Osaka University of Arts Announces Winners of 'Kansai Music Competition 2026' – A Stage to Discover and Nurture Young Talent for the Future of Music

Osaka University of Arts (Tsukamoto Gakuin School Corporation / Location: Minamikawachi District, Osaka Prefecture / President: Kunihiko Tsukamoto) hosted the 'Kansai Music Competition 2026,' aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents who will shape the future of music. The final round was held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Osaka University of Arts Theater, featuring 26 finalists competing across five categories: vocal music, piano, string instruments, wind instruments, and percussion.

Kansai Music Competition official website URL: https://oua.osaka-geidai.ac.jp/kancon/

This competition is open to individuals aged 19 and under who are enrolled in high school or an equivalent educational program. Finalists were selected through video auditions and performed live at the Osaka University of Arts Theater. Outstanding performers in the final round received certificates along with special prizes, including scholarships, full waiver of first-year tuition fees, and exemption from enrollment fees at Osaka University of Arts.

This year, Asuka Nakajima, a pianist, was awarded first place. She shared, 'I was filled with surprise and excitement until my name was announced as the first-place winner. I didn’t feel too nervous during the performance and was able to enjoy playing. In the future, I hope to deliver performances that make audiences feel glad they came to listen.' Second place was awarded to Airu Yoshida (tenor saxophone), and third place to Haruto Kinoshita (snare drum performer).

Moving forward, Osaka University of Arts will continue to support aspiring individuals in realizing their dreams by providing platforms for talent development through concerts, competitions, and industry-academia collaboration projects, beyond just on-campus activities.

Winner Comments

First Place – Asuka Nakajima (Piano)

'I was overwhelmed with surprise upon winning. I was so nervous until my name was called, wondering if it was really me. I performed Camille Saint-Saëns’ 'Allegro Appassionato,' a piece with diverse developments in each section, which made it challenging to vary tone and tempo. I managed to play without excessive tension and enjoyed the performance. My piano teacher introduced me to this competition, which inspired me to participate. I started playing piano at age three, and balancing it with club activities is tough, but I want to continue for the rest of my life. In the future, I hope to deliver performances that make listeners feel 'I’m glad I came.' (Excerpt)

Second Place Winner

Airu Yoshida (Tenor Saxophone)

Third Place Winner

Haruto Kinoshita (Snare Drum)

Comment from Shogo Mihara, Chair of the Judging Committee

'As always, I am impressed by the high level of applicants even from the video screening stage. Today, those selected through that rigorous process have performed on stage, delivering excellent performances. Each participant clearly demonstrates solid training under outstanding instructors. While it’s natural to be concerned about one’s evaluation in a competition, what truly matters is how you continue to learn and grow. I hope all participants today will continue to refine their skills and aspire to become performers who can move audiences at concerts in the future. I sincerely wish you all continued success.' (Excerpt)

Results

· First Place: Asuka Nakajima (Piano)

· Second Place: Airu Yoshida (Tenor Saxophone)

· Third Place: Haruto Kinoshita (Snare Drum)

· Category Excellence Awards:

<Vocal Music> Kaho Ishimoto

<Piano> Yuna Tanaka

<String Instruments> Mei Backdovider (Violin)

<Wind Instruments> Kotono Fujino (Clarinet)

<Percussion> Haruki Nakazono

· Special Jury Awards: Sakiya Ueyama (Vocal), Souma Amashiro (Vocal), Sakuyo Kato (Piano), Yuto Takase (Trombone), Yuna Yoshihara (Trumpet)

· Selected Participants: Kana Ishida (Vocal), Marinna Konomoto (Vocal), Kano Takei (Vocal), Momoka Maeda (Piano), Hana Nagata (Violin), Hikaru Iida (Clarinet), Seira Ishii (Alto Saxophone), Yasutaka Okamura (Trumpet), Waka Matsuoka (Euphonium), Kaga Mochizuki (Flute), Yuki Morita (Trombone), Yoshinori Ozaki (Snare Drum), Hibiki Honda (Marimba)

*Names listed without honorifics