In Osaka, a controversy erupted over the "Nanko Street Piano" located at ATC Seaside Terrace, where a recent notice on social media sparked backlash among music lovers. The incident began on March 22, when the piano's official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a message urging performers to practice at home due to complaints about disruptive performances. This request was met with widespread criticism, including reactions from noted figures such as Takafumi Horie, a prominent businessman.
The official X account stated, "To Street Piano Players: Please practice at home. There have been many complaints about stumbled performances, and we might have to remove the piano due to these issues. Only skilled performances reach the audience; self-centered performances are termed 'displeasant sounds.'" This message received over 24,000 likes by noon on March 25, indicating significant public engagement, but also fueled a wave of harsh criticism.
Many users expressed their disapproval, arguing that a street piano should allow free and casual performances. Comments like, "A piano that can't be played freely isn't a street piano" and suggestions like hiring professional musicians if the concern is about quality illustrated the dissatisfaction with the notice's tone.
Adding fuel to the fire, Makoto Takahashi, the former drummer of the legendary rock band BOØWY, publicly criticized the stance, asserting, "If you're going to call performances 'displeasant sounds,' there's no need for street pianos! Music with love is diminishing!" This sentiment resonated with Horie, who responded with an unequivocal "Strongly agree" on March 24.
The piano is installed in the cafe "cafe & dining goo-note," situated in the food court of the ATC facility. The café's own X account stressed that the management of the piano's social media was distinct from the café’s operations and conveniently indicated a myriad of issues they were addressing. After backlash surged, they indicated via a follow-up post on March 24 that they were reviewing the initial statements.
However, by March 25 at noon, the café had removed the controversial post and made its X account private, heightening the confusion surrounding the issue. Amid the fiasco, Horie remarked, "It's painful..." reflecting his dismay over the unfolding events, suggesting the controversy had become too steep for even casual dismissal.
As the crisis unraveled, the official X account for the Nanko Street Piano issued an apology on March 25, admitting, "We deeply regret that our expression regarding the usage of the street piano was inappropriate," indicating a plan to remove the piano altogether.
This situation highlights a broader discussion on the purpose of street pianos in urban spaces. While they are meant to encourage creativity and spontaneous musical expression, this incident raises questions about how such spaces should be managed. Can they truly be open to everyone, or must they enforce standards that may exclude amateur musicians?
The idea of free access to music and performance spaces has been a staple in urban design, with street pianos positioned to enrich community engagement and offer residents a platform for self-expression. But as this incident illustrates, managing public expectations versus actual performance quality can be a finely balanced act.
As the story continues to develop, the responses from both listeners and performers are likely to evolve, leaving city officials and venue administrators to reassess how to navigate these community musical institutions moving forward. The controversy surrounding Nanko Street Piano serves as a cautionary tale for similar future initiatives, indicating that communication and expectations must be aligned to avoid misunderstandings and strife.
