You'll have to wait until the day to find out what you'll hear! Akiko Yano's first live performance at the "Ongakudo" in 15 years

Akiko Yano's live performances, especially her solo acoustic shows, are never "pre-planned," even for the staff.

"I generally decide on the program right before the concert. It depends on my mood. I always carry around lyrics sheets for about 100 songs. Before the show starts, I ask the staff about the audience, for example, 'Are there a lot of children?' or 'What percentage of elderly people are there?' and sometimes I'll say, 'Well, let's play this song,' or sometimes I'll suddenly think, 'I want to play this song.' When I'm performing with a band, of course I decide on the program in advance, but when I play and sing, I have a lot of freedom, which I enjoy."

For this reason, the backstage staff, including sound and lighting engineers, are putting in serious effort every time.

"It's like they're predicting it. They're thinking, 'If this trend continues, maybe this will happen next?'"

I can imagine the smug looks on the staff's faces when their predictions came true, and at the same time, I feel that there is an incredible level of trust there.

"We've been working together for a long time, and as professionals, we both want our customers to feel glad they came."

One of these trusted staff members, recording engineer Kinji Yoshino, recommended Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall as the recording location for his fourth solo acoustic album.

The album "Ongakudo" released in 2010 was recorded at this music hall in 2009. Now in 2025, Akiko Yano will be returning to the music hall for the first time in about 15 years with a live acoustic performance.
The hall was built in 1954, modeled after the Royal Festival Hall in the UK.

"I had the impression that it was a really fun place to play. The interior had a nice retro feel to it. I'd often performed live in Kamakura up until now, but when I wanted to change the environment a bit, the event organizer suggested that we try the music hall, and because of the impression I had back then, I thought it would be a good choice."

Yano, who is currently based in New York, returns to Japan three times a year for tours. This year, he is planning to tour six locations across the country on the "Satogaeru Tour" before his live performance at the music hall. This will be a band-style performance, but he says that this solo performance is essentially part of the tour.

"There are differences in the degree of freedom, but without any particular theme, the basic principle is to please the audience, and the composition changes for each venue. For the audience, the highlight is the balance between the excitement of not knowing what will come next and the classics. This time too, we won't be playing all the songs from the album "Ongakudo," although we will probably play a few songs."

My impression of Kanagawa and Yokohama other than the music hall was,

"After the concert, we went to eat in Chinatown, and the food was really delicious. I just had a hunch and went in, 'Ah, this is it!' Places like that don't disappoint. That's why I have a good impression of Yokohama as a whole. I'm hoping to go to Chinatown after the concert this time as well."

After the live performance at the music hall in December, the new year will mark the 50th anniversary of their debut.

"I'm working on a new album. I don't know when it'll be out yet. It's not my best work, it's new. I want to bring you the latest music. It's probably going to be a busy year."

As he celebrates his 50th anniversary, his activities, which have been described as "unlimited" and include solo performances, collaborations, bands, and singing and playing the guitar, are set to continue expanding.

"I try to walk as much as possible, and I'm also careful not to get injured. If I can't play the piano anymore, it'll be a nuisance. I'd actually like to try ice hockey, but I don't think it's possible right now. I'll think about it after the 50th anniversary."

Yano enjoys taking on various challenges not only in music but also in life and living.
The "new music" she weaves seems to have no plans to stop spreading.

Akiko Yano Recital in the Music Hall 2025
Featuring: Akiko Yano (Vocal & Piano)
Date and time: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Venue: Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall
*There are only a few tickets left. (You may be placed on a waiting list for cancellations.)
Concert information: here
Akiko Yano Official Website: Click here