On August 31, 2026, Winds Club, Inc. presented “WIND and BEAT 2026 – Kawasaki meets Hong Kong” at the Epoch Nakahara Hall in Kawasaki, Japan, featuring a joint performance by Hong Kong’s TheTwistmen Winds and Japanese wind band Niconico Sounds in BRASS. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the concert, supported the project, and contributed as performers and staff.
The aim of this project was to promote intercultural exchange among musicians through wind band music and to share the significance of such exchange with a wider audience. The first half of the concert featured individual performances by each band, showcasing the unique character and musical style of both ensembles. In the second half, the two bands came together for a joint performance, presenting the results of their exchange and mutual understanding through music.
View the full concert program here
Throughout the limited rehearsal period, both wind bands worked earnestly toward the shared goal of performing together on the same stage. The process encouraged active communication among the musicians and deepened their understanding of each other’s cultures.
One member of TheTwistmen Winds commented: “Talking with Japanese musicians and performing in front of a Japanese audience made me realize that this is exactly what cultural exchange is all about!”
For the Japanese performers, the experience also provided valuable opportunities to learn from a different musical perspective. One participant commented: “I learned how they approach music differently from us, including how they create music and the approaches they take to achieve it.”
A Concert for Everyone
Admission to the concert was free, and the program centered on Anime music and pop songs. As a result, we were delighted to welcome many audiences who do not usually attend wind band concerts. The audience included families with children as well as many younger listeners and people of a wide range of ages. Audience members were given glow sticks at the entrance and enthusiastically waved them along with the music, creating an energetic and unified atmosphere throughout the venue.
We received many positive comments from the audience, including: “It was so much fun to hear songs that I already knew.” “The audience and performers felt completely connected. It was wonderful! Even while sitting and listening, I felt like moving along with the music. The glow sticks were so much fun, too. I would love to hear another concert like this!”
Highlights from the concert are also being shared on our Instagram account. We are happy if you take a look.
“WIND and BEAT 2026 – Kawasaki meets Hong Kong”
– Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
– Doors opened at 6:00 p.m., concert started at 6:30 p.m., Ended at 8:30 p.m.
– Venue: Epoch Nakahara Hall, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa, Japan
– Admission: Free / General admission seating / Family seating available
– Organizer: Winds Club, Inc.
– Cooperation: WdField’s Music Lab.
– Supported by: Japanese Band Directors Association (JBA)
This project was officially certified as “Cultural Program of Kanagawa Prefecture”.
Master Classes led by Japanese Professional Musicians
Before the “WIND and BEAT 2026” concert on the final day of TheTwistmen Winds’ stay in Japan, the band had master classes led by four professional Japanese music educators on August 28, 2026. The purpose of the master classes was to make final adjustments to the pieces they would perform at the concert under the guidance of professional musicians with extensive knowledge of Japanese popular music and its audiences.
The members of TheTwistmen Winds were highly enthusiastic about the experience. They shared comments such as: “The instructor was wonderful and gave us such thoughtful, personal advice.”
Another participant said: “Thanks to the teacher’s support, I was able to recognize gaps in my own knowledge and learn so much. The advice and guidance gave me many new ideas and insights.”
The experience proved to be highly meaningful for the wind band musicians, providing them with new perspectives and practical ideas that they could apply to their performance.
Visit to Kisarazu General High School Wind Band
On August 29, TheTwistmen Winds visited the Kisarazu General High School Wind Band. Japanese high school wind bands are widely recognized for their high level of musical performance, and the members of TheTwistmen Winds were particularly interested in learning how a leading Japanese high school band practices and develops its musicians.
In the morning, the Hong Kong musicians observed and took part in a full ensemble rehearsal with the Kisarazu General High School Wind Band. They were deeply impressed by the extensive fundamentals-based training incorporated into the rehearsal, including exercises that were unfamiliar to many of the amateur musicians from Hong Kong.
One member from Hong Kong reflected: “I learned that subtle differences in breath control, posture, and the way we perceive vibrations with our entire body can accumulate to create a richer sound, evoke stronger emotions, and ultimately express a unique musical character.”
During the lunch break, the participants divided into small groups and enjoyed a meal together while communicating to know one another. The Japanese students actively tried to communicate with the Hong Kong musicians using gestures and body language, helping to overcome the language barrier. The musicians, who were close in age to the students, quickly began interacting with one another and enjoying the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences.
In the afternoon, the students and TheTwistmen Winds became one joint band, and performed “宝島 Takarajima”, a popular piece in the Japanese wind band repertoire, conducted by Mr. Kel, representative of TheTwistmen Winds. They also sight-read an original arrangement by Mr. Kel. At the end of the session, the score was presented to the school as a gift. As the day progressed, everyone gradually relaxed, and many meaningful interactions took place. It was a memorable day of cultural exchange through music.
Our Support
Winds Club, Inc. supported TheTwistmen Winds throughout their stay in Japan in the following areas:
Master Classes
– Arranging the venue
– Providing large percussion instruments and other equipment that would have been difficult to bring from Hong Kong
– Facilitating communication between the Japanese instructors and the musicians from Hong Kong
School Visit
– Planning the exchange program
– Coordinating and arranging all aspects of the visit
| Date | Schedule / Activity | Role of Winds Club, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| August 28, 2026 | Master classes led by four professional Japanese music educators | Venue arrangements; provision of large percussion instruments and other equipment difficult to bring from Hong Kong; communication with Japanese instructors |
| August 29, 2026 | Visit to Kisarazu General High School Wind Band | Program planning and overall coordination |
| August 30, 2026 | Joint rehearsal with Niconico Sounds in BRASS | Organization, planning, and operation |
| August 31, 2026 | Joint concert “WIND and BEAT 2026” with Niconico Sounds in BRASS | Organization, planning, and operation |
