Embassy of Italy in Japan and Yamaha Music Japan Sign Partnership Agreement to Foster Cultural Exchange
Widely regarded as the most beautiful among the diplomatic missions and ambassadorial residences in Japan, the Embassy of Italy has long served as a venue for introducing authentic Italian art to the country—a fitting role for a nation so deeply rooted in the arts.
To mark the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan, the Embassy of Italy and Yamaha Music Japan have entered into a partnership designed to more effectively conduct events and initiatives that promote further cultural exchange between the two nations. As part of this partnership, a high-performance grand piano has been installed at the ambassador’s residence.
Yamaha Music Japan has a history of involvement in cultural exchange initiatives with the Italian government. Notably, the company sponsored the Italian Pavilion at the Japan International Exposition (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan), installing a Yamaha concert grand piano within the facility. The pavilion hosted daily performances by musicians visiting from Italy, playing a vital role in promoting Italian musical culture—an effort in which Yamaha has been a key contributor.
At the press conference announcing the partnership, Mario Andrea Vattani, the Italian Ambassador to Japan, stated, “Moving forward, the Embassy of Italy and Yamaha Music Japan will jointly host regular music events at this residence. These events will cover a wide range of themes, spanning opera, classical music, jazz, and contemporary music, as well as exploring new sonic possibilities.”
Symbolizing this wonderful collaboration, the event featured performances by pianist Alberto Pizzo and soprano Yasko Fujii. They were joined by tenor Hiroaki Fueda for a rendition of the Act I love duet, “Già nella notte densa,” from Verdi’s *Otello*. Alberto Pizzo chose to perform “Sky”—the theme song he composed for the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai—and his own arrangement of “Torna a Surriento” (Come Back to Sorrento), styled after Claude Debussy. Both performances made the most of the Italian Ambassador’s residence’s acoustics and the grand piano’s rich tone, leaving the audience deeply moved.
For the “Love Duet” (*Già nella notte densa*), the role of Desdemona was sung by Yasko Fujii, a soprano who honed her craft in the *bel canto* style in Italy and enjoyed a long, successful career there. Renowned for her dramatic roles and impeccable Italian diction, Fujii has made a remarkable impact; after returning to Japan, she produced and directed operas on Awaji Island, bringing a breath of Italian culture to the region. She also served as the director of the theatre at the Italian Pavilion at Osaka EXPO 2025, organizing wonderful daily musical performances—an initiative supported by Yamaha as a partner.
Although originally from Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and having focused much of her career in western Japan, Fujii has recently relocated to Tokyo to launch a new phase of her professional life, including producing innovative opera performances at venues like Yamaha Hall.
True to the Italian Embassy’s role as a hub for Italian culture, the subsequent reception featured an impromptu performance of “Libiamo ne’lieti calici” (the *Brindisi* or drinking song) from Verdi’s *La Traviata*. Led by Fujii and tenor Hiroaki Fueda, the performance drew in other opera singers and guests with operatic experience, creating a lively atmosphere that evoked the authentic spirit of Italy.
With the understanding and cooperation of the Italian Ambassador and his spouse, the Ambassador’s residence is expected to flourish further as a venue for cultural exchange. All eyes remain on Ambassador Vattani and his spouse, Yumiko, as they continue their vital work as ambassadors of Italian culture.
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