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

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

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

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

AUN J played 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 for the highly popular Japanese anime "Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)," played by AUN J.

AUN J played the song "Shada Shada Kala Kala" from the movie "Hawa" and singer Siblu sang the song together.

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

The concert started with the opening remarks of Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki who expected young generations to be inspired to show more interest in Japan and the Japanese culture through the event.

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