Official Report: 'Happy Mother’s Day! Concert 2026 in TOKYO' Features Beautiful Singing and Readings by Star Performers

The official report for 'Happy Mother’s Day! Concert 2026 in TOKYO,' held at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on May 6, 2026 (public holiday), has arrived.

Following continued success, this fifth iteration was another sold-out event. Under the theme 'Let’s give a bouquet of music with gratitude to every mother in the world,' the concert brought together performers to celebrate this annual tradition of gratitude in an ever-changing world.

In the 360-degree seated venue, the elegant sounds of 'Overture' by Suhara An Strings filled the air. Following the glamorous opening, hosts Naotaro Moriyama and Yayako Uchida—serving in the role for the fifth consecutive year—eased the audience's tension with gentle conversation. Along with official pianist Ai Kuwabara, the group created an atmosphere akin to being invited to the home of familiar friends, marking the opening of the concert dedicated to mothers.

The first guest was actor and artist Erika Ikuta. Dressed in a lovely red and pink dress, she sang 'Wish' from Disney's 100th-anniversary film 'Wish' (where she provided the Japanese voice). The audience, along with hosts Moriyama and Uchida, listened intently to her transparent vocals and rich expressive ability. Her second song, 'Ima mo, Arigatou' (Thank You Even Now), was released as a single on the day of the concert, May 6, and was a special debut performance theme-appropriate for this event.

Moriyama joined her for a long-awaited duet. They performed 'Aishikimi e,' which they had first sung together on a music program six years ago, accompanied by Moriyama's acoustic guitar. This was followed by Moriyama's song 'Hana' (Flower), which Ikuta admires, featuring warm piano and string quartet backing. Her performance displayed the vocal strength and expressive power gained from musical theater, earning the performers a standing ovation.

Next was musical theater star Ikusaburo Yamazaki. Moriyama teased him about his flashy entrance, reflecting their close friendship since co-starring in the NHK morning drama 'Yell.' He performed 'Kimi ni Tsutaetai Koto,' a song provided by Moriyama, followed by 'Ai no Katachi,' a deeply personal track reminiscent of his time living with his grandparents. His sincere delivery brought the story to life for the audience.

Arrangements for his upcoming album '19BOX～STARMAN～' (releasing July 8) were handled by Mako Kuwabara, sister of pianist Ai Kuwabara. They shared stories of their long-standing connections before Yamazaki performed a cover of Hiromi Go's 'Ienai yo' and joined Ikuta for a duet of 'Love Will Set You Free' from the musical 'Mozart!'

The 'Yayako’s Room' segment featured an intimate conversation between Ikuta, Yamazaki, and Uchida. They discussed their mothers' influence, with Ikuta describing hers as powerful and supportive, and Yamazaki crediting his mother, a music teacher, for guiding him to become a musical star. Both performers shared heartfelt messages of gratitude to their mothers, who were present in the audience.

The final performer was guitarist Kaori Muraji, the first instrumentalist to appear at the 'Mother’s Day Concert.' She showcased advanced tremolo technique, playing melody and accompaniment simultaneously. She performed a track from her latest game music album, 'Eternal Fantasy,' featuring the sounds of Yakushiji Temple in Nara...