Press Relase / News Release Distribution Service [@Press]

Note: This page is a machine translation of the Japanese original and is provided for reference only.
In the event of any discrepancy between this page and the original, the original shall prevail. Click here for the original text.

Celebrated Japanese Female Music Director to Lead Harmonious Global Initiative at Osaka World Expo 2025

佐藤PR事務局

Based in Boston, USA, acclaimed music arranger, trombone player, and pedagogue Yoshie Nakayama is directing her award-winning international initiative, "Songs for World Peace," set to captivate audiences at the Osaka World Expo 2025.


中山 よしえさん

Yoshie Nakayama


As the Osaka World Expo 2025 prepares to open its doors, a unique melody of hope and unity will rise from its stages. At the heart of this event is Yoshie Nakayama, a 44-year-old Tokyo native and an inspiring presence in the global music scene. Known for her unparalleled skill as a music director and arranger, Nakayama offers a poignant reminder of music's ability to transcend borders and speak to the essence of humanity. An honors graduate of the Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo, she took her talents across the Pacific to Boston, where she graduated as a scholarship student from the prestigious Berklee College of Music as the top student of her class in 2016.


Today, Nakayama holds the distinction of being both Berklee’s first Japanese female arranging professor and the first Japanese and Asian female Assistant Chair of Berklee’s largest department, The Contemporary Writing and Production Department.


Spanning a 25-year career, Nakayama has excelled not only as a pedagogue but also as a celebrated trombone player. Her notable performances include starring at the Massachusetts State House for the Japanese Emperor’s birthday and appearing in the acclaimed Amazon Prime series "Goliath." Personally invited by Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton, Nakayama, aka The Trombone Girl, performed Tchaikovsky's beautiful piece None, but the Lonely Heart that is rarely played by trombone, to an audience of millions worldwide.


Her work as an arranger has also placed her at the forefront of the international stage, particularly for Japanese traditional music. Nakayama has breathed new life into many forgotten Japanese songs, with her unique arrangements performed worldwide, sparking renewed global interest in Japan's rich musical heritage.


Nakayama's world-class achievements and accolades, coupled with her dedication to using music as a tool for peace, distinguish her as a visionary leader in a world where conflicts and discord persist, highlighting how music can shine as a beacon of connection and healing.


Over the years, projects like Live Aid in the 1980s and global anthems such as John Lennon’s "Imagine" have shown how powerful a force music can be in rallying people toward peace and mutual understanding. Following in these historic footsteps, Nakayama's "Songs for World Peace" initiative harnesses this potent force to inspire action and unity. Launched in collaboration with Utako Toyama, the initiative has rapidly gained momentum, engaging supporters worldwide, including prestigious partners such as the United Nations. With performances that have already captured the hearts of many, it’s no wonder the project received the Hiroshima Music Award in 2022, further cementing its role in the vanguard of peace-building efforts.


In Osaka, Nakayama will bring this vision to life, seamlessly integrating the past and present through performances that embody the Expo 2025's overarching theme, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," along with its sub-themes of "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives," and "Connecting Lives."


Her centerpiece, the Global Choir Project, will not only encapsulate these vital themes but will also actively engage Expo visitors, inviting them into an immersive experience as they connect through the shared joy of music. This initiative epitomizes Nakayama's commitment to fostering world harmony by resonating with the core ideals of the Expo.



In fact, beyond the career accolades and media attention from prestigious press outlets like All About Jazz, it is the genuine passion and authenticity that Nakayama brings to every project that truly resonates with audiences. Her work doesn’t just entertain; it catalyzes conversations and actions that ripple out worldwide, highlighting the transformative power of music.


As Expo 2025 unfolds, the great Japanese musician stands poised to illustrate a profound truth: peace is an attainable harmony, a symphonic convergence of diverse voices each contributing to a more unified world. Nakayama’s leadership is an inspiration, marking a significant chapter in both her career and the ongoing story of women's impactful contributions to global culture and peace.



■Co-Creation Challenge Exhibition "Global Choir For World Peace"

Date: August 4, 2025

Venue: Future Life Village "TEAM EXPO Pavilion"


■Global Choir For World Peace

Date: August 9, 2025 Time TBD (in the afternoon)

Venue: Festival Station


Image