To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Israel, Japan’s embassy in Israel will be holding a number of cultural events in the country.

Two top jazz musicians from Japan held a special concert on 23 February at Einav Centre for Culture as a part of Tel Aviv Jazz Festival. Kazumi Watanabe, the virtuoso of jazz guitar, played swing, be-bop, blues and free style with his super technic, while Minako Yoshida, affectionally known as the diva from the Far East, sang standard, original and improvisation with her strong and transparent voice.

The collaboration between the two maestros deeply attracted the Israeli audience, who applauded them with standing ovation. During the concert, Ms. Yoshida expressed her gratitude to the Israeli audience in one word that she learned, Toda! in English – Thank you.