The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo supports the Balinese cultural festival initiated by the Japanese arts community

Jakarta (National Archipelagic Wire) - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Tokyo supports the holding of a Balinese cultural festival initiated by the Japanese arts community, Geinoh Yamashirogumi, as a means of diplomacy to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Japan.

The 48th Geinoh Yamashirogumi Kecak Festival was held in Shinjuku, Tokyo, from 29 July to 2 August 2026. The event featured traditional Balinese music, such as jegog and gamelan, as well as a number of traditional dances such as Legong and Kecak, involving more than 100 art practitioners.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo is ready to support every activity that is held. We hope that this festival will continue to be held as a symbol of cultural harmony and inspire closer collaboration between the two nations," said Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Nurmala Kartini P. Sjahrir in a statement received in Jakarta, Friday.

He appreciated Geinoh Yamashirogumi and the entire festival committee for their commitment to introducing the richness of Indonesian performing arts to the Japanese people.

He also assessed that this arts group had made a major contribution to strengthening friendship between Indonesia and Japan through the cultural sector.

"This year's festival is even more special, because it brings together Indonesian artists, especially from Bali, with talented performers from Japan, Georgia and Bulgaria," he said.

Accompanied by the Coordinator of the Social and Cultural Information Function of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Muhammad Al Aula, Ambassador Nurmala was present to witness the festival directly on Thursday (30/7) along with more than 500 spectators.

Geinoh Yamashirogumi Executive Director Akira Yajima is optimistic that the Kecak Festival can act as an important platform to promote cultural exchange and deepen understanding and friendship between Indonesia and Japan.

"For half a century since its inauguration in 1976, the Kecak Festival has been dedicated to bringing the richness of Indonesian performing arts to audiences in Japan... Sounds and rhythms, overlapping voices, collective choreography, all of this is guided by unspoken perceptions," he added.