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On the 20th and 21st of August in Tokyo, the Min-On Concert Association celebrated the 120th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the Republic of Panama and Japan with a “lecture concert” led by renowned Panamanian singer songwriter Patricia Vlieg and featuring artists from both nations.

Attended by ambassadors and diplomatic emissaries from six countries and drawing an audience of some 150 concertgoers, the events—held at the Min-On Culture Center Museum Hall—was a collaborative project of the Panamanian Embassy in Tokyo and Min-On, and supported by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (ACA).

The program on August 20 opened with His Excellency Carlos Peré, Panama’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, and ACA Deputy Commissioner Tetsuo Goda both reaffirming their desire to forge stronger ties through cultural exchange initiatives through agencies like Min-On.

For the concert segment, Ms. Vlieg performed as vocalist and pianist, while Vilma Esquivel played the guitar, with Milagros Blades on percussion, Takayuki Oshikane on violin and Shunji Saegusa on contrabass.

The quintet played numerous scores from both countries, including songs on the history of Panama and introducing traditional rhythms of Japan and Panama. They also sang popular songs from Japan in Japanese, to the delight of the audience.

The August 21 program was oriented to the family with some 70 children comprising the 160 people in attendance. Panamanian Embassy Second Secretary Zaradeeth Aleyda gave a slide-show presentation of the rich cultures of the two countries, while Ms. Vlieg led a trio featuring Ms. Vilma and Mr. Blades, performing various songs. They called children up on to the stage to sing along and dance to an uplifting percussion beat.

The two also shared insights into the music, culture and national characters of their respective countries interspersed between their singing and playing. The two-day event will be uploaded on Min-On’s Japanese YouTube channel for viewing.

Prior to the program, Min-On President Koji Yamamoto greeted Ambassador Peré, Ms. Vlieg and other members of the August 20 quintet, with the guests later touring the Min-On Music Museum collection of classic pianos and music boxes.

This series of special events was made possible by the subscribers of the Min-On Concert Association and other contributors who support our various outreach initiatives.

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