Three bands from Taiwan played at the Ringo Music Fest Sept. 29 in Matsumoto City, Japan, spotlighting the government effort to spur international interest in the country’s musical talents, according to the Ministry of Culture.
Coordinated efforts between the MOC’s Taiwan Cultural Center in Tokyo and the festival organizer saw the organization of the Romantic Taiwan stage, where Ma Nien-hsien, Lilium and Shallow Levee performed during the festival. According to the MOC, some members of the audience said it was their first time hearing music from Taiwan, and that they would consider visiting for further concerts.
The musicians attended a news conference Oct. 1 in Tokyo after the festival concluded, the ministry said. Ma shared stories of the engaging enthusiasm of Japanese fans, while members of Lilium praised the festival’s relaxed atmosphere and those from Shallow Levee pledged to release an album in Japan.
According to the MOC, its cultural center in Tokyo is negotiating cooperation with other well-known music festivals in Japan to expand the market for Taiwan’s indie music in Japan. The Taiwan stage at Ringo was a first, the ministry said, praising this year’s guests for great performances that spread the beauty and the richness of Taiwan’s music.
Launched in 2009, the annual outdoor Ringo Music Fest is held at the end of September. It commonly sees attendance numbers reach nearly 5,000 as music lovers come to see the more than 150 singers and bands invited each year. (YCH-E)
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