Introducing the Beauty of Angklung to Japan's Young Generatio

Thepresidentpost.id - Osaka, Japan - Coinciding with World Angklung Day, the Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka held the Indonesia Goes to School (IGS) program which introduced Indonesia to elementary school students (SD) and teachers in Japan through traditional angklung musical instruments on Thursday (11/16) at Ichi Elementary School, Sakai, Japan.  This activity was carried out with the full support of the Sakai City Education Office and the Kobe-Indonesia Society (KIS). 

Through angklung, Mr. Kunioki Morii from KIS as a facilitator explained that angklung shows a symbol of harmony and mutual cooperation that is characteristic of Indonesian society. "Each angklung represents a different sound and tone. But when played collectively and together, angklung will produce a beautiful orchestra," Morii-san explained to the students.

"Just like angklung, in the midst of various differences, such as ethnicity, culture, and even language, Indonesian people still prioritize coexistence in harmony", explained the Coordinator of the Social Affairs Section of the Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka, Mr. Andy Laksmana, accompanied by the Junior Consul, Widio Wize AZ, and along with the staff of the Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka.

With great joy, about 60 students and teachers of grade 3 of SD Ichi played the traditional Indonesian musical instrument for the first time. The students were very happy to practice popular songs among Japanese children with angklung, such as "Sampo" by Tonari no Totoro, "Kiyoshi Kono Yoru", "Furusato", and "Eidelweiss"; and the Indonesian song "Nona Manis". 

Mrs. Tomomi Ichikawa, Principal of Ichi Elementary School saw that her students were enthusiastic about getting acquainted with Indonesia and learning the angklung musical instrument. He hopes that this activity will open horizons and foster students' interest in interacting with Indonesia and the world.

After the event, Morii-san said that angklung is an interesting musical instrument and can be played by children and seniors. Morii-san hopes that other Japanese people can get to know angklung better. In this event, the students of SD Ichi Sakai seemed very excited and good at playing angklung even though it was their first experience.

The Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka regularly visits elementary to upper level schools in the working area to introduce and promote Indonesia to the younger generation in Japan. Among the activities carried out, namely learning angklung, cooking classes, and performing arts and culture.