Renowned Composer Sato Provides Music for NUCB International College

Acclaimed Japanese composer and director Mitsuaki Sato, who has made a significant impact both in Japan and abroad, has composed a traditional Japanese music piece titled "Koyoku no Kaze" to commemorate the opening of NUCB International College (NIC) in Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture.

Born and based in Miyagi Prefecture, Sato has been involved in various projects, such as composing and directing the 2010 and 2012 poetry and traditional Japanese music performance "Kotone no Uta" in collaboration with poet Ryoichi Wago. He has also worked with renowned British director John Caird on the musical "The World Is My Home," contributing music and scripts for the taiko drums, choir, and narration. Since 2018, he has been responsible for the Japanese music arrangements for the musicals "KNIGHT'S TALE" and "KNIGHT'S TALE in Symphonic Concert," starring Koichi Domoto and Yoshio Inoue.

In April 2022, Sato, who has been active in a wide range of fields both in Japan and abroad, provided the powerful music piece "Koyoku no Kaze" to commemorate the opening of NIC. The piece depicts young people who are determined to make a global leap while cherishing their roots, culture and establishing identity. The music, featuring a combination of shinobue, taiko drums, and chappa (Japanese small cymbals), premiered on March 25, 2023, at NIC's event "Art Performance Day."

The first cohort of students who performed the premiere shared their thoughts on the performance, stating, "There are two main ideas we wanted to express through this performance. First, we wanted to express our uniqueness as the first cohort. This music will be passed down to future students, and we believe that the 'uniqueness' of each cohort will be different every year. Second, we wanted to emphasize the importance of individuality and identity. The sound of each instrument played by each student reflects their individuality. By respecting each other's uniqueness and listening to each other's sound, we express our desire to create a school that values individuality and identity."

Composer Sato, who attended the Art Performance Day as a guest, praised the students, saying, "Their English presentations showed the brilliance of their thoughts. The students carefully deciphered the intentions I had when composing the music, and each of them demonstrated a deep understanding. The flawless ensemble performance, taking advantage of the characteristics of each instrument, is only possible through the cooperation of the performers. The well-balanced performances of the students, both in terms of thought and sensibility, are indeed the result of the education provided at NIC, as an IB school."

After the successful premiere, the students expressed relief and confidence, saying that although they were very nervous, they had performed their best. As they grow academically and personally during their three years at the school, these students are sure to take flight as global leaders of the future.

NIC Advantages

NUCB International College is designed to provide a world-class education with excellent facilities and a rich natural environment, on its 200-acre campus, in Nisshin city, Japan.

Excellence in Education

The case method, first developed at Harvard Business School in 1922 and now commonly used in elite academic institutions worldwide, is incorporated into the teaching approaches for leadership education at NIC. Small classes enable personalised supervision by multinational faculty members with master's or doctoral degrees and faculty from affiliated top business schools. In addition, the Summer School for prospective students (July) and a preparatory course (the Bridging Programme) for September admission are also offered.

Safe Boarding Environment

The school provides a safe and secure co-educational boarding environment with reference to international boarding standards. 'House Supervisors', who are well versed in psychological and health management, provide daily support and regular individual counselling to ensure optimal support and guidance for each student. Through living together with peers from different cultures and experiences, students develop the qualities required of the next generation of leaders.