Reception for the Zenkyu Ocarina Ensemble
2026/9/29
On 29 September, Ambassador and Mrs. NAKAMURA Koichiro hosted a reception at the Ambassador's residence in honour of the Zenkyu Ocarina Ensemble, led by ocarina player and conductor Mr. SUZUKI Yoshihisa (known professionally as Zenkyu), who were visiting Estonia to hold concerts, along with Estonian guests.
In addition to the members of the Zenkyu Ocarina Ensemble, the reception was attended by Ms. Lii Ainsalu, Activities Coordinator of the Tallinn Co-educational Gymnasium (Tallinna Ühisgümnaasium), which provided the venue for the concert earlier that day, as well as Mr. Heikki Vallaste, President of the Estonia-Japan Association, board members of the Japanese Cultural Society in Estonia, members of the Tallinn University Japanese Club, and local cultural and museum representatives who collaborate with the Japanese cultural festival "Momiji - Japanese Autumn in Estonia 2026".
In his opening remarks, Ambassador NAKAMURA extended a warm welcome to the ensemble, congratulated them on the success of their performance at the Tallinn Co-educational Gymnasium, and expressed his profound gratitude to the Estonian counterparts for providing the venue and contributing to cultural exchange. He also expressed his hope that people-to-people and cultural exchanges through music will further deepen as part of "Momiji".
Following the speeches, a mini-concert by the ocarina ensemble was held, featuring performances of "Sakura Sakura" and "Carrying You" (Kimi o Nosete) by the ensemble, as well as a solo performance of "El Cóndor Pasa" by Mr. Zenkyu, which captivated the audience with the rustic, warm, and beautiful tones of the ocarina.
The attendees enjoyed Japanese cuisine prepared by the Embassy's chef, Mr. KAWANO Kodai, and deepened their friendship. The Embassy will continue to support expanding the network of exchanges between Japan and Estonia through musical and cultural activities.
In addition to the members of the Zenkyu Ocarina Ensemble, the reception was attended by Ms. Lii Ainsalu, Activities Coordinator of the Tallinn Co-educational Gymnasium (Tallinna Ühisgümnaasium), which provided the venue for the concert earlier that day, as well as Mr. Heikki Vallaste, President of the Estonia-Japan Association, board members of the Japanese Cultural Society in Estonia, members of the Tallinn University Japanese Club, and local cultural and museum representatives who collaborate with the Japanese cultural festival "Momiji - Japanese Autumn in Estonia 2026".
In his opening remarks, Ambassador NAKAMURA extended a warm welcome to the ensemble, congratulated them on the success of their performance at the Tallinn Co-educational Gymnasium, and expressed his profound gratitude to the Estonian counterparts for providing the venue and contributing to cultural exchange. He also expressed his hope that people-to-people and cultural exchanges through music will further deepen as part of "Momiji".
Following the speeches, a mini-concert by the ocarina ensemble was held, featuring performances of "Sakura Sakura" and "Carrying You" (Kimi o Nosete) by the ensemble, as well as a solo performance of "El Cóndor Pasa" by Mr. Zenkyu, which captivated the audience with the rustic, warm, and beautiful tones of the ocarina.
The attendees enjoyed Japanese cuisine prepared by the Embassy's chef, Mr. KAWANO Kodai, and deepened their friendship. The Embassy will continue to support expanding the network of exchanges between Japan and Estonia through musical and cultural activities.