To commemorate the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation, the Japan Foundation (JF) organized performances and workshops by the folk song trio MIKAGE PROJECT in Thailand and Malaysia.

Folk songs are music that originated among the common people and passed down to the present day. Rooted in people’s lives and nurtured in reflection of them, folk songs offer a glimpse of the rich local colors and lifestyles of different regions across a country. While the historical backgrounds differ between Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, resulting in different ways of inheriting and developing folk songs, young artists in each country continue to cherish and sing them, carrying their spirits forward.

For MIKAGE PROJECT, whose philosophy is to arrange modern renditions of folk songs from across Japan to convey their charm at home and abroad, this first overseas tour in Thailand and Malaysia was e an opportunity to deepen understanding of the allure, potential, and diversity of folk songs from Japan and these two countries through collaborations with Mor Iam singer Rasmee Isan Soul from Thailand and Asli influenced singer Asmidar from Malaysia. In addition, as a chance to interact with youth who will carry music into the next 50 years, workshops was held for university students,majoring in music and others in each country, sending encouragement for the future through the medium of folk songs.

Presented by: The Japan Foundation (JF) (https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/)
https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/project/culture/perform/oversea/2023/09-01.html

＜Performance Information＞
Organizer The Japan Foundation
In cooperation with ALIVE Co., Ltd.

■MIKAGE PROJECT
Shakuhachi, Shinobue: SATO Koki
Tsugaru shamisen, vocal: ASANO Sho
25-string koto: HONMA Takashi

Producer: NISHIYAMA Eiji
Sound Director: KAJINO Yasunori

■MIKAGE PROJECT ASEAN TOUR 2023 in Thailand with Rasmee Isan Soul
In cooperation with Rasmee Isan Soul, Mahasarakham University
Corporate support by Japan Airlines
Supported by Embassy of Japan in Thailand, Japanese Association in Thailand

■Rasmee Isan Soul
Music Band: Rasmee Wayrana, Yanyong Toraung, Warong Boonaree
Manager: Suebsakul Sathiraboot
Technical Team: Artit Kongpetchalatip, Nawatat Sitisara, Nuttachai Chunhachatchawankul

■MIKAGE PROJECT ASEAN TOUR 2023 in Malaysia with Asmidar
In cooperation with Medulla Network, Universiti Teknologi MARA
Corporate support by Japan Airlines
Supported by Embassy of Japan in Malaysia

■Asmidar
Vocal: Asmidar
Music Band: Birg Claire, MK Ridzuan, Azuan Tarmizi, Mohd Hisharudy Bin Mahmud
Manager: Siti Nor Aishah
Special thanks to UEHARA Aki

Filmed at Mahasarakham University on 20 October, LIDO CONNECT on 22 October, Universiti Teknologi MARA on 24 October and PJPAC on 25 October 2023.
Video produced by one INC.
(ｃ) The Japan Foundation All Rights Reserved

＜Online subtitles＞
English subtitles translation: Brainwoods
Spanish subtitles translation: Brainwoods
Thai subtitles translation: Brainwoods
Malay subtitles translation: Brainwoods