A Japanese musician fell in love with the dombra and traveled to Kazakhstan. (video)

A musician from Japan performs Kazakh kyuys on Almaty's Arbat. Akira Takeguchi came to Almaty from the Land of the Rising Sun to immerse himself in the culture of Kazakhstan.

Friends in Turkey helped Akira learn to play the dombra. He already has dozens of kyuys in his repertoire. Journalists from the publication fulfilled the long-held dream of the Japanese dombra player by organizing a meeting with his idol - the famous kuyshi and composer Sekен Tуrysbekov.

At first glance, Akira Takeguchi looks no different from Kazakh dombra players. Only a small sign reads: "I am from Japan. I love Kazakh culture very much."

Akira first encountered the dombra at a friend's place in Istanbul, took a few lessons, and has not parted with this instrument since. Today, he has more than 20 kyuys in his repertoire, including "Aday", "Saryarka", and "Balbyrauin."

Akira's dream was to meet the master of Kazakh instrumental music, Sekен Tуrysbekov. He has long studied his playing technique through online videos but always wanted to see it live.

After a month in Almaty, Akira's dream came true - he performed the kuy "Tolkyn" together with his idol.

"I have performed many times in Japan, and the Kazakh dombra generates great interest there. Love for music does not require translation. People should feel it with their hearts and ears. Therefore, we are particularly pleased that the Japanese are also captivated by Kazakh music, with its nuances and depth," said composer and kuyshi Sekен Tуrysbekov.

Sekен Tуrysbekov provided Akira with several valuable recommendations on playing the dombra. He also introduced the Japanese guest to the State Chamber Orchestra "Ak Zhaуyn," which performed several pieces specially for him.

"I really like Kazakhstan. I would like to learn the Kazakh language to understand the traditions and culture more deeply. Sekен Tуrysbekov is a true professional, and I am happy to learn from him. Before this, I performed Turkish music on the violin, but the magical sound of the dombra surpassed everything. These two strings possess incredible power. I even won a music competition in Japan by performing the kuy of Nurgisa Tlendiev, 'Aqqу'," said the dombra player from Japan, Akira Takeguchi.

Now, the young musician from Japan dreams of taking a master class with the People's Artist of Kazakhstan, Aigul Ulkenbaeva.

It is worth noting that the dombra is a Kazakh national musical instrument. It has become part of the history of the people and their spiritual culture. The dombra and kyuys hold a special place in world art.

The dombra is at least 4000 years old, and legends tell of its origin. Read more about it here.