TSURUMI Children's Hospice 10th Anniversary Charity Concert 2026 "Yoshio Inoue STAGE of HARMONY ~The Secret to Happiness Living With You~" Official Report Arrives

Yoshio Inoue, Kumiko, Ayaka Hirahara, Mone Kamishiraishi, Hiroki Miura, Yui Kobayashi, Taichi Nakano Yuichiro Onuki (Music Director/Piano), Hiroshi Adachi (Drums), Yosuke Terao (Bass), Sachiko Nagasaki (Keyboard)

A Harmony of Hope and Smiles Connected by Song

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the "TSURUMI Children's Hospice 10th Anniversary Charity Concert 2026 'Yoshio Inoue STAGE of HARMONY ~The Secret to Happiness Living With You~'" was held at NHK Osaka Hall in Osaka.

This performance was a charity concert held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the "TSURUMI Children's Hospice," operated by the Public Interest Incorporated Association Children's Hospice Project, and to raise awareness of its activities. All proceeds from this performance will be donated to TSURUMI Children's Hospice, and children using the hospice and their families were invited to the venue free of charge. A free live stream was also provided for children and staff at children's hospices nationwide who could not attend, making it a special day to share the same time from different locations across the country.

A flat space was installed in front of the seating area to ensure that children requiring medical care could enjoy the concert with peace of mind. The distance between the stage and the audience was also close, and there were many moments where the performers gently spoke to the children, creating a calm atmosphere that truly felt like "a place where anyone can enjoy music with peace of mind."

Yoshio Inoue

The catalyst for this concert was the encounter between Yoshio Inoue and TSURUMI Children's Hospice.

In 2019, during the preparation period for his starring play "The Twelfth Angel," Inoue read an article in the newspaper about Shuto-kun, a boy battling a serious illness. Inoue contacted the family and invited them to the play, which led to an exchange and his first knowledge of TSURUMI Children's Hospice.

Deeply moved by the existence of a place where children facing illness and their families could spend time with peace of mind and smiles, Inoue thought, "As someone involved in entertainment, there must be something I can do." He then visited TSURUMI Children's Hospice with pianist Yuichiro Onuki. Through interactions such as Christmas concerts, he nurtured connections with the children. His aspirations bore fruit, leading to this performance held at the significant milestone of their 10th anniversary.

Supporting the stage music were the performers, led by Music Director Yuichiro Onuki (Piano), along with Hiroshi Adachi (Drums), Yosuke Terao (Bass), and Sachiko Nagasaki (Keyboard). Their gentle accompaniment beautifully enhanced the appeal of each song.

As the performance began, all the performers opened the concert with a vibrant rendition of "Do You Hear the People Sing?" (from "Les Misérables"). Their powerful voices filled the hall, marking an opening full of hope.

Yuichiro Onuki (Music Director/Piano)

Inoue then addressed the children's hospice staff and children participating via live stream from across the country, saying, "Those who couldn't come here today are also watching the stream. Please enjoy it until the end."

Hiroshi Adachi (Drums)

He continued, "In the first part, we will present musical numbers that we usually sing, along with songs requested by the children," introducing the unique program for the day.

The first songs performed were "Shiroi Ball Aoi Sora e" (from "The Twelfth Angel") and "Suzhou Nocturne."

Inoue shared an anecdote about a boy who "loves to sing" and requested "Suzhou Nocturne." He smiled, saying, "That's quite a mature choice," and added, "It's a memorable song that he was very happy to hear," conveying that it had become a cherished song through his interactions with the children.

Next, "Yami ga Hirogaru" (from "Elisabeth") was performed.

This was a song that Shuto-kun particularly liked. Recalling Shuto-kun's fondness for this song after seeing "Elisabeth" in Germany, Inoue introduced it by saying, "Today, I'd like to sing it in German." He then performed it in German with Hiroki Miura and Yui Kobayashi, receiving a huge round of applause from the audience.

From here, the stage continued with each performer showcasing their unique talents.

Hiroki Miura

Hiroki Miura, Yui Kobayashi, and Taichi Nakano performed "You Can't Stop The Beat" (from "Hairspray"). Their lively dance and energetic singing transformed the atmosphere of the venue. Following them, Yui Kobayashi delivered "Can't Love Myself" (from "Beauty and the Beast") with overwhelming vocal prowess, and Hiroki Miura lightly sang "Under the Streetlight" (from "My Girl and Me"), vividly portraying the world of the musical.

Mone Kamishiraishi gently sang "Nandemonaiya (movie ver.)", enveloping the venue in a calm atmosphere. Afterward, she performed a duet with Inoue, "The Secret of Happiness Reprise/Remix" (from "Daddy Long Legs"). Their soft voices intertwined, creating a moment that truly felt like "happiness," as the title suggested.

Ayaka Hirahara sang her signature song "Jupiter" on a grand scale, captivating the audience with her rich voice. In her duet with Inoue, "Your Song," a masterpiece by Elton John, their voices created a beautiful harmony.

Kumiko emotionally sang "Hymne à l'amour" and, in a duet with Inoue, "Kuruma," delivered a profound world that could only be expressed by two people who have shared life experiences.

The finale of the first part was "Ame ga Yanda" (When the Rain Stops), performed by all the artists.

This song was written by Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr. Children for the "Hibiya Music Festival," in which Inoue also participates, and was first performed at the festival in 2023. Woven together by the voices of the performers, this song born from the music festival became a finale that evoked hope for the future.

The second part, which began after an intermission, shifted to an interactive stage.

Kumiko

Taichi Nakano

Taichi Nakano led a dance lesson, and everyone at the venue enjoyed "Jumbo Lickey!" The choreography was designed to be participatory even while seated, and participants were encouraged to join in a way that was comfortable for them, whether through clapping, singing, or smiling, even if physical movement was difficult.

In the audience, from children to adults, everyone moved to the rhythm in their own style, creating a moment filled with smiles.

Next, the children using the hospice were welcomed onto the stage. Inoue gently spoke to each child as they were welcomed and introduced the song, "We will sing 'Que Sera Sera' by Mrs. GREEN APPLE, which you all requested."

The sight of the performers, the children, and the audience singing together became a memorable moment, symbolizing the concert's theme of "Harmony."

As the performance of "Que Sera Sera" by the performers and the hospice children concluded, the venue was filled with warm applause.

Following this, letters were presented from the children using TSURUMI Children's Hospice to the performers. Representing them, Mr. Riichiro Hori presented a letter written in Braille. Mr. Hori, who spent time battling childhood cancer, reflected on his days at TSURUMI Children's Hospice during a temporary discharge, saying, "The events and playing in the rooms were happy memories."

He continued, "Today, another memory has been made," and "Listening to the live singing and performances of so many singers was deeply moving," and "It was so much fun to sing together with everyone." As the letter of gratitude, painstakingly written in Braille, was read aloud, the venue was enveloped in deep emotion.

Next to take the stage was Hideki Takaba, Representative of the Public Interest Incorporated Association Children's Hospice Project.

Mr. Takaba explained that he encountered the philosophy of "children's hospices" in the UK after having a child with a severe disability, and with the cooperation of many people, he established "TSURUMI Children's Hospice," the first privately-led children's hospice in Japan, in 2016.

He explained that while there are approximately 20,000 children in Japan living with life-threatening illnesses, TSURUMI Children's Hospice can only support about 300 families. He expressed his hope for the future, stating, "We aim for a society where children's hospices are commonplace throughout Japan."

In response, Inoue said, "We would be happy if even one more person learned about this activity, and the singers and band members performing today are all people who would gladly participate if they could help in any way." He expressed his gratitude, saying, "The fact that this concert is happening today is thanks to the feelings of all these people."

Mr. Takaba also expressed his gratitude to the attendees, saying, "The tickets sold out quickly, and we received support from so many people. That support is a great strength for us," and the venue erupted in applause.

Yosuke Terao (Bass)

Next, Kumiko, Mone Kamishiraishi, and Ayaka Hirahara performed "Minna Sora no Shita" (Everyone Under the Sky).

Their enveloping, gentle voices resonated, creating a song that made everyone feel connected under the same sky.

Afterward, Ms. Masako Ichikawa, a nurse who supports children and families at TSURUMI Children's Hospice, took the stage.

Ms. Ichikawa stated, "There are still many children who need hospice care. When people in the community say, 'There's a place like this,' it reaches families who need support," and urged more people to become aware of the existence of children's hospices.

She also happily shared, "It makes us truly happy when families say that coming to TSURUMI Children's Hospice feels like 'coming home to their parents' house,'" conveying their desire for it to be a place where not only children but also their siblings and the entire family can spend time with peace of mind.

Inoue responded, "I hope that this event will lead to many new connections," and Ms. Ichikawa expressed her wish for the future, saying, "The ideal situation would be a society where children and families are supported by the entire community, without the need for hospices."

The concert moved towards its climax. In "Hoshi Tsumugi no Uta" (Song of Star Weaving), performed by all the artists, their voices blended together, enveloping the entire audience in a gentle atmosphere.

This was followed by "Joyful, Joyful" (from the movie "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit"), which shifted from the warm atmosphere to a powerful gospel rhythm that filled the venue with smiles. The performers descended into the audience, singing while making eye contact with the attendees, naturally leading to handclapping and further heightening the energy of the venue. The spectacular stage was a moment filled with exhilaration, fitting for the finale of the main performance.

At the end of the main performance, each of the artists shared their thoughts.

Ayaka Hirahara

Kumiko expressed her sincere joy at participating in the charity concert, saying, "I am truly glad I could participate."

Mone Kamishiraishi

Ayaka Hirahara reflected, "I was able to feel anew the meaning of singing and how music reaches people's hearts." She added, "I want to continue supporting with my singing. I hope you will rely on music," expressing her thoughts on the power of music.

Mone Kamishiraishi said, "I hope to pass on the happiness and kindness I received today to someone else," and added with a smile, "Like 'Hoshi Tsumugi no Uta,' it would be wonderful if we could weave our feelings from person to person."

Hiroki Miura recalled, "It was truly fun to sing and dance with all of you," and expressed his hope for future interactions, saying, "I hope we can create more opportunities to enjoy time together at the hospice at a closer distance."

Yui Kobayashi stated, "The biggest thing for me was learning about this activity," and conveyed her desire to continue supporting, saying, "I hope I was able to provide even a little strength to everyone through today. Although it may be small, I would like to continue to offer my support."

Yui Kobayashi

Taichi Nakano smiled and said, "It was truly fun to sing and dance with all of you," adding, "I already loved singing, but today I love it even more. I would be very happy if I could work with the people at the hospice again."

Each person's words conveyed how the performers themselves had deepened their understanding of TSURUMI Children's Hospice and received much from their interactions with the children and families through this concert, and the venue was filled with warm applause.

Sachiko Nagasaki (Keyboard)

During the encore, there was a surprise when the hospice children presented bouquets to each of the performers and band members.

The performers accepted the bouquets with smiles, and their interactions with the children, making eye contact and speaking with them, filled the entire venue with a warm atmosphere.

Inoue addressed the hospice children, saying, "We are always here. Don't forget us, and call us anytime." He expressed his gratitude, saying, "This concert today was truly realized by the feelings of so many people. Although the world is full of difficulties, there is also so much hope. I am truly happy that this hope has taken shape."

The encore performance was "Believe." The performers, band members, the audience gathered at the venue, and the children participating via live stream from across the country sang together from their respective locations, uniting their thoughts. The hopeful singing filled the venue, and the charity concert concluded with a warm lingering feeling.

Music has the power to connect people. The singing delivered by the performers on this day connected the feelings of the children, their families, supporters, and each audience member, conveying to many the preciousness of "living life as a child" and "irreplaceable time spent with family," which TSURUMI Children's Hospice cherishes.

This performance, held at the significant milestone of its 10th anniversary, transcended the framework of a charity concert to broadly communicate the existence of TSURUMI Children's Hospice and the feelings of those who support its activities. The singing and smiles that echoed in the venue will surely remain in many hearts as a grand harmony that will continue to expand the circle of support.

An archive stream of this performance will be available for a limited time from 6:00 PM on July 7 (Tue) until 11:59 PM on July 20 (Mon, holiday).

Please take this opportunity to watch this special stage filled with the singing, smiles, and feelings for TSURUMI Children's Hospice that were born at the venue.

Report: Yumiko Yonamine, Photos: Shinya Fukuya

Performance Overview

【Performance Title】

TSURUMI Children's Hospice 10th Anniversary Charity Concert 2026

Yoshio Inoue STAGE of HARMONY ~The Secret to Happiness Living With You~

【Performers】 Yoshio Inoue

Kumiko, Ayaka Hirahara, Mone Kamishiraishi, Hiroki Miura, Yui Kobayashi, Taichi Nakano

【Performers】 Yuichiro Onuki (Music Director/Piano), Hiroshi Adachi (Drums), Yosuke Terao (Bass), Sachiko Nagasaki (Keyboard)

【Date】 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Doors Open 2:30 PM / Performance Starts 3:30 PM

【Venue】 NHK Osaka Hall (4-1-20 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)

【Organizer】 Public Interest Incorporated Association Children's Hospice Project

【Planning & Production】 TSURUMI Children's Hospice Charity Concert 2026 Executive Committee

【Cooperation】 Grand Arts, Puerta del Sol, Sunrise Promotion

【Inquiries】 Sunrise Promotion: 0570-00-3337 (Weekdays 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

【Official Performance Website】 TSURUMI Children's Hospice (Public Interest Incorporated Association Children's Hospice Project)

1-1-77 Hama, Tsurumi-ku, Osaka City, 538-0035 <Official Donation Website> https://www.childrenshospice.jp/

【Archive Streaming】

Streaming Period: Tuesday, July 7, 6:00 PM - Monday, July 20 (Holiday), 11:59 PM

*Ticket purchase available until 9:00 PM on Monday, July 20 (Holiday)

- Streaming Ticket Price: 4,500 yen (tax included)

- Ticket Purchase: https://w.pia.jp/t/yoshio-soh/ (Ticket Pia WEB Site)

*P-Code: 782-364

All proceeds from this stream will be fully donated to support the activities of "TSURUMI Children's Hospice."

Each streaming ticket allows viewing on one device per ticket. (1 account, 1 view)

Please check the recommended environment for video viewing here (https://t.pia.jp/streaming).

【Admission Fee】 15,000 yen (All seats reserved / tax included)

*All proceeds from this performance will be fully donated to support the activities of "TSURUMI Children's Hospice."