Sigma BF Camera x White Hand Chorus NIPPON Collaboration Begins

El Sistema Connect, the organization operating White Hand Chorus NIPPON (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo), has received a donation of "Sigma BF" cameras from Sigma Corporation. This marks the beginning of a new initiative where children will expand their range of expression in activities by "conveying music through photography."

At El Sistema Connect, artists from various genres, including music, physical expression, media art, and photography, have been involved in creating opportunities for children to explore diverse forms of expression. In this new initiative, CCO Mariko Tagashira will integrate photography into music workshops, implementing a program to deepen musical expression.

In the first workshop (held on February 22), children, many of whom were touching a camera for the first time, actively enjoyed taking photos without hesitation, thanks to the Sigma BF's simple structure and intuitive handling.

The encounter between children with flexible and diverse sensibilities and the camera is expected to foster more multifaceted expressive abilities, in addition to the musical expressions they have cultivated, leading to the creation of new works.

Going forward, the initiative plans to select several original songs from White Hand Chorus NIPPON, including "Nijifurai," and work on expressing these songs through photography, with presentations scheduled for self-produced performances and other events.

【Teachers Photographed by Children】

Sign Team Tetsuya Izaki

Piano Ayano Omachi

Voice Team Hiroaki Kato

Sign Team Erika Colon

【Scenes from the Workshop Photography】

【Message from Mariko Tagashira】

Photography is an expression that captures and projects the world through a camera lens. While images and feelings for others are reflected in photographs, sometimes a single shot can transcend one's imagination. A sudden ray of light creating an impressive expression through lens reflection, or capturing the dynamic figure of a bird – these miraculous moments can be encountered. Such serendipity is also the fun and essence of photography. The photography workshop at White Hand Chorus does not aim to teach how to take good photos. We look forward to a single camera connecting each individual's sensibility, celebrating the discoveries and surprises unique to photography, and enjoying the photos born from free ideas.

【Comments from Workshop Participants】

Voice Team K-kun This was my first time ever taking photos with a camera. We discussed and decided to photograph "the teacher passionately conducting." My hands were probably trembling as I held the camera. But when I saw the finished photos, it was very interesting to see how each person had a unique composition and atmosphere for the same scene. I felt that photography has infinite possibilities depending on how you approach it. I would definitely like to try taking photos again.

Voice Team Instructor Ayano Omachi This photo of me was taken by a member of the Sign Team. The time we spent facing each other through the lens, though silent, felt like something was definitely communicated, a mix of excitement and comfort. All the finished photos are so warm.

＜About White Hand Chorus NIPPON＞

An inclusive choir open to all children, with diverse members including deaf, hard of hearing, totally blind, visually impaired, and wheelchair users. It was established in 2019, resonating with the philosophy of "El Sistema," a social music activity that originated in Venezuela, South America, where everyone can receive equal music education. Anyone can participate and learn for free, regardless of disability or economic situation. In 2020, it formed a joint project with Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre in Tokyo and a partnership agreement with Kyoto Women's University in Kyoto. The music performed by the Sign Team, who sing with sign language expressions (Shuka), and the Voice Team, who sing with their voices, is an artistic creation for future generations full of possibilities.

It received the Kids Design Award in 2023, the international barrier-free award "Zero Project Award 2024" hosted by a foundation in Vienna, Austria, in February 2024, and the "3rd Yanase Takashi Culture Award" in March 2025.

Official HP: https://elsistemaconnect.or.jp/activity/whc-nippon/index.html

Official X: https://x.com/whcnconnect?s=21&t=Q5r3rE2O1As_LiqHnnq9jw

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whcn_official/

Sign Team practice. White gloves are worn on both hands.

Voice Team practice.

Practicing hand-singing performance with outstretched hands.

Voice Team and Sign Team perform together.