The Tsubasa Fund
つばさファンド

The Tsubasa Fund

- Helping Japanese Barbershop Champions Take Flight -

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1. Why the Tsubasa Fund Exists

In 2025, Japan’s barbershop community reached a historic milestone:

for the first time ever, Japanese champions stood on the stage of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Convention.

The quartet Vagabonds and the chorus The Lockers, winners of the 2024 Japan Barbershop Convention (JBC2024), represented Japan in Denver, USA, earning warm applause and sharing music across cultures.

However, their journey was inspiring—but also highlighted a significant challenge.

Compared to singers in North America or Europe, Japanese singers face much higher travel costs due to distance. Airfare and lodging expenses alone can be a heavy burden, making international participation far more difficult.

2. Why Now

Japan has enjoyed barbershop music for over 40 years, largely within its own borders.

The launch of the Japan Barbershop Convention in 2024 opened the door to global connection. Since then, the level of singing has improved dramatically, with champions bringing new skills and experiences back to share with the community.

Right now, Japan’s barbershop scene is at a turning point.

With growing enthusiasm and rising performance standards, we have the chance to build lasting international connections—if we can overcome the financial barriers.

3. How Your Support Will Help

The Tsubasa Fund ("Tsubasa" means "wing" in Japanese) provides financial assistance for airfare and lodging to help JBC champions participate in the BHS International Convention or other equivalent international opportunities.

Your donation will first support Vagabonds and The Lockers as a way to celebrate their groundbreaking achievement, and also help future champions follow in their footsteps.

4. Your Impact

Your contribution will:

    •    Reduce the personal financial burden on singers

    •    Enable Japan’s champions to participate on the world stage

    •    Strengthen lasting connections between Japan and the global barbershop community

5. Managed by JBA

The Tsubasa Fund is managed by the Japan Barbershop Harmony Association (JBA), which will ensure transparency in how donations are used and provide updates as appropriate.

6. Join Us

With your support, we can ensure that no champion has to give up their dream because of financial barriers.

Help Japanese singers take flight on their tsubasa—their wings to the world.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to the world stage.

[Support the Tsubasa Fund]