Performance Tour in Kyushu and Fukuoka, Japan
A 4-Night, 5-Day Schedule Filled with Cultural Exchange
Gijang-gun (Governor Jeong Jong-bok) recently announced on the 31st that the ‘Gijang Youth Recorder Ensemble,’ a youth arts group managed by Gijang County Office, has completed its international cultural exchange schedule in Japan.
This cultural exchange activity took place over a 4-night, 5-day period from January 19 to 23 in the Kyushu and Fukuoka areas of Japan.
On the first day of the activity, a joint performance was held with three local choirs at the Gurushima Takehiko Memorial Hall, where Kim Seong-yeon, a native of Gijang, serves as director. The performance featured traditional Korean folk songs and Japanese children’s songs performed together with the local choirs, greatly elevating the atmosphere of the venue. Additionally, the Mayor of Kusu and the Superintendent of Education participated, allowing time for exchanges with the Kusu Korean Language Club and three other groups.
The following day, the group moved to Bungo-ono City in Oita Prefecture, which signed a letter of intent for friendly exchange with Gijang-gun in October 2024. They visited Kuruminomori Aijien Kindergarten and Miae Higashi Elementary School, enjoying various cultural experiences together. They also performed Japanese animation songs as well as Korean children’s songs such as “Baby Shark” and “Dream of the Octopus,” sharing a joyful time of harmony with the students.
On the final day of the event, they traveled to Saga Prefecture and visited Genkai Mirai Academy, where exchange activities had also been conducted in 2018. The Saga Prefecture Superintendent of Education led a school tour, providing participants with an opportunity to experience foreign school culture and broaden their horizons.
Jeong Jong-bok, Governor of Gijang-gun, said, “This international cultural exchange activity in Japan was a meaningful event that not only boosted the pride of the ensemble members but also helped them understand and empathize with the emotions and cultures of other countries. I hope that our youth will grow into global talents who create a new era based on this experience.”
The Gijang Youth Recorder Ensemble is a self-sustaining youth cultural group formed by parents, teachers, and students from local elementary and middle schools who share a commitment to the development of youth arts and culture in Gijang-gun. Founded in 2003, it holds annual regular concerts and the National Recorder Festival. The group also engages in various cultural exchange activities both domestically and internationally, including collaborations with the Vienna Boys’ Choir in Austria. They plan to hold their regular concert at the Cha-seong Art Hall of Gijang County Office on February 23.
The Gijang Youth Recorder Ensemble is conducting international cultural exchange and taking a commemorative photo.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
