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[Music Chapter Final Episode] Art Goes to the Countryside: Kofu North Exit Music Festival
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山梨音樂地方文化

[Music Chapter Final Episode] Art Goes to the Countryside: Kofu North Exit Music Festival

Encountering the 86th Music Festival at the north exit of Kofu Station, a small mishap with buying the wrong ticket and the touching performance of the expectant performer marked a gentle conclusion to the Corner Piano of the entire journey in Japan.

🌐 Also available in: 繁中日本語

🎹 Music Summary: Those Moments with the Piano

Togura Memorial Museum

A review of the “I Met the Piano at the Corner” series, with a total of 7 piano encounter locations (in the order of discovery):

  1. Kofu Station
  2. Ishiwaki Onsen Station
  3. The main character of this article! Togura Memorial Museum (#1 less than 100 meters away)
  4. Kobuchizawa Station (couldn’t play due to the early time)
  5. Stone Buddha and Ryuteki performance on the streets of Shimosuwa
  6. Matsumoto Station, renovation of the house across from the girl
  7. Impromptu performance inside Ogaki Station

🎟️ 86th North Entrance Music Festival × Accidentally Bought Tickets for the 87th

On the morning of October 11, I originally planned to take the train to the canned attraction—Takeda Shrine.
While waiting for the train, I saw the nearby “Togura Memorial Museum” and decided to take a look, resulting in a 30-minute visit, which made me miss the bus. I returned in the evening and stayed for two hours.

I saw the information on the entrance sign:

The 86th North Entrance Music Festival will be held tonight at 18:30
Piano: Yuko Hiro-naka, Violin: Saki Takagi
On-site ticket price: 1,000 yen

Togura Memorial Museum

I immediately asked the staff:

  • “Can I pay with PayPay or credit card?”
  • “I’m sorry, we only accept cash.”
  • “Okay, I’ll use cash.”

The conversation went smoothly until I was about to go upstairs,
I looked down at the ticket—

“Date: 11/8, 87th session, Ticket No: 001”???

I: Isn’t today the 86th session?
The staff member looked and immediately apologized and helped me exchange the ticket.

✔ Changed to the correct ticket for the day, still ticket No. 001, what a coincidence!

Image 1 Image 2

🎼 The Night of the Music Festival: A Touching Live Performance

Doors opened at 18:00, and I arrived on time, finding a seat in the middle.
At 18:15, the performers entered one after another.

Violinist Saki Takagi was dressed in loose clothing, looking like she was about to give birth—yet she insisted on performing!

The host mentioned this during the opening introduction, so I must have heard correctly.

🎵 Live Observation Notes:

  1. The venue was warm and well-arranged, with about 42 seats
    It should be 40 regulars + me, the outsider + 1 empty seat (just right?)

  2. The performance included a total of 8 pieces + encore
    Each piece was introduced with the composer’s story, the rhythm was natural and full of warmth.

  3. After the performance, there was a discussion with the performers
    Once someone started recording, I cautiously began recording on my phone as well.

  4. Teacher Takagi mentioned again that she was about to give birth,
    The audience was moved.

✋ I Also Raised My Hand to Ask a Question! (A Great Opportunity for Japanese Practice)

During the Q&A session, I raised my hand (applauding myself)
I practiced saying a few sentences in Japanese (the host and performers probably understood XD):

  • Congratulations, Teacher Takagi!
  • I came from Taiwan today, and I’m very moved to participate in such an event.
  • I hope to hear pieces by Taiwanese composers next time (though I don’t know if there are any)

🤳 Group Photo and Conclusion

During the photo time, I deliberately avoided Teacher Takagi, worried that as an outsider, I might carry a virus that could affect the baby.

I chose to take a photo with Teacher Hiro-naka and even apologized to her:
“I played the piano a bit this morning, I hope it won’t affect the sound quality” XD

Togura Memorial Museum

I thank her for her cheerful smile and tolerance, perfectly wrapping up this musical encounter.

🔗 Further Reading / Recommended:

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