TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC) Secretary-General Lee Hou-ching (李厚慶) announced on Tuesday (July 9) that Okinawa’s Nishihara High School Marching Band will play at this year’s Presidential Office Concert.

Organized by the Office of the President and the GACC, the concert will take place on July 20 at 7 p.m. at Taipei’s Arts Plaza of the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH), per CNA. Lee said the former representative of the Yilan County Government Representative Office in Okinawa, Ayako Owan, initiated talks.

Lee pointed out that Okinawa’s marching band style is unique, though its geographical location is close to Taiwan and there are many cultural similarities. The secretary-general said he believes Taiwanese audiences will enjoy their performance.

He added that among the students of the Nishihara High School Marching Band coming to Taiwan, 60% have never been abroad and do not even have passports. Taiwan will be the first foreign country they visit, which is a big honor, he said.

Regarding the students' feelings about the invitation, Lee said they feel a great sense of responsibility for representing their country. “Moreover, they will be performing in front of our president, so they are quite nervous,” he commented.

The Nishihara High School Marching Band will arrive in Taiwan on July 17 for rehearsal. In addition to the Presidential Office Concert at 7 p.m. on July 20, they will have flash performances at Taipei 101 in the morning.