Renowned Japanese Shamisen Maestro to Mesmerize South Korea

Renowned Japanese Shamisen Player Honjo Hidetaro to Perform in South Korea

Source: Newsis

A national treasure-level shamisen player from Japan, Honjo Hidetaro, is set to captivate audiences in South Korea with his special performance. The Jeonghyo Cultural Foundation and the National Seoul Memorial Park have extended an invitation to Honjo Hidetaro, his disciple Honjo Hidejiro, and Honjo Hideeiji to participate in the “2024 Korea-Japan New Year’s Music Concert.”

Honjo Hidetaro, a master and composer who pioneered the honjo style of shamisen, will take the stage at the Namsan National Theater in Seoul on January 16, 2024. This performance marks his first visit to South Korea in eight years since his invitation by the National Gugak Center in 2016.

Shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument, is played using a unique plectrum called “bachi.” Unlike plucking with fingers, shamisen players strike the strings with the bachi to produce its distinctive sound.

The concert will not only feature Honjo Hidetaro’s performance but also showcase various traditional music performances from both Korea and Japan. Professor Jo Joo-seon from Hanyang University will present the rich cultural heritage of both countries, while Min Young-chi, a third-generation Korean-Japanese musician, will showcase the traditional Korean instrument, sanjo.

The Hwadongjeongjae Art Troupe will mesmerize the audience with traditional court dance called “Pogurak,” and the Joseon Nanggwangdae, led by Lee Soo-hyun, will captivate with the “Udo Seoljanggu.”

The concert has garnered significant attention, with 39 members of the Korea-Japan Friendship Association, including Chairman Jeong Jin-seok, and government officials being invited. Following the Seoul performance, another concert is scheduled for February 16 at the Seoul Cultural Center in Tokyo, promoting further cultural ties between the two countries.

Jeonghyo Cultural Foundation’s representative, Jeonghyo, expressed that this special performance aims to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan in 2024, while also promoting mutual prosperity and cooperation.

This concert serves as a meaningful event celebrating the beauty and creativity of traditional music in Korea and Japan, showcasing the unwavering friendship and cultural bond between the two countries.

For more information, please refer to the original article by Newsis.