This event will feature a screening of the internationally acclaimed short film "CITIZENs – The Choice Not to Fight" (Director/Screenplay: Yasushi Furuichi), a talk session with the lead actors, and special performances by the "Hibaku Violin" and "Holocaust Violin," which survived the ravages of history.

The second part of the event will be a dinner concert, offering time to enjoy a meal along with music.

Two "Miracle Violins" That Survived History Co-star in Nagasaki and Isahaya

The second part of this concert will feature performances by two precious instruments that convey the memories of war and persecution to the present day.

- Hibaku Violin: A violin made in Ukraine, which passed through the Russian Revolution to Hiroshima, and was damaged by the atomic bomb 2.5 km from the hypocenter, belonging to Mr. Sergei A. Parchikov.

- Holocaust Violin: A violin hidden in a closet by Mr. Waldemar Bettel, who perished in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, protected by his family, and restored in 2023.

The performances will be given by Ai Yoshida, a native of Isahaya City who studied at Toho Gakuen University and performs with the Tokyo Women's Orchestra, and Kanon Aizuka, the most frequent performer of the Hibaku Violin. Accompanied by pianist Maria Abe, winner of the 1st prize at the Tokyo Music Competition, they will play prayers for peace.

Screening of the Film "CITIZENs ~The Choice Not to Fight" and Special Guests

"CITIZENs," to be screened in the first part, is a topical work by director Yasushi Furuichi, which won the "Best Screenplay Award" at the 20th Monaco International Film Festival in 2024. It depicts the universal desire of a "Citizen" to live peacefully with loved ones, transcending national propaganda and division.

Ms. Yasuko Fujii, the lead actress and soprano singer, who also sings the film's ending and was selected as one of "100 People Respected by the World" by Newsweek magazine, will also appear for a talk session and showcase her overwhelming singing voice.

Furthermore, Mr. Valentino Sevic, the lead actor who commands attention with his tense and impactful acting, is also scheduled to appear.

On August 9th, the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing, this special evening in Nagasaki, where film and music intersect, will be a precious opportunity to contemplate the future of peace with all five senses.

Advance registration is required for this event. Admission requires the prescribed application. Please check below for details and application. We sincerely look forward to your attendance. Apply here

[Event Overview]

Event Name: Short Film "CITIZENs" and Miracle Violins Dinner Concert

Date and Time: August 9, 2026 (Sun) Screening starts at 17:00

Venue: ARCH (formerly Juuhachi Bank), 5-1 Honmachi, Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture (TEL: 0957-23-5125)

Program:

Part 1: Film Screening & Talk Session (Guests: Yasuko Fujii, Valentino Sevic)

Part 2: Dinner Concert (Performers: Ai Yoshida, Kanon Aizuka, Maria Abe)

Admission Fee: 8,000 yen (Advance registration required)

Organizer: World Peace Memorial Concert Tour Project 2026

Sponsorship: Embassy of Italy / Italy-Japan 160th Anniversary

Contact:

Mail: moderatejp@gmail.jp TEL: 090-9569-1587 (Contact: Yoshida)

[Work Overview]

Work Title: CITIZENs – The Choice Not to Fight Director/Screenplay: Yasushi Furuichi Cast: Yasuko Fujii, Rusty Smith, Valentino Sevic, Derrick Dover, Juri Koiso, Steven LeFever, Leon Pizzu-Sunami, and others

Director of Photography: Masahiro Aida Executive Producer: Kazuma Kawamoto Producer: Yuka Kobayashi Music: Yasushi Furuichi, Eric Zay, Shokichi Kina ("Hana ~Hana wo Subete no Hito no Kokoro ni~" - Flower ~A Flower for All Hearts~) Production: General Incorporated Association Film Japanesque, Deep Emotion Inc., Yo-Tera Yo-Tera Inc.

[Company Overview]

Company Name: Deep Emotion Inc. Location: 102, 4-11-23 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo Representative: Kazuma Kawamoto, Representative Director Business Activities: Film and video related business, project planning and operation, etc. Official Website: https://www.filmjapanesque.com/citizens/ *Deep Emotion Inc. is a subsidiary of Axisphere Holdings Inc.

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event