Canon hosted the first Canon Enjoy Music at Muza Kawasaki, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, on December 25, 2008.

Designed to bring the world of classical music to children who have little opportunity to experience it in their daily lives, this event featured a string quartet concert as well as the chance to try playing instruments under the guidance of real musicians.

Some forty elementary age children from Kawasaki, where Canon has several places of business, were invited with their guardians to the event - held with the cooperation of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, which calls Muza Kawasaki home.

The program began with a hands-on experience of three different instruments - the violin, viola, and cello - under the guidance of actual performers. A compact digital camera was lent out to each parent or guardian for photographing their children.

For the concert the performers wore Santa Claus caps and played five pieces, chiefly Christmas songs.

After the concert each parent and child received printouts of their favorite photos from those taken, along with a commemorative gift.

The event succeeded in fostering greater interest in music among the children who came. “It was great to be able to actually touch different instruments,” enthused one child. “A single instrument only has four strings,” stated another, “yet I was amazed at all the different tones I heard at the concert.”

Canon has since 2007 been a special supporter of the Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall.