The NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition

The NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition

The NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition

The Competition

The Competition

The NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition is the most prestigious choral contest for Japanese elementary, middle, and high schools. First held in 1932, it nurtures musical talent and inspires young people to aim high. About 70,000 singers from 2,340 schools compete every October. Each choir performs a set piece, which is composed specially for the competition, and a song of its own choice.

The Set Pieces

The Set Pieces

Artists including musicians, poets, novelists, and picture-book writers create the music and lyrics for each year’s set pieces (one song each for elementary, middle, and high schools) based on a theme chosen by NHK. Past themes include starting, courage, and peace. This year’s theme is door, which conveys the hope that singing in harmony will inspire young people to live strong, have fun, and forge a bright future.

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