The 26th Grand Kohaku Uta Gassen in São Paulo: The Largest Singing Event in Brazil's Japanese-Brazilian Community

This annual event, known as the "Grand Kohaku Uta Gassen," is a significant musical celebration held in São Paulo, Brazil, which boasts the world's largest Japanese diaspora community outside of Japan.

Now in its 26th year, this contest aims to preserve and promote Japanese songs and culture among younger generations.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20241209/k10014662161000.html

Event Highlights

The competition features a wide range of participants, aged 5 to over 80, with 64 individuals and groups showcasing their vocal talents this year. Contestants perform various Japanese songs, primarily focusing on popular music and enka, while dressed in elaborate costumes.

Cultural Significance

This event is a crucial platform for maintaining Japanese language skills and cultural awareness among the Japanese-Brazilian community. It provides an opportunity for participants to connect with their heritage through music, fostering a sense of cultural identity and continuity

"Kita no Gyoba."

Yuuji Morita, 12, showcased his talent by performing Saburo Kitajima's hit song "Kita no Gyoba." He expressed his deep affection for Enka music, stating that the emotions conveyed in the genre resonate strongly with him, which is why he enjoys singing it. Yuuji has clear aspirations for the future: he aims to become a professional singer. He dreams of going to Japan and singing alongside his idol, Saburo Kitajima."Kita no Gyoba" is one of Kitajima's signature songs, released in 1977. The lyrics were written by Kaoru Shinjo, and the music was composed by Seiichi Sakurada. This song is widely recognized as a classic enka piece and is cherished within the Japanese-Brazilian community. Yuuji's enthusiasm exemplifies how the Japanese musical culture is being passed down to younger generations in Brazil. His participation highlights the goals of the "Kohaku Uta Gassen" event held in São Paulo, which seeks to preserve and promote the Japanese language and culture among the community.

Tadao Ebihara (75), the organizer of the event, stated: "Among the younger generations of Japanese-Brazilians, fewer people are trying to learn Japanese. We want to continue this event because it provides an opportunity for them to become familiar with Japanese language and culture through songs."Ebihara's comments highlight the challenges faced by the Japanese-Brazilian community in maintaining their cultural heritage. The Grand Kohaku Uta Gassen in São Paulo serves as a vital platform for preserving Japanese language skills and cultural awareness among younger generations. By organizing this singing competition, Ebihara and his team aim to:

1. Encourage interest in Japanese language learning
2. Promote Japanese cultural traditions
3. Create a connection between younger Japanese-Brazilians and their heritage

The event's continuity is seen as crucial for fostering a sense of cultural identity and ensuring that the Japanese language and customs remain relevant within the community. Through music, the organizers hope to inspire a new generation to engage with their Japanese roots, even as traditional language learning methods become less popular.　    (quoted from NHK website）

The 26th Grand Kohaku Uta Gassen in São Paulo was held at the auditorium of the Brazil-Japan Welfare Association.

The event was organized by Group Friends (NPO Cultural Welfare Association). After the opening remarks by Mr. Ebihara, the representative of the organizing group, congratulatory messages were delivered by several distinguished guests:

• The president of the Brazilian Song Federation
• The president of the Japan-Brazil Parliamentary League

Additionally, video messages were presented from:

• Mr. Miyazaki, representative of the International Kohaku Uta Gassen Executive Committee
• Mr. Mizohata, Director General of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

These messages conveyed their best wishes and support for the event, highlighting its significance in promoting cultural exchange and preserving Japanese heritage within the Brazilian-Japanese community.

Hiroshi Mizohata: After serving as the representative director of Oita Football Club and the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, he has been the President of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau since 2015.

The event was held for the first time in three years, and it concluded successfully, celebrating the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil in 2025, highlighting the cultural friendship between the two nations.

The 7th Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival: Okinawa Connected with the World

The Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival held for the first time in six years, took place from October 31 to November 1, 2022. This unique international event, occurring every five years, brings together representatives of 400,000 immigrants with Okinawan roots from around the world. This year's festival was particularly memorable as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan.

The festival's theme song was "Utarana Odorana" (Let's Sing and Dance).

 

On the first day, groups of returnees from Brazil, Hawaii, and other countries participated in a parade on Kokusai Street. Many members of the Worldwide Uchinanchu Business Network also joined. It was impressive to see many Okinawans warmly welcoming the participants with phrases like "Welcome back" from the sidelines.

The opening ceremony featured karate demonstrations by world champions and brought together significant figures such as Luis Ishikawa, the Venezuelan ambassador born in Okinawa 50 years ago, David Ige, the Governor of Hawaii, and student ambassadors from various countries, all affirming the importance of this gathering.

The event was further enlivened by showcases of Okinawan cultural exports like karate and the Ryukyu koto, presentations on the Okinawa Peace Prize, and introductions to the staff of the 2023 Basketball World Cup to be held in Okinawa.

Participants from Peru, Guatemala, Bolivia, Taiwan, Hawaii, and the UK shared their thoughts on the importance of this event. Many have been actively promoting Okinawan culture through karate, sanshin, and other traditions in their respective countries.Interviewees expressed joy at returning to Okinawa, describing it as a heart-warming "Chimu dondon" (exciting) experience, like meeting old friends. Thomas Sakuma from Hawaii, who has been attending since the second festival 27 years ago, noted the development of Okinawa and the increasing diversity of returnees with each iteration.

The strength of the Uchinanchu people, who value Okinawa's unique culture and have firmly rooted themselves in countries worldwide, seems to stem from their distinctive openness and sense of solidarity, embodied in the phrase "Ichariba chōdē" (Once we meet, we're brothers and sisters). The next festival is scheduled for 2027, five years from now.

https://www.qab.co.jp/news/20221103157480.html

 

 What is the Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival?

The Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival is a unique and progressive event that brings together people with Okinawan roots from all over the world, much like a large family reunion. Here's an overview of this significant gathering:

Purpose and History

The Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival aims to:

• Honor the achievements of Okinawan descendants worldwide
• Expand and develop the "Uchina Network" through exchanges with Okinawa residents
• Reaffirm participants' roots and identity in their ancestral homeland
• Pass on Okinawan culture and heritage to future generations

Background

• Okinawa has a rich history of emigration spanning over a century
• Approximately 420,000 people of Okinawan descent (known as "Uchinanchu") live abroad
• Okinawan immigrants have overcome hardships and maintained strong ties to their homeland

Key Aspects of the Festival

• Held every five years in Okinawa
• Features cultural workshops, stage shows, and welcome events in various municipalities
• Includes exhibitions on Okinawan immigration history and cultural exchange events
• Promotes understanding of Okinawa's unique soft power (culture, traditional arts, history, language, customs, and nature)

Objectives

1. Strengthen the Uchina Network and deepen bonds among Uchinanchu
2. Encourage younger generations to explore opportunities abroad
3. Promote understanding of diverse cultures and Okinawa's peace-loving spirit
4. Showcase Okinawa as an international tourist destination and its local products

Significance

The festival coincides with the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan, making it a particularly momentous occasion. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange, identity reinforcement, and the continuation of Okinawan traditions worldwide

This year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan, the "7th Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival" is generating great excitement. Although not widely known in mainland Japan, this is a very progressive and warm event where people with Okinawan roots living around the world gather like a large family. It's a once-in-five-year opportunity. I will also participate as an observer for three days starting from October 30.

(Kazumi Miyazaki, Organizer of Global Community)　

https://wuf2022.com/ja/about/

The International Red and White Singing Festival (Kokusai Kohaku Utagassen) is a musical event that promotes international exchange and mutual understanding. In this unique format, Japanese participants sing in foreign languages while non-Japanese participants perform songs in Japanese.

This event draws inspiration from Japan's traditional New Year's Eve program, "Kohaku Utagassen," but with an international twist. The festival typically divides participants into two teams regardless of race, nationality, and gender.

The primary goals of the International Red and White Singing Festival are:

1. To foster cross-cultural appreciation through music
2. To create a platform for international exchange
3. To build a compassionate society that transcends ethnic, national, and gender boundaries

Many foreigners living in Japan and international students are working hard to contribute positively to Japanese society. Through this event, organizers aim to create an inclusive environment where people from diverse backgrounds can unite and build a brighter future for Japan.

The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan aims to foster cultural understanding and international exchange through music. Japanese participants will sing foreign songs, while international participants will perform Japanese songs, creating a unique platform for cross-cultural appreciation

Event Details (quoted from the 2024 event)

Objective: To expand international networks through music and create a welcoming atmosphere for global visitors in Osaka

.Performance Structure:

• Approximately 20 acts, including individuals and groups
• Performers are divided into two teams, regardless of gender, competing in a format similar to Japan's famous Red and White Singing Festival.

Musical Diversity:

• Genres: J-POP, anime songs, enka, and various others
• Japanese participants will sing in English, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and other languages
• International acts include Brazilian music groups and gospel choirs
• Other performances which inspired by the concept of IRWS.

Additional Features

Cultural Exchange Activities:

• Fashion show utilizing recycled clothing, aligning with SDG concepts
• Hula dance performances featuring arrangements of Japanese songs
• "Radio Taiso" (Japanese radio calisthenics) sessions with international participants

Grand Finale:

• All performers and volunteers will gather on stage
• Audience participation in a mass chorus
• Live streaming of the event to a global audience

This event at the Expo site aims to create a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that welcomes visitors worldwide while promoting cultural exchange through the universal language of music.

The International Red and White Singing Festival (IRWS) and the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 are being promoted through a multifaceted approach that combines cultural exchange, volunteer activities, and international outreach.

Volunteer Activities

Since April 2022, a group of dedicated university and high school students has been conducting volunteer activities on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month

 These activities include:

• Learning about the excellence of Japanese culture
• Providing English-language guided tours of Osaka Castle and Houkoku Shrine

Over 60 participants have completed the initial training in Osaka, and the number is expected to grow with support from Osaka City and Osaka Metropolitan University Volunteer Center.

Expo 2025 Involvement

The volunteer activities will continue during the Expo, with participants sharing the excitement of the Osaka-Kansai Expo with foreign tourists.

 Many of these volunteers are also involved with the IRWS and the Expo.

International Red-White Singing Festival

The IRWS is actively promoting cultural exchange and the Expo through various initiatives:

1. Global Reach: Holding events not only in Japan but also in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil, inviting outstanding performers to Osaka.
2. Live Streaming: The Osaka event will be broadcast live worldwide, increasing global exposure.
3. Collaboration: Working with the Osaka-Kansai Expo's radio calisthenics group and Children's EXPO to enhance the welcoming atmosphere for international visitors.
4. TEAMEXPO Challenge: The IRWS is registered as part of the TEAMEXPO Co-Creation Challenge, aligning its goals with the Expo.
5. Multilingual Performances: Japanese participants sing in foreign languages while international participants perform in Japanese, fostering mutual understanding.

By combining these efforts, the IRWS and the volunteer activities create a strong foundation for promoting the festival and the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, emphasizing cultural exchange, international understanding, and the warm welcome awaiting visitors to Osaka.

The International Red and White Singing Festival (IRWS) aims to evolve into an event similar to Okinawa's Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival but focused on welcoming people with Japanese roots to mainland Japan, particularly in Osaka. The future goals of the IRWS beyond the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 include:

1. Creating an "International Uchinanchu Festival" for mainland Japan, warmly welcoming those with Japanese heritage, including those who may not speak Japanese.
2. Expanding the event to include and celebrate not only those with Japanese roots but also foreign nationals with an affinity for Japan.
3. Strengthening connections with Japanese diaspora communities worldwide, estimated at 4.5 million people, including 300,000 living in Japan.
4. Deepening collaboration with Japanese karaoke organizations in countries with significant Japanese populations, such as Brazil, the United States, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, and China.
5. Using music and cultural performances to bridge generations and maintain Japanese cultural heritage among descendants living abroad.
6. Fostering international relations and cultural exchange between Japan and countries with large Japanese diaspora populations, as exemplified by the successful collaboration with São Paulo in the 12th IRWS.
7. Providing a platform for Japanese descendants to showcase their preservation of Japanese culture, as demonstrated by Paula Hirama's performance in Brazil.
8. Utilizing the momentum gained from the Osaka-Kansai Expo to strengthen ties between Osaka and cities like São Paulo, and more broadly between Japan and countries with significant Japanese populations.

The IRWS aims to foster relationships with both incoming foreign residents and the global Japanese diaspora, recognizing the importance of maintaining connections with Japanese communities worldwide while promoting international exchange within Japan.

Kyoto Music Festival 2024

Connecting people through heartfelt songs

Discovering the beauty of Japanese through numerous heart-touching J-POP songs.

On March 3rd, Kyoto Music Festival 2024 took place at the Concert Hall in Joyo City Cultural Center Kyoto Prefecture. This event was held to commemorate the relocation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs to Kyoto.

The first half was energized by performances from asobiyoshi and Big Mouth Brass Band. Following them, the stage was taken over by Human note, led by artist HitoshiTerao.

As the season welcomes new encounters, uplifting songs encouraging and cheering on people, and songs urging us to strive together, filled the air.

I happened to learn about this event through a post from my acquaintance, Mr. Terao from Human note, and decided to visit. It seemed that he also guided the general choir participants.

When I heard my favorite song "You are my Joy" by Human note after a long time, the faces of many people I've been grateful for came to my mind, and my heart filled with gratitude.

The latter part featured Chris Hart, who won the "Nodojiman the! World" singing contest for foreigners singing Japanese and later debuted as a singer. His stage was followed by the main stage performance where Chris Hart sang alongside 50 individuals selected from the audience.

The packed venue included students, families, seniors, and people with roots abroad, among others. It seemed like everyone overlaid their memories and emotions onto the numerous songs sung.

Music is a wonderful culture that connects people from the past, present, and future.

Seeing everyone leaving the venue with such satisfaction, I felt excited for the new beginnings ahead.

《 Editor of Globalcommunity Kazumi Miyazaki》

The 11th International Red and White Singing Festival(IRWS)

Thank you to everyone who supported us.

IRWS is a music event promoting international exchange through Japanese singing in foreign languages and foreigners singing in Japanese. We successfully concluded the 11th edition with great enthusiasm.

Event Overview:

Date and Time: November 19, 2023, 13:30-17:00
Venue: Minoh Cultural Exchange Center, 6-3-1 Minoh, Osaka 562-0001, Japan
Support: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan-ASEAN Center, Overseas Japanese Association, Study Abroad Support Consortium Osaka
Sponsors: City Housing Corporation, Handy Network International Corporation

= Partner Companies and Organizations =

ICHII Corporation, Global Trust Networks Co., Ltd., Eisei Hospital, Japan Mind-Body Functional Activation Therapy Instructors Association, Oakhouse Co., Ltd. EMUROKU Corporation, Exing Co., Ltd.

Radjin (General Incorporated Association) / Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) / Osaka International Exchange Center (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) / Music for SDGs Humming for PEACE

Yamamoto Gakuen School / Nihongo Platto

LPK Bahana Inspirasi Muda (Indonesia)
Cebu Music Learning Center (Philippines)
Brazilian Business Group - ASIA (Japan-Brazil)

Organizer: International Red and White Singing Festival Executive Committee

This event served as the final event of the first-ever "Study Abroad Student Week," initiated from November 13 to 20 to deepen the exchange between international students and Japanese people (organized by the Study Abroad Support Consortium Osaka). It was held at the Minoh Cultural Exchange Center in Osaka and connected online with Cebu and Sao Paulo.

Participants from 11 countries and regions, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Macao, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and Japan, gathered, including performers and volunteers both at the Osaka venue and online.
 

　

　

Host: Sunny Francis, a popular TV and radio personality with 32 years in Japan, and a former Indian international student.
Assistant: Representing student volunteers, Mayo Inoue, a 3rd-year student from Osaka University's School of Foreign Studies.
Opening: Kicked off with the support song "Asian Gateway Osaka"

After that, the enthusiasm of the 13 participants continued to heat up. Later on, people from overseas sang songs J-pop like "Marigold," "Melody," and the theme from "Demon Slayer" in Japanese. Japanese participants showcased Thai and English songs.

Guest Singer: Tatsuya Kitagawa, Minoh J-POP Ambassador, made a special appearance. 

The finale saw Mr. Mizohata, Chairman of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, singing "WE ARE THE WORLD" along with international students, all performers, volunteers, and staff involved.

Special Performances: Included the Osaka Kansai Expo TEAMEXPO's "1 Million People Radio Calisthenics" and a performance by the Osaka Castle Red Guard (a cleaning volunteer group).

Online connections with Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Cebu (Philippines), featuring guest singer videos and a Zoom connection with Ebihara, Chief Judge of the Sao Paulo Nikkei Karaoke Association, introducing local karaoke culture. Followed by a connection with Cebu Music Learning Center, which supported the event in 2017-2018, discussing future collaboration.

Recognition:

Two students from Indonesian medical universities, selected through Indonesian qualifiers, were invited. One student, Naya, received the Osaka Convention &Tourism Bureau Director's Award. The Indonesian Ministry of Health reported the warm reception of Japanese society towards healthcare professionals.

Insights from Local Representatives:

According to local representative Haruyama, who supported the Indonesian qualifiers, the global competition for caregiving and nursing talents is intensifying. Despite the relative decline in Japan's attractiveness due to a weaker yen compared to Germany and Saudi Arabia, Japan emphasizes its solid reception infrastructure and welcoming atmosphere.

Volunteer Involvement:

High school and university volunteers, including six English volunteer guides from Osaka Castle and Hokoku Shrine, 15 Vietnamese students from Osaka University of Economics, and four Japanese students from Osaka Public University, actively supported the event. They experienced the joy and challenges of international exchange and event coordination.

The six student interpreter volunteers took on various roles, serving as ambassadors for the International Red and White Singing Festival. They engaged in promotional activities, such as radio appearances and promoting the event at the Children's EXPO. On the event day, they assisted as assistants to the hosts, conducting interviews with participants in both Japanese and English.

The event plans to continue regular online meetups with participants and volunteers from Cebu and Sao Paulo. Building on the success of online interactions, efforts will be made to deepen connections between guest participants, Japanese participants, and volunteers, aiming to create an online community for the International Red and White Singing Festival in preparation for next year's event on November 17, 2024, at Maple Hall in Minoh City.

Event Coverage and Publication

Pre-event PR:

Children's EXPO Feature: "Let's Talk About Osaka-Kansai Expo and SDGs"
Provided by Nishio Rent-All Co., Ltd.
Event Participation: October 28

FM Kobe KISSFM - Guest Appearance on VANDY's "What's Going On"

Guest appearance on VANDY's show, "What's Going On," on November 12.

　

Event Coverage and Publication

Pre-event PR:

Minoh FM816 - Ongaku no Susume (Music Recommendations) - November 3
https://fm.minoh.net/program/onsusu/

Event Coverage:

Newspaper Coverage: Yomiuri Shimbun (Published on November 20) & Yomiuri Online

ABC Radio - Sunny Francis's Masala Radio (18-21h) - November 19

Sunny Francis, who hosted the event, humorously covered the International Red and White Singing Festival on his radio show for over 10 minutes.
https://abcradio.asahi.co.jp/masararadio/

Jimoto Topics on JCOM (Osaka Area) - November 25-December 1

https://www2.myjcom.jp/special/jch/jimotopi/

A local information program, "Jimoto Topics," was broadcast three times a day from November 25 to December 1 on JCOM in the Osaka area.
Jimoto Topics Link
Featured on Minoh FM816's "Minoo NOW" program on November 27 and 28.
https://now.minoh.net/

https://now.minoh.net/2023/11/19/id_1837

Social Media Coverage:

Participants, friends, and acquaintances shared event details in various languages on numerous SNS platforms.

Example1:A video digest created by Filipino participants

Example2:A video digest created by Indonesian participants

During International Student Week 2022 "11/12-11/20", the popular sushi-making "Nigiri Sushi Experience" was held at Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka.

International students from all over the world enjoyed the first experience of their lifetime.

(Challenging sushi using conger eel and cucumber from Osaka)

The custom of eating raw fish has spread around the world as sushi became popular worldwide.

you can find sushi restaurants all over the world, but the experience of making it is very valuable.

Making sushi was an unforgettable and valuable experience for international students studying in Japan.

At first, they practiced making sushi with chikuwa(fishcake) over and over again, and when they got the hang of it, they use real fish.

(Korean students of Tsuji Culinary Institute helping int'l students to experience making sushi)

Int'l students who are learning about Japanese cuisine experience the role of a teacher.

They were conveying the charm of Japanese food from the same int'l student's point of view.

'Experience making sushi and arranging them beautifully'

It was delicious together with red dashi made from the best Ichiban-dashi (first brewing of soup stock)

The student from the United States enjoying the experience

European female international students are enthusiastic about making sushi!!

 Vietnamese student "Well done even for the first time"

Chinese student ' Challenge sushi business in the future? '

Sushi is booming even in the Islamic world!

Malaysian student says ' it was easier than I thought. '

We were treated to sushi made by international students.

The conger eel was also excellent.

Thank you to all the senior international students and teachers at Tsuji Culinary Institute for the great assistance.

  (Gratitude from participating international students)

 

“Washoku: traditional food culture of the Japan” has been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Japanese cuisine can be said as the culmination of Japanese culture, such as its cooking method, presentation, and beauty of tableware,

If you are familiar with Japanese culture

Off course you all know "Sushi SUSHI" and "Tempura TEMPURA".

Through this kind of "nigiri sushi" experience, Hopefully the awareness of Japanese food culture spread among international students.

Considering as Int'l exchange program, this "Nigiri sushi experience", of students of Tsuji Culinary Institute and int'l students have the potential to become a new type of entertainment, where you can eat the sushi you made.

There is also another entertaining tempura-making experience in December.

 

The 10th International Red and White Singing Festival (IRWS)

were held by connecting 5 countries  

Japanese sing in a foreign language, Non-Japanese sing in Japanese, 

IRWS is a new way to promote mutual understanding of different cultures by singing

together.

《Date and time》 November 20, 2021, 15: 30-18: 30

《Place》 Hagoromo Gakuen / Lecture Hall 1-11-57 Higashihagoromo,

Takaishi City, Osaka 592-0003

<< Authorized by >> 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau,

ASEAN-Japan Centre.

The Association of Nikkei & Japanese Abroad

 << Sponsored by>> 

『TopTop real estate company in Ota-Ward in Tokyo』 

City Housing Co., Ltd. 

『Grow and Learn together with Social Residence』

Oak House Co., Ltd.

------------------------------------

＊＊Partner companies/organizations＊＊

Ichi Co., Ltd.

Global Trust Networks Co., Ltd. 

Eisei Hospital, 

Japan Mental and Physical Function Activation Therapy Instructor Association

XING Inc.

 << Organizer >> International Red and White Singing Festival Executive Committee

This event is held as the venue of called "International Student Week" (sponsored by the International Student Support Consortium Osaka), which is the first in Japan, starting from November 13 to 20 to deepen exchanges between international students and Japanese people. It was held online by connecting the stage in Osaka and Cebu, Bali, Sao Paulo, Tokyo.

 

*Number of event participants

Approximately 150 participants (Hagoromo Gakuen Auditorium, Osaka)

Participants from 13 countries and regions including Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Inner Mongolia, China, Russia, Brazil, Japan.

*The number of　viewers:

Approximately 1000 in real-time. Access has continued to grow, reaching 2500 counts (as of Dec 15th). By December 22, an e-mail newsletter will be delivered to 15,000 people in Japanese and English. Therefore, it is expected to be accessed about 10000 counts as a whole by the end of the year.

 

MC is Sunny Francis, a former international student from India. And he is  Kansai's popular TV/radio personality who has been in Japan for 35 years. Ryoko Yuasa, a 4th year student at Kwansei Gakuin University, acted as an assistant.

MC , Sunny Francis, and Ryoko Yuasa emphasized:

『Only one thing we want your favor. please send big applause and cheers to performers』

『IRWS is not for competition. IRWS is for praise for all performers 』

The opening started with "Asian Gateway Osaka", a cheering song for IRWS in Osaka, and it was followed by  "Smile and HAPPY VOICE".composed for Japanese learners.

 

After that, the student from Myanmar sang "365 days of paper airplanes" and "nada so so" in Japanese, and Japanese participants sang Korean, Thai, Swedish, and English songs. 

Chairman Mizohata of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau also sang "WE ARE THE WORLD" with international students to encourage them.

 

　　

    The IRWS 2018 Cebu winner (Philippines)     The IRWS 2018 in Bali winner (Indonesia) 　

In the second half, the IRWS 2018 in Bali winner (Indonesia), the 2018 Cebu winner (Philippines), Sao Paulo (Brazil), and Tokyo were connected and introduced, 

Prepared videos of the guest singers were played at the venue, and they were so happy to see them. Keisha (17 years old) is already active as a singer and wants to study music in Japan.

 

Although unofficial, a pre-exchange meeting was held only for online participants, although performers who have geographically separated, made good friends by sharing their interest in Japan and listening to each other's songs.

TV coverage began a few days before the show, and three cameras were on the day, and many overseas participants were interviewed. It seems that it would have been a good memory for the participants.

This time, the state of emergency was lifted one and a half months before the event, so most of the participants' adjustments and volunteer meetings were done online. live-streaming on YOUTUBE was also done.

We plan to hold regular online social gatherings with the participating members and volunteers to promote efforts to shorten the physical distance and create a friendly  IRWS community online for next year.

 Special guest from Philippines

        （polarのAshley＆Faith）

“polar” (Ashely & Faith)  graduated from the popular group MNL48 (Philippines version of AKB48) also took into consideration their activities in Japan, and for this day, they practiced Japanese songs and made a friendship appearance online.

Special guest from Tokyo 

Miho Ogata (緒方美穂) World tour of Folk song：Turkey version) She is the main vocalist of the group called 『ORINOVIVO』, which plays world folk songs of more than 25 countries. Their concert is said to be The world tour of folk song music.

Two online participants from San Paulo, Brazil

 

In addition, there were two online participants from Brazil this time, but they learned about this event and participated with the introduction of the Nikkei Karaoke Association (registered members of about 100,000) in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

We had a lot of online meetings in advance with Mr. Ebihara, who has been the representative for 25 years since the Asso. was founded. In the future, we confirmed that we will create closer relationships with each other. We will continue to interact with each other in order to have representatives at each event. São Paulo is also a sister city of Osaka,

We hope to promote "song exchange" with Sao Paulo, Brazil, the home country of many Japanese Emigrants, and create an atmosphere where many people will come to Japan at the 2025 Osaka Expo.

 

●Media coverage

 

1: national newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun (21st Nov)

 

２：FM Kobe　KISSFM　Interviewed at “ VANDY what's going on”（7th Nov）

　　Mc Sunny Francias’  radio program at Radio ABC　(14th & 21th Nov)

 

３：Internet media: Kansai Chiniese Times ,kabun jihou,zaikei newspaper,and many others

 

4:　TV Tokyo 『YOUは何しに日本へ』( What do you want to do in Japan?)

  Very popular long-lasting TV program    ( On Air date is not fixed yet.)

TV crew brought 3 cameras and spent 3 days taking a movie, many Non-japanese contestants have been interviewed. They had very good memorable experiences.

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I would like to invite my friends in Visayas once again, especially those who are in CEBU, to please join this event which will be held in AYALA Center in August. this is a very awesome experience! Those who can sing Japanese songs are very much welcome! 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1981850132045752/permalink/1987131208184311/?action_history[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22timeline%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A[]%7D]&pnref=story

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