Casio Brings Hiroshima’s Historic Piano Sound to Hamburg Stage

The project involved meticulously recording each of the 88 keys of the 1926 instrument to preserve its unique acoustic character. At the festival, held at the Laeiszhalle, attendees engaged with this digital legacy through Casio’s CELVIANO line. The technology served as the centerpiece for two significant performances: the production of The Postman of Nagasaki on June 27, and the world premiere of Dai Fujikura’s Piano Concerto No. 4 two days later.

Pianist Akane Sakai performed both works, drawing a standing ovation for the concerto. By digitizing the instrument, Casio aims to ensure that the piano, which has become a global symbol of peace since its 2005 restoration, remains playable for future generations. The company plans to continue utilizing its sound technology to archive cultural artifacts, allowing the story of Akiko’s Piano to travel beyond the borders of Japan.