Japanese musician and shamisen performer Yutaka Kikuchi visited Ashgabat recently as part of a cultural exchange program, and shared his admiration for Turkmen musical traditions.
According to Kikuchi, the richness and diversity of Turkmenistan’s musical instruments left a strong impression on him.
“I consider it my duty to emphasize that during the master classes, I gained invaluable knowledge about Turkmenistan’s unique culture and feel deeply grateful for this experience,” he said.
Kikuchi noted striking similarities between Turkmen and Japanese musical instruments, particularly in their design and construction. He observed parallels between Turkmen instruments and the Japanese Koto and Biwa. However, what astonished him the most was the Dutar, which he compared to the shamisen, an instrument he has mastered.
With two decades of experience teaching music, Kikuchi was especially pleased to engage with students and faculty at the Turkmen National Conservatory. He praised the enthusiasm and dedication of Turkmen students.
“It is a great honor for me to hold a master class for talented Turkmen youth and introduce them to the traditions of Japanese culture,” he said.
Alongside Japanese folk dance master Ueda Chiho, Kikuchi conducted a series of master classes at specialized secondary and higher educational institutions in Ashgabat. The visit concluded with a performance at a reception celebrating the birthday of Emperor Naruhito of Japan, a vibrant display of the strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
