Peter Chai, 2nd year Ph.D. Student, Political Science Major, GSPS
The 6th Campus Piano Event took place on July 3rd in the International House of Literature (Murakami Haruki Library). Students, faculty members, and local residents enjoyed performing and listening to music. Various music genres and instruments were played. Their active participation shows that music has been an integral part of Waseda’s college culture.
Student staff comments
Peter Chai, 2nd year Ph.D. Student, Political Science Major, GSPS
Kano Sugiyama, 3rd year Student, Economics Major, SPSE
We believe that this special street piano event serves as a platform for the participants to share their favorite pieces from various genres, composers, and musicians. These pieces can be classical or modern, from Japan or overseas, and those appear in films and animations. This informal concert also performs as a bridge where Japanese and international students, students and faculty members (from different departments and grades), Waseda affiliates and local residents are connected and can freely share interests and exchange views toward music. Moreover, the grand piano is not the only instrument used, as participants bring their own instruments such as violin, cello, trombone, and guitar for duos and trios. We are reminded again of some charming characteristics of music: it can transcend national borders, linguistic barriers, and generational gaps, it can empower people to express their emotions and values, it can make individuals empathize and understand each other, and it can gather and engage diverse communities and make the society more inclusive.
Student participant comments
Rika Bando, 4th year Student, Global Political Economy Major, SPSE
Shiori Higuchi, 1st year Student, Economics Major, SPSE
It is a unique experience to be able to play the grand piano, which was actually placed in the “Peter Cat” jazz cafe run by Murakami Haruki, in front of some audience in the Murakami Haruki Library. Since anyone is welcome to casually play and go, and those who play can freely choose genres and pieces of any length, there is not much stress for amateurs who play the piano as a hobby to perform. We see participants with different levels of piano skills come to perform. Waseda is famous for its various music circles, and We feel that this event creates a casual atmosphere for participants across majors and grades and from different student circles to discuss music tastes. We also feel that this event has an international atmosphere as we hear Japanese and English mixed at the same time when Japanese and international students interact through music.
Student staff members
