Taiwan-Japan Friendship Resonates in Kumamoto: E.Sun Bank Hosts "Melody of Hope" Concert

E.Sun Bank once again hosted its music-themed "Melody of Hope" concert in Kumamoto on June 27, using music as a bridge to deepen bilateral ties. Supported by Kumamoto Prefecture, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Fukuoka, the Kumamoto Prefecture Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Kumamoto Prefecture Federation of Associations of Commerce and Industry, the Kumamoto Economic Federation, and Kumamoto University, the event welcomed over 1,650 guests from Japan and Taiwanese residents, all united through beautiful melodies that transcended borders and strengthened Taiwan-Japan friendship.

Performance by the E.Sun Choir

Kumamoto Governor Takanori Kimura expressed, "There is a long-standing, warm, and deep friendship between Kumamoto and Taiwan. The heartfelt support we received from the people of Taiwan following the Kumamoto earthquakes ten years ago remains deeply etched in the hearts of our citizens." He also noted that exchanges between the two regions have become increasingly close, thanks to growing Taiwanese corporate investment and expanded flight services, with cooperation continuing to expand across tourism, business, education, and culture. "The concert hosted by E.Sun Bank is a wonderful opportunity to further deepen these exchanges. I hope that through connections and interactions between younger generations, music will touch hearts and become a new seed for the future."

For this concert, Huang Yung-Jen, founder of E.Sun Financial Holding, and Huang Nan-Tsou, Representative Director and Chairman, personally led a delegation of bank employees and choir members spanning three generations—senior, middle-aged, and youth—to Kumamoto. On the Japanese side, numerous dignitaries attended, including Akie Abe, wife of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and House of Representatives member Tetsushi Sakamoto, alongside local government leaders and economic figures, reflecting the high regard across Japanese society for Taiwan-Japan friendship and cultural exchange. Chairman Huang Nan-Tsou stated in his remarks, "Japan and Taiwan are long-standing partners who share common values of freedom, peace, and democracy." He explained that the concert's theme, "Melody of Hope," symbolizes the synergy between the strengths of both Taiwan and Japan, likening it to different instruments harmonizing to create a hopeful and inspiring symphony.

The concert program featured culturally diverse selections, with each performing group choosing songs representative of the other country. The E.Sun Choir performed "High Mountain Green," a medley from Studio Ghibli films, and specially sang beloved Japanese songs such as "A Thousand Winds," "Flowers Will Bloom," and "Furusato (My Hometown)"—melodies deeply familiar to the Japanese audience. During the performances, attendees were profoundly moved by these cherished tunes, reflecting on the beauty of their homelands and the preciousness of life. Meanwhile, the Hiyoshi Junior High School Music Club from Kumamoto City performed "Looking at the Spring Wind" and "Beyond the Mountain," while the Kumamoto Kita High School Concert Band played "Sik Hong" and the local Kumamoto folk song "Otemoyan." Through music, both sides demonstrated mutual cultural understanding and respect, deepening their heartfelt friendship.

E.Sun Bank continues to strengthen its operations in Japan, currently maintaining bases in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto, with a liaison office in Osaka scheduled to open in September this year. The bank remains committed to providing increasingly professional and convenient services in corporate exchanges, tourism, academia-industry collaboration, and financial cooperation. This musical celebration not only deepened Taiwan-Japan exchanges but also symbolized both regions moving hand in hand toward a hopeful future.

From left: Kumamoto Governor Takanori Kimura, Chen Ming-Chun, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Fuku游戏副本, Huang Yung-Jen, founder of E.Sun Bank, Akie Abe, Joey Chiao, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, and Huang Nan-Tsou, Representative Director and Chairman of E.Sun Bank