Tokyo: Children's choir from Hiroshima visits the Serbian Embassy

Members of the children’s choir “Senda Pan Flute Choir” from Hiroshima, accompanied by their parents and the choir’s conductor, visited the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Tokyo. This choir will perform in Novi Sad next year, with the support of the non-profit organisation EU-Japan Fest, which is involved in developing the cooperation between Japan and European Capitals of Culture.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Japan Aleksandra Kovač expressed her pleasure that the citizens of Serbia would be able to witness the talent of the members of the choir and the symbolism of the messages they were conveying playing on wooden instruments made of a tree which had survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

She emphasised that those messages spoke to our people, as Serbia had also lived through many difficult periods in its history.

“It is important for all future generations to learn and remember these important historical lessons, so our world would have a better understanding of the value of peace”, stressed Ambassador Kovač.

Shuzo Sumi, one of the Chairmen of the Committee of the EU-Japan Fest who attended the reception, thanked her on behalf of his organisation and on behalf of the choir. He said that they were looking forward to visiting Serbia and strengthening the relations between the two nations.

Associate of the Embassy Tijana Nagato held a presentation about the culture, customs and cuisine of Serbia. Guests also had an opportunity to learn some of the \words of the basic Serbian vocabulary.

During the visit, the choir performed several musical compositions, including “The bamboo leaves rustle” (Tanabata Song), a traditional Japanese song with lyrics translated into Serbian.