Japan Kobe Male Choir Concert Tour

Japan Kobe Male Choir serenading the audience

In conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia-Japan diplomatic relations, Japan Kobe Male Choir held a concert at Sungai Long Campus on 10 April 2017 together with UTAR Choir and UTAR Chinese Orchestra.

The Japan Kobe Male Choir was performed by 36 members and accompanied by one female pianist Watanabe Tomoko and three conductors namely, Watanabe Masayasu, Kikumoto Koyo, and Kamei Seiichiro. A diversified repertoires were prepared including Japanese anime songs, famous Taiwanese song 'The Moon Represents My Heart', and even Malay song ‘Getaran Jiwa’.

Welcome speech by Prof Chuah

“Our former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad has talked about ‘Look East Policy’ and it was actually about learning from Japan; learn about their patriotism, discipline, good work ethics and good management system. He also emboldened the universities to work closely with the private sector and I was one of those who benefited from this policy. I hope that our students and our staffs would be able to build a human networking with all our friends from Japan,” said UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik in his welcome speech.

Also present were Kobe Male Choir President Toru Yamamoto and Embassy of Japan's director of the Japan Information Service Orikasa Hiroyuki.

                       Yamamoto (left) and Hiroyuki (right) presenting their speech

“Looking back at the beginning, Kobe Choir had only 10 members and now becoming a very big group. Today, 36 members of our choir are here for the 50th anniversary celebration. But that is not the only celebration, it also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relation between Malaysia and Japan,” said Yamamoto.

This event therefore has not been for commercial gain, but rather to develop diplomatic relations between both countries.

From left (front): Moroe, Hiroyuki, Prof Chuah, and Yamamoto

Hiroyuki endorsed Prof Chuah’s remark, “In 1981, Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad has initiated the ‘Look East Policy’ and this policy has contributed a lot to the strong relationship between Malaysia and Japan. I hope that the relationship will be strengthened through these events and activities, based on our trust, mutual understanding and respect.”

He then added, “It is great to know that Malaysia is the first country for the choir’s oversea concert tour, as they commemorate their 50th anniversary. I hope that our Kobe Choir will reach a successful tour and they will widely be recognised throughout Malaysia and Japan after this.”

Meanwhile, UTAR Choir and UTAR Chinese Orchestra were also invited to perform on the stage.

Moroe directing the performance

UTAR Choir Conductor Osamu Moroe said, “UTAR choir students had insufficient time to practise because they had to focus on the study at the same time. They all performed well after all.”

The two choir teams and UTAR Chinese Orchestra performed the grand finale together, singing the Malay song ‘Sejahtera Malaysia’.

UTAR Choir performing their repertoires

Pianist Tomoko

The two Choir teams and UTAR Chinese Orchestra performing together at the grand finale