On Thursday, October 23, 2025, as part of the Alumni Association’s “Intercultural Experience Program,” participants attended the 45th Anniversary Concert of Yokohama Inochi no Denwa: Hideki Togi – The Millennium Illusion of Gagaku, at Yokohama Kannai Hall.

Renowned gagaku performer Hideki Togi, known for blending ancient Japanese court music with modern sounds, opened the concert with two fellow musicians in traditional Heian-period attire. One female musician wore a junihitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono), immediately filling the hall with Heian-era elegance.

The first half featured classical gagaku compositions played on instruments like the shō (mouth organ), ryūteki (bamboo flute), and hichiriki (double reed), some of which have been in use for over 1,400 years. Mr. Togi’s engaging explanations helped international students unfamiliar with gagaku enjoy the music fully.

The second half transformed the stage as Togi returned in modern attire, joined by his son on guitar and a pianist. They performed a thrilling mix of a Japanese school song, Studio Ghibli themes, Demon Slayer’s Homura, French chansons, tango, and J-pop classics—all reimagined through gagaku’s rich tones.

The finale merged Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody with I Was Born to Love You, a breathtaking fusion of traditional instruments and rock music that left the audience exhilarated.

International students praised the performance, saying the mix of tradition and pop culture made gagaku feel both sacred and accessible. The concert was a rare chance to experience Japan’s classical music in an entirely new light, showcasing Hideki Togi’s extraordinary artistry.