not announced

Premium seating: Not announced

Meet-and-greet: Not announced

Backstage access: Not announced

The official ticket structure is based on reserved general and student tickets rather than VIP tiers.

Because this is a memorial concert featuring several prominent conductors and a professional chorus, the main premium element is the artistic programme itself rather than additional hospitality services.

Visitors should not assume that backstage access, artist meetings or special reception events are included unless the organiser publishes additional information.

Event rules

The concert is presented in a formal concert-hall environment, so visitors should follow the venue’s standard audience procedures.

Assigned seating: Tickets are reserved seating, so visitors should use the seat specified on their ticket.

Programme changes: Performers and works may change because of circumstances affecting the production.

Mobile devices: Phones and electronic devices should be silenced during the performance.

Photography and recording: Audience members should follow venue instructions concerning photography, video and audio recording.

Late arrival: Visitors arriving after the performance begins should follow instructions from theatre staff.

The event is a memorial concert, so respectful audience behaviour is particularly appropriate throughout the performance.

Visitors should also allow enough time for admission procedures because the official schedule has doors opening at 6:00 p.m., one hour before the 7:00 p.m. performance.

How to get there

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is located in Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, at 1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro.

Address: 1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan

The theatre is exceptionally convenient for rail travellers. The official Tokyo Mixed Chorus announcement states that the venue is approximately two minutes on foot from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station and directly connected to underground Exit 2b.

Ikebukuro is served by JR lines, Tokyo Metro, Tobu Tojo Line and Seibu Ikebukuro Line. The venue’s location makes it possible to reach the concert without needing a taxi or private vehicle for the final part of the journey.

For visitors unfamiliar with Tokyo, following signs for Ikebukuro Station’s west side and underground Exit 2b is one of the simplest approaches.

Public transport & parking

Public transportation is the most straightforward way to reach Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.

JR: Ikebukuro Station

Tokyo Metro: Ikebukuro Station

Tobu Tojo Line: Ikebukuro Station

Seibu Ikebukuro Line: Ikebukuro Station

Walking: Approximately two minutes from Ikebukuro Station’s west exit, with direct connection to underground Exit 2b.

The theatre has an underground parking facility with approximately 100 spaces. However, parking availability and use can vary according to the performance and facility conditions.

Visitors who do not need to drive should consider using the extensive rail network around Ikebukuro because the venue is directly connected with the station area.

For visitors with accessibility requirements, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre also has two priority parking spaces in the B2 level. Eligible visitors can receive free same-day parking when presenting a disability certificate or Mirairo ID.

Accommodation areas

Ikebukuro is one of the most convenient accommodation bases for this concert because the venue is located directly beside the station.

Ikebukuro: Staying in or around Ikebukuro places visitors close to Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, restaurants, shopping and multiple railway lines.

Shinjuku: Shinjuku provides extensive hotel choices and is only a short train journey from Ikebukuro.

Ueno: Ueno is useful for visitors interested in museums and cultural attractions and has strong rail connections across Tokyo.

Tokyo Station: Visitors arriving by Shinkansen may prefer to stay around Tokyo Station and travel to Ikebukuro on the day of the concert.

Shibuya: Shibuya provides another major accommodation and entertainment district with convenient connections to Ikebukuro.

For a short concert visit, staying near Ikebukuro can reduce travel time and make it easier to return to the hotel after the 7:00 p.m. performance.

Food & drink

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre has visitor-service facilities including a restaurant, shop and café/light-food options within the wider complex.

The surrounding Ikebukuro district also has an extensive selection of restaurants, cafés and casual dining establishments. Visitors can therefore arrange a meal before the performance without needing to travel far from the venue.

Because the doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:00 p.m., visitors who want to eat immediately before the performance should allow enough time to reach their seats.

Ikebukuro’s location also makes it easy to have dinner after the concert. However, visitors travelling by train should check the last convenient connection for their destination before staying out late.

Food and drinks inside the Concert Hall should be consumed according to venue rules. Visitors should avoid eating or drinking during the performance unless specifically permitted.

Accessibility

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre provides extensive accessibility facilities across the building and Concert Hall.

Wheelchair spaces: The Concert Hall has eight wheelchair spaces in addition to its 1,999 standard seats.

Elevators: Accessible elevators connect the relevant floors, including the Concert Hall audience area.

Accessible toilets: Barrier-free toilets are available throughout the building, including facilities around the Concert Hall.

Wheelchair rental: Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge inside the theatre, subject to availability.

Priority parking: Two priority parking spaces are available on B2.

Assistance dogs: Guide dogs, service dogs and hearing assistance dogs are permitted.

The theatre also provides tactile paving, wheelchair lifts, communication boards and other accessibility support.

Visitors who require wheelchair seating or other specific assistance should check the individual performance’s seating arrangements because the number of accessible spaces and reservation procedures can vary by event.

Best days to attend

There is one announced performance of Nobuaki Tanaka Memorial 2026, taking place on Friday, October 23.

Performance date: Friday, October 23, 2026

The Friday evening schedule makes the event suitable for visitors planning a weekend in Tokyo. Audiences travelling from outside the capital can arrive during the day, attend the 7:00 p.m. concert and continue their Tokyo visit over the weekend.

The concert is particularly relevant for listeners interested in choral music because the entire evening is built around the Tokyo Mixed Chorus and six conductors.

The opening Rachmaninoff arrangement may be of particular interest to listeners curious about new interpretations of established repertoire, while the Bilash and Ukrainian folk-song arrangements provide another group of newly created arrangements receiving their first performances.

The Takemitsu selections offer a different musical atmosphere toward the end of the programme and connect the memorial event with the Japanese contemporary choral tradition.

Previous year’s highlights

The most important recent predecessor to the 2026 memorial concert was the Tokyo Mixed Chorus Special Concert “Together with Nobuaki Tanaka – Toukon All Stars,” held at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall on August 31, 2024.

That 2024 concert featured Tanaka himself alongside a group of conductors, including Kazuki Yamada, Kihara Yoshinao, Chifuri Matsubara, Kenji Otani, Hiroyuki Mito, Mitsunobu Takaya and Shigeru Yamada. The programme included works by Akira Miyoshi, Kazuki Yamada, Kihara Yoshinao, Einojuhani Rautavaara, J.S. Bach, Maurice Ravel, Myroslav Skoryk, Oleksandr Bilash and Kazuaki Ogikubo.

The concert proved historically significant because it became Tanaka’s final stage appearance. The Tokyo Mixed Chorus announced after his death in September 2024 that the August 31 concert had been his final performance. Tanaka died on September 12, 2024, aged 96.

Tanaka had founded the Tokyo Mixed Chorus in 1956 after graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts. Over the course of his career, he worked closely with composers to create and introduce new Japanese choral music. The ensemble states that he was involved in hundreds of premieres of contemporary choral works.

In 2016, Tanaka was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit in recognition of his contribution to Japanese culture. His career included conducting major orchestral and operatic projects in Japan and overseas, as well as teaching and speaking about choral music internationally.

Following his death, a memorial farewell gathering was held at Suntory Hall’s Blue Rose in January 2025, where the Tokyo Mixed Chorus performed in his memory.

The 2026 Tokyo concert continues that memorial tradition by bringing together many of the conductors associated with the Tokyo Mixed Chorus and presenting a programme that reflects several areas of Tanaka’s musical legacy.

Official tickets

Tickets for Nobuaki Tanaka Memorial 2026 are officially sold through Ticket Pia, the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Box Office and the Tokyo Mixed Chorus office.

General advance ticket: Approximately $28.75

General day-of-performance ticket: Approximately $31.95

Student ticket: Approximately $9.58

Seating: Reserved seating

Ticket release: July 23, 2026

The Tokyo Mixed Chorus officially announced ticket sales beginning July 23, 2026. The published ticket information lists general advance admission, same-day general admission and student admission.

The official event listing on Ticket Pia shows sales continuing until October 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., subject to availability.

Official Ticket Pia: https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=2626952

Visitors should check the official ticket listing before travelling because seating availability, programme details and performer participation may change.

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