Wajiro Junior High School

On a crisp autumn afternoon in 2017, the air at Wajiro Junior High School buzzed with anticipation. Not for a sporting event or school festival, but for the arrival of a living legend, Master Kong Nay. Wajiro Junior High School, nestled in Fukuoka’s Higashi-ku, prepared to welcome the renowned Cambodian musician. In the weeks leading up to his visit, the students had immersed themselves in Asian culture, forming an Asia Week Executive Committee and hosting events to learn about the diverse traditions of their neighboring countries. This culminated in a school-wide exchange forum, orchestrated by the committee, on the day of Master Kong Nay’s arrival. The forum began with a heartwarming display of the students’ dedication. As Master Kong Nay was introduced, the entire student body echoed a greeting in Khmer, the Cambodian language, a gesture that brought a visible smile to the musician’s face. Professor Terauchi then took the stage, captivating the audience with a lecture on Cambodian history and music, setting the stage for the main event. Master Kong Nay, a recipient of the prestigious Fukuoka Arts and Culture Prize, shared his joy at receiving the award and launched into a mesmerizing performance. The haunting melodies of the *Reamker*, a Cambodian epic poem, filled the hall, followed by other traditional pieces. The students, deeply moved by the performance, responded with a heartfelt rendition of *Furusato*, a classic Japanese folk song. The beautiful harmony of their voices created a bridge between cultures. During the question-and-answer session, a student asked Master Kong Nay about his most challenging life experience. His poignant reply, “Losing my sight,” resonated through the room. He also shared a touching anecdote about his first encounter with the *chapey*, a traditional Cambodian lute. He recounted how, at the age of thirteen, his father bought him one, sparking a lifelong passion for music. Master Kong Nay expressed his gratitude to the students, saying, “I don’t understand Japanese, but I understand the beauty of song.” His words encapsulated the power of music to transcend language and cultural barriers. The event concluded with the students singing their school song, a final harmonious exchange before a commemorative photograph captured the special moment shared between the students of Wajiro Junior High School and the legendary Master Kong Nay.