Co-hosted by Tokyo's Toho Gakuen University and Yamaha Corporation, The Seventh Keiko Abe International Marimba Academy was held at the university from July 31 to August 3 and at the Yamaha Ginza Studio on August 4.

The annual academy this year welcomed 20 students from Japan, Austria, and Taiwan, including professionals from the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, as well as 50 listeners. The two instructors Keiko Abe and Jean Geoffroy were joined by the international concert pianist Akira Imai, who expanded the academy's content with a well-received lecture illustrating Abe's often-repeated statement that the approach to the marimba, a sound board instrument, is close to that of the piano.

On the final day, selected students put on a splendid performance during a premium concert at the Yamaha Ginza Studio, for which they received generous applause.