The Min-On Tango Series returned with its 55th edition as “Pablo Valle Sexteto: A History of Tango” officially launched its Japan tour.
The ensemble, led by Argentine pianist and music director Pablo Valle, arrived in Japan on January 13. On the following day, January 14, the group paid a courtesy visit to the Min-On Culture Center, where they were warmly welcomed by Min-On President Koji Yamaguchi and other association representatives.
During their meeting, Mr. Valle reflected on his first visit to Japan in 2015, recalling how he was deeply moved by Min-On’s founder’s philosophy that “no matter the hardships in life, one can always begin again.” Inspired by this idea, he composed an original tango titled “Renacer” (“Rebirth”), dedicated to the founder as a pledge to return to Japan. On this occasion, Mr. Valle presented the score of the piece to President Yamaguchi.
Following the meeting, the group toured the Min-On Music Museum, including the Classical Piano Room and the Automatic Musical Instruments Gallery.
The tour’s opening performance took place on January 18 in Nagoya and concluded to great acclaim, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience. The following evening, on January 19, the Tokyo performance at Bunkyo Civic Hall was attended by ambassadors and embassy representatives from 37 countries, including members of the European Union.
Marking a significant milestone—100 years since tango was first performed by an ensemble in Japan—the Pablo Valle Sexteto has been widely praised for its ability to revive the spirit of tango’s Golden Age while reinterpreting it through a contemporary musical lens. The sextet is led by Mr. Valle, a rising talent whose refined artistry has earned international recognition.
Joining the ensemble is Rodrigo Morel, a promising young vocalist who garnered attention from leading figures in the tango world at just 19 years of age and is widely regarded as a singer to watch. The performances are further enriched by dynamic dance segments led by Gaspar Godoy, the inaugural champion of the Tango Dance World Championship, alongside award-winning dance couples who claimed top honors in 2022 and 2025.
The nationwide tour will span 21 performances in 19 cities, concluding with the final concert on March 1 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture.
Performers:
Pablo Valle Sexteto Performers:
Pablo Valle (Leader of the Sexteto, Piano, Music Director)
Oscar Yemha (Bandoneon)
Joaquim Diaz Verela (Bandoneon)
Mayumi Urgino (Violine)
Maite Unzurrunzaga (Viola)
Facundo Benavidez (Double Bass)
Singer:
Rodrigo Morel
Dancers:
Gaspar & Carla
Constanza & Ricardo
Micaela & Leandro
Ambassadors and embassy representatives from 37 countries attend the Tokyo performance on January 19.
For more information, please visit the special website: https://tango.min-on.or.jp/2026/
