4th Sing from Kobe, Japan

Dates: 15 January - 19 January 2026 | Kobe, Japan

The choral year 2026 begins again in Japan – introducing a new name to the festival: SING FROM KOBE! In this fourth edition of the international choir festival, choirs from around the world are again invited to participate in a friendly competition. At the heart of "Sing from Kobe" is the cherished "Pray from Kobe" concert, where over 600 voices will unite in the magnificent Kobe Bunka Hall to sing for peace.

Join Interkultur for SING (and PRAY) from Kobe – a festival where the joy of singing meets the transformative power of music.

Choir Contact Ireland can help you plan an unforgettable choral trip for your choir.  We take care of the planning and logistical arrangements, dealing with the ground operators and organisers, allowing you to focus on the singing. Contact us today for more information and sing with your choir in Japan!

 

 

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation

Competition | Adult Mixed Choirs, Adult choirs of Equal Voices, Mixed Vocal Ensembles, Equal Voices Vocal Ensembles, Children‘s and Youth Choirs, Senior Choirs, Religious Music and Folklore

Evaluation Performances | Friendship Concerts | Grand Prize Competition

Competition Categories

Category A – Adult Choirs

A1 – Mixed Adult Choirs

A2 – Adult Choirs of Equal Voices

 

Category V – Vocal Ensembles

V1 – Mixed Vocal Ensembles

V2 – Equal Voices Vocal Ensembles

 

Category G – Children's and Youth Choirs

G1 – Children's Choirs

G2 – Youth Choirs 

 

Category SE – Senior Choirs

Category R – Religious Music 

Category F – Folklore

Evaluation Performances

For non-competing choirs

- Three pieces of the choir's choice

- Performed before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement

- Certificates of participation will be awarded, as well as evaluation ratings and recommendation letters for future competitions upon request

 

Number of singers: unlimited
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Accompaniment: possible
Duration: 45 minutes

For competing choirs

- Presentation of the competition program the day before competitions begin

- Performed before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement

- The evaluation does not involve preliminary decisions regarding the competition result

 

Number of singers: according to category rules
Singing time: according to category rules
Accompaniment: according to category rules
Duration: 45 minutes

Frienship Concerts

Participating choirs may register to perform together with other international choirs. Choirs must prepare approximately 15 minutes of their own music pre-approved by the artistic committee. The concert should be preferably a cappella or with own instruments. Piano or digital piano can be provided upon request.

Please be aware that several friendship concerts are planned open air. In the event that weather conditions do not allow this, some concerts may be cancelled due to the weather. The organizers will try to manage alternatives but choirs do not have any legal claim to this.

Choirs can also take part in friendship concerts only.

Grand Prize Competition

The respective category winners are invited to participate in the competition for the Grand Prize. The jury reserves the right to nominate further choirs for participation. The winner of this competition will receive the Kobe Choir Prize 2026.

- Program: two freely chosen a cappella pieces which may not be the ones the choir had already performed in their whole competition program. Those two pieces must be confirmed by the artistic committee.

- Singing time: the maximum actual singing time is 8 minutes.

Tour Manager

A CCI Tour Manager will be assigned to you for the duration of your booking, to assist in the pre-departure preparations and to assist with any issues during your stay. The tour manager does not travel with the group.

Transportation While in Japan

Choirs usually make their way around the city with the local guide via public transport. However, we can arrange coach transportation for your group as required.
 

 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1

  • Arrival
  • Evening: Opening Event
  • Sightseeing & excursions*
Day 2
  • Stage Rehearsals 
  • Friendship Concerts "International Melody"
  • Evaluation Performances & Competitions
  • Sightseeing & excursions*
Day 3
  • Stage Rehearsals 
  • Friendship Concerts "International Melody"
  • Evaluation Performances & Competitions
  • Sightseeing & excursions*
Day 4
  • Stage Rehearsals and Rehearsals
  • Concert and Ceremony "Pray from Kobe"
  • Evening: Grand Prize Competition and Awards Ceremony
  • Sightseeing & excursions*
Day 5
  • Sightseeing & excursions*
  • Departure

DEADLINE

Early Bird deadline: June 16, 2025

Registration deadline: September 01, 2025

FLIGHTS

Once you enquire with CCI you will be given your own dedicated festival planner, and this planner will also assist you with the booking of flights for your group. Choir Contact experienced travel consultants are able to advise you on the most appropriate flight options and will advise best fares at time of booking. We use the most up-to-date modern technology for searching best fares including low cost carriers, allowing us to book you the best flights at the best fares for a fully co-ordinated service. We use both low-cost internet fares and our long-standing relationships with other carries to ensure that we can secure the best travel option for your choir. We will advise you on luggage allowance and all details relating to your flight booking. Travel Insurance CCI recommend that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.

 

A quotation costs nothing, so contact us today on 01 888 7830

 or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie