• The musician will be performing again at Alserkal Avenue at 8 p.m on Thursday

Manar Elbaz

DUBAI: Koto player Mai Taniguchi played mesmerizing traditional Japanese songs at Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue on Saturday, captivating the audience with her performance. 

The koto, a traditional musical zither instrument, is considered one of the most popular traditional instruments in Japan and was introduced in the 7th and 8th centuries by China. 

Taniguchi’s performance was part of Alserkal Avenue’s Ramadan program titled ‘Stay a little longer,’ which embraces diverse communities in Dubai. The avenue hosted the cherry blossom ikebana workshop earlier this month. 

During her 30-minute performance, the musician transcended the audience to different eras of Japan with four different pieces, starting with Yatsuhashi Kengyo’s ‘Rokudan no shirabe,’ which is considered one of the most popular koto pieces from the 17th century. 

Additionally, Taniguchi played the Japanese folk song Sakura to shed light on the significance of the spring season in Japan. She followed it with the popular cradle song ‘Takeda Lullaby,’ and concluded her performance with the song ‘Sanka.’ 

The artist told Arab News Japan that she was pleasantly surprised with the audience’s reaction. “I had the most compliments after this performance,” she said. “I think because it is the right setting and the right audience. Alserkal attracts a community that enjoys different styles of art and music.” 

Since settling in Dubai four months ago, Taniguchi has left her corporate job behind to pursue playing the koto full time. “I started playing in Japan. Before (Dubai), I was living in Australia and I was performing, but I never did it full-time. But when I came here with my husband…I wanted a change and follow my true passion,” she told Arab News Japan.

Despite relocating recently, the artist has showcased her musical talent at various events across the United Arab Emirates, such as Fujairah’s Japan Film Days and the Emperor’s birthday reception at the Raffles Hotel, which was hosted by Dubai’s Consul-General IMANISHI Jun. 

The musician is aspiring to create a community of koto lovers in Dubai. “It’s very meaningful that I get to play here,” Taniguchi said. “I imagine not many people have seen the koto, so I’m very thankful for this opportunity.” 

Furthermore, the koto player told Arab News Japan that she is very interested in Arabic musical instruments, especially the qanun. “It looks similar (to the koto) so it’s a good entry into Arab music,” she said. “I’m very interested in learning Arab music in general because it’s very unique and even the scale sounds different.” 

Taniguchi is currently collaborating with other traditional Japanese music artists to put together some unique pieces, which they hope to share in the upcoming months. She is also offering private and group lessons for those interested in learning the koto, which can be found on her website.

The musician will be performing again at Alserkal Avenue at 8 p.m on Thursday.