Tag: Philippine-Japan Friendship

When the poignant sound of “Amazing Grace” in violin and flute wafted through the darkened Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino theater at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, I knew we were going to have an unforgettable evening.

When the lights were on, Risa Kataoka performed John Newton’s inspiring song in koto, a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument.

Kataoka was a member of the J-Classics quartet who were flown in by the Japanese government as part of the celebration of Philippine-Japan friendship this month. The three others were violinist Ayako Ishikawa, flutist Takako Hagiwara and pianist Susumu Aoyagi.