Exploring Musical Crossroads: A Symposium Bridging Malaysia and Japan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 26 March 2024.

The article reports on the "Exploring Musical Crossroads: A Symposium Bridging Malaysia and Japan," held on 26 March 2024 at the University of Malaya, which focused on the intersections of music, culture, and therapeutic practices in both countries. Key themes included cultural aspects of music, music research, and the application of music in therapeutic contexts, highlighting topics such as cultural humility in music therapy, community music therapy for older adults, and music therapy's role in end-of-life and rehabilitation care. The symposium emphasized the importance of culturally informed music therapy practices, the need for robust music therapy research in Malaysia, and the potential of music as a tool for cultural exchange and holistic well-being. It concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration to advance music therapy and cultural understanding in Malaysia, Japan, and beyond.