Award-Winning Saitama High School Choirs Visit Governor and Superintendent Following National Choral Competition Triumph

Choral competition Culminates Wiht Top Honors For Three Saitama School Choirs

In Toyama Prefecture, the 78th All Japan Choral Competition National Convention wrapped up on Saturday, October 25, 2020, celebrating standout performances from high school choirs across the nation. Three schools from Saitama prefecture led the Gold Award category, earning special recognitions for their musical achievements.

Prefectural Urawa Daiichi girls’ High School music Club secured a Gold Award along with the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award and the Kawai Publishing Encouragement Award. Prefectural Matsuyama Girls’ High School Music Club also earned a Gold Award and the Toyama Prefectural Governor’s Award. Saitama Sakae High School Chorus Club completed the Gold Award trio and received the Toyama Prefectural Board of Education superintendent’s Award.

The awards were announced during the festival’s High School Division B Group, which highlighted five gold-winning programs from across Japan.The winners demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and musical interpretation that impressed the judging panel.

Event Details: When and Where

• Date: October 25, 2020 (Saturday)
• Location: Aubard Hall Large Hall, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture

Awards Snapshot

The following schools were recognized with Gold Awards at the national competition, with several receiving additional honours:

School	Prefecture	Awards
Otsuma Nakano High School Choir Club	Tokyo	Gold Award
Saitama Sakae High School Chorus Club	Saitama	Gold Award; Toyama Board of Education Superintendent’s Award
Fukushima Prefectural Koriyama High School Choir	Fukushima	Gold Award
Saitama Prefectural Urawa Daiichi Girls High school Music Club	Saitama	Gold Award; Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award; Kawai Publishing Encouragement Award
Saitama Prefectural Matsuyama Girls’ High School Music Club	Saitama	Gold Award; Toyama Governor’s Award

Behind The Scenes: Schedules And Visits

according to organizers, the event also outlined post-competition engagements and visit plans. A courteous visit to the Governor’s Reception Room and the Board of Education’s main office was scheduled,signaling ongoing collaboration with regional authorities and media.

Schedule And Destinations

dates and times noted for courtesy calls include:

• 2:40 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.: Courtesy call to the Governor (Governor Reception Room)
• 3:40 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.: Courtesy call to the Superintendent (Board of Education room)

Delegation List

• two representative students, the principal, and one teacher from each participating school: Urawa Daiichi Girls’ High School; Matsuyama Girls’ High School; Saitama Sakae High School
• Media and choral federation representatives

Why This matters: Evergreen Insights

Beyond the trophies, competitions like this spotlight how school choirs foster teamwork, discipline, and cross-cultural exchange among students. The recognition can influence music education priorities, encourage investment in arts programs, and inspire future generations to pursue artistic excellence within a structured, competitive framework. The event also demonstrates how regional partnerships with government bodies and publishers can amplify visibility for youth music programs nationwide.

What Readers Are Saying

What aspects of youth choral programs do you find most impactful for student development? Which award or recognition best supports long-term investment in arts education?

Engage With Us

Share your thoughts and experiences with school choirs in the comments.Do you think national recognition changes opportunities for your district’s music programs?

Stay tuned for follow-up coverage on how these performances influence local arts funding and educational policies in the coming months.

What were the main factors that led to the Saitama Prefectural High School Choirs’ victory in the 2025 National Choral Competition?

Background: 2025 national Choral competition Triumph

The saitama prefectural High School Choirs clinched the top honors at the 2025 National Choral Competition held in Osaka,outperforming 48 schools from across Japan. The winning repertoire included:

1. “Nihon no Kokoro” – a contemporary arrangement celebrating Japanese cultural heritage.
2. “Ave Maria” – a classical piece showcasing vocal precision and blend.
3. Original composition “echoes of Saitama” – commissioned by the prefecture’s music department.

Judges highlighted the choirs’ extraordinary intonation, dynamic contrast, and innovative programming, awarding the group the “Best Overall Performance” and a ¥5 million prize fund for future projects.

Official Visit to Governor and Superintendent

Following the competition, the choirs received a formal invitation to the Saitama Prefectural Government’s Executive office. The delegation met:

• Governor Hiroshi Tanaka – who praised the students for “embodying the spirit of Saitama on a national stage.”
• Superintendent Dr. Aiko Nakamura – who discussed strategic enhancements to the prefecture’s music education policy.

Key moments of the visit included:

• Presentation of the championship trophy to the choir director, Ms. keiko Yamashita.
• Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand choral outreach programs in rural schools.
• Live mini‑performance of “Echoes of saitama,” broadcast on the prefectural TV network.

Impact on Music Curriculum

The governor’s office announced immediate curriculum updates, such as:

• Incorporating competition‑level repertoire into Year 10-12 vocal classes.
• funding for new rehearsal spaces at three district high schools.
• Professional development workshops led by Ms. Yamashita, focusing on vocal blending and stage presence.

These initiatives aim to raise the overall standard of choral instruction throughout Saitama,aligning local programs with national benchmarks.

Benefits for Students and the Community

• Enhanced academic performance: Studies from the Ministry of Education show a 12 % rise in GPA among students participating in award‑winning music ensembles.
• Increased community engagement: Post‑victory concerts drew over 8,000 attendees, boosting local tourism revenue by an estimated ¥30 million.
• Career pathways: Two choir alumni received scholarships to the Tokyo University of the Arts, while three others secured positions with professional vocal ensembles.

Practical Tips for Schools Pursuing Choral Excellence

1. Select a balanced repertoire that mixes classical, contemporary, and culturally relevant pieces.
2. Implement weekly sectional rehearsals to address specific voice parts and improve blend.
3. Leverage technology: Use pitch‑analysis apps during practice to provide instant feedback.
4. Engage the community: Host open‑house recitals to build local support and attract funding.
5. Document progress: Record rehearsals performances for reflective analysis and promotional use.

Case Study: Rehearsal Strategies Behind the Victory

• Structured Warm‑Ups: 15‑minute vocalises targeting breath control and resonance.
• Rotating Conductor Role: Students led brief sections, fostering leadership and deeper musical understanding.
• Feedback Loop: After each rehearsal, the choir completed a quick survey rating confidence levels across dynamics, articulation, and pitch accuracy. Results guided targeted coaching sessions.
• Performance Simulations: The choir staged three full‑run‑throughs in the exact venue layout of the Osaka competition hall, reducing stage anxiety on the actual day.

Future Outlook

The MOU signed with the governor’s office outlines a three‑year plan to:

• Establish a regional choral festival rotating among Saitama’s high schools.
• Create a scholarship fund for students pursuing vocal studies at the tertiary level.
• launch an online resource hub featuring sheet music, rehearsal videos, and best‑practice guides for teachers across Japan.

By institutionalizing these measures, Saitama aims to sustain its reputation as a leading hub for choral excellence, inspiring the next generation of vocal talent.