{
  "id": 14477257,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T15:27:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/20261015/university-of-tokyo-engineer-becomes-classical-piano-sensation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Engineer Hayato Sumino, a University of Tokyo graduate, has become a sensation in the classical piano world. On October 29, Sumino will perform at Lotte Concert Hall. He advanced to the semifinals of the 2021 Chopin International Piano Competition while still pursuing his master's degree in engineering. Sumino livestreamed his practice sessions and engaged with viewers via YouTube's live chat during the competition, where his second-round performance attracted up to 45,000 viewers. Despite initially being seen as an eccentric by the classical music community, Sumino, a top student from prestigious Kaisei Junior and Senior High School, grew up immersed in music video games. Even while preparing for university entrance exams, he participated in gaming tournaments. His unconventional activities, which seemed like a gimmick in a competitive field, eventually earned him recognition.",
  "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": [],
  "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",
        "published": "2026-10-14T15:07:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}