A Beginning (Live at Ongaku No Jikan, 2025)

Pianist Ryo Takayanagi presents "Piano Kokoro Tabi", a completely improvised performance.
Each time, he takes a theme from the audience and spins it into the sound of the piano on the spot, creating a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience.

The theme for this year's Kokoro-Tabi was "Sakura" (cherry blossoms).
One of the audience members expressed a deeply moving scene.

Cherry blossoms flowing on the surface of the river where I used to ride my bicycle when I was a student.

A faint and sad memory of days gone by.
Cherry blossom petals dancing in the spring breeze and shimmering on the surface of the water.

I sublimated the hopes, farewells, and thoughts for the future that dwell in the beautiful scenery into a piano melody.

The unpredictable improvisational nature of the performance makes it possible to create the sound of living emotions.
The music, captured at this moment in time, which can never be heard again, speaks softly to your heart.

Listen to "Piano Heart Journey" by Ryo Takayanagi.