{
  "id": 14473625,
  "title": "University of Tokyo engineer becomes classical piano sensation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/university-of-tokyo-engineer-becomes-classical-piano-sensation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T15:07:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/20261015/university-of-tokyo-engineer-becomes-classical-piano-sensation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Engineer Hayato Sumino, a student at the University of Tokyo, has become a sensation in the classical piano world. He will perform at the Lotte Concert Hall on October 29. Sumino, who holds a master's degree in engineering, advanced to the semifinal round of the 2021 Chopin International Piano Competition while still an undergraduate. During the competition, he streamed his practice sessions and engaged with viewers via YouTube's live chat. His second-round performance garnered up to 45,000 viewers, which led many to view him as an eccentric. However, Sumino is actually a top student who graduated from Kaisei Junior and Senior High School, a prestigious institution in Japan. He has been immersed in music video games since childhood and even competed in gaming tournaments while preparing for university entrance exams. His unconventional activities initially seemed like a gimmick, but Sumino's talent and dedication have earned him recognition in the classical music world.",
  "summary": "Pianist Hayato Sumino, who will give a recital at Lotte Concert Hall on Oct. 29, holds a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Tokyo. He advanced to the semifinal round of the 2021 Chopin International Piano Competition while still an engineering student at the university. During the competition, he livestreamed his practice sessions and interacted with viewers using YouTube’s…",
  "key_points": [
    "Hayato Sumino, University of Tokyo engineer, becomes classical piano sensation",
    "Semifinalist at 2021 Chopin International Piano Competition while undergraduate",
    "Streamed practice sessions, engaged viewers, earned up to 45,000 viewers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "University of Tokyo engineer becomes classical piano sensation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/university-of-tokyo-engineer-becomes-classical-piano-sensation-14477257",
        "published": "2026-10-14T15:27:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}