As part of its overseas cultural exchange initiatives, Min-On dispatched Japanese musicians to France and carried out a cultural exchange program aimed at strengthening friendship between Japan and France from December 7 to 9, 2025, in Paris and its surrounding areas.
Visit to the Victor Hugo Literary Museum (December 7)
On December 7, the Japanese musicians visited the Victor Hugo Literary Museum in the city of Bièvres. In addition to touring the exhibition, they took part in a friendly exchange gathering warmly hosted by local residents and related parties.
During the gathering, performances were presented on a historic piano housed at the museum, as well as on traditional Japanese instruments such as the shakuhachi, Tsugaru shamisen, and wadaiko drums. The performances were met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience.
Many questions were raised regarding Japanese traditional music and instruments, reflecting the participants’ deep interest in Japanese culture.
School Concert and INSPE Lecture (December 8)
On the morning of December 8, a concert was held at the Collège–Lycée Jean de La Fontaine.
Approximately 120 students ranging from fifth-grade elementary to first-year middle school, along with teachers and parents, attended the performance. The program featured introductions to traditional instruments as well as renditions of Japanese anime music, creating an atmosphere of great excitement throughout the venue.
During the Q&A session, students asked candid and lively questions such as, “At what age did you start playing your instrument?” and “How do you feel when you perform?”
In the afternoon, a lecture-concert was held at INSPE Paris–Batignolles (Graduate School of Teacher Education). About 30 teachers and students participated, gaining insight into the background of Japanese traditional music and the characteristics of its instruments through live demonstrations. The session offered aspiring educators a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.
Concert at the Théâtre de la Tour Eiffel (December 9)
On December 9, Min-On presented two concerts at the Théâtre de la Tour Eiffel, at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., welcoming a total audience of approximately 800 people.
The first part of the program showcased the unique appeal of Japanese traditional instruments, while the second part featured performances by French musicians as well as collaborative performances by Japanese and French artists. These cross-cultural collaborations were greeted with resounding applause and cheers.
At both performances, standing ovations followed the encore, and the audience’s applause continued long after the concerts concluded, marking a great success.
Audience members commented:
“The harmony between Japanese and French music made me truly feel that music is a universal language beyond borders. The explanations of the instruments were clear and deeply moving.”
“It was a journey filled with surprise and emotion—where tradition and modernity blended seamlessly and touched the heart.”
“The musical excellence and cultural richness were remarkable. It was a wonderful experience that broadened my sensibilities through the meeting of different cultures.”
Participating Artists
The program featured four Japanese musicians dispatched by Min-On:
Kodō Ishibashi (Shakuhachi), Sayo Komada (Tsugaru Shamisen), Mao Sone (Piano), and Tsuyoshi Maeda (Taiko).
They were joined by two guest artists from France:
Mathias Duplessy (Guitar) and Ulysse Bonneau (Cello).
Min-On would like to express its sincere gratitude to all supporting members whose generous support made this program possible.
