MillenniumPost
Features

Japan reaches out to India

Music has a universal language and as such has the power to bridge differences in race and culture and unite people through their common humanity. Recognising the crucial role that culture can play in this area, a cultural performance by Hana-Zakura group of Min-On concert association, Tokyo, was organised in the Capital.
The event was held in association with the Indian Council of Cultural Relation (ICCR), at the Siri fort Auditorium on Monday evening.
Min-On was established in 1963 at the initiative of Daisaku Ikeda, President of Soka Gakkai International (SGI). Registered as an independent and incorporated foundation in 1965, it has since grown to become one of Japan's leading cultural institutions.
The current performance was organized under the aegis of '2017 – The Year of Japan-India Friendly Exchanges' to enhance people-to-people exchanges between Japan and India. 2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the India-Japan Culture treaty.
By promoting a continuing series of cultural exchanges, the Min-On Concert Association aims to create opportunities for the performing arts to build bridges between people, and to give a
tangible form to the desire for world peace.
The performers comprised of Japanese traditional dance group "Wakatake", Koushi Tsukuda, Shakuhachi player (Japanese flute), Komakazumi Minami, Narimono player (Japanese Percussion), Katsunari Sawada Tsugaru Shamisen player (Traditional Japanese music) and Chiaki Eshima, singer.
From classical to modern, and popular to traditional, Min-On's programmes include musical exchange with cultural associations worldwide, as well as sponsoring musical competitions and school concerts to foster the growth of new talent and encourage adolescents' emotional development. To date, Min-On has participated in music, dance and performing arts exchanges with groups in over 105 countries and regions.
The Min-On Concert Association conducts 1500 musical/dance, performing arts shows every year and has a rich history of culture exchange with India. In the past, the association has invited many prominent Indian artists including Sonal Mansingh, Leela Samson and Alarmel Valli to name a few, in collaboration with Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). On behalf of SGI, cultural delegations have visited India seven times from 1990 to 1997.
As for the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), it is a global association of grassroots organizations that seeks to promote the values of peace and respect for all people. The Indian affiliate of the SGI is Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG).
Next Story
Share it