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

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

Friends in Turkey helped Akira master the dombra. His repertoire already includes dozens of kyuis. Journalists from the publication fulfilled a long-held dream of the Japanese dombra player by arranging a meeting with his idol - the renowned kuyshi and composer Sekен Turysbekov.

At first glance, Akira Takeguchi does not appear different from Kazakh dombra players. Only a small sign reads: "I am from Japan. I deeply love Kazakh culture."

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

Akira's dream was to meet the master of Kazakh instrumental music, Seken Turysbekov. 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 not only came true - he performed the kyui "Tolqyn" together with his idol.

"I have performed many times in Japan, and the Kazakh dombra generates lively interest there. Love for music transcends language. People should feel it with their hearts and ears. Therefore, it is particularly delightful for us that the Japanese are also captivated by Kazakh music, its nuances, and depth," said composer and kuyshi Seken Turysbekov.

Seken Turysbekov offered Akira several valuable recommendations on playing the dombra. He also introduced the Japanese guest to the State Chamber Orchestra "Ak zhauyn," which performed several pieces especially for him.

"I really like Kazakhstan. I would like to learn the Kazakh language to better understand the traditions and culture. Seken Turysbekov 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 playing the kyui of Nurgisa Tlendiev, 'Aqqu,'" said the Japanese dombra player Akira Takeguchi.

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

Additionally, the dombra is a Kazakh national musical instrument. It has become a part of the people's history and spiritual culture. The dombra and kyuis hold a special place in the world of art.

The dombra is at least 4,000 years old, and legends tell of its origins. Read more about it here.