A soldier from Bodmin has found himself in the spotlight during a whirlwind tour of Japan with the Band of the Coldstream Guards. Colour Sergeant Dan Evans, 42, has described his experience as feeling like a “celebrity,” with fans clamouring for autographs and waving from cars as the band toured some of Japan’s most prestigious venues.
Evans, a trumpeter and seasoned Army musician, joined the British Army straight from school. His illustrious career has taken him across the globe, but he says Japan has been the highlight of his travels. “I’ve travelled all over the world with Army music—Canada, Algeria, Syria, China, and most of Europe—but Japan is my favourite location so far,” he said.
Logistics and Performances
The tour, which kicked off on 21 November in Fukuoka, involved a significant logistical operation. The 41-member band transported 22 boxes of equipment, including bearskins, brass instruments, and uniforms, to support their demanding three-week schedule.
Performances included stops at major cultural venues such as the Iichiko Cultural Centre in Oita, Minatomirai Hall in Yokohama, and the renowned Tokyo Opera City. The band also collaborated with Japan’s Kouryou High School Band, giving local students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform alongside British Army musicians.
Kyoto Shimozasaki, musical director of Kouryou High School, called the collaboration “life-changing” for the pupils, adding, “It is everything—it is life itself.”
Ambassadors of British Culture
Beyond music, the Band of the Coldstream Guards played an important diplomatic role, showcasing British culture and fostering goodwill between the UK and Japan. Yasuo Imase, a music professor who helped organise the tour, described the band as “the greatest band in the world” and highlighted their appeal to Japanese audiences for their discipline, tradition, and Royal connections.
Defence, civic, and business leaders were also treated to a performance during a reception at the British Embassy in Tokyo, underscoring the band’s role in defence engagement and soft power diplomacy.
Reflections on Japan
Dan Evans was effusive about his time in Japan, praising the country’s hospitality, efficiency, and culture. He particularly enjoyed the famed bullet train, though he admitted to missing Mount Fuji as he fell asleep during the smooth ride.
“Japan has just blown us all away as a country. It’s clean, friendly, respectful, polite, and everything works!” he said. While he adjusted to some unfamiliar foods, such as raw fish, he found the overall experience unforgettable.
Professional Highlights
Evans described performing at Tokyo Opera City, one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, as a career highlight. “The acoustics in that place are outstanding, so everyone sounds incredible, and that’s really rewarding as a professional musician,” he said.
Looking ahead, Evans will return to London to perform at the Changing of the Guard over Christmas. Reflecting on his career, he said, “I love being in the Army. It affords me so many interesting opportunities beyond being able to perform music in some of the most exciting locations and events.”
For Evans and his fellow musicians, the Japan tour will be remembered as a unique blend of cultural exchange, musical excellence, and camaraderie. “Who wouldn’t want to do this for a living? You don’t get to do this in an average 9–5 job.”
