Unveiling a One-of-a-Kind Art-Wrapped Piano at NEOPASA Hamamatsu – A Celebration of Music, Art, and Interactive Experiences

Unveiling a One-of-a-Kind Art-Wrapped Piano at NEOPASA Hamamatsu – A Celebration of Music, Art, and Interactive Experiences

09/19/2025　Corporate Activities, Digital Printing

This summer, through a special collaboration with Roland Corporation, a truly unique art-wrapped piano was created. This extraordinary instrument—a digital grand piano wrapped in Paralym Art—is now on display at the NEOPASA Hamamatsu rest area on the Shin-Tomei Expressway.
Read the full news release here

A piano displaying the spirit of Paralym Art

Since 2021, Roland has supported the Paralym Art initiative, which aims to contribute to the economic independence of disabled artists and their participation within society. Their artwork is featured across various Roland’s corporate projects, both internally and externally.

For this project, driven by a strong desire to share the appeal of music and art with more people, Roland wrapped its digital grand piano with a Paralym Art design for the very first time. The artwork, titled “Ad-lib”, was created by Paralym Art artist Ms. Michiru Kanki, who is active in fields ranging from music to graphics production, based on the theme “The Future Brought by Music and Instruments.”

Sharing Roland’s vision, we at Roland DG were proud to join this initiative. The design—symbolic of this work—was printed in stunning detail using the TrueVIS XG-640 wide-format inkjet printer, which features an eight-color ink configuration including special orange and green inks. This allowed us to capture not only the vivid colors but also the passion and story behind Ms. Kanki’s work.

The art-wrapped piano on display at NEOPASA Hamamatsu
High-definition artwork reproduction using the TrueVIS XG-640

An art-wrapped piano completed with local expertise

This project was made possible with the support of local Hamamatsu businesses.
Wrapping was handled by Kiyoshi Kanbanten, a valued Roland DG printer user.
The piano bench features graphics printed on Ethical Leather Sobagni from KYOWA LEATHER CLOTH CO., LTD. using the VersaOBJECT LO-640 direct-to-object UV flatbed printer.
Sewing and upholstery were completed by Sucrè Hamamatsu.
With the cooperation of these companies, Ms. Kanki’s art was applied not only to the piano body but also to the bench, down to the finest details.

Reviewing the wrapping image with Roland staff
Wrapping technology that beautifully finishes curved surfaces

See, Touch, and Play: An interactive event at NEOPASA Hamamatsu

On August 9, 2025, an event was held at Roland’s Music Spot inside NEOPASA Hamamatsu, inviting visitors to experience art and music firsthand.

During the event, along with the unveiling of the art-wrapped piano, various programs were organized under the theme of “See, Touch, Play.”

A mini-concert by Roland staff followed, with three performances including classical pieces and well-known Japanese songs, delighting many visitors.

An “Ad-lib” art canvas produced with embossing using the DIMENSE DA-640 dimensional surface printer was also showcased, allowing guests to see, touch, and feel the artist’s vision.

After the concert, visitors enjoyed playing Roland’s electronic musical instruments. Alongside the art-wrapped piano, a hands-on session with the electronic hand percussion Mood Pan was held, where people of all ages joyfully created music together.

Additionally, personalized stickers were printed on-site using the VersaSTUDIO BN2-20 inkjet printer and given to visitors as a special keepsake of the event.

More than 500 people attended, enjoying a memorable time immersed in the charm of music and art. Visitors shared comments such as: “The art-wrapped piano was beautiful,” “It was fun to play various instruments,” “The ensemble was wonderful,” and “I enjoyed it with my child.”

Demo performance with the art-wrapped piano and a Mood Pan
Children captivated by the art-wrapped piano

Parent and child playing together
Experiencing the Mood Pan which is easy to play by tapping with your fingers

Fascinated by seeing a printer for the first time
Printing personalized stickers on the spot

Touching the embossing to experience the artwork
Staff from Roland and Roland DG

Children writing their impressions of the event
Visitors sharing reflections on a memorable experience

We spoke with members from Roland and Roland DG who were involved in this project.

What were your thoughts when creating the art-wrapped piano?

Roland Corporation Production Division Kamijima:
“When we heard about this project, we were confident that with Roland DG’s technology, we could create something truly special together. By applying graphics not only to the piano body but also to the bench, we expressed Ms. Kanki’s vision throughout the entire instrument, resulting in a unique piano that plays bright and joyful sounds. This was a wonderful opportunity to merge creativity and technology, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed.”

What kind of experience did you hope to deliver through the event at NEOPASA Hamamatsu?

Roland Corporation Corporate Affairs Department Oe:
“Our Music Spot attracts visitors from all over Japan. With the summer holiday season, we wanted to share the beauty, joy, and comfort of art with everyone who came. Seeing customers’ smiles during the ensemble and our developers enjoying music with products they were involved in creating was truly rewarding.”

What new value do you feel this collaboration with Roland created?

Roland DG Global Sales & Marketing Division Nakamura:
“Although Roland and Roland DG are now separate companies, we both continue to uphold the shared slogan ‘Inspire the Enjoyment of Creativity’ to deliver the wonder and excitement of creativity to people around the world. By combining our respective technologies, this event provided a unique sense of fun, experience, and excitement that only such a collaboration can offer.”

Expanding the experience at our Hamamatsu head office

To continue the experience, we wrapped an upright piano provided by Roland and displayed it in our Hamamatsu Head Office entrance. Employees, as well as visitors, customers, and students, can now enjoy a space where music and art come together.

By combining sound with stunning graphics, we created an experience that inspires creativity and excitement. We will continue to leverage our technology to deliver moments that spark imagination and joy.