The Band Lab has successfully concluded an enriching and impactful music and cultural exchange trip to Japan, held from 7 August to 13 August 2025. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak through the Arts, Culture and Heritage Grant, this comprehensive journey aimed to introduce Malaysia's and Sarawak's vibrant culture through the universal language of music, following the success of last year's Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest).

Organised and coordinated by its sister branch, The Band Lab Japan, the trip encompassed a series of significant engagements across various Japanese cities, fostering deeper bilateral ties and cultural understanding. The delegation's itinerary kicked off with a fervent immersion into Japan's band culture, starting with participation in the prestigious 9th Gamagori City International Band Festival from 7 August to 9th. This period also included a valuable music exchange with The Band Lab Japan, Gamagori City Junior High School Band, and Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra, laying the groundwork for collaborative performances.

A highlight of the performance was the strategic selection of Malaysian and Sarawakian musical pieces, including 'Bunga Raya Concert March' by local composer Yeo Chow Shern, 'Tanah Pusaka,' and a newfound rendition of the traditional Kenyah folk song, 'Leleng,' arranged by Mr. Anthony Wong. The latter was performed in unity with Japanese musicians, with four members from The Band Lab adorned in traditional Sarawakian ethnic clothing, creating a powerful visual and auditory cultural bridge.

Beyond the concert halls, the Sarawakian representatives embarked on a cultural discovery tour during their free time, experiencing the rich heritage of Japan through visits to iconic landmarks such as Amanohashidate, the picturesque Funaya houses in Amanmasha, along with leisure time at the Toyota Automobile Museum and Hatcho Miso, and more. These experiences provided invaluable opportunities for cultural exchange outside of formal performances, allowing participants to connect on a deeper, personal level.

The pinnacle of the exchange culminated on August 10th at Aikodai Meiden High School in Nagoya in the form of a grand performance and cultural exchange by approximately 70 musicians, including those from Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band, The Band Lab Japan, and The Band Lab Kuching. The event was graced by a distinguished delegation from Sarawak, coincidentally in Japan for the Osaka Expo for Sarawak week, underscoring the high-level commitment to the cultural exchange. The attendees included:

• YBhg Datin Sri Hajah Zuraini binti Abdul Jabbar, Spouse of Minister YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
• YBhg Datin Sri Hajah Zuraini binti Abdul Jabbar, Spouse of YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
• YB Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism)
• YB Datuk Dr Ripin Bin Lamat, Deputy Minister for Development Sarawak (MYSED)
• Datu Sherrina Binti Hussaini, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts
• Mr Dolhadi Bin Haji Mazuki, Deputy Permanent Secretary (MYSED)
• Dr Elena Gregoria Chai, Delegation Coordinator and Principal Assistant Secretary (Creative Industry & Heritage Division), Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak
• Mr Byron Chang Tun Leung, Special Assistant to Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism)
• Ms Noor Sahfina Binti Bujang, Special Administrative Officer to Deputy Minister (MYSED)
• Puan Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer, Sarawak Tourism Board
• YBhg Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Bin Wan Omar, Board member, Sarawak Tourism Board
• Tuan Hj Mohamad Taufik Abdul Ghani, Board member, Sarawak Tourism Board
• Mr Oscar Choo, Board member, Sarawak Tourism Board
• Puan Cheryl Kueh Shi Li, Manager of Digital Unit, Sarawak Tourism Board
• Puan Amelia Roziman, Chief Executive Officer, Business Events Sarawak
• Mr Anthony Lee, Tourism Counterpart

In addition to the pieces performed at the 9th Gamagori City International Band Festival, we also performed Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band's flagship performance piece - Deep Purple Medley, arr. Toshihiko Sahashi. The performances were jointly conducted by The Band Lab's Founder and President, Jesmond Siew, and Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band's resident conductor, Maestro Hiroki Ito.

During the Aikodai Meiden event, YB Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, delivered an inspiring address, translated by Dr Elena Gregoria Chai. He lauded the tireless efforts of the organisers and expressed profound gratitude to Kana Yamamoto, President and Founder of The Band Lab Japan, for making this invaluable cultural exchange possible. YB Datuk Sebastian reaffirmed the Ministry's steadfast commitment to fostering and supporting future initiatives and bilateral exchanges between Sarawak and Japan, such as SIBOFest, which are crucial for strengthening cultural understanding and international friendship.

On 13 August, the music and cultural exchange further extended to an engagement with the award-winning high school band, Kyoto Ryoyo Wind Band HERZ. Under the distinguished baton of wind band legendary maestro, Mr. Yoshihisa Fujishige, The Band Lab Kuching and The Band Lab Japan engaged in enriching cultural activities, including learning origami and exchanging childhood snacks. They also performed a joint repertoire of pieces from both countries, such as 'Sejahtera Malaysia' (arranged by Yeo Chow Shern) from Malaysia, and 'Takarajima' (arranged by Toshio Mashima) from Japan, among others.

The successful conclusion of this comprehensive trip signifies another monumental step in Sarawak's ongoing efforts to promote its rich cultural heritage on the global stage and to cultivate enduring international connections through the universal language of music and shared cultural experiences.