[April Dream] Breaking Social Barriers Through Music: Bringing the French National Qualification "DUMI" to Japan
Unlike Inc. redefines music as a 'means of connecting people' and promotes it as a social infrastructure across education, welfare, and local communities using the French national qualification 'DUMI.'
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 23:00
Unlike Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo) is participating in April Dream, a project that turns April 1st into a day for sharing dreams. This press release outlines the dream of Unlike Inc.
### A New Possibility in Music Education: What is the French National Qualification "DUMI"?
Unlike Inc., in partnership with the Japan-France DUMI Association, is introducing the philosophy of the French government-created music education qualification "DUMI (Diplôme Universitaire de Musicien Intervenant)" to Japan. The company is working to popularize new forms of music education that contribute to solving social issues.
The music programs developed by the company are characterized by their ability to nurture diverse sensibilities and creativity—not just through instrumental performance, but also through physical expression, the utilization of space, and the incorporation of everyday materials. Through these efforts, the company aims to realize a society where everyone can exist together through music, regardless of age, nationality, or disability.
At the core of this initiative is the perspective of viewing music not as a "technique for improvement" but as a "means of connecting people."
DUMISTEs (DUMI qualification holders) work together with performers to:
- Create participatory music experiences
- Conduct workshops blending music with other fields
- Collaborate with education, welfare, and local communities
By expanding the role of music, these activities aim to create new value as a foundational "social infrastructure" for society.
### Achievements in Japan to Date
- **Introduction of DUMI to the Inclusive Choir "White Hand Chorus NIPPON"**
Programs based on DUMI principles are implemented in this choir, where diverse members, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or wheelchair users, perform together. The focus is on creating music experiences that respect each individual's sensibility and expression while bringing out their unique personality.
- **Exhibition of the Interactive Installation "Beethoven at Your Fingertips!?"**
A piece where Sign Language for "Joy" triggers the sounds of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (Ode to Joy). This expanded the music experience from just "listening" to "touching and feeling," presenting a new form of appreciation.
- **DUMI Workshops in Educational Settings in Kyoto**
Programs designed according to age and developmental stages were implemented for kindergarteners. These sessions provided creative learning environments using sound and movement to promote spontaneous expression.
- **Realization of Intergenerational Exchange in Hokuto City, Yamanashi**
Workshops involved a wide range of generations, from 3-year-olds to people in their 80s. Through instrument making, physical expression, and improvisational music experiences, the project fostered communication across generations. Sharing processes such as making or not making sounds, waiting, and feeling promoted new relationships independent of language or age.
### This Spring, DUMI's Initiatives Expand to New Regions
From April to May 2026, experience sessions for regular events will be held in Nagareyama City, Chiba. In June, experience sessions and discussion forums are planned for Yamanashi Prefecture. By leveraging the unique characteristics of each region, the company will design music experiences where people of different generations and backgrounds can interact, expanding DUMI practices nationwide.
### Bringing "DUMI" to All of Japan: Solving Social Issues Through Music
This challenge has only just begun. We look forward to the participation of individuals, companies, municipalities, educational institutions, and creators who are interested in this initiative and wish to promote social implementation together. Collaboration with diverse fields is essential to bring about social change through the power of music.
**Unlike Inc.**
Unlike Inc. is a music production company led by CEO Shinji Hirahara. Based in Tokyo and Fukuoka, the company handles music production, performance, sound design, and DUMI initiatives.
**Contact Information**
Email: dumi@unlikesound.com
Web: https://unlikesound.com
### A New Possibility in Music Education: What is the French National Qualification "DUMI"?
Unlike Inc., in partnership with the Japan-France DUMI Association, is introducing the philosophy of the French government-created music education qualification "DUMI (Diplôme Universitaire de Musicien Intervenant)" to Japan. The company is working to popularize new forms of music education that contribute to solving social issues.
The music programs developed by the company are characterized by their ability to nurture diverse sensibilities and creativity—not just through instrumental performance, but also through physical expression, the utilization of space, and the incorporation of everyday materials. Through these efforts, the company aims to realize a society where everyone can exist together through music, regardless of age, nationality, or disability.
At the core of this initiative is the perspective of viewing music not as a "technique for improvement" but as a "means of connecting people."
DUMISTEs (DUMI qualification holders) work together with performers to:
- Create participatory music experiences
- Conduct workshops blending music with other fields
- Collaborate with education, welfare, and local communities
By expanding the role of music, these activities aim to create new value as a foundational "social infrastructure" for society.
### Achievements in Japan to Date
- **Introduction of DUMI to the Inclusive Choir "White Hand Chorus NIPPON"**
Programs based on DUMI principles are implemented in this choir, where diverse members, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or wheelchair users, perform together. The focus is on creating music experiences that respect each individual's sensibility and expression while bringing out their unique personality.
- **Exhibition of the Interactive Installation "Beethoven at Your Fingertips!?"**
A piece where Sign Language for "Joy" triggers the sounds of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (Ode to Joy). This expanded the music experience from just "listening" to "touching and feeling," presenting a new form of appreciation.
- **DUMI Workshops in Educational Settings in Kyoto**
Programs designed according to age and developmental stages were implemented for kindergarteners. These sessions provided creative learning environments using sound and movement to promote spontaneous expression.
- **Realization of Intergenerational Exchange in Hokuto City, Yamanashi**
Workshops involved a wide range of generations, from 3-year-olds to people in their 80s. Through instrument making, physical expression, and improvisational music experiences, the project fostered communication across generations. Sharing processes such as making or not making sounds, waiting, and feeling promoted new relationships independent of language or age.
### This Spring, DUMI's Initiatives Expand to New Regions
From April to May 2026, experience sessions for regular events will be held in Nagareyama City, Chiba. In June, experience sessions and discussion forums are planned for Yamanashi Prefecture. By leveraging the unique characteristics of each region, the company will design music experiences where people of different generations and backgrounds can interact, expanding DUMI practices nationwide.
### Bringing "DUMI" to All of Japan: Solving Social Issues Through Music
This challenge has only just begun. We look forward to the participation of individuals, companies, municipalities, educational institutions, and creators who are interested in this initiative and wish to promote social implementation together. Collaboration with diverse fields is essential to bring about social change through the power of music.
**Unlike Inc.**
Unlike Inc. is a music production company led by CEO Shinji Hirahara. Based in Tokyo and Fukuoka, the company handles music production, performance, sound design, and DUMI initiatives.
**Contact Information**
Email: dumi@unlikesound.com
Web: https://unlikesound.com
FAQ
What is the French national qualification 'DUMI'?
DUMI (Diplôme Universitaire de Musicien Intervenant) is a qualification established by the French government. It certifies specialists (DUMISTEs) who can use music to solve social issues in education, welfare, and regional cooperation.
Are there any achievements in Japan?
Yes. The company has already achieved results through program provision for the inclusive choir 'White Hand Chorus NIPPON,' workshops in Kyoto and Yamanashi, and interactive installations.
What are the future plans?
Experience sessions are planned for Nagareyama City, Chiba, from April to May 2026, and in Yamanashi Prefecture in June, aiming for nationwide social implementation.