On February 26, 2026, at Izumi Hall in Osaka, Sayaka Shoji delivered a truly historic performance, followed by two encores amid unending applause. After rediscovering classical concerts through Murata Natsuho, this evening became another unforgettable milestone. This reflection highlights a striking observation: the identical left-hand shape shared by transcendent violin geniuses such as Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Sayaka Shoji, and Murata Natsuho — revealing the physical signature of extraordinary artistry.
2026/2/26, Izumi Hall: Sayaka Shoji: A Historic Performance, Scenery on the Way There and Back: 2 minutes 28 seconds.
Until I discovered Murata Natsuho and Himari on YouTube on New Year’s Eve 2020, I had been convinced that Sayaka Shoji was one of the best — one of Japan’s national treasures.
I came to know of her during the decades when I did not attend concerts.
Therefore, I had never gone to one of her performances.
Now, thanks to Murata Natsuho, we frequently attend classical concerts.
Although I learned of last night’s concert rather late, I was able to secure a very good seat.
Last night’s performance by Sayaka Shoji was a historic one that will remain in history.
The pianist was also excellent.
Even after the performance ended, the applause would not cease, and despite the already magnificent program, she responded with two additional encore pieces.
These too were historic performances.
I said to my close friend… this is incredible.
To put it metaphorically, we are now watching Shohei Ohtani.
As I watched her fingering, I recalled what I had written in this column in 2024, when I first heard Natsuho.
That transcendent, super-class genius violinists all share the same shape of the palm of their left hand (for fingering).
Perlman, Zukerman, Sayaka Shoji, Murata Natsuho… they all have the same shape.
Like an octopus turned upside down.
Fingers that move at a speed beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.
After the concert in Mito, I was fortunate enough to shake hands with Natsuho in the lobby.
I wrote about how astonished I was by the extraordinary softness of her hand.
After returning to Osaka, I realized that the shape of the palm of their left hands is the same.