On February 7, the “Bridge of Harmony” Japan-Malaysia Traditional Music Exchange concert was held at the Orchestra Hall of the National Academy of Arts, Culture & Heritage (ASWARA).The concert was co-organized by the Embassy of Japan and the National Academy of Arts, Culture & Heritage and supported by The Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur.

The artists who performed at the concert consisted of the Aswara Gamelan Group (Malaysia), Koto artist Ms. Yoko Nishi (Japan), Japanese flutist Mr. Kohei Nishikawa (Japan), Western flutist Ms. Nakagawa Keiko (residing in Malaysia, principal flutist as well as a dedicated instructor with the Malaysia National Symphony Orchestra), and the one and only Malaysian Koto artist Mr. Hafiz Othman. Together, the artists performed several Japanese and Malaysian traditional pieces.

“It is not just a music performance by the artists from each country; but rather a musical inspiration by the performers through this joint performance. This passion was also transferred to the audience, and it was a heart-tugging moment that united both the artists on stage and the audience. Hence, I would like to further cultivate the friendship brought together by this music exchange concert”.  Ms. Yoko Nishi commented after the concert.

Director of Aswara Gamelan Group Mr. Bob Khalil said he was pleased that this unique concert which showcased the performance of various pieces of musical instrument from Japan and Malaysia together to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between both countries achieved great success. He further expressed his hope that the Japan-Malaysia Music Exchange Concert could be organized on a regular basis in the future.

Artists from Malaysia and Japan performing on the stage	Koto performance by Ms. Yoko Nishi and Mr. Hafiz Othman
Ms. Nakagawa Keiko (flute) and Mr. Nishikawa Kohei (flute)	Aswara Gamelon Group
"Furusato" performed by vocalists from Aswara Gamelon Group	Greeting from the co-organizer and musicians