The Japanese ambassador hosted a dinner reception at his residence for renowned Japanese Gagaku musicians Tsukumo Togi and Masami Togi, who performed imperial court music as part of the ongoing celebration of the 65th anniversary of Japan-Pakistan diplomatic relations.

The Togi family is one of the few noble families that for centuries have been the custodians of the traditional imperial court music known as Gagaku.

Ambassador Takashi Kurai, while welcoming guests, said: “The reception has been held to give you the opportunity to talk to the artists and to interact with them informally.”

He also welcomed a member of the cultural delegation, Sumiko Yanai, the spouse of a former Japanese ambassador posted in Pakistan around 30 years ago.

Masumi Togi said: “It is actually our first time visiting Pakistan and I have found that there is so much cultural background that we share which is not something that is well known in Japan.

The day before yesterday we visited Taxila and saw the ruins with so many beautiful Buddhist statues. I realised that through the Silk Route this culture finally reached Japan and there is a lot for us to share.”

She added that the three instruments of the Gagaku tradition symbolise heaven, earth and everything in between. “Played together, they signify becoming one and represent the universe in entirety.”

Ms Yanai also reminisced about her days in Pakistan. “I could recognize almost nothing. When I lived in the diplomatic enclave there were only four embassies here... Now the enclave is full. I planted two of the Japanese gardens in this residence and the head gardener recognized me from when he was a young man.”

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2017