A Symphony of Hope: STU48 Joins Hiroshima Orchestra to Echo Prayers for Peace

Idols and Orchestra Unite for a Powerful Message of Peace

Idols and Orchestra Unite for a Powerful Message of Peace

On January 25, 2026, the Hiroshima International Conference Center Phoenix Hall resonated with a powerful message of peace, as beloved idol group STU48 joined the esteemed Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra for the 21st Margaret Concert. This special joint concert, held in collaboration with individuals with disabilities, was particularly significant as it marked an important milestone towards the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, centering on themes of “life” and “prayer.”

The concert, organized by Hiroshima City, saw five members of STU48—Ikeda Yurara, Okamura Rio, Ozaki Serika, Kurushima Yuka, and Hyodo Aoi—take the stage. As Peace Culture Ambassadors, their presence underscored the profound importance of reflecting on peace in this pivotal year. The audience experienced a captivating blend of powerful Japanese taiko drumming, heartwarming chorus and sign language performances, and the majestic sound of the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra, creating an emotionally resonant atmosphere.

Embracing Community and Craft: Pre-Concert Activities

Before the main performance, the concert hall lobby buzzed with activity. Ozaki Serika and Hyodo Aoi, who also serve as “Thousand Cranes Future Project Ori-zuru Ambassadors” (a project dedicated to spreading peace through the symbolic origami cranes), engaged with attendees. Booths offered unique goods and handmade cookies, sewn products, and wooden crafts created by local workshops for people with disabilities. A coffee service provided by “Engelfish” added to the warm, communal spirit, allowing everyone to feel connected to the event even during intermission.

A Mayor’s Heartfelt Address and Idols’ Voices for Tomorrow

Following the intermission, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui delivered a touching address, emphasizing the concert’s enduring mission: “This concert has continued with the desire for everyone to live in peace and feel the preciousness of life through music. This year, as part of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, it features a special program. I hope we can cherish the spirit of Hiroshima, reflect on what we can do to connect peace to the future, and pass it on.” His words resonated deeply, setting a poignant tone for the performances to follow.

STU48 members then joined the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra for a series of moving choral performances. They presented “Aozora wo Katariaou” (Let’s Talk About the Blue Sky), a song released last August marking the 80th anniversary of the bombing. Ozaki Serika shared the song’s message, stating, “This song carries the wish of our generation, who don’t know war, to talk about peace and connect the blue sky to the future. I hope that message reached everyone in the venue today. As someone from Nagasaki Prefecture, I also strive to be a bridge between Nagasaki and Hiroshima through my idol activities and music.”

They continued with “365 Nichi no Kamihikouki” (365 Days of Paper Airplanes). Ikeda Yurara introduced it by saying, “This song compares life to a paper airplane, encouraging us to be ourselves and pushing us forward. It’s a song that conveys the importance of the process and the courage to try, rather than just the result, so I will sing it with all my heart, hoping it reaches each and every one of you here today.”

The concert culminated with the powerful “Hana wa Dare no Mono?” (Whose Flower Is It?). Hyodo Aoi explained its profound meaning: “This message song for peace contains questions and wishes for people around the world, for children of the future, and for ‘peace itself.’ The fact that we could meet everyone here today is not a given. I want to cherish every moment and convey the feelings embedded in the lyrics.” She then performed the song in unity with the workshop participants and the sign language chorus, creating a truly moving spectacle.

Reflections and a Harmonious Future

Reflecting on the experience, Okamura Rio commented, “Being able to sing with the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra truly enhanced the beauty of the songs. Performing alongside such wonderful music, I reaffirmed the power of music.” Kurushima Yuka added, “As idols active in Hiroshima, I believe there are things only we can convey. I am truly happy that we could share our aspirations for peace through music, and we want to continue doing what we can.” The concert concluded with an emotional encore of “Hiroshima Heiwa no Uta” (Hiroshima Peace Song), with Mayor Matsui joining all performers in a chorus that transcended generations, leaving a lasting impression of peace through the power of music.

STU48 continues to be active with various performances and a new single release:

Upcoming Live Shows:
- January 28, 2026 (Wed): “Idol no Yoake” Performance / STU48 Hiroshima Theater
- February 5, 2026 (Wed): “Saa Mirai wo Sagashi ni Ikou ka?” Performance / STU48 Hiroshima Theater
- February 8, 2026 (Sun): “Hana wa Dare no Mono?” Performance / Hiroshima City Higashi Ward Community Culture Center
- February 8, 2026 (Sun): “Ike-chan Birthday Solo Live” with special guest Kintalo. / Hiroshima City Higashi Ward Community Culture Center
- February 9, 2026 (Mon): “Boku no Taiyo” Performance / STU48 Hiroshima Theater
- February 10, 2026 (Tue): “STU48 SHOWCASE LIVE 1st~5th” / Tokyo Shibuya Spotify O-WEST
- February 10, 2026 (Tue): “Fukufes Bangaihen” Vol. 9 / Tokyo Shibuya Spotify O-WEST
- February 11, 2026 (Wed/Holiday): “Saa Mirai wo Sagashi ni Ikou ka?” Performance / Tokyo Shibuya SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE
- February 14, 2026 (Sat): “Saa Mirai wo Sagashi ni Ikou ka?” Performance / Yamaguchi Prefecture RISING HALL
- February 15, 2026 (Sun): “Idol no Yoake” Performance / Yamaguchi Prefecture RISING HALL
- February 15, 2026 (Sun): “Hana wa Dare no Mono?” Performance / Yamaguchi Prefecture RISING HALL
STU48 9th Anniversary Concert:
- April 3-5, 2026 at Ueno Gakuen Hall, Hiroshima Prefecture.
13th Single Release:
- Title TBA, scheduled for release on March 4, 2026 (Wed).

STU48 continues to be a vibrant force, not just in music but also in cultural ambassadorship, beautifully weaving together their idol charm with meaningful social engagement. Their commitment to peace, particularly in a city like Hiroshima, speaks volumes about the evolving role of kawaii culture and its potential to inspire global change, proving that a song can indeed be a powerful prayer for a brighter future.

For more information on STU48 and their activities, please visit: