Violinist Sumire Katsutani Joins International Concert Project 'Music for the Ocean' to Support Endangered Coral Reef Conservation

Sumire Katsutani (Photo: Ryuto Kurokawa)

Sumire Katsutani Brings Music to the Ocean's Future

Sumire Katsutani (Photo: Ryuto Kurokawa)

World-renowned violinist Sumire Katsutani will appear as a special guest at the Japanese performances of 'Music for the Ocean,' an international concert project dedicated to marine conservation and the protection of endangered coral reefs. A graduate of Harvard University and The Juilliard School, Katsutani will perform alongside Chad Cannon, composer-violinist and founder of 'Music for the Ocean'—also a Harvard alumnus—at concerts in Okinawa on July 1 and Tokyo on July 6, 2026. This special collaboration unites two musicians who share a commitment to education, international exchange, and social impact. Born in Oita Prefecture, Katsutani has performed on world-class stages including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and Suntory Hall. Beyond performance, she is active as an educator and advocate for international cultural exchange, promoting youth development and cross-cultural understanding through music.

A Special Collaboration Bridging Harvard and Juilliard

'Music for the Ocean' was founded by Chad Cannon, a composer and violinist who studied at Harvard University and has gained international acclaim in film, television, and video game music. Cannon is known for his work on PlayStation® titles such as 'Ghost of Tsushima' and 'Ghost of Yōtei,' as well as serving as orchestrator and arranger for Joe Hisaishi’s world tours. Katsutani, a junior at both Harvard and Juilliard, will perform with Cannon and pianist Wu Hui (Wu Hui), a Juilliard graduate and internationally active musician.

Chad Cannon (right) and Wu Hui (left), senior colleagues of Sumire Katsutani from Harvard and Juilliard, and core members of 'Music for the Ocean.' Photo taken during Texas A&M University concert in November 2025. Photo by Alexa Garza

Coral Biobank Construction Project in Honduras

Beyond awareness, 'Music for the Ocean' actively supports coral reef conservation. A portion of concert proceeds will fund the coral biobank project led by nonprofit Tela Coral in Honduras, preserving genetic resources of over 12 endangered coral species. This initiative demonstrates how art can drive tangible environmental action.

Brain coral (a critically endangered species) in the Gulf of Tela, Honduras—one of the coral species protected through 'Music for the Ocean' conservation efforts. Photo by Antal Borksoc.

Dr. Julie Burghdoff, marine biologist, award-winning author, and founder of Tela Coral, will also participate in the concerts. She will share the story of remarkably healthy coral reefs discovered in Honduras and the international conservation efforts to preserve endangered coral species for future generations.

Learn more about Tela Coral’s coral conservation initiatives: https://telacoral.org/japan/

Collaboration with Studio Ghibli-Associated Artists

At the Tokyo concert, Katsutani and Cannon will perform with singer Mai and the choir group Little Carol.

Mai, who debuted singing the theme from 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,' is beloved for her performances in Studio Ghibli films and Joe Hisaishi concerts.

Mai is renowned for performing 'Nausicaä Requiem' in Studio Ghibli’s 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind' and has received acclaim for her long-standing musical collaborations with composer Joe Hisaishi. Little Carol is a highly skilled choral ensemble that contributed to the music production of the Academy Award-winning film 'The Boy and the Heron,' for which Hisaishi composed the score. This unique collaboration between internationally acclaimed violinist Katsutani, composer Cannon, and artists connected to Studio Ghibli makes the Tokyo concert a standout event.

A Project Connecting Peace and International Exchange

The tour director is Shino Saito-Cleary, a leading figure in U.S.-Japan cultural exchange and producer of the internationally acclaimed documentary 'Paper Lanterns,' which focuses on the Hiroshima atomic bombing. She has long championed cultural exchange, education, and peace initiatives.

Shino Saito-Cleary, producer of the documentary 'Paper Lanterns' and tour director of 'Music for the Ocean.'

'Paper Lanterns' portrays the life of Shigeaki Mori, a Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor who gained global recognition for his embrace with then-U.S. President Barack Obama. Though Mori passed away in 2026, his lifelong message of reconciliation and peace continues to inspire many. Saito-Cleary, deeply involved in international peace and education, now extends her efforts to environmental conservation through 'Music for the Ocean.' Notably, Chad Cannon composed the music for 'Paper Lanterns,' and singer Mai performed the theme song for the Tokyo concert.

Event Overview

Music for the Ocean Okinawa Concert

Date: July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) Venue: Ryukyu Shimbun Hall (Naha City, Okinawa) Doors Open / Performance Start: 18:30 / 19:00

Performers: Chad Cannon (composer-violin), Wu Hui (piano), Sumire Katsutani (special guest-violin), Mitsuaki Okada (Vice President, University of the Ryukyus College of Arts; violin), Takayuki Oshiro (Sanshin)

Special Lectures:

Dr. Takeshi Noda (Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University)

Dr. Julie Burghdoff (Founder, Tela Coral)

Tickets & RSVP Here

Music for the Ocean Tokyo Concert

Date: July 6, 2026 (Monday) Venue: Oji Hall (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) Doors Open / Performance Start: 18:30 / 19:00

Performers: Chad Cannon (composer-violin), Wu Hui (piano), Sumire Katsutani (special guest-violin), Mai Fujisawa (vocals), Little Carol (choir)

Special Lecture:

Dr. Julie Burghdoff (Founder, Tela Coral)

Tickets & RSVP Here

About Music for the Ocean

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