Josai University Educational Corporation

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The “Literature and Music Soiree” takes place in the hall of Building No.1 at Josai University’s Tokyo Kioicho Campus

The “Literature and Music Soiree” took place in the hall of Building No.1, Tokyo Kioicho Campus of Josai University Educational Corporation (Chancellor Akira Uehara) on October 6, 2017. In commemoration of the two hundredth anniversary of great poet, Arany János (1817~1882), the event was hosted by the Hungarian embassy, and co-hosted by Josai. Kaláka music group, achieving national popularity in Hungary, rendered many original numbers in addition to nine songs arranged to the contemporary interpretation of Arany Janos’s poems. Around 150 people, Hungarians and others, enjoyed the autumn soiree.
  Students taking Hungarian language classes at Josai International University translated the songs into Japanese under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Kiraly Attila, and handed the printouts to the audience. After the performance, students scheduled to go to Hungary in March next year on a short term exchange program, presented bouquets to the four performers.

Arany János is the most prominent poet in Hungary. In his works, he makes excellent use of more than 23,000 vocabularies. Many of his works are used as compulsory subject at schools, and are considered basic knowledge among Hungarian nationals. In addition to poetry, his ballads are widely known, as is an epic poem “Toldi”, which depicts a story of one strong, ingenuous hero.

Kaláka is a folk music group enjoying national popularity among Hungarians. In addition to playing various classical and folk musical instruments from around the world, the four performers’ voices create a unique and original harmony. Their repertoire amounts to 1,000 numbers. Further, in 2000, which was the group’s 30th anniversary, they won the coveted “Kossuth prize.” The prize is highest honor awarded to artists and contributors to artistic activities in Hungary. They give concerts not only in Hungary but also in various countries around the world. That is the ninth time they have come to Japan, after an eight year hiatus.

Kaláka music group

Kaláka music group

Audience singing along

Audience singing along

With Student taking Hungarian language class

With Student taking Hungarian language class


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