Tokyo University of the Arts has begun soliciting buyers for the naming rights to its music hall, the Tokyo University of the Arts Concert Hall, located on its Ueno campus in Taito Ward, Tokyo, for a major renovation. The current financial situation is expected to result in a shortfall of about 10 billion yen in renovation costs, and the proceeds from the sale of the naming rights will be used to cover part of the renovation costs.
According to Tokyo University of the Arts, the contract period for the sale of naming rights will be more than five years from July 2025, 7. The naming rights fee is more than 1 million yen per year, excluding tax. They hope that the nickname will include the name of the Sogakudo and be appropriate for the Ueno area, which is a cultural zone.
The names of the properties sold will be displayed on the exterior walls of the Sogakudo Concert Hall, in concert schedule booklets, flyers for each concert, and on information signs at Tokyo University of the Arts and Ueno Park. The recruitment period runs until the end of March 2025. Inquiries can be made to the Tokyo University of the Arts Management Reform Project Division.
Tokyo University of the Arts Concert Hall was built in 1998 after its predecessor, the Tokyo Music School Concert Hall, was transferred to Taito Ward due to deterioration and relocated to Ueno Park. To accommodate classical to contemporary music, the hall is equipped with a movable ceiling that can change the acoustic space, and has been used as a university music hall for faculty and student research presentations, concerts, and more.
However, due to aging, a full renovation of the stage mechanism, adjustable ceiling, sound equipment, lighting, audience seating, etc. is required. Tokyo University of the Arts plans to carry out renovation work over several years starting in 30, when the Sogakudo will celebrate its 2028th anniversary, but in the current financial situation, it is estimated that there will be a shortfall of about 10 billion yen to complete the renovation.
The concert hall is also accepting donations for the "Sogakudo Large-Scale Renovation Project." Donations of 50 yen or more (first 1,000 people) will receive 100) a seat nameplate and invitations to two special concerts, and donors of 1 million yen or more will also have their name engraved on a special plaque to be erected inside the hall and will be invited to a supporters' party once a year.
