WHEN JAPANESE GELATO MEETS ITALIAN MUSIC

The talk curated by Martino Liuzzi, titled "When Japanese gelato meets Italian music", tells the story of an extraordinary encounter between two worlds: music and artisanal gelato. The occasion is the awarding of young Japanese talents and the presentation of an educational-training project between Italy and Japan, which combines art, culture, and education.

The protagonist is Monica Nasti, an Italian musician who won first prize at the Japan International Choral Composition Competition 2025 in Tokyo with the work "You are Star Stella ES", dedicated to the theme of bullying. With this composition, Monica invites young people to rediscover courage, uniqueness, and freedom of expression, offering a sonic caress to those who feel hurt and encouragement to shine. Monica's success was made possible thanks to the support of Japanese artisanal gelato masters Yoshihiro Makino and Shohei Yashimoto, champions in the field, who helped bring the musician to the Tokyo stage. This partnership demonstrates that gelato is also art and harmony, capable of transmitting values such as sharing, growth, and respect, just like music. SIGEP thus becomes the ideal setting to celebrate this union between Italy and Japan.

Supporting the project are the Gustar Training School of Pistoia, directed by the Pegoraro Family, which makes its laboratories available to foster exchange between Italian and Japanese operators, Chiriotti Editori with Livia Chiriotti, and Pro 2 Ma.Ri by Martino Liuzzi, engaged in research and training of young talents. During SIGEP 2026, the following will be awarded: Monica Nasti, Yoshihiro Makino, Shohei Yashimoto, the Gustar School, and Martino Liuzzi, in a celebration that unites music, gelato, and the future of young people.