The 10th Tokyo Japan-Taiwan Friendship Concert was held to great acclaim on the evening of April 27, 2026, at the ACT Center in Itabashi, Tokyo. Jointly organized by the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association and the Tokyo Hakka Chongzheng Association, the event received strong support from the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women (Japan Chapter), the General Association of Awaodori Taiwan-Ren in Japan, and the Japan Hakka Economic and Cultural Research Institute. The concert served as a vibrant showcase of the enduring friendship and cultural ties between Taiwan and Japan.
The Taiwan delegation, led by Lu Hsiao-chih, Secretary-General of the Taiwan International Cultural Association, featured 60 performers from the Taoyuan-based Zhensapi Cultural Association (Saxophone Ensemble) and the Taoyuan Choir of Joy. The delegation’s participation was co-sponsored by the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Hakka Affairs Bureau of the Taoyuan City Government. Representing the host nation, the Tokyo Armadillo Mixed Chorus also performed at this grand event.
The evening was graced by a distinguished assembly of guests, including Masaji Takahashi, former President of the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association, who recently celebrated his Beiju (88th birthday); Shimizu Kyoe, President of the Tokyo Hakka Chongzheng Association, along with former presidents Katsunori Sonoda and Juri Sugiyama. Also in attendance were Lin Yueh-li, a member of OCAC; Hsiao Li-li, President of the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women (GFCBW); Lin Hsin-chi, President of the Awaodori Taiwan-Ren Japan General Association; and Chen Mu-chuan, former President of the Taiwan Association in Japan, all gathered to witness this grand cultural exchange.
The concert featured a spectacular lineup of performances, with three ensembles from Taiwan and Japan each showcasing their unique artistry. The Zhensapi Cultural Association presented eight pieces of famous music, including a masterful performance of the Hakka Suite, the timeless masterpieces of Teng Yu-hsien, the Father of Taiwanese Folk Songs, and the beloved medley Four-Month-Longing-Rain. The Taoyuan Choir of Joy followed with moving renditions of eight beautiful songs, including Have You Eaten (Sit Bau Mang) and Mother’s Garland, etc.
In addition, Chang Chia-chi, the renowned conductor of the Zhensapi Cultural Association Saxophone Ensemble and a celebrated saxophonist in northern Taiwan, delivered a captivating solo performance featuring two pieces. Her program included a beautiful rendition of the popular song Always Remember Us This Way, which deeply resonated with the audience.
Representing the hosts, the Tokyo Armadillo Mixed Chorus captivated the audience with six Japanese classics, including Boyhood (Shonen Jidai) and Kitaguni no Haru (Spring in the North), earning a thunderous ovation for their heartfelt performance of the Chinese classic Jasmine Flower. For the grand finale, the joint Taiwan-Japan choir joined forces for a powerful rendition of Bang Chhun Hong (Longing for the Spring Breeze) and Hokugoku no Haru (Spring in the North), bringing the atmosphere to a crescendo as the hall echoed with prolonged and enthusiastic applause.
Meticulously organized, the event drew approximately 400 attendees from across Taiwan and Japan. Before the performances began, a welcome reception was held in the VIP lounge of the Itabashi ACT Center, offering a warm, convivial space for performers and distinguished guests to interact.
A particularly poignant moment occurred when the head of the Taiwanese delegation and Japanese guests shared a heartfelt embrace while members of the audience enthusiastically waved Republic of China (Taiwan) flags. This powerful gesture stood as a moving symbol of the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect shared between the two nations.
The event concluded with resounding success. It stands as a testament to the vibrant and heartwarming cultural ties between Taiwan and Japan in recent years, further strengthening bilateral bonds and marking a significant new milestone in Taiwan–Japan relations.
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