This arrangement of Kono Michi was created for the Shikamoto Junior High School Wind Ensemble in Edogawa Ward and was performed by Kento Ishikawa at the 29th All-Japan Band Ensemble Contest National Finals the same year.
Kono Michi is one of Kosaku Yamada`s masterpieces, blending the simplicity of its melody with the natural beauty of the Japanese language. Its profound charm has led to its inclusion in many school music textbooks. While wind bands often perform popular music, opportunities to explore Japanese art songs are rare.
In response to recent calls for shortened club activity hours at schools, this arrangement was conceived to continue meaningful musical experiences for students, under the key theme of [the joy of encountering diverse musical styles]
Through the unique texture of the Japanese language, the expressive interjections within the lyrics, and the contrast to purely instrumental works, we hope this piece will spark curiosity and broaden students' musical horizons beyond genre boundaries.
(Note: Some changes to the original meter were made better to reflect the phrasing and syllables of the Japanese lyrics.)

(Kosaku Yamada)