Kyooya Wada, First-Year Student at Mito Third High School, Wins Minister of Education Award at the 27th Osaka International Music Competition

Key points

Kyooya Wada, a first-year student in the music department at Mito Third High School, won first place in the high school piano category (Age-H) at the 27th Osaka International Music Competition held on October 12, 2026, and received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award. This award is the second highest honor after the grand prize. Wada began playing piano at age six and has accumulated achievements including first-place wins in multiple international competitions during junior high school. The competition took place from October 3 to 11 at several venues in Osaka Prefecture, with the grand final and award ceremony held on October 12. [1] [2]

Kyooya Wada's Award and Its Significance

Kyooya Wada, a first-year student in the music department at Mito Third High School, won first place in the high school piano category (Age-H) at the overall final of the 27th Osaka International Music Competition held on October 12, 2026, and received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award. This award is the second highest honor after the grand prize, which was awarded to a participant in the vocal category. Wada's award represents a significant achievement as a young musician, and his future activities are highly anticipated. Special awards were given to first-place winners in each category, with Wada selected as the representative for the piano category. [1] [4]

The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award is given to the first-place winner in Section I piano category Age-H, which Wada received. There are 22 special awards in total, presented to outstanding performers in each category. Wada's award reflects his high level of technical skill and expressive ability. He aims for "performances that move people's hearts," pursuing expression beyond strict adherence to the score's instructions. The awarded piece was the third movement of Akira Miyoshi's "Piano Sonata," which features complex changing time signatures and dynamics that Wada carefully calculated in preparation for the performance. [1] [4]

Overview and Status of the 27th Osaka International Music Competition

The 27th Osaka International Music Competition was held from October 3 to 11, 2026, at multiple venues in Osaka Prefecture, with the grand final and award ceremony on October 12. The competition is divided into Section I (piano, vocal, string instruments, wind instruments), Section II (early music, two pianos, piano duets, duos, ensembles, folk instruments), and Section III (amateur and youth categories), featuring a wide variety of categories. On October 12, 22 special awards were also announced. [2] [3] [4]

Established in 2000, this competition aims to nurture musicians who will expand their careers from Osaka to the world. Its many categories are a distinctive feature, with regional competitions held domestically and internationally, and the level of competition improving each year. The competition offers generous prizes including prize money, certificates, and performance opportunities, making it a notable gateway for young musicians. The final was held at three venues within Osaka Prefecture, where top performers from each category competed. Special awards include the grand prize, the Minister of Education Award, the Osaka Prefectural Governor's Award, among others. [2] [4]

Kyooya Wada's Musical Background and Commitment to Performance

Born in 2010, Kyooya Wada began playing piano at age six. During junior high school, he won first place in multiple international competitions such as the Kawasaki Piano Competition and the Cecilia International Music Competition, building a strong track record. His passion for piano was sparked by being impressed with the piano performances of Taka, the vocalist of the rock band ONE OK ROCK. He continues to pursue "performances that move people's hearts," focusing on expression beyond strict adherence to the score. [1]

For this competition, Wada chose the third movement of Akira Miyoshi's "Piano Sonata" as his competition piece. This piece spans 15 pages and approximately 6 minutes and 30 seconds, featuring complex changing time signatures such as 10/8 and 1/4. Wada calculated dynamics based on key pressure and speed, completing preparation in just over a month before the performance. He performed without nervousness, aiming for an enjoyable performance that leaves a lasting impression on listeners. Going forward, he aims to become an internationally active pianist and also aspires to become a researcher of composer Franz Liszt. [1]