Japanese traditional music events held in Armenia

Embassy of Japan press release

From 13 to 15 June 2026, a series of Japanese traditional music events was held in Armenia, introducing local audiences to Japanese musical culture and promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Armenia.

On 13 June, a Japanese Traditional Music Concert took place at the Komitas Chamber Music Hall in Yerevan. The program featured performances by Japanese artists, including Mr. Jumpei Otsuka on the shō, a Gagaku instrument regarded as one of Japan’s oldest traditional musical instruments; Mr. Koki Nakamura on the Tsugaru shamisen; Ms. Yoshika Sawairi performing traditional Japanese dance; and Mr. Takahiro Akiba on piano.

A highlight of the concert was a collaborative performance by Japanese and Armenian musicians. Armenian melodies were performed on Japanese instruments alongside traditional Armenian instruments such as the duduk and qanun, presenting the musical traditions of both countries in a shared program. The collaborative program featured beloved Armenian melodies, including “Hoy Nazan,” “Nazani & Broyi,” and “Alagyaz and Khnki Tsar”, as well as “Princess Mononoke,” the famous soundtrack from the anime.

The concert attracted approximately 450 attendees.

On 14 June, a smaller concert was held at the Hikari Center, providing an opportunity for children, young people, and other visitors to experience Japanese traditional music.

On 15 June, a lecture-concert on Japanese traditional music was organized at the State Music College named after Romanos Melikyan. Students learned about Japanese musical instruments, their history and characteristics, and had the opportunity to observe demonstrations and try playing the instruments themselves.

The events provided opportunities for Armenian audiences to experience Japanese traditional music and contributed to cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Armenia.