Interviews
Interview with the Ambassador of Argentina
As part of its ongoing series of meetings with ambassadors of the world stationed in Japan, the Min-On Concert Association interviewed His Excellency Rubén Eduardo Miguel Tempone read more…
Interview with the Ambassador of Argentina
As part of its ongoing series of meetings with ambassadors of the world stationed in Japan, the Min-On Concert Association interviewed His Excellency Rubén Eduardo Miguel Tempone, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to Japan. The...
Interviews
Interview with the Ambassador of Argentina
As part of its ongoing series of meetings with ambassadors of the world stationed in Japan, the Min-On Concert Association interviewed His Excellency Rubén Eduardo Miguel Tempone read more…
Interview with the stars of “Mumbai ☆ Star”
On December 12, 2023, three members of the Bollywood musical “Mumbai ☆ Star” – producer Devika Punjabi, female lead Arushi Nigam and read more…
Interview with the Ambassador of Georgia
As part of its ongoing series of meeting with ambassadors of the world stationed in Japan, the Min-On Concert Association interviewed His Excellency Teimuraz Lezhava read more…
“We are tomodachi desu”
Interview with Her Excellency Ms. Shorna-Kay M. Richards, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Jamaica to Japan read more…
“Please continue to invite performing artists from around the world to Japan and introduce their musical talents”
Interview with His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Elloumi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tunisia to Japan
Music is a Bridge, an Outreach of Love Bringing the World Together
Interview with His Excellency Mr. Miguel Ángel RAMÍREZ Ramos, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from the Republic of Cuba to Japan read more…
Music Helps People Confront Trauma and Move Forward—Norihiko Kuwayama
Emotional trauma affects our memories and emotions. When we suffer trauma due to conflict, disasters or traffic accidents, our recollection of the course of events usually becomes distorted, read more…
Culture is the Key to Benevolent Relations between Countries—Interview with H.E. Raúl Florentín-Antola, Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to Japan
Min-On: Thank you very much for co-sponsoring the recent Berta Rojas concert with Min-On in honor of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Paraguay. read more…
“I want to pass cultural value on to future generations”— Interview with H.E. Mr. Ritter Nobel Diaz Gomez, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to Japan
Min-On: Thank you very much for hosting Patricia Vlieg’s recent concert in celebration of the 500th anniversary of Panama City. read more…
My Dream to Hang a New Rainbow over Japan and Korea—Interview with Min Young-Chi, Traditional Musician and Percussionist
The day before the Min-On lecture concert on February 14, we interviewed Min Young-Chi after rehearsal, who plays instruments including the janggu drum. read more…
Facebook Posts
On Aug. 27, the Argentinian pair Sebastián Martínez and Ayelen Morando won the World Tango Championship held in Buenos Aires, with some 10,000 avid fans of the dance watching. Beating out 19 other finalists—who themselves had battled through heated preliminary rounds held around the world—the local pair secured the Min-On Award.
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Interview Archive
Culture’s Power to Connect the Minds of All People—Overcoming Differences in Border and Language
Interview with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mikhail Galuzin of The Embassy of the Russian Federation to Japan Min-On: Were you been able to view the Tolstoy and Music Exhibition? Ambassador Mikhail Galuzin: Yes. It is an exceptionally interesting...
Tolstoy and Music Exhibition: Discovering the Life of the Great Writer through Music
Intertview with Presss Director Irina Afonina and Public Relations Officer Elena Alekhina of The State Memorial and Natural Preserve "Museum-estate of Leo Tolstoy Yasnaya Polyana" The Tolstoy and Music Exhibition is currently being held at the Min-On Music Museum in...
South Africa is a “Rainbow Nation” of Races, Religions and Culture
Interview with H.E. Mr. Thulani Dlomo, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Japan Min-On: The year of 2018 marked the centenary of the birth of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, providing a unique opportunity for people around the world to reflect on his life and...
Cultural Exchange has the Power to Turn the Tides of History
Interview with H.E. Dr. Hans Carl Freiherr Von Werthern, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Japan Min-On Concert Association has proudly promoted the global exchange of musical culture since the initiation of programs in 1965, and to date, has engaged in...
Min-On Presents Outreach Programs during Kyrgyz Cultural Week
Interview with H.E. Chingiz Aidarbekov, Ambassador of the the Kyrgyz Republic to Japan Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country located in Central Asia on the historical Silk Road, with incredible natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage of nomadic traditions. The...
Peacebuilding through the Indelible Power of Music
Dialogue Between Kazuto Ito, President of the Min-On Concert Association and Olivier Urbain, Director of the Min-On Music Research Institute President Ito: First and foremost, as newly appointed president in 2017, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my...
Tradition, Innovation & Gateway – Three Keywords Linking the Collective Future of Denmark and Japan
Interview with H.E. Freddy Svane, Ambassador of the the Kingdom of Denmark Min-On: First of all, we would like to express our warmest appreciation for your recent courtesy visit to the Min-On Culture Center and Music Museum. Can you please give your impression of your...
Discussing Colombian Culture and Peace-building Together
Interview with H. E. Gabriel Duque, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Japan With the support of the embassy of the Republic of Colombia in Japan, the Min-On Music Museum recently presented an admission-free concert and cultural lecture entitled One—Global...
Discussing the Korean Cultural Center’s Wide Ranging Initiatives
Interview with Mr. Kim Hyun-Hwan, Director of the Korean Cultural Center, Embassy of the Republic of Korea The Korean Cultural Center in Yotsuya, Tokyo is located near the Min-On Culture Center in Shinanomachi. Under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of the Republic of...
The Philippine–Japan Relationship Represents Bold Heritage
Interview with H.E. Manuel M. Lopez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Japan Min-On: First of all, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Your Excellency, for supporting the recent performance of the Bayanihan, The Philippine National Folk...
Music and Dance are Irreplaceable Universal Tools to Foster Understanding Worldwide
Interview with Ms. Suzie Moya Benitez, Executive Director of the Bayanihan Min-On: Thank you so much for your wonderful performances yesterday and today in Tokyo. The Bayanihan has not performed in Japan since your last visit more than 20 years ago. What are your...
Venezuela’s Diversity Thrives in Japan and Worldwide
Interview with H.E. Seiko Ishikawa, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Japan Min-On: We deeply appreciate your continuous support of Min-On’s cultural undertakings. In particular, we have been greatly honored by your presence at many Min-On cultural...
Uzbekistan’s Silk Road Connects the Musical World
Interview with H. E. Farrukh Tursunov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Japan Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country situated at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road trade routes, has played a pivotal role in cultural exchange between Eastern and Western...
Bright Futures Await Winners of 17th Competition
Interview with Hubert Soudant of the Netherlands, Conductor Laureate, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and Mike George, UK, Senior Producer, BBC Philharmonic, of the Panel of Judges for The 17th Tokyo International Music Competition for Conducting in 2015 Min-On: The 17th...
“Crested Ibises” — Interview with Zhu Jiejing and Wang Jiajun
Diversity Itself Is the Music of Ecuador Interview with H.E. Leonardo Carrion Eguiguren, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Japan Since a special preview performance was held in Tokyo in October last year (reported in the 2014 autumn issue of Harmony), a wide...
Diversity Itself Is the Music of Ecuador
Interview with H.E. Leonardo Carrion Eguiguren, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Japan Min-On: This summer, in cooperation with the Embassy of Ecuador, we had the opportunity to invite Mr. Boris Cepeda to our Min-On Culture Center, and he gave a piano recital...
Unique D’Arienzo Sound Lives on in La Juan D’Arienzo
Fernando Rodas (left) and Facundo Lazzari (right) Interview with Facundo Lazzari and Fernando Rodas Min-On: Please share impressions from your first Japan tour. Facundo Lazzari: So far, we have been deeply moved by the enthusiastic support and applause from the...
Interview with Bjørn Midthun, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy
Uniqueness of Norwegian Culture is Its Closeness to Nature "Norwegians live in close proximity to nature, and this close relationship is an important part of the Norwegian identity." Minister-Counselor Bjørn Midthun, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Royal Norwegian...
Interview with H.E. John Neary, Ambassador of Ireland
Culture Helps Build Bridges Between Countries "For me, music is extremely important because music has the ability to touch our emotions, and I think it stirs our feelings in a way that no other art form can." H.E. John Neary, Ambassador of Ireland Min-On: We are...
Interview with Ben E. King, legendary American soul singer and songwriter
Life Without Music Is Like Life Without Air Ben E. King performs on stage Soul music virtuoso Ben E. King is perhaps best known as the singer and co-composer of “Stand by Me,” which was a number-one hit in 1961 in the US and again in 1987 in the UK as the theme song...
Interview with H. E. Ruth Kahanoff, Ambassador of Israel
Music is Central to Our Life and to Our Culture ]H. E. Ruth Kahanoff, Ambassador of Israel Israel is home to a very rich culture that has been fertilized by many different influences from around the world, and also by both history and modernity. Min-On has proudly...
Interview with H.E. Akylbek Kamaldinov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Unique Musical Heritage of Kazakhstan H.E. Akylbek Kamaldinov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan During their long history, the Kazakh people created a priceless seam of musical culture. Min-On: We deeply appreciate your Excellency's consistent support of...
Interview with H.E. Marcos Rodriguez Costa, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba
A Country Where Music is Everywhere H.E. Marcos Rodriguez Costa, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba "Music is an essential part of daily life—you cannot live in Cuba without music." Min-On: We wish to express our appreciation to your Excellency for your generous...
Interview with H.E. Patricia Cardenas, Ambassador of Colombia
Music a Source of Happiness in Colombia H.E. Patricia Cardenas, Ambassador of Colombia "It is very interesting to see how culture, and specifically music, has been pointed out as one of the reasons why Colombia can be considered the happiest nation on the planet."...
Interview with Mr. An Ning, Tour Director of the Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe of China
Expressing the Energetic Life Force of Daily Living Grand collaborative acrobatics entitled Binding Forces Min-On: Thank you very much for staging such wonderful performances every day. Your acrobatics, called zaji in Chinese (zatsugi in Japanese)—literally,...
Interview with H.E. Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Ambassador of the Republic of India
A Country of Stunning Diversity H.E. Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Ambassador of the Republic of India "There is a wonderful concept in India: ‘the entire world is one family’. It’s an important belief we all should have." Min-On: It was a wonderful performance to celebrate...
Interview with Uma Dogra, Vaibhav Arekar and Daksha Mashruwala
“Everything in India is different and colorful.” Daksha Mashruwala (Odissi), Vaibhav Arekar (Bharatanatyam), Uma Dogra (Kathak) Min-On: Thank you for such wonderful performances. You came all the way from India to introduce Indian culture. What, for you, are the...
Interview with H.E. Dr. William G. M. Brandful, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana
A Nation United in Music and Dance H.E. Dr. William G. M. Brandful, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana "In Ghana, the concept of the formation of cultural institutions and groups like the Ghana Dance Ensemble goes back to the time of our founding fathers." Min-On:...
Interview with Mr. David Amoo, Artistic Director of the Ghana Dance Ensemble
Expressing Life and Traditions in Dance David Amoo Min-On: To begin, please tell us about your background and how your musical career developed. David Amoo: I was born near the Ghanaian capital of Accra in a village called Avenor, which is famous for traditional music...
Interview with H.E. Cheng Yonghua, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Japan
Friendship Year for Japan-China Exchanges Ambassador Cheng Yonghua Ambassador Cheng was among the first students to come to Japan under a Chinese government scholarship in 1975, studying at Soka University in Hachioji, Tokyo. The university was established by SGI...
Interview with Shaanxi Song and Dance Troupe’s Deputy Director Wang Hong
Wang Hong Min-On: The Shaanxi Song and Dance Troupe has performed in over 40 countries on the five major continents, and has won a renowned reputation over the course of its 70-year history. Wang Hong: The Shaanxi Song and Dance Troupe grew out of the Northwest Art...
Interview with Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Japan
Music: The Common Culture of All Humanity Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan Min-On: We are very happy to be hosting the upcoming Japan tour of the internationally acclaimed Little Singers of Armenia. The performances, which will take in 20 cities across Japan this summer, will...
Interview with Ms. Charlotte de Rothschild and Mr. Simon Over, accompanying pianist
“Music is an expression of the soul; music has the power of healing.” Charlotte Rothschild Min-On: After your recital of Flower Songs in All Seasons, many audience members shared their impressions and comments via our questionnaire, praising how wonderfully and...
Dialogue With Ukrainian Opera Singer Victoria Loukianetz
“The Min-On Vocalist Competition was the real beginning of my international career” President Kobayashi shows Victoria Loukianetz photos from the 1990 Tokyo International Vocalists Competition On Saturday afternoon of April 7, the Ukraine-Japan Goodwill Concert—a...
Interview with H.E. Juan Carlos Capuñay, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru
The interplay of history, geography and culture H.E. Juan Carlos Capuñay, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru Min-On: Thank you very much for your kind support for and presence at the recent concert A New Legend of Peruvian Music. Please share your impressions of...
Interview with Virtuoso Cajón Player Juan Medrano “Cotito”
"I felt like I was playing music for my neighbors." Juan Medrano “Cotito” playing the checo drum onstage Min-On: You are an acclaimed cajón player and have even been appointed as an ambassador of the cajón by the Peruvian government. Please tell us about the...
Interview with His Excellency Mykola Kulinich, Ambassador of Ukraine
"Ukraine is a nation of singers and music." His Excellency Mykola Kulinich, Ambassador of Ukraine Min-On: We appreciate this opportunity for an interview with your Excellency. Could you briefly introduce the esteemed culture of Ukraine for us? Ambassador Kulinich:...
Interview with Japan’s Premier Flamenco Artist Yoko Komatsubara
"Flamenco is a physical expression of living as a human being." Yoko Komatsubara Min-On: Last year, UNESCO officially declared flamenco an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’. Please briefly tell us about flamenco in general. Yoko Komatsubara: Although the...
Interview with Abijah, Lead Singer with Jamaica Rocks
"I don't sing if I don't mean it." Abijah Min-On: When you performed Get Up, Stand Up at the Jamaica Rocks premiere at Nakano Sun Plaza, it reminded us of Bob Marley’s concert at the same venue. Please share your impression of performing there. Abijah: It was a...
Interview with Ken Peplowski, Virtuoso Clarinetist and Band Leader
"Jazz is like poetry: I don't need to think, but just express myself." Ken Peplowski Min-On: This is the first time for you to play a Min-On concert tour. Could you share your impressions of this Japan tour? Ken Peplowski: I’ve been to Japan on several occasions in...
Interview with Her Excellency Claudia C. Barnes, Ambassador of Jamaica
A rich and varied culture shaped by history Her Excellency, Claudia C. Barnes Min-On: Could you share your personal thoughts regarding Jamaica, particularly those that touch on its cultural heritage? Ambassador: Before we begin, I should first like to reiterate my...
Interview with World Tango Champions Chizuko Kuwamoto and Diego Ortega
Winning couple at the World Tango Championship performs across Japan Chizuko and Diego receive the Min-On Award at the World Tango Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina Japan's Chizuko Kuwamoto and Diego Ortega from Argentina took top honors in the stage tango...
Interview with H.E. Raul Dejean, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic
The treasure of Argentina emerges from a melting pot of ethnicities H.E. Raul Dejean, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic Min-On: First, we wish to express our appreciation to your Excellency for your courteous cooperation and continuous support of Min-On’s...
Interview with Roberto Alvarez, Director of the Orquesta Color Tango
"Tango for me is emotion itself!" Roberto Alvarez onstage with his bandoneón Roberto Alvarez was born in 1940 in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango. From the age of fourteen, he studied music theory with Maestro Hector Marseletti. In 1978, he was invited to join...