The UN Staff Recreation Council Singers, a choir of staff members of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, will visit Japan to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's UN membership. Founded in 1947, the choir is making its fifth visit to Japan, following 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015.
Concerts will be held in four cities — Tokyo, Nagasaki, Kyoto and Hiroshima — with Japanese musicians and local choirs performing alongside the group. The program features folk music from around the world and songs on the theme of peace, sung in their original languages. The Tokyo concert will feature goodwill ambassador Hirari Sato, Tokiko Kato, Anyango and others.
The second pillar of the project is the "Declaration for Peace through Music." It sets out four principles, beginning with treating music as the "language of peace," and is scheduled to be adopted at the concerts. People can also add their support or signature through the official website. School visits and exchanges with local residents are planned as well.
Key points
- Held October 13–21 in four cities: Tokyo, Nagasaki, Kyoto and Hiroshima
- Songs from around the world and on the theme of peace, performed by a choir of UN Headquarters staff
- Adoption of the "Declaration for Peace through Music," with a call for support and signatures
Why we recommend this event
It is a rare chance to hear UN staff from different nationalities and cultures sing together in person. The UN and international cooperation can feel distant, but music offers an easy way in.
Beyond the concerts themselves, school visits, community exchanges and the chance to support the peace declaration mean there are ways to take part that go beyond listening.
Editor's comment
Music lets people share feelings even when they do not share a language. This anniversary looks like a fine moment to think about peace together.
Details on dates, venues and how to take part are on the official website. If one of the venues is near you, please take a look.