750 Years Later: From Mongol Invasions to Musical Bridges Between Nations
A Complex Historical Foundation
The relationship between Mongolia and Japan has deep historical roots that stretch back over seven centuries. In 1274 and 1281, massive Mongolian naval forces attempted to invade Japan with fleets estimated at nearly 100,000 ships. However, both invasion attempts ended in disaster when powerful typhoons—known to the Japanese as “kamikaze” or “divine wind”—struck the Mongol fleets, sending thousands of warriors to their deaths in the waters surrounding Japan. These failed invasions became legendary in Japanese history, with the kamikaze typhoons viewed as divine protection of the island nation.
From these tumultuous medieval encounters to today’s cultural diplomacy, the transformation of Mongol-Japanese relations represents one of history’s most remarkable evolutions from conflict to cooperation—a journey that reached a beautiful crescendo on a summer evening in Ulaanbaatar.
A Musical Bridge Built in Modern Times
On the evening of July 8, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan attended a state dinner in Ulaanbaatar hosted by the President of Mongolia and his spouse. The event became a powerful symbol of international goodwill when the emperor took to the stage, performing on the viola alongside the Mongolian National Morin Khuur Orchestra.
(The morin khuur is a traditional Mongolian two-stringed instrument topped with a carved horse head, representing the country’s deep connection to its nomadic horse culture.)
This historic moment marked the first overseas public musical performance by Emperor Naruhito since his enthronement, making it especially significant for both nations. The moving collaboration demonstrated music’s extraordinary ability to transcend borders and fosterunderstanding between peoples, creating bonds of friendship through the universal language of art.
A Musical Bridge is Built
During the dinner, Emperor Naruhito performed two pieces – one Mongolian and one Japanese – accompanied by viola players from both the Mongolian National Morin Khuur Orchestra and the Mongolian National Philharmonic Orchestra. The first piece, “Mongol Ayargo,” composed by Altankhoyag in the early 2000s, is a tribute to the broad, gentle spirit and inner depths of the Mongolian people. The second, “Hamabe no Uta” (The Song of the Beach), is a beloved Japanese melody, celebrated among the “100 Best Songs of Japan.”
This marked the first public overseas performance by Emperor Naruhito since his enthronement, underscoring the significance of the occasion. The emperor brought his cherished viola from Japan, rehearsing with the morin khuur players after attending a memorial ceremony for Japanese detainees in Mongolia earlier that day. Reflecting on the experience, the emperor remarked, “It was wonderful to perform together,” according to the Imperial Household Agency.
A Champion of Artistic Diplomacy
The emperor’s passion for music and his willingness to share the stage with artists from another culture exemplify how art can serve as a bridge between peoples. With over four decades of musical experience, Emperor Naruhito brings genuine expertise to his cultural diplomacy. His choice of viola reflects his collaborative approach – he has noted that the viola “doesn’t stand out, but the harmony becomes lonesome without it,” perfectly embodying his philosophy of harmonizing rather than dominating in both music and international relations.
This performance builds on a foundation of musical friendship established years earlier. In 2007, as Crown Prince, he performed with the same Mongolian orchestra during a visit to Mongolia, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to using music as a means of fostering international understanding. The bonds forged through these shared musical experiences have continued to deepen cultural ties between the two nations, with the Mongolian National Morin Khuur Orchestra later performing in Japan in 2022, further strengthening this unique artistic partnership.
An Evening of Artistic Celebration
The three-hour state dinner featured not only this historic musical collaboration but also performances by leading Mongolian artists and athletes, including renditions of Japanese songs. The imperial couple expressed their admiration for the rich artistry of the Mongolian people and the pride and talent evident in every performance.
The significance of this musical diplomacy extends beyond the performance itself. This state visit marked the first time a reigning Japanese emperor had visited Mongolia, making the musical collaboration an even more meaningful gesture of friendship and respect between the two nations.
Through music’s power to unite hearts across cultures, this remarkable evening stands as a testament to the enduring bonds that can be forged when artists come together in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect. It demonstrates that when we share our cultural gifts with open hearts, we create connections that transcend language, borders, and differences – building a more harmonious world one note at a time.
The journey from the storm-tossed waters of the 13th century to the harmonious melodies of the 21st illustrates how time, understanding, and shared artistic expression can transform even the most challenging historical relationships into sources of mutual enrichment and respect.
Video: “Emperor Performs Viola in Mongolia with Morin Khuur Orchestra at State Banquet”
The International Committee of Artist for Peace wishes to thank NTV News for the use of the photos and video.
