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The Steven Sharp Nelson family at the Tokyo Giving Machines on December 15, 2025.2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.On December 15, 2025, internationally acclaimed cellist Steven Sharp Nelson of The Piano Guys, his wife Julie, and their son Eli brought smiles and cheer to the Tokyo Giving Machines. For more than 90 minutes, the family greeted visitors, posed for photos, and shared heartfelt conversations that reflected the spirit of giving.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The Giving Machines—where people can purchase items such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies for those in need—are part of the Light the World initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their purpose is simple: to make giving easy, joyful, and personal. Steven and his family embodied that purpose as they interacted warmly with donors, volunteers, and curious passersby. Highlights from their visit can be seen in a video on Facebook, and several memorable moments are captured in the photos below.
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Steven Sharp Nelson and Kiyomi Janovsky at the Tokyo Giving Machines on December 15, 2025. Kiyomi’s husband Matt was a music student when he first met Steven about 10 years ago. 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Steven Sharp Nelson and Keiko Sato at the Tokyo Giving Machines on December 15, 2025. Devoted fans, Keiko and her sister made a special trip seven years ago to attend The Piano Guys concert in San Jose. When Keiko learned that Steven would be at the Giving Machines, she had to come!2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Steven Sharp Nelson and Stacy Hargitt at the Tokyo Giving Machines on December 15, 2025. Stacy attended Steven’s concert about a year ago in Indianapolis. While she and her children had already come to make donations at the Giving Machines, she came again to see Steven.2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Julie Nelson and Mihoko Zama at the Tokyo Giving Machines on December 15, 2025. Mihoko recently began learning to play the violin and was thrilled to meet Julie, who offered tips on how to position her arm while playing and encouraged Mihoko to stay patient during her first year of practice.2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The Nelson family and Douglas and Michiko Matsumori at the Tokyo Giving Machines on December 15, 2025. Douglas and Michiko started service a week ago as senior missionaries for the Church. It’s a small world—Julie went to school with the Matsumori’s children.2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The Nelsons’ visit reminded everyone that giving is more than a transaction—it is about creating connections and sharing hope. Steven reflected on a lesson from his father: “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” As the Christmas season continues, the Tokyo Giving Machines invite all to experience the joy of lighting the world—one simple act at a time.