The Sendai International Music Competition started in 2001 to commemorate the 400^th anniversary of the foundation of Sendai City. The competition, which is held every three years, aims to boost the careers of talented young musicians, and thereby contributing to the promotion of music and international cultural exchange.

The SIMC consists of two sections, violin and piano, that have unique aspects focusing on concertos in the selection of its repertoire. The fair judgment by world famous musicians is highly trusted, with authentic management in accordance with the rules by the World Federation of International Music Competitions. At the same time the competition is designed to involve the warm support and hospitality of the local citizens.

The contestants, who are selected through tough preliminary stages, perform the concertos with a professional group, the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra, in the semifinals and finals.

In the meantime, the local citizen volunteers are playing an important role in variety aspects of the competition management such as supporting contestants, hall management and publicity.