On January 20, 2012, the Fifth GRIPS International Friendship Concert was held at the Sokairo Hall of GRIPS. The Concert is held every year to provide our students and faculty an opportunity to get to know the local residents, as well as to give our students a rare experience of enjoying excellent Japanese art. Around 280 people attended this year to enjoy an evening of music together. GRIPS co-hosted the concert with the Minato Kiss-port Foundation and Organization of Artists from the Japanese Government Overseas Study Program, sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

The concert featured both Japanese and foreign music, including famous arias performed by four Japanese opera singers – Ms. Katsuko Hirayasu (Soprano), Ms. Akiko Tomioka (Mezzo Soprano), Mr. Katsunori Ambo (Tenor) and Mr. Genta Fujioka (Baritone). Violinist Ms. Yumi Kakehashi also appeared on stage as Ms. Hirayasu’s accompaniment, enticing the audience with the rich sound of the violin. Mr. Tadahiko Hirano, Chairman of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Overseas Artist Program, played the role of MC, introducing the performers and giving the audience brief commentary on the songs.

The audience seemed to enjoy the performances and gave the singers enthusiastic applause and cheers. A simple reception was held following the concert, where GRIPS students and guests enjoyed an opportunity to communicate and to get to know each other better.