The Japanese Embassy held a concert by the AUN J Classic Orchestra, a group of traditional Japanese instrumentalists, on Saturday to celebrate 50 years of friendship between Bangladesh and Japan at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Dhaka.

This is AUN J Classic Orchestra’s first overseas tour since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Traditional Japanese musical instruments such as the wadaiko (Japanese drum), shaminisen (traditional three-stringed instrument), koto (traditional stringed instrument), shakuhachi (blown bamboo flute), and shinobue (transverse bamboo flute ), are all the instruments of the AUN J Classic Orchestra, which are not usually played in an ensemble.

The troupe was formed in 2008 by seven renowned artists who specialize in each instrument in search of unique musical experiences. Their technical quality and level of performance have been acclaimed around the world.

AUN J performed their original songs like “Kenran Basara” and “Haru Ichiban,” and covered songs like “Bolero” and “Furusato.”

Ryohei Inoue played wadaiko and shamisen, Kohei Inoue played shamisen and shinobue, Seizan Ishigaki played shakuhachi, Hideki Onoue played shamisen, Michiko Yamada played shinobue, and Azumi Yamano played koto.

Bangladeshi actress and singer Shahtaj sang “Gurenge”, the first opening theme from the hugely popular Japanese anime “Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)”, performed by AUN J.

AUN J performed the song “Shada Shada Kala Kala” from the movie “Hawa” and singer Siblu sang the song together.

Finally, “Purano Shei Diner Kotha” was performed by AUN J and Rezwana Choudhury Bannya performed with them.

The concert began with the opening speech by Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki who expected younger generations to be inspired to show more interest in Japan and Japanese culture through the event.

LGRD Minister, Md Tazul Islam joined the program as the chief guest. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mahbub Ali, was also present.