The 55th installment of the Min-On Tango Series, featuring Pablo Valle Sexteto, concluded successfully with its final performance in Nagano on March 1, 2026. The tour, which began on January 18, visited 19 venues across Japan for a total of 21 performances. Alongside the main tour performances, three school concerts were also presented, bringing the vibrant sounds and rhythms of Argentine tango to students in different parts of the country.
Pablo Valle Sexteto is led by internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Pablo Valle, whose refined musical sensibility and technical brilliance have drawn increasing attention on the global stage. The ensemble carries forward the heartbeat of traditional tango while exploring new expressions of the genre. Joined by singer Rodrigo Morel and three pairs of accomplished tango dancers, the group presented a program titled Historia del Tango, offering audiences a sweeping musical journey from classic masterpieces to the modern tango repertoire.
The concert opened with the famous tango “Ojos Negros,” immediately greeted by enthusiastic applause from the audience. The program featured beloved works including “Escualo,” “Adiós Nonino,” and “Libertango,” alongside classics such as “Quejas de Bandoneón” and “Loca.” In addition, Valle’s original compositions “Samurai” and “Asia” were performed, as well as “Renacer,” a piece dedicated to Min-On founder Daisaku Ikeda for this tour. The program traced the evolution of tango and was particularly meaningful in a year marking roughly a century since the genre first took root in Japan.
Joining the sextet on stage was the young singer Rodrigo Morel, who celebrated his 20th birthday during the tour. His powerful voice and expressive delivery captivated audiences in songs such as “Milonga del Trovador” and “Balada para un Loco.” The stage was further enriched by performances from three tango dance couples. Gaspar and Carla—Gaspar, the inaugural champion of the stage category at the World Tango Championship and a long-time dance leader in the Min-On Tango Series since 2011—appeared alongside Constanza and Ricardo, champions of the 2022 competition. Due to Constanza’s injury, Aldana and Diego joined the tour from February 20 onward. Completing the lineup were Micaela and Leandro, the most recent champions of the 2025 competition. Their dramatic and sometimes playful choreography complemented the music and created a dynamic and engaging stage.
During the tour, school concerts were also held in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka. For many students, it was their first opportunity to experience authentic Argentine tango performed live. The performers themselves expressed delight at the students’ enthusiastic reactions, describing the exchanges as both inspiring and memorable.
Reflecting on the tour after the final performance, Pablo Valle shared his gratitude:
“As the leader of the ensemble, I felt a great sense of responsibility and some nervousness at the start. However, through these 21 performances, I am deeply thankful that audiences in Japan embraced our tango and responded so warmly to our music.”
Following the final concert, the artists departed Japan from Narita Airport on March 2.
Min-On extends its sincere appreciation to all audiences and supporters who made the tour possible.
Pablo Valle Sexteto
– Pablo Valle (Leader, Piano, Music Director)
– Oscar Yemha (Bandoneon)
– Joaquim Diaz Verela (Bandoneon)
– Mayumi Urgino (Violin)
– Maite Unzurrunzaga (Viola)
– Facundo Benavidez (Double Bass)
Singer
– Rodrigo Morel
Dancers
– Gaspar & Carla
– Constanza & Ricardo
– Aldana & Diego (From Feb 20)
– Micaela & Leandro
