Announcement of 24 Semi-Finalists for the 50th Anniversary Pitina Piano Competition Tokkyu Division 2026

The General Incorporated Association All Japan Piano Instructors Association (Pitina) has announced the 24 semi-finalists for the Tokkyu division of the Pitina Piano Competition 2026. The Tokkyu division, which has been held since 1977, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. From July 25th to August 21st, the second round, third round, semi-final, and final rounds will be held, with all rounds broadcast live on YouTube. Please look forward to the passionate performances of the young pianists challenging the 50th anniversary event.

In conjunction with this event, Pitina is also launching a crowdfunding campaign to support the activities of young talents beyond the competition. Through online voting and support for domestic and international activities, Pitina aims to create a project where the audience and performers together nurture the piano culture of the next 50 years.

The Tokkyu division, which has a history of half a century, is the pinnacle of the world's largest piano competition, the Pitina Piano Competition, with approximately 30,000 participants from all over Japan each year. Over its 50-year history, it has produced numerous outstanding musicians. In recent years, musicians such as Shiomi Sanoh, Miori Shindou, Aimi Suzuki, Seiya Kamei, Hayato Katsuno, Ryouta Yamazaki, Yukine Kuroki, and Yuko Furumi have flown to the world stage from this Tokkyu division, achieving great success in international competitions.

Aiming for the Grand Prix of the 50th anniversary event, 24 young talents who have overcome the rigorous preliminaries have advanced to the next stage.

The 50th Pitina Piano Competition Semi-Finalists

Following the second round at the end of July, the semi-finalists will be decided in the third round on July 29th. Four finalists will be selected in the semi-final on August 18th, and they will advance to the final stage at Suntory Hall on August 21st.

On August 18th, the semi-final (First Life Hall) will feature a solo recital by six semi-finalists, as well as a chamber music (piano trio) audition that tests high ensemble skills. The co-performers will include Shouka Aoki (violin) from the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and cellist Yuki Ito, both top players active domestically and internationally. Furthermore, on August 21st, the final (Suntory Hall Grand Hall) will feature a high-level piano concerto performance by four finalists, conducted by Tsuru Taeda and accompanied by the Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, fitting for the 50th anniversary.

Tsuru Taeda (conductor), Shouka Aoki (violin), Yuki Ito (cello)

Schedule

Round

Venue

Stage Content & Co-Performers

July 25th, 26th

Second Round

J:COM Urayasu Music Hall (Chiba, Urayasu)

◆ 25-35 minute solo recital

July 29th

Third Round

J:COM Urayasu Music Hall (Chiba, Urayasu)

◆ Piano concerto (piano accompaniment, excerpt from a movement)

August 18th

Semi-Final

First Life Hall (Tokyo, Shimbashi)

◆ Solo recital by six semi-finalists, chamber music (piano trio)

◆ Co-performers: Shouka Aoki (Munich Phil Vn), Yuki Ito (Cello)

August 21st

Final

Suntory Hall Grand Hall (Tokyo, Akasaka)

◆ Piano concerto by four finalists

◆ Co-performers: Tsuru Taeda (conductor) / Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra

◆ Prizes & Awards

To substantially support the activities of young pianists, prizes and awards will be granted.

Awards selected by judges: Total of 2,700,000 yen and others

Audience Award (on-site voting): Total of 2,250,000 yen

Online voting audience award: Total of 300,000 yen to 690,000 yen

*Note: In addition to the above, the Grand Prix winner will receive 1,200,000 yen (actual expenses for Grand Prix activities) from the Tokkyu donation fund and 1,000,000 yen as the Fukuda Award (50th anniversary of the competition) (planned).

(Please check the official Tokkyu division website (award page) for detailed prize information and the latest updates.)

Tokkyu Division Crowdfunding 2026 | Cheering for the Next 50 Years: Beyond the Competition

Nurturing musicians who aim for international success is not something that can be accomplished by the talent and effort of a single individual alone. It is the existence of supporters, the [audience], who listen earnestly, that opens up new paths. Pitina has continued various initiatives to achieve a competition with audience participation.

In the 2026 season, which marks a significant milestone with the 50th competition, Pitina is challenging crowdfunding to pass on this torch to the future and to the 'next 50 years.' The funds raised through this project will be used to support the international activities of Tokkyu division winners as they aim to become professional musicians, to dispatch them nationwide and worldwide to 'deliver their sound,' and to create a support system through online voting. We kindly ask for your warm support and encouragement for the young talents who will lead the music world of the future.

Project Page URL: https://readyfor.jp/projects/ptna_tokkyu_2026

Project Period: July 9th (Thu) to August 28th (Fri)

Main Uses and Implementation of Funds:

1. Realization of Online Audience Award: If the first target of 1,000,000 yen is achieved, a total of 300,000 yen will be awarded to pianists as an audience prize. If the second target of 2,000,000 yen is achieved, a total of 690,000 yen will be awarded.

Online voting period: From 11:00 on July 25th to 19:30 on August 21st (one vote per day is possible)

2. Nationwide Activity Support: Transportation costs for dispatch to commemorative concerts, schools, and regions nationwide will be partially or fully subsidized.

Inquiries regarding the press release

General Incorporated Association All Japan Piano Instructors Association (Pitina) Public Relations: Kuroki, Horuchi

TEL: 03-3944-1583

MAIL: public_relations@piano.or.jp

HP: https://corporate.piano.or.jp/index.html

About the General Incorporated Association All Japan Piano Instructors Association (Pitina)

Pitina is a network organization centered around piano instructors for music education. With 'piano teachers' as its axis, Pitina connects people with music and conducts various activities to realize a rich life for each individual. With over 18,000 members and more than 670 bases nationwide, Pitina has expanded its largest-scale piano competition and outreach programs in Japan. The most challenging division of the competition it hosts, the Tokkyu division, has produced numerous young pianists who also excel in international competitions, contributing to the development of human resources that lead the music and art world. In recent years, Pitina has aimed to achieve 'richness' through collaboration with various organizations such as local governments, companies, and NPOs, promoting the support of regional communities and collaboration with school education through the dispatch of concerts by pianists from the Tokkyu division.