A growing number of middle-aged and elderly people are turning their attention to playing musical instruments in their retirement years.

Some who have wanted to play the violin or cello since their youth are seeing their dreams come true. Others find they have time to devote to music after being freed from having to take care of elderly relatives.

Pianist Seiko Sumi supervises the Piano Academy, which runs 11 piano studios in the Tokyo area, including in Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama prefectures, and gives lessons to about 600 people.