In a heartwarming display of cultural exchange, Cadets de Genève, a renowned music school from Geneva, Switzerland, recently visited Jonan Elementary School in Shinagawa on July 8, 2024, as part of their highly anticipated tour of Japan. The visit was made possible under the sister city cooperation agreement between Geneva and Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, a partnership that dates back many years.
The event was attended by Ambassador Baum and Mr. Horikoshi, Deputy Mayor of Shinagawa, and Ms. Nakatani, Manager, Educational Planning Section of Shinagawa City Board of Education, who witnessed the heartwarming connection forged between the students through music. Around 70 talented students from Cadets de Genève performed for the children at Jonan Elementary School, captivating their audience and sparking joy and unity through their music. The children at the school eagerly clapped and danced along to the songs, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
The highlight of the event came when students from Jonan Elementary School sang their school anthem, accompanied by the Cadets. The voices of Shinagwa students blending harmoniously with the music of the Cadets, leaving everyone in attendance feeling uplifted. The children from Jonan Elementary School were so touched by the performance. Some children from Jonan Kindergarden who enjoyed the performance wrote thank-you letters to their Swiss counterparts after the perfomance, further strengthening the bond between the two groups.
This natural camaraderie brought smiles to the faces of participants from Shinagawa Ward, teachers from Jonan Elementary School, and embassy staff, all of whom played a crucial role in organizing the event. Since its founding in 1950, Cadet de Geneva has been supported by the city of Geneva for its important mission of providing high-quality musical training and promoting social integration through ensemble playing. Ambassador Baum commended the students for their role as cultural ambassadors and encouraged them to continue fostering friendship and understanding through their music.
The friendship city agreement between Geneva and Shinagawa Ward, inspired by the story of the Honsenji temple bell of Shinagwa, has paved the way for numerous exchange activities and cultural initiatives. As a testament to this enduring partnership, 16 youths from Shinagawa Ward are scheduled to visit Geneva next month, signaling the continued growth and development of the bond between these two cities.
The Cadets de Geneva visit to Jonan Elementary School was a heartwarming reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and unite people from different cultures and backgrounds.
