On 9 January 2009, the 2nd GRIPS International Friendship Concert was held at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) Sokairo Hall.

The concert provided an opportunity for the people of Minato Ward and GRIPS’ students and faculty members to cultivate friendships and appreciate music together. GRIPS co-hosted the concert with the Minato Sports Community Culture and Health Foundation and the Federation of Japan Opera. The people of Minato Ward, the Minato International Association and embassy officials were invited to this event, which was first held in 2008.

At this concert, famous French and Italian operas and festive songs were performed by rising Japanese opera singers including Ms. Tomomi Ishigami (Soprano), Ms. Yayoi Toriki (Mezzo Soprano), Mr. Tatsuya Higuchi (Tenor) and Mr. Hideya Masuhara (Baritone). The singers were accompanied on piano by Ms. Naoko Asano. Commentary provided by Mr. Kiyoshi Igarashi, a famous Japanese tenor singer and the President of Showa Academia Musicae, was enjoyed by the audience. Mr. Igarashi also performed some Japanese songs. The concert ended with some combined singing by the performers and the audience.

A reception following the concert gave many of the performers and attendees a chance to get to know one another.