Donation of 35 Upright Pianos from Mr. Takashi Takahashi

Tokyo University of the Arts (President: Katsuhiko Hibino), a national university corporation, is pleased to announce that it has received a generous donation of 35 brand-new Kawai upright pianos from Mr. Takashi Takahashi, co-founder of BrainPad Inc. and a prominent figure in the fields of big data and artificial intelligence.

Musical instruments owned by the Faculty of Music, including pianos, are essential infrastructure for the education and training of students in the Faculty and Graduate School of Music. While systematic maintenance and renewal are carried out, approximately 70% of the around 120 upright pianos available on campus—used daily by students for practice—have been in service for over 30 years since their purchase.

Mr. Takahashi gained deep insight into this situation through on-site visits and interviews with faculty and staff, which led to this significant donation. The donated pianos will be carefully utilized to nurture the next generation of leaders in the global music industry.

Message from Mr. Takashi Takahashi

During my visit to the practice rooms of the Faculty and Graduate School of Music, I directly observed the deteriorating condition of the upright pianos. The educational environment of Tokyo University of the Arts—the institution that cultivates world-class performers—should ideally be maintained by the university itself. However, I fully understand the immense efforts made by the faculty under tight financial constraints, who prioritize high-quality individual instruction and performance opportunities while managing limited resources.

As a way to contribute, I decided to donate pianos directly in kind, aiming to deliver as many reliable instruments as possible to students immediately.

I hope these new upright pianos will serve as a solid foundation for your musical development. I encourage you to refine your skills in this improved environment and grow into accomplished performers on the international stage.

Message from President Katsuhiko Hibino, Tokyo University of the Arts

We are deeply grateful to Mr. Takahashi for donating 35 brand-new upright pianos for the future of our students.

It is both heartening and encouraging that Mr. Takahashi, a leader in cutting-edge technological fields, visited our campus, witnessed our efforts firsthand, and resonated with our mission and values.

The piano is the lifeline for mastering the fundamentals of music.

For our educational environment, which has persistently innovated despite challenges, this donation is a transformative gift that will dramatically improve student experiences.

I am confident that through the precise and resonant sound of these new keyboards, our students’ ears and bodies will be sharpened, elevating their artistic expression to new heights. We will cherish and utilize these instruments to cultivate the future artists who will carry forward the world of music.

Message from Professor Fuyuko Fukunaka, Dean of the Faculty of Music

For music students, instruments are expressive organs akin to their own bodies. At our Faculty of Music, we maintain a wide range of instruments—including pianos, and both Western and non-Western instruments—to support students’ daily learning. These instruments are used not only in classes and lessons but also in student-led practice sessions and ensemble activities. However, due to recent financial constraints, the condition of these instruments has fallen short of ideal.

Mr. Takahashi’s donation stems from his deep concern for this situation and his sincere desire to improve students’ learning environment. We express our profound gratitude and, as educators, reaffirm our commitment to excellence in university education.

Mr. Takahashi’s generosity will serve as great encouragement to our students, motivating them to further refine their artistic expression.

About the Donation We have been informed of Mr. Takahashi’s wish that “this donation may inspire a broader circle of support from others who share the same vision,” and we are grateful for his approval to publicly announce this contribution. Tokyo University of the Arts welcomes support from individuals and organizations to enhance its educational and research environment.

Contact: Geidai Fund Office, Tokyo University of the Arts Kannaga Phone: 050-5525-2464 Email: [email protected]