9. Local Pioneers and the Beginnings of Western Music in Sendai

Abstract

Nevertheless, as Chapter 9, ‘Local Pioneers’, demonstrates, the decisive initiatives to promote music in general, and to disseminate Western music in particular came from determined individuals, including Shikama Totsuji and his brother Jinji. Having received a minimum of musical training in the capital, they taught music, wrote songs, helped establish local associations for the promotion of music, and organized concerts. The early concerts featured predominantly Japanese music. Concerts of Western music did not happen regularly until after the founding of a music club at the Second High School in 1902.