In commemoration with the 40th anniversary of the Malaysian Government’s Look East Policy, The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) will be organising a concert of “Min’yo” Japanese folk songs on 4 and 5 March 2022 at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac). This concert is supported by Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and Japan Airlines, and in cooperation with Embassy of Japan in Malaysia and The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat.

Advocated in 1982, the Look East Policy helped drive Malaysia’s socio-economic development and establish the foundations of the country’s manufacturing industry. Over the years the policy has greatly contributed toward strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

In line with the historical occasion, JFKL proudly invites 5 musicians from Japan and Alena Murang (Sape’) as a guest musician from Malaysia. Among the many genres of Japanese traditional music, the concert will feature Min’yo or folk songs, traditionally sung among the townspeople. Min’yo is characterized with its special singing technique called “Kobushi” which employs a style of melisma. The lyrics in the Min’yo not only help people understand the daily lives of Japanese people, their perception of seasons and its rich regional culture, it also showcases costumes that are sure to captivate the audience.
Live music enthusiasts will get a chance to see and listen to a different style of Min’yo performance, which usually features traditional renditions. The conventional setting of Min’yo performance consists of vocals, Shakuhachi (bamboo flute), Shamisen (three strings instrument), and Shime-daiko (small drum). This time around the audience will get the chance to experience the Wadaiko (big drum) and percussion, which adds on the programme, and features a lively rhythm, intertwining serene melodies with those where the audience can join in and enjoy.

The musicians featured in the concert include TANAKA Shiho, KATO Erina on vocals and the Tsugaru-Shamisen, TSUKUDA Koshi on the Shakuhachi and KATO Takuya on the Wadaiko. KUMAGAI Daisuke is the concert’s music director and on the percussion and HIRANUMA Jin’ichi is the concert director. The guest musician is Sarawak’s Alena Murang, who will be on the Sape’ will be performing together with the Japanese artists.
Photos of the artist is available via Google Drive.

Showtimes 8:00 PM, 4 March 2022 (Friday)
8:00 PM, 5 March 2022 (Saturday)

Venue

Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51100, Kuala Lumpur

Ticketing

RM 50 & RM 30. Concession: 50% OFF for JFKL Members, Seniors above 60, Students & Disabled. Ticket are available online via cloudtix.co. No phone sales & over the counter sales.

Information www.jfkl.org.my/events/minyomusicconcert/