Japan Junior Orchestra visits ZAVMAST Children Home in Khulazu Basa

KOHIMA — Japan Junior Orchestra in coordination with the Nagaland Youth Orchestra visited the ZAVMAST Children Home on Friday, bringing music education and a generous donation of musical instruments to the 22 children at the centre.

The Japan Junior Orchestra is currently in Nagaland and has been performing at the Hornbill Festival 2025.

On their visit to the home on Friday, the orchestra team members conducted music sessions for children including piano, violin, recorder, erhu, cello and vocals.

Earlier this year, the team also donated musical instruments like cello, violin, recorders, etc. to the children home on two occasions.

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A formal gathering was held where cultural exchange and performances were made by both the Japan Junior Orchestra team and ZAVMAST Children home.

While the Japan team came to Kohima this time for the Hornbill Festival, the general music director of the Japan Junior Orchestra Association, Minami Shinichi, who is leading the team, decided to visit the Children Home for the first time.

Minami Shinichi and his wife Minami Michiko, who is a flutist along with other members of the Orchestra performed in several pieces. Shinichi believes that music is important for life just as food is for human survival.

Established in 2010, the ZAVMAST Children Home in Khulazu Basa village holds historical significance as it is located on the very ground where Japanese soldiers camped in 1944 during the Second World War before leaving for the battle in Kohima.

Satahi Chuzho, member of ZAVMAST Society, while welcoming the guests said the gathering is small yet historic. It was believed that Japanese soldiers (ladies) camped at the present location for a few days before leaving for Kohima for war during the Second World War in 1944.

He also noted that the children staying in the home are families from cancer patients, HIV and AIDS, whose parents are prisoners, and some lost both parents.

In 1987, he was in Guwahati and was roaming near the train station in the evening. A couple thrown away a newly born baby in the dustbin and people gathered around the trash bin. Later, an Austria woman took away the baby and placed in an orphanage in Guwahati. Getting that idea, he gathered some of his friends and they started the ZAVMAST Children home to give care to the children in need of care and protection.

The ZAVMAST Society members include: Zhohuta Tetseo, Tsobahu Rhakho, Vephuta Rhakho (chairman), Melekho Keyho, Vekhoyi Tetseo, Satahi Chuzho and Vetazo Keyho.