The Department of Japanese Language Education at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (COMU), with the support of the Turkish-Japanese Friendship Club (TÜJAD), hosted a prestigious event titled "Japanese Imperial Court Music Concert and 'The Pillow Book' Narrative Performance" on May 6, 2026. The special opening program for the 29th Japan Days was held at the Rüveyde-Yüksel Ergen Concert Hall, drawing significant interest from both the academic community and art enthusiasts.

The evening was honored by the presence of the Consul General of Japan in Istanbul, Mr. Ryoji Iwama, and COMU Rector, Prof. Dr. R. Cüneyt Erenoğlu. Other notable attendees included university administrators, faculty members, and students.

Melodies of Friendship: Sakura and Üsküdar’a Giderken Following opening remarks by TÜJAD President Ceyda Çınarlı, Prof. Dr. Tolga Özşen, Rector Erenoğlu, and Consul General Iwama, the musical program commenced with a performance by COMU Faculty of Music and Performing Arts members. Prof. Dr. Oğuz Karakaya, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Merve Eken-Küçükyavuz, and Lecturers İlknur Sert and Burhan Keskiner performed the iconic Japanese folk song "Sakura" in both Turkish and Japanese. This was followed by a unique collaboration with the Japanese music group APUSARASU, performing "Üsküdar’a Giderken" using a blend of traditional Turkish and Japanese instruments.

A Thousand-Year Heritage: Gagaku and The Pillow Book The centerpiece of the evening featured GAGAKU, one of the world's oldest orchestral music traditions, performed by the renowned ensemble APUSARASU. The musical performance was accompanied by a narrative presentation of "The Pillow Book" (Makura no Sōshi), a classic 10th-century work depicting Japanese court life. Celebrated storyteller and cultural ambassador Keiko Hirano delivered an evocative performance that transported the audience back to the imperial courts of the Heian period.

Rector Erenoğlu: "Universities are Bridges of Friendship" In his opening speech, Rector Prof. Dr. R. Cüneyt Erenoğlu emphasized that such organizations strengthen long-standing cultural ties between Turkey and Japan. He noted that universities serve as vital centers for intercultural interaction and praised the Department of Japanese Language Education for its exemplary activities and contribution to the university's institutional memory. Consul General Iwama also highlighted the significance of Turkish-Japanese relations and the crucial role of language and cultural education in deepening these bonds.

The event concluded with a gift presentation ceremony and a group photograph featuring the artists and protocol members.