Yuka Ishimaru Organ Recital 2026, Tokyo, Japan

• December 20, 2026
  Event date:
• December 20, 2026
  Event end:

What to expect in 2026

Yuka Ishimaru Organ Recital 2026, presented under the title “Danse Macabre — Memento Mori —,” will bring the immense sound of the pipe organ together with the expressive voice of the violin at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall: Takemitsu Memorial. The performance is scheduled for Sunday, December 20, 2026, with doors opening at 1:15 PM and the concert beginning at 2:00 PM.

The programme is built around the theme of “Memento Mori,” encouraging audiences to contemplate mortality as a way of looking more deeply at life. Prayer, suffering, death and hope form the emotional framework of the recital, with music by J.S. Bach, Charles-Marie Widor, Camille Saint-Saëns, Johan Svendsen and Charles Gounod.

Yuka Ishimaru will perform on the concert hall’s large pipe organ, while violinist Fuminori Shinozaki will join her for selected works. The programme includes Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 531, a Bach/Widor arrangement from the St. Matthew Passion, Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre in an arrangement by E. Lemaire, Svendsen’s Romance, Op. 26, and Gounod’s Ave Maria. Additional works may also be included.

The concert is particularly suited to listeners interested in organ repertoire, sacred and dramatic classical music, violin-and-organ combinations, and the distinctive acoustics of Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. The venue’s pipe organ has 3,826 pipes and 54 stops, making it a substantial instrument capable of producing a remarkably broad range of tones and dynamics.

Event dates

Date: Sunday, December 20, 2026

Doors open: 1:15 PM

Performance: 2:00 PM

Venue: Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall: Takemitsu Memorial

City: Tokyo, Japan

This is a single-performance recital rather than a multi-day festival. The official event information confirms December 20, 2026, as the scheduled performance date and lists a 1:15 PM opening time followed by a 2:00 PM start.

Ticket sales opened on September 4, 2026, while advance ticket applications were previously offered through the major Japanese ticketing services. Current listings show general ticket sales through December 17, subject to availability.

Visitors should allow enough time to reach Hatsudai and enter Tokyo Opera City before the concert begins. As this is an afternoon classical recital, arriving around 30 to 45 minutes before the performance provides time to find the correct entrance, collect tickets if required and settle into the hall.

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Venue & festival site

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall: Takemitsu Memorial

3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1403, Japan

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall is a dedicated classical concert venue located within the Tokyo Opera City complex. It opened in September 1997 and uses a shoebox-style acoustic design with natural wood throughout the interior. The hall has a seating capacity of 1,632 and is designed to produce clear, detailed orchestral and solo-instrument sound.

One of the defining features of the venue is its large pipe organ, positioned prominently at the front of the hall. The instrument was designed and built by Orgelbau TH Kuhn of Switzerland together with Yamaha Corporation under the supervision of organist Guy Bovet.

The organ contains 3,826 pipes and 54 working stops. It has three manual keyboards and a pedal keyboard, with mechanical key action and electric stop action. Its design allows it to perform solo repertoire as well as work with orchestras and other instruments.

The venue’s large scale is particularly appropriate for this recital because the programme is intended to showcase the full expressive possibilities of the pipe organ.

Full lineup

The announced performers are:

• Organ: Yuka Ishimaru
• Violin: Fuminori Shinozaki

The programme features Yuka Ishimaru as the principal performer throughout the recital, with Fuminori Shinozaki joining for selected violin works.

The announced programme includes:

• J.S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 531
• J.S. Bach / C.-M. Widor arrangement: St. Matthew Passion
• C. Saint-Saëns / E. Lemaire arrangement: Danse Macabre
• J. Svendsen: Romance, Op. 26
• C. Gounod: Ave Maria
• Additional works

The organizers note that the programme is subject to change, so the final running order and complete selection should be checked before attending.

Headliners & featured artists

Yuka Ishimaru

Yuka Ishimaru is the central artist of the recital and one of Japan’s prominent concert organists. Her career includes studies at Tokyo University of the Arts, the Royal Danish Academy of Music and the State University of Music and the Performing Arts Stuttgart. She has performed recitals across Japan and in more than 10 European countries and has collaborated with major orchestras.

She won the Chartres International Organ Competition and also received the J. Alain Prize. Her work extends beyond conventional recital programming, with projects designed to introduce wider audiences to the organ and its possibilities. She has also appeared in television and radio programmes and has been involved in music education.

In 2026, Ishimaru also appeared at Suntory Hall’s organ programming, including the fourth edition of the “Dive Deep into the World of Organ” series and the Suntory Hall Organ Festival.

Fuminori Shinozaki

Fuminori Shinozaki will appear as the featured violinist. His role is especially important in the programme’s more intimate sections, where the violin provides a contrasting sound to the monumental character of the pipe organ.

The announced Svendsen Romance and Gounod Ave Maria specifically feature Shinozaki on violin.

Stages & performance areas

This recital does not use multiple stages. The entire performance takes place on the main stage of Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

The organ itself is effectively one of the principal performance features. Unlike a portable instrument, the venue’s pipe organ is permanently integrated into the architecture of the hall, occupying a prominent position at the front of the auditorium.

The organ contains 54 stops and 3,826 pipes, with three manual keyboards and a pedal keyboard. Its substantial specification allows the instrument to move from quiet, intimate registrations to powerful full-organ passages.

The violin will be performed on the main stage alongside the organ performance. This creates a distinctive contrast between the large-scale resonance of the pipe organ and the focused melodic character of the violin.

The concert hall contains 1,632 seats, including seating on the first floor and two balcony levels. Twenty-six second-floor seats are positioned in front of the pipe organ, giving the auditorium a particularly strong connection with the instrument visually as well as acoustically.

Stage-by-stage schedule

Doors open

The venue opens to ticket holders at 1:15 PM. This allows visitors to enter the concert hall, locate their assigned seats and experience the atmosphere of Tokyo Opera City before the performance.

Opening organ programme

The concert begins at 2:00 PM with Yuka Ishimaru performing the announced organ repertoire. Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 531, is among the featured works.

Sacred and dramatic works

The programme then moves through works connected with themes of prayer, suffering, death and hope. The Bach/Widor arrangement from the St. Matthew Passion and Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre form important parts of the recital’s central dramatic concept.

Violin features

Fuminori Shinozaki joins for Johan Svendsen’s Romance, Op. 26, and Charles Gounod’s Ave Maria. These selections provide a more intimate contrast to the larger sonorities of the organ.

Closing programme

Additional works may be included before the recital concludes. The organizers have not published a complete minute-by-minute running order and reserve the right to modify the programme.

Set times

The confirmed public schedule is:

• 1:15 PM: Doors open
• 2:00 PM: Concert begins

A confirmed finishing time has not been published in the official event information. Visitors should therefore avoid scheduling another fixed activity immediately after the concert.

The programme itself is also subject to change. The announced works establish the musical concept but should not be treated as an unchangeable running order.

Because the recital focuses on organ repertoire and includes several substantial works, audiences should plan to remain in their seats throughout the complete performance unless they have a specific need to leave.

Ticket types

The recital uses reserved seating, with three principal ticket categories.

S Seat: Approximately $28

A Seat: Approximately $21

B Seat: Approximately $14

These figures are approximate USD conversions of the official ticket amounts using approximately ¥158.05 per US dollar. The official event information lists the three categories at different seating levels, with all seats assigned.

The S category provides the highest standard seating tier, followed by A and B. Visitors who want to appreciate both the organ’s sound and the violin’s detail may wish to consider their location within the hall as well as the ticket category.

The venue’s official seating information shows a wide range of positions across the first floor and two balconies. The hall has also updated its seating plan to incorporate wheelchair spaces.

VIP & premium options

No separate VIP package, meet-and-greet, backstage experience or premium hospitality package has been announced for the December 20 recital.

The main seating distinction is between S, A and B reserved seats. Visitors looking for a more premium concert experience should therefore focus on the seating plan and choose a location that provides a clear relationship with the stage and organ.

The venue’s second-floor balcony includes seats directly in front of the pipe organ. These positions can provide a particularly interesting perspective on the instrument, although individual sightlines and acoustic preferences vary by seat.

Event rules

Several important conditions apply to the performance.

• Preschool children are not permitted to enter.
• All seats are reserved.
• The programme may change without notice.
• Visitors should follow the hall’s instructions regarding photography, recording and mobile devices.
• Tickets should be kept available for inspection when required.
• Wheelchair seating must be arranged with the organizer after purchasing an eligible seat.
• Purchased tickets generally cannot be changed or cancelled through the venue.

The official event listing specifically states that preschool children cannot attend and that visitors requiring wheelchair seating should purchase an S or A seat before contacting Sunrise Promotion.

Tokyo Opera City’s general ticket guidance also states that tickets cannot normally be changed or cancelled after reservation and purchase.

How to get there

From Shinjuku Station

Take the Keio New Line from Shinjuku to Hatsudai Station. Hatsudai is the first station from Shinjuku on the Keio New Line and the journey takes approximately two minutes.

From Hatsudai Station

Exit through the East Exit. Tokyo Opera City is directly connected with Hatsudai Station, and the concert hall can be reached in approximately five minutes on foot.

Visitors should be careful not to confuse the Keio New Line with the separate Keio Line. The venue specifically identifies the Keio New Line as the appropriate route from Shinjuku.

From Shibuya

Bus services from Shibuya Station’s west-side bus terminal reach the Tokyo Opera City area in approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Venue address: 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1403, Japan.

Public transport & parking

Public transportation is convenient for this performance because Hatsudai Station is close to the venue.

Train: Keio New Line Hatsudai Station, East Exit, approximately five minutes on foot.

Bus: Keio and Toei bus services connect Tokyo Opera City with Shibuya and Shinjuku-area locations.

Car: Tokyo Opera City’s B2 underground parking garage is available for visitors. The official access information lists parking at approximately $1.90 per 30 minutes after converting the published rate. The car park operates from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

The venue also provides parking discount arrangements for visitors to the Concert Hall and Recital Hall, subject to the applicable conditions.

For a Sunday afternoon performance, arriving by train is generally straightforward and avoids the need to find parking in the busy Shinjuku area.

Accommodation areas

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a convenient base for visitors coming from outside Tokyo. It has extensive railway connections, a large hotel selection and direct access to Hatsudai through the Keio New Line.

Nishi-Shinjuku

Nishi-Shinjuku places visitors closer to Tokyo Opera City and is particularly convenient for those who want to minimize travel time on concert day. The district has numerous hotels and restaurants.

Hatsudai

Hatsudai is the closest accommodation area to the concert hall. Staying here allows visitors to reach the venue without needing a lengthy journey on the day of the performance.

Shibuya

Shibuya is another useful option for travelers combining the recital with sightseeing. Bus connections to Tokyo Opera City are available, while Shinjuku can also be reached easily by rail.

For a Sunday afternoon recital, all four areas can work well, but Shinjuku offers the greatest choice of transport connections and accommodation.

Food & drink

Tokyo Opera City is part of a large mixed-use complex with restaurants, shops and cultural facilities. Visitors can therefore arrange lunch before the concert without traveling far from the venue.

The Concert Hall itself has foyer facilities, including buffet counters on the first and second floor.

Because doors open at 1:15 PM, visitors planning to eat at the complex should leave enough time to finish lunch and reach the auditorium before the performance begins.

Shinjuku also provides an extensive range of restaurants, cafés and food courts for visitors who prefer to eat before traveling to Hatsudai or after the recital.

For international visitors, the Shinjuku area is particularly convenient for finding restaurants serving Japanese, Asian and Western cuisines, making it easy to combine the concert with a broader Tokyo sightseeing day.

Accessibility

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall provides wheelchair-accessible facilities and designated wheelchair seating. The current hall capacity information includes 10 wheelchair positions, with eight on the first floor and two on the second floor.

For this specific recital, wheelchair users are instructed to purchase an S or A ticket and then contact Sunrise Promotion to request wheelchair seating arrangements.

The venue is directly connected with Hatsudai Station, and official access information includes an elevator route from the station to the Tokyo Opera City complex.

Visitors requiring accessibility assistance should contact the organizer before the event rather than waiting until arrival. This is particularly important because wheelchair seating is limited and requires advance coordination.

Best days to attend

Because the 2026 Yuka Ishimaru Organ Recital is scheduled for only one performance, Sunday, December 20, is the only available concert date.

The afternoon start makes the recital suitable for visitors who want to combine classical music with sightseeing. Guests can explore Shinjuku during the morning, have lunch around Tokyo Opera City, and then walk into the concert hall before the 2:00 PM start.

The December timing also places the concert within Tokyo’s winter cultural season. Visitors staying in Shinjuku, Nishi-Shinjuku or Hatsudai can keep the day relatively relaxed without needing a long journey to the venue.

For listeners primarily interested in the organ itself, arriving early is worthwhile. Tokyo Opera City’s pipe organ is one of the defining architectural and musical features of the hall, with 3,826 pipes and 54 stops.

Previous year’s highlights

There is no previous edition of this exact “Danse Macabre — Memento Mori —” recital announced as a recurring annual event, so there is no direct 2025 edition to compare with the 2026 programme.

However, Yuka Ishimaru had several significant organ performances and educational appearances during 2025 and 2026. In 2025 she appeared at Suntory Hall’s Organ Concert for Children of All Ages and the Organ Laboratory for Children, presenting organ repertoire to younger audiences.

She also performed organ repertoire with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra during its December 2025 Beethoven Ninth Symphony concerts. The programme included Mendelssohn’s Organ Sonata No. 1, Pachelbel’s Christmas Chorale and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor before Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

In February 2026, Ishimaru appeared at Suntory Hall’s “Dive Deep into the World of Organ” series, where she performed and discussed the organ’s possibilities.

She also appeared at the 2026 Suntory Hall Organ Festival, performing Bach, Saint-Saëns and other works.

These appearances provide useful context for the December recital, which places Ishimaru alone at the center of a programme specifically designed to demonstrate the expressive range of the pipe organ while introducing the contrasting sound of the violin.

Official tickets

Tickets for Yuka Ishimaru Organ Recital 2026 are available through the official ticketing channels, including Ticket Pia, ePlus, Lawson Ticket and the Tokyo Opera City Ticket Centre. General sales opened September 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Ticket Pia: https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventBundleCd=b2670367

The current official ticket categories are S, A and B reserved seats. Converted to approximate USD, they are approximately $28, $21 and $14 respectively.

Visitors should check the official ticket pages before purchasing because availability can change and ticket sales may close once the available allocation is exhausted.

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