Activity Report 1 | Church of St. Naum Gagaku Concerts & Workshops in North Macedonia and Bulgaria

Activity Report 1 | Church of St. Naum
Gagaku Concerts & Workshops in North Macedonia and Bulgaria

We were honored to present a series of Gagaku concerts and workshops across three cities in North Macedonia and Bulgaria, held five times in total, upon invitation from the local Japanese embassies.

This tour began with a dedicatory performance at St. Naum Monastery, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia.

St. Naum Monastery – Dedicatory Performance

This year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and North Macedonia. The performance at St. Naum Monastery was held as part of the official commemorative program, and also as a memorial tribute to the late Ryota Ojika, who devoted himself to fostering friendship between Japan and North Macedonia and sadly passed away in 2021.

Lake Ohrid, situated on the border between North Macedonia and Albania, is the oldest lake in Europe, formed approximately five million years ago. The historic town of Ohrid, once said to have had over 360 churches, was known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.” The region is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for both its natural and cultural significance.

Under a clear autumn sky of deep blue, with the endless horizon of Lake Ohrid and at the foot of Mount Korab, the highest peak in North Macedonia, we presented classical Gagaku repertoire in front of St. Naum Monastery. In addition, we performed the Japanese song “Sakura Sakura” and the well-known Macedonian folk song “Biljana platno beleše” (“Biljana Was Bleaching Linen”), accompanied by dance, with the lake as our backdrop.

Surrounded by the sacred atmosphere of the monastery, the crystal-clear sky, and the serene waters of Lake Ohrid, the dedicatory performance unfolded in a deeply moving setting. Although conceived as an offering, it was warmly witnessed and received by Father Nektariy of the monastery and many visitors present on the day.

The performance also held special significance. Through a connection established in 2019 with the Japan–Macedonia Friendship Association, we came to know the sculptor Ryota Ojika, who had lived near Lake Ohrid and cultivated meaningful relationships with Father Nektariy and members of the local community. With his passing in 2021, the promise to perform at St. Naum remained unrealized—until now. Five years later, we were able to carry forward the baton of friendship he had built, fulfilling that promise in a deeply heartfelt moment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Norika of the Embassy of Japan in North Macedonia for her dedicated efforts in coordinating with the monastery and making this performance possible.

Event Details

Date: October 8, 2024
Venue: St. Naum Monastery, Ohrid, North Macedonia

Performers:

• Motonori Miura (Hichiriki)

• Kanako Nakamura (Ryūteki)

• Junpei Ohtsuka (Shō)

• Hitoshi Usami (Dance)

• Yuka Sawairi (Dance)

Organizer:
General Incorporated Association ENSOPHIA (Presented as SILKROAD JAPAN)

In Cooperation With:
St. Naum Monastery; Embassy of Japan in North Macedonia (Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Japan–North Macedonia Diplomatic Relations)

Grants & Sponsorship:
The Japan Foundation; Tokyo Club Association; Izutsu Planning Co., Ltd.

Photography:
Toru Kara