The NHK Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026 with a series of performances across Japan. Among its many scheduled events, two concerts will thrill video game fans — symphonic tributes to Dragon Quest IV and the Pokémon franchise.

A Legendary Dragon Quest IV Performance

NHK will open the celebration with the Dragon Quest IV Orchestra Concert on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM JST / 6:00 PM MYT at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. The event will feature Tatsuya Shimono as conductor.

Fans can expect an emotional journey through Koichi Sugiyama’s legendary compositions, performed with full orchestral power. Each melody will capture the spirit of the Chosen Ones and their adventure. NHK also mentioned that more venues may join later, hinting at a possible nationwide celebration of this RPG classic.

The Pokémon Classic Concert Tour

Later in the year, NHK will launch the Pokémon Classic Concert Tour, a musical journey through the world of Pokémon. The orchestra, conducted by Kanade Yokoyama, will perform in four major cities between August 21 and 24, 2026.

Each stop on the tour will take audiences on a nostalgic journey through Pokémon’s most iconic melodies. The orchestra will perform reimagined arrangements of classic battle themes, heartwarming town tunes, and emotional closing pieces.

Moreover, the concerts aim to highlight how video game soundtracks have evolved into powerful storytelling experiences. Through these performances, NHK invites both gamers and music lovers to rediscover the emotional power of the Pokémon universe.

A Milestone in Game and Music History

As NHK marks its centennial year, the orchestra continues to bridge generations through music. These game-inspired performances reflect how deeply video game soundtracks have become part of Japan’s cultural and artistic legacy.

By combining timeless orchestral tradition with beloved modern franchises, NHK celebrates not only its own history but also the lasting emotional impact of game music. For fans, these concerts offer a rare opportunity to hear the themes that shaped their childhoods performed by one of Japan’s most respected orchestras. Check out their full concert schedule here.