The 22nd "Manabi-Pia" will be held on November 21st in Kochi prefecture, south west part of Japan. This event symbolizing 'the utopia (pia) for study (manabi)' aims at encouraging the lifelong learning and has been organized by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in collaboration with prefectural government, local corporations and institutions. It was inaugurated in 1989 with the presentation of 111 grand pianos played by 111 amateur pianists of all generations. Since then it has been held once a year in one prefecture by turns.

Based on the spirit of openness and wideness, the program consists of variety of music and musicians; prize winners of PTNA piano competition, participants of LLA local piano competition, chorus group of 75 years old on the average, ensemble group with a person with disability, collaborative ensemble unit with college students and professional musicians, etc.

The highlight is the appearance of guest artist Tomotaka Okamoto, a famous sopranista, with 100 amateur chorus group from the age of 5 to 75.

Kochi prefecture is the birth place of Ryoma Sakamoto (1835-1867), the ancient warrier who advocated the resume of trade and diplomatic relations between foreign countries which had been closed for over 200 years.