The Swing Kids, Switzerland’s acclaimed children’s jazz band, took the stage at Ebara Cultural Center on October 10. The event was a resounding success with around 150 attendees captivated by the children’s outstanding talent and vibrant energy.
The Swing Kids is a children’s jazz band from Switzerland, consisting of children between the ages of 9 and 17. Ranked as the “most beloved Jazz Band in Switzerland” by Radio Swiss Jazz, the band has won the hearts of countless concert and festival audiences in Switzerland and abroad. The band gained popularity through appearances on television stations throughout Europe and, in the past, in TV commercials for the major clothing manufacturer Uniqlo Europe.
The band is led by Dai Kimoto, a trumpet player born in Kurashiki City and living in Switzerland. For his contributions in the fields of music, education, and social activities, he was the first foreigner to receive the Grand Prize for Culture from the government of the Canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. While conducting on stage, he also shared heartwarming stories about his interactions and guidance with the children, bringing moments of laughter to the audience.
Additionally, Mr. Horikoshi, Deputy Mayorr of Shinagawa and Mr. Braun, Minister, Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of Switzerland in Japan took the stage to deliver remarks. They highlighted the long-standing friendship between Shinagawa Ward and the city of Geneva, expressing their intent to further promote such exchanges in the future.
The Swing Kids have deep ties with Japan. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, they visited the town of Shichigahama in Miyagi Prefecture to bring music to people in the devastated area. Since then, the Swing Kids have visited Japan every year (except during the pandemic) to encourage and restore hope to people in the process of reconstruction.
The performance alongside guest singer Ashley Huseby was another highlight, adding an enjoyable and memorable touch to the event.
The Swing Kids toured Japan between October 3 and October 21, visiting various locations for solo concerts, joint performances with local children, and cultural exchanges at events organized together with local schools and education authorities.
This event is part of the Swiss Vitality Days 2024, celebrating the 160th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Japan, and takes place in the framework of Vitality.Swiss, Switzerland’s public diplomacy program on the road to Expo 2025 Osaka – Kansai.
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