Muscat – The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) band performed two shows last week in Muscat to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Oman and Japan. These were the first time the band performed in Oman.

Close to 50 personnel of JGSDF’s Western Army Band performed at an event called ‘Military Music: Oman and the World’ at Royal Opera House Muscat on Thursday evening, prior to which it played for a select gathering at Crowne Plaza Muscat.

Speaking about the bilateral relations, Jota Yamamoto, Japanese Ambassador, said, “Oman has long played an important role for the JGSDF to operate in the Middle East as the sultanate is located in the vital area of the Indo-Pacific region. The peace and stability of the region is crucial to the prosperity of the international community, including Japan.”

As symbolised by the historic visits to Oman in 2014 and 2020 by the late Shinzo Abe, former prime minister, bilateral relations have continued to grow. “The Memorandum on Defence Cooperation between Japan and Oman was signed in 2019, which bolstered our defence ties,” Yamamoto said.

He informed that November 1 is observed as JGSFD Day and November 3 as Culture Day in Japan. “November is a celebratory month in Oman, too, and as it begins, I would like to renew my wishes for the health and continued prosperity of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and of the people of Oman.”

‘Military Music: Oman and The World’ was performed at Royal Opera House Muscat from November 3 to 5. The performance included drills, songs and Japanese drums.

The performance opened with a song thanking all the people of Japan and from countries who extended support in the aftermath of earthquake and tsunami of 2011 in the country.