The CWAJ VVI 50th Anniversary Concert on November 6th was a glorious evening celebrating 50 years of the Volunteers for the Visually Impaired Committee (VVI) and CWAJ providing programs for people with a visual impairment. The concert featured visually impaired pianist Rika Sugata, 2021 CWAJ Scholar for the Visually Impaired, who beautifully performed pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Mendelssohn. The program also included the lovely voice of soprano, Seina Kudo, also visually impaired.
CWAJ is honored that Her Imperial Highness Princess Akishino attended the concert. Her presence at this special anniversary was heartwarming and made the event even more memorable. Read more about Princess Akishino’s visit on the Imperial Household Agency website: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/gonittei/photo/31176
The hall was filled to capacity and the audience was enraptured by Rika’s and Seina’s performances and their engaging personalities. The audience included major organizations and individuals supporting the visually impaired with which CWAJ is honored to have a long and close relationship with: Japan Braille Library, Japan Vocational Development Center for the Blind and Low Vision, Tokyo Helen Keller Association, Mainichi Braille Shinbun, Toride Hoshi no Kai (Braille transcription), National Committee of Welfare for The Blind in Japan, and NPO Monkey Magic.
In addition to the gorgeous program in regular size, Braille and Large Print versions were available to meet the needs of all attending. Also, there was a very special gift for all to take home, “50 Years of VVI”, the VVI 50th Anniversary history booklet. To see the booklet: https://cwaj.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/50-VVI-Ver11_web.pdf
Mari Christine, CWAJ member, was the MC and her warm, professional emceeing helped to make the evening a success.
About the performers:
Rika Sugata, 2021 CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually Impaired recipient. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tokyo in 2023 and received the University President’s Award. She began studying piano at age 5. She has won major music competitions and studied internationally. In 2024, she performed with the Senri Philharmonia Orchestra. She now works at a foreign financial institution while pursuing her music career.
Seina Kudo, a visually impaired musician, studied piano and voice at Ferris University and was chosen to perform at the graduation concert. She has appeared in musicals and major commercials, and now works at a multinational company while continuing to perform and provide vocal coaching
