The Kyrgyz Republic, a Central Asian nation where over 90% of the land is mountainous and rich in nature.
Since ancient times, nomads have lived here, coexisting with horses, sheep, and the majestic natural landscape.
Many who visited the pavilion at last year's Osaka-Kansai Expo may have learned about this country for the first time!
Now, the folk-rock ensemble "YRKOR (Үркөr)," who performed excellently at the National Day of Kyrgyz Republic during the Expo, will hold their first solo concerts in Japan. They create a new form of Kyrgyz traditional music by blending traditional music with rock and jazz elements.
Experience that moving performance from the Expo once again in Tokyo and Osaka!
Performance Details
Tokyo Performance
Date: February 27, 2026 (Friday) 7:00 PM start (doors open 6:30 PM)
Venue: Akasaka Civic Center Community Hall, 3F Akasaka Community Plaza, 4-18-13 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Inquiries: Japan-Kyrgyz Cultural Exchange Association, Email: ja.ky.culture@gmail.com
Tickets: Unreserved seating: ¥2,000
Osaka Performance
Date: March 1, 2026 (Sunday) Doors open 12:00 PM / Performance starts 1:00 PM
Venue: Lovely Hall, 12-46 Nishidaicho, Kawachinagano City, Osaka 586-0016
Tickets: General > Advance ¥2,500 / Day of ¥3,500 (All unreserved seating)
Students > Advance ¥1,000 / Day of ¥1,500
Inquiries: Arienta Co., Ltd., Tel: 078-862-9779
Ticket Sales: Arienta Online Store https://kyrgyzhoney.shop/
About Kyrgyz Traditional Music
Kyrgyz music, which had been passed down orally since nomadic times, faced a major crisis during the Soviet era. Many traditional instruments were discarded, unique playing techniques were replaced by European-style large orchestras, and the tradition of orally transmitting Kyrgyz's unique culture was in a critical state.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, a man named Nurlanbek stood up to rescue this fading "ethnic memory." He traveled around the country, collecting buried instruments and musical pieces, and rebuilt the lost culture.
Kambar and Emil, the core members of YRKOR, were trained as beloved disciples by Nurlanbek from a young age. The mission they received from their teacher Nurlanbek was: "How do we make the voice of our people, which has been passed down through history, resonate in the present age?" This question became the core of their musical philosophy and led to the birth of the ensemble group "YRKOR (meaning 'cluster of stars' / Pleiades)," formed with young musicians.
Kyrgyz Expo Bazaar at Osaka Performance
At the Osaka performance, "Kyrgyz Expo Bazaar," an official shop where you can purchase some of the Kyrgyz Pavilion exhibits, will be held! You can find the organic, additive-free, unheated "white honey" that was available at the pavilion, snow leopard items, carpets, and more!
Please stop by!
Supporting the Crowdfunding Campaign
A crowdfunding campaign is also underway on Campfire: "Japan x Kyrgyz Music Exchange Project to Connect Kyrgyz Traditional Music to the Future"!
This project will implement a total of four performances: three in Tokyo and Osaka from late February to early March 2026, followed by a triumphant return performance in Kyrgyz. As a new attempt to connect Japanese and Kyrgyz cultures through music, this crowdfunding will not cover all operational costs of the entire project, but will be dedicated to "the important core that determines the quality of the performances and supports the essence of cultural exchange." Combined with ticket revenue and self-funding, your warm support will be carefully utilized for the following purposes.
We would be grateful for your support.
