Eventful spring in Tokyo

With the arrival of spring, the Liszt Institute Tokyo welcomed visitors with a rich array of programs, cultural delights, and special encounters. A unique multi-arts event was held at the Institute to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Béla Bartók’s death. Food lovers were treated to an exciting fusion of Japanese tea and Hungarian savory pastries, while the Institute also hosted a promotional event for the Hungarian cosmetics brand Geek & Gorgeous. In addition to all this, vibrant and content-rich Hungarian Days were organized in the city of Chikuma.

The interdisciplinary evening titled “In the Footsteps of Bartók,” held on March 28 at the Liszt Institute Tokyo to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Béla Bartók’s death, was met with outstanding success. The first part of the event featured traditional folk melodies collected by Bartók, performed by the Japanese ensemble Csikós Band. The same melodies were then interpreted on piano by Kanai Yuri, offering the audience a unique opportunity to compare the original folk sources with the piano compositions they inspired. The musical segment concluded with a lively táncház (traditional Hungarian dance house), which participants eagerly joined.

On March 31, the Liszt Institute hosted a culinary event organized by the Japan Tea Ambassadors Association, showcasing pairings of Japanese tea and Hungarian savory pastries.

This was the second edition of the program, where guests were treated to premium-quality Japanese teas accompanied by Hungarian delicacies — with this year’s focus on savory flavors, all prepared by the chef of the Hungarian Embassy. As part of the program, Krisztina Merényi, director of the Institute, gave a brief presentation introducing Hungary’s culinary traditions and cultural heritage. The audience was then guided into the world of tea by Yoko Mitsuki, a Japanese Tea Ambassador, while Hungarian pastries were introduced by Yuka Asai, a staff member of the Institute. Guests had the chance to sample classic Hungarian savory snacks such as pogácsa, cheese sticks, and pacsni, paired with unique teas including Fuji Matcha green tea, black tea from Mimasaka, and even Pickwick’s plum and cinnamon flavored blend.

On April 1, the Liszt Institute Tokyo hosted the promotional event “Geek & Gorgeous in Japan,” where professionals from the beauty industry had the opportunity to get acquainted with the Hungarian skincare brand. The event was opened by Institute Director Krisztina Merényi, followed by words of praise for the Hungarian products from Japanese representatives as well.

The program featured engaging presentations, and guests enjoyed a unique experience with chimney cake and Tokaji wine tastings, as well as a live facial massage demonstration using the brand’s products. Several Japanese beauty salon owners shared their experiences with the affordable cosmetics developed by Judit Rácz, which has been available on the Japanese market for two years.

On April 19–20, Hungarian Days were held in the city of Chikuma as part of the “Japan–Hungary Future Project in Chikuma,” supported by the Liszt Institute. The aim of the project is to introduce young Japanese pianists to Bartók’s legacy and help them prepare for the 2026 Bartók International Piano Competition in Budapest. The event was opened with welcome remarks by Institute Director Krisztina Merényi, followed by a concert by pianist Miyuji Kaneko. A special highlight of the event was a performance by Yuka Asai — a former ballerina and current staff member at the Institute. The program also featured a masterclass, tastings of Hungarian cuisine and wines, and a craft fair showcasing handmade products.