Nina Nikolina brings Bulgarian music to Japan

Bulgarian singer Nina Nikolina and the Magic Voices of Bulgaria — Tanya Parvanova and Biserka Pilarska — performed concerts in Sendai, Tokyo and Mito from April 4 to 6, 2026, with bagpiper Tihomir Yordanov as a special guest.

The initiative was supported by the National Culture Fund and the Ministry of Tourism, and organised with the assistance of the Bulgarian Embassy in Tokyo.

Audiences enjoyed the multimedia performance, 'Bulgaria: Future and Tradition – From Folk Song to Jazz', which traced the development of Bulgarian culture from traditional and Orthodox music to modern interpretations. A particular highlight was the Bulgarian bagpipe, which was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in late 2025.

The first concert in Sendai attracted almost 200 people, some of whom were wearing traditional costumes, and was accompanied by a folk music seminar.

A second concert at the Bulgarian Embassy in Tokyo attracted around 90 guests, including officials, business representatives, and members of the Bulgarian and Japanese cultural communities.

The final concert in Mito, titled “Bridge of Friendship: Bulgaria–Ibaraki”, attracted a capacity audience of 400, including politicians, local officials, business leaders, and members of the media.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova