Cairo, October 6, 2024
Japanese Ambassador to Egypt, Oka Hiroshi, hosted two mesmerizing musical evenings in Cairo, bringing together the traditional sounds of the Japanese koto and the Arabic oud. These cultural events, held at the Ambassador’s residence on October 2 and at the Cairo Opera House on October 3, celebrated the rich musical heritage of both nations.
A Special Visit by Koto Virtuoso Yoko Nishi
The events were organized to mark the visit of renowned Japanese koto player, Yoko Nishi, to Egypt. Nishi, who has performed in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Imperial Palace in Japan and Carnegie Hall in New York, brought her unique artistry to Egyptian audiences for the first time. Ambassador Oka Hiroshi expressed his delight in hosting these events, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange between Japan and Egypt.
“Melodies of Two Nations” – A Harmonious Blend
Under the theme “An Evening of Traditional Music: Melodies of Two Nations,” the performances showcased the fusion of Japanese and Egyptian musical traditions. Nishi’s koto was joined by the soulful sounds of the Arabic oud, played by Mario Said, a renowned oud player from the Arab Oud House. Other prominent Egyptian musicians, including Dr. Safaa Elgendy on flute and Dr. Amira Hamed on harp, contributed to the enchanting performances.
A Collaboration Across Cultures
The concerts featured a series of collaborative performances between the Japanese and Egyptian musicians, blending their unique styles in perfect harmony. One highlight was a duet between the koto and flute on a famous Japanese composition, followed by an Egyptian piece in the Hijaz scale played on the koto and harp. The musicians also joined forces for “El Aragoz,” a lively Arabic piece that energized the audience.
Solo Concert at Cairo Opera House
On October 3, Nishi performed a solo concert at the Cairo Opera House’s small hall, accompanied by Mario Said and seven other Japanese koto players. Their repertoire included both traditional and contemporary Japanese music, with a standout performance of Mohamed Abdel Wahab’s “Enta Omri,” reinterpreted through the lens of Japanese instruments. The evening ended with a stirring rendition of “Longa Riyad,” blending the koto and oud in a beautiful cultural fusion.
Ambassador Oka’s Commitment to Cultural Exchange
Ambassador Oka Hiroshi emphasized the significance of such events in strengthening cultural ties between Japan and Egypt. Under his leadership, the Japanese Embassy in Cairo has actively promoted cultural diplomacy, fostering greater understanding through art, music, and educational exchanges. The ambassador sees music as a powerful medium to bridge differences and create lasting bonds between nations.
The musical evenings were a testament to the deepening cultural connection between Japan and Egypt, with audiences responding enthusiastically to the performances. The events highlighted the universal power of music to bring people together, transcending language and cultural barriers.
