As Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues, Kenichiro Kobayashi, a conductor who is active on the world stage, held an outdoor concert in Tokyo on the night of the 11th to support the people of Ukraine.
Kobayashi, a world-famous conductor, has been active for many years in the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, a neighboring country of Ukraine, and held a free concert on the night of the 11th to support the Ukrainians.
About 1,500 people gathered at the outdoor venue in the park in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and the first Ukrainian opera singer, Stepanyuk Oksana, who was active in Japan, sang the Ukrainian national anthem.
He said, "I want everyone in the world to wish for peace in Ukraine."
Then, the orchestra led by Mr. Kobayashi played classical music, and the venue gave a big applause.
Also, between the concerts, we saw people raising the Ukrainian flag and praying for peace.
Mr. Kobayashi said, "I felt that music would reach everyone's hearts and help Ukraine in the future."
A fund-raising box will be set up at the venue, and the collected money will be donated to support refugees in Ukraine.