Connecting the sound and spirit of Japan to the future
- 100 Years of Thoughts -
Umeya will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary. We have always been committed to" carrying on the sound of tradition", which is a great responsibility and importance for us.
We believe that in order to connect traditional culture to the future, we must respond to the trends of the times and provide services and techniques that satisfy our customers.
We believe that in order to connect traditional culture to the future, we must respond to the trends of the times and provide services and techniques that satisfy our customers.
Message from the Representative
Thank you for visiting our website. My name is Hisashi Umehara, the representative of Umeya Co., Ltd. It has been 30 years since we became independent from Sendai Umeya Music Store. I am deeply grateful to all our customers, both locally and beyond, for supporting us throughout these years.
Allow me to share some of my personal thoughts. Our work may not be directly related to the essentials of life, such as food, clothing, or shelter. However, I believe that joy and enjoyment are powerful sources of strength for living and are therefore of great importance. For this reason, I think it is crucial to approach people and work with sincerity, to keep learning, and to always move forward.
Allow me to share some of my personal thoughts. Our work may not be directly related to the essentials of life, such as food, clothing, or shelter. However, I believe that joy and enjoyment are powerful sources of strength for living and are therefore of great importance. For this reason, I think it is crucial to approach people and work with sincerity, to keep learning, and to always move forward.
In our traditional culture, there are customs and values that can be considered sanctuaries. Some of these are preserved blindly, but there are times when the phrase "what is common knowledge in the industry may be nonsense" rings true. Traditions that are no longer relevant to the times should be changed, and we need the courage to make those changes. I hope that our efforts will become one layer of transmission, adapting to the times and passing on to the next generation.
My guiding principle is to "challenge, support culture, and create a future full of joy for both myself and others." To take on challenges requires courage. "Self" refers to my family, employees, and myself, while "others" refers to performers, enthusiasts, fellow professionals, and the entire industry. I strive every day to bring happiness to everyone, inspired by these words of courage.
How can we increase the number of enthusiasts? How can we ensure that this work continues into the future? Without turning away or making excuses, I face these questions head-on, hoping that our challenges will lay the foundation for a culture that endures for 100 or 200 years.
Even as performance styles evolve, as long as these instruments exist, their origin and fundamental nature will remain revered. While we may attempt bold endeavors from time to time, no matter the outcome, each step we take shapes the future.
Let me share one more thought. The appeal of traditional Japanese instruments lies not only in their musicality but also in the "spirit" that supports them. Japanese instruments provide a space to learn discipline and etiquette, which can sometimes give the impression of strictness and difficulty. But when you experienced the sound of the instrument, did you feel joy and emotion? If so, I encourage you to take the first step forward.
It’s not history or logic that matters—it’s the emotion that moves you, the driving force behind everything. Please explore why these instruments produce such captivating sounds. In doing so, you'll discover the profound world of traditional Japanese instruments. Music is passion, not theory. At Umeya, it is our joy to support you, and we strive to offer genuine value to all.
Hisashi Umehara Representative Director