<span style="color:#c0392b;"><strong>"A Voice Beyond Borders": Sundari Mica’s 17-Year Cultural Bridge in Nepal</strong></span>
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<p>Born in Tokyo’s Ōta Ward, <strong>Sundari Mica</strong> began her musical journey with a band while studying at Waseda University. A transformative 1993 trip to Nepal introduced her to traditional folk music, inspiring her to master the <em>Ressan Firiri</em> rhythm and later form the <strong>Sundari Band</strong> upon returning to Japan. While working at a publishing company, she continued performing before relocating solo to Kathmandu in 1999 to immerse herself in Nepal’s musical heritage.</p>
Learning from Legends Under the mentorship of Nepal’s iconic vocalist <strong>Mira Rana</strong> and percussion maestro <strong>Nuche Bahadur Dangol</strong>, Mica honed her craft. Her 2003 debut album, <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><em>Sundari, </em>recorded</span> in both Nepali and Japanese- earned critical acclaim, followed by the <strong>Gorkha Dakshina Bahu Medal (4th Class)</strong> in 2004, making her the first Japanese recipient of this royal honor for cultural contributions. <a href="https://sundarimica-nepalsupport.jimdofree.com/%E3%82%B9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%83%AA%E3%83%9F%E3%82%AB%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6/">These achievements drew significant media attention in Japan.</a>

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<strong>Harmonizing Recovery</strong>

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After Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake, Mica composed the anthem <em>Ekata Ko Geet Gaundaai (Uniting Hearts)</em>, organizing charity events across Japan to engage youth from both nations. Her vision extended to education through initiatives like the <strong>Terakoya Project</strong>, fostering cross-cultural exchange for future generations.</p>
<strong>A Beacon for Aspiring Women</strong>

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<p>“Being a professional singer means preserving culture with conviction, not chasing profit,” Mica asserts. True to her name (<em>Sundari</em> translates to “beautiful woman” in Nepali), her cross-border artistry serves as a compass for women navigating diverse paths. “I’ll keep singing for friendship between our nations,” she vows.</p>

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<p><strong>Bridging Communities</strong></p>

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With <strong>6 million Nepalis</strong> (20% of Nepal’s population) working abroad and <a href="https://www.careerlinkfactory.co.jp/blog/nepalese-employment/"><strong>over 118,000 Nepali workers</strong></a> in Japan as of 2022, Mica’s dual role as a cultural ambassador-residing long-term in Nepal while advocating for its culture in Japan-holds exceptional significance.</p>

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<p>Sundari Mica is confirmed to perform at the <a href="https://www.irws.org/"><strong>13th International Red-White Singing Festival</strong> </a>on September 19 at the Osaka-Kansai Expo’s Festival Station, an event promoting cross-cultural exchange through music.</p>

<p>Her efforts at April’s inaugural <a href="https://osaka-ihouse.net/event/2025-4-26-27nepalfeskansai/"><strong>NEPAL FESTA Osaka</strong></a> (April 26–27, 2025) showcased her dedication to fostering mutual understanding amid Japan’s growing Nepali diaspora<span style="font-size: 10.8333px;">.</span></p>

<p><em><span style="color:#3498db;">As a representative of the International Red-White Singing Festival organizing committee, I think Mica continues to leverage music to address cultural gaps. Her work exemplifies the festival’s mission to deepen international ties through artistic collaboration.</span></em></p>

<p><em><span style="color:#3498db;">(By Kazumi Miyazaki, Global Community Editor)</span></em></p>
