The OTOKAI Friends Concert is a monthly concert series where guests can enjoy original music in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We also share a video from each concert during the third week of every month.
For our fifth concert, the concept is “Ferris Wheel.” The inspiration for this theme came from a participant in the second OTOKAI pilot study, who answered “Ferris wheel” when asked, “If you had to describe OTOKAI in one word, what would it be?”
As a Ferris wheel slowly rises toward the sky, the scenery gradually changes, evoking a sense of new perspectives, hope for the future, and setting out on a journey. Yet after completing a full circle, it returns to where it began, bringing to mind the warmth of reunion, homecoming, and treasured memories.
With these two ideas — change and return — in mind, we created the program and its sequence of music. The calm atmosphere of the venue blended beautifully with the warm sound of the performance, creating a relaxed and unhurried concert experience.
▼ The 5th OTOKAI Friends Concert
Connecting through music — a joyful time for a healthy mind and heart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXUqURo8oe4
Date
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Performers
Gyo Kitagawa — Guitar
Born in Saitama Prefecture and educated at Berklee College of Music. His extensive work in music production includes writing lyrics for Arashi’s “Happiness” and “My Girl,” writing, composing, and arranging M!LK’s “Ichininosan,” and producing the Braban Disney! series.
Norimichi Kokubo — Guitar
Born in Chiba Prefecture. He also performs as a member of the guitar-and-violin duo mille baisers. He has toured internationally and released ten albums and video works.
Ayaka Yoshizawa — Tambourine
Born in Saitama Prefecture. She graduated from the Piano Department of Senzoku Gakuen College of Music. She began playing piano at an early age and later joined her school orchestra, where she also studied clarinet. She currently works in the OTOKAI Division at Amadeus Code Inc.
Program
On a Journey — Maurice Claude
Sweet Lounge — Norimichi Kokubo
Toy Town March — Maurice Claude
Promise of Reunion — Little Tom
A Breeze and a Whistle — Little Tom
White Silent Dream — Maurice Claude
OTOKAI Parade — Norimichi Kokubo
Venue
calme
2F Niimura Building, 1-2-5 Ohashi, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Approximately a 9-minute walk from Ikejiri-ohashi Station.
TEL: 03-6455-1932
https://calme-tokyo.com/
Located in Ikejiri-ohashi, calme is an intimate wine bistro with the atmosphere of a hidden retreat for adults. Guests can enjoy carefully selected wines from around the world alongside dishes made with seasonal ingredients chosen to complement them.
Another part of the restaurant’s charm is the warm hospitality of its owner, Mr. Sano, who values wine, food, music, and the connections between people. It is a welcoming place where guests can relax and enjoy an unhurried time.