NEW YORK — A nongovernmental organization led by a New York-based Tokyo native is striving to use music as a means to improve the lives of people in trouble spots around the world.

Tomo Nomura, who recently organized a concert to raise funds for programs in Vietnam, calls music a unifying force.

"This concert is a continuation of our efforts to promote our 'Power of Muze' initiative globally, as well as a means to raise funds for our project in Da Nang," Nomura said at the piano concert that was held July 7 at the Church of All Nations in Manhattan. "I believe music has the power to generate hope and to heal."