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On June 15, a master class introducing students to Japan’s traditional musical culture was held at the Romanos Melikyan State Music College. Guests from the Land of the Rising Sun presented national musical instruments, spoke about their history, and demonstrated performance techniques that have been part of Japan’s cultural heritage for centuries.

One of the central instruments featured during the event was the shamisen, a three-stringed plucked instrument which distinctive sound is considered one of the symbols of Japanese music. Students also became acquainted with the shō. Its soft, almost ethereal sound accompanies performances of gagaku, the ancient court music tradition regarded as one of the oldest musical traditions in the world and preserved in Japan to this day.

During the master class, participants listened to traditional Japanese melodies, learned about the role of music in Japanese culture, and had the opportunity to closely examine instruments that are rarely seen in Armenia. The chance not only to hear these instruments but also to observe the performance techniques firsthand generated particular interest.

The musical gathering became a platform for cultural exchange. In response, the Armenian side introduced the guests to a member of the hammered dulcimer family, presenting a part of Armenia’s musical heritage. A symbolic highlight of the event was a joint performance that combined the sounds of the Armenian duduk and the Japanese shamisen. Despite belonging to different musical traditions, the instruments complemented each other harmoniously, demonstrating that the language of music can transcend all boundaries.

According to Varazdat Khachumyan, Director of the Romanos Melikyan State Music College, such initiatives are especially important for fostering cultural dialogue between Armenia and Japan.

“This is yet another symbol of cooperation between two countries with ancient and rich cultures. It is also a bridge for dialogue and a form of collaboration between musicians,” he noted.

The director emphasized that culture remains a universal language of communication among peoples, and that introducing young people to the traditions of other countries helps them better understand and appreciate their own heritage. Such meetings give students an opportunity to see how diverse the world of music is and how much common ground can be found even between cultures separated by thousands of kilometers.

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