Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2012

You’ve probably heard the old Japanese saying: “There are two types of fools: those who never climb Mount Fuji, and those who climb it twice.” If you’re the first type of fool—or considering becoming the second—the Tyler Foundation is organizing a trip up top for their Beads of Courage program. Climbers will carry a hand-made glass bead to the summit then donate it to a child undergoing cancer treatment as a symbol of strength and courage. Children in the program receive the colorful beads for milestones in their cancer treatment, giving them a boost when they need it most. A glow in the dark bead represents radiation, a white bead, chemotherapy, a bead with a face, hair loss. Over the course of their treatment, they will collect hundreds, and craft necklaces or bracelets as mementos of their own courage and the love and support surrounding them.

See www.tylershineon.org for more information, or contact Joy Fajardo to register, at joy@tylershineon.org.

If you are—or know—a young piano player with serious skills, you will be excited to hear that the International Beethoven Piano Competition has selected Tokyo as one of the cities where entry examinations will be held. The prestigious competition, which is run by the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, has a grand prize of €8,000, a Bösendorfer Grand Piano Model 200, and a concert tour. It’s open to applicants of any sex or nationality born between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1996. Applications are due by October 15, and entry examinations will take place in February of next year. Viel Glück, my little ivory ticklers!

See www.beethoven-comp.at for more information.