Musicians from both countries wear hanbok and kimono while playing traditional instruments from their countries in a special performance. (Courtesy of National Gugak Center)

Korea and Japan will celebrate the 60th anniversary of normalizing their diplomatic relations next year. During this year’s March First Independence Movement Day ceremony at the Yu Gwan-sun Memorial Hall in Seoul, President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized that if the two countries build trust through mutual exchanges and cooperation, they could “usher in a new and brighter future for our bilateral relations.”

Korea and Japan have long engaged in various cultural exchanges, such as art exhibitions, film festivals and concerts. Music diplomacy, in particular, has played a crucial role in fostering dialogue and connecting people from the two countries.  

The “2024 Korea-Japan Exchange Concert,” which took place from March 20 to 26 in various locations in Korea, was the latest effort to strengthen bilateral ties at the grassroots level. Hosted by the Min-On Concert Association, a musical and cultural organization founded by Daisaku Ikeda to promote artistic exchange, the concert reunited young traditional musicians from Korea and Japan who met at an event in Tokyo last year. 

This year’s performances showcased a blend of traditional and innovative music from both countries. One highlight was when Korean and Japanese musicians came together to perform collaborations. The audience was delighted to hear joint performances of popular songs like “Arirang Yeongok” and “A Plum Blossom.” Both received a positive reception during last year’s show in Tokyo as well. The concert also featured a harmonious combination of traditional instruments from both nations, such as zithers (the 12-string gayageum and 13-string koto) and bamboo flutes (the daegeum and shakuhachi). These respective Korean and Japanese instruments have their own unique histories, designs and sounds.

The 2024 Korea-Japan Exchange Concert began at the National Gugak Center in Seoul (March 20), passed through the National Folk Music Center in Namwon (March 23) and ended at the Busan National Gugak Center (March 26). 

The concerts highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts of the two countries to transcend their differences and seek common ground. Since assuming office, President Yoon has made improving ties with Japan a priority. On March 16, 2023, he became the first Korean leader to visit Japan in four years. The resulting agreement with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida initiated the resumption of “shuttle diplomacy” so important issues can be discussed in person as soon as they arise.

Korean and Japanese musicians perform "One Plum Blossom," a joint collaboration. (Courtesy of Busan National Gugak Center)

President Yoon has also emphasized strategic regional interests that Korea and Japan share. His focus has spawned joint efforts to address North Korea’s nuclear program and to maintain stability in Northeast Asia. Indeed, during his March 1 speech, President Yoon stated that, “Sharing the values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law, our two countries have become partners in the pursuit of common interests for global peace and prosperity.”

With the 60th anniversary of the normalization of relations coming up next year, bilateral ties are widely expected to grow. The Yoon administration, for its part, recently announced that it will explore the possibility of the two countries issuing a new joint statement to commemorate the anniversary. As relations expand through next year’s commemoration, music diplomacy and other grassroots efforts will continue to play a significant role in improving relations between Korea and Japan.