Prishtina, 19 October 2022
Melodies from the Japanese instrument Koto filled the Amphitheater of the University of Pristina, at the Japanese evening, organized by the Embassy of Japan in Kosovo, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo, the University of Pristina and partners.
This event is only a deep expression of the mutual respect we have for each other’s respective cultures. This aspect is the best bridge between our two nations, where our people can come together and appreciate each other’s traditions, said the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, at the opening of the Japanese evening.
The cooperation between our two countries in the field of music is alive and thriving, including the concerts held both in Kosovo and in Japan, said Prime Minister Kurti. He said that a strong and outstanding contribution to the music community of Kosovo remains the close cooperation with the conductor Toshio Yanagisawa. The Prime Minister praised Mr. Yanagisawa, who for many years, not only helped in the development of the Kosovo Philharmonic, but also brought Japanese expertise to the development of classical music in general in Kosovo, through symphonic concert music.
Prime Minister Kurti said that the Japanese culture has already been marked with gold in the history of our young nation. The art of Judo, founded by the great Sensei of Jujistu, Kano Jigoro in the late 19th century, has so far, in the early 21st century, given us three gold medals at the Olympic Games, including two in the last year in Tokyo.
Full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Three weeks ago, on the occasion of the state farewell ceremony for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, I was in Japan for only 46 hours. But I must admit that every day since, I think about Tokyo for a few minutes a day. Deep and unforgettable impressions.
Your Excellency, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Kosovo, Yamanaka,
Your Excellences Ambassadors,
Ministers, deputy ministers, members of the Assembly,
Dear attendees,
It is a special pleasure to open this magnificent event you have organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
This event is only a deep expression of the mutual respect we have for each other’s respective cultures. This aspect is the best bridge between our two nations, where our people can come together and appreciate each other’s traditions, said the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, at the opening of the Japanese evening.
Japanese culture has already been marked with gold in the history of our young nation. The art of Judo, founded by the great Sensei of Jujitsu, Kano Jigoro in the late 19th century, has so far, in the early 21st century, given us three gold medals at the Olympic Games, including two in the last year in Tokyo.
The cooperation between our two countries in the field of music is alive and thriving, including the concerts held both in Kosovo and in Japan, said Prime Minister Kurti. He said that a strong and outstanding contribution to the music community of Kosovo remains the close cooperation with the conductor Toshio Yanagisawa. The Prime Minister praised Mr. Yanagisawa, who for many years, not only helped in the development of the Kosovo Philharmonic, but also brought Japanese expertise to the development of classical music in general in Kosovo, through symphonic concert music.
Tonight’s concert is a very special occasion, because we will have the opportunity to hear the excellent musician Atsuko Suetomi, who will play the traditional Japanese stringed instrument, Koto, for us.
The koto originated from the Chinese guzheng and was brought to Japan in the 8th century. It is an instrument that represents a large part of the Japanese musical culture, and one that has appeared time and time again in modern Western music, from David Bowie to Queen to Dr. Dre. And if I am not mistaken, tonight we will also hear one of our traditional folk songs played in Koto, thus symbolizing the strong bond between our two nations.
Together with the wonderful musician Ms. Suetomi, we will enjoy a traditional Japanese dance by Ms. Rokufumi Izumi, which will further enrich our experience.
As we wait for the artists, I once again welcome you all to this event. And I wish our guests from Japan a pleasant stay in Kosovo, among our ever-growing musical community.
Thank you very much!
Last modified: October 20, 2022