4th Takamatsu International Piano Competition

The Takamatsu International Piano Competition has been held every four years since the first competition in 2006, and it has drawn attention not only within Japan but also from abroad as a portal for young musicians to an international career. Each time the competition has evolved and grown, as evidenced by its induction into the World Federation of International Music Competitions last year. I express my deep appreciation and respect for the enthusiasm and dedication of the Organizing Committee under Chair Katsuhiko Takesaki, the local music community, and the many businesses, organizations and others involved.
The fourth competition, which will be held in March 2018, will, I am certain, offer even higher caliber performances than ever before.
One of the main thrusts of the New Setouchi Garden City Creation Plan, which was launched this year as the prefecture’s guideline for regional development, is to enhance the region’s attraction as a center of the arts. This includes measures to promote an environment that fosters culture and the arts, to raise up human resources, and to strengthen community building efforts that are rooted in local cultural and artistic activities characteristic of the region.
Within this context, it is wonderful to see preparations well underway for the next competition. I look forward to the continued cooperation of all those involved in this effort, which will reinforce Kagawa’s role as a center of arts and culture, and to the ongoing development of this competition as a festival that brings together a host of musicians from Japan and abroad.