Taiko

On Sunday afternoon we went to see a taiko (Japanese drumming) performance. Last time I came to Japan, I fell in love with taiko when I saw a rehearsal by my school taiko group. This year, whenever I have been at a school on club day, taiko club has been my first choice, and I have gone to other clubs only when taiko has not been available. I have been to see many rehearsals by primary school taiko clubs, and while they're not particularly sophisticated, I still love it. There's something magical about complex drum rhythms.

Yesterday's performance was a fund-raiser for the earthquake and tsunami affected regions of Japan, and included a huge array of performances, with mostly local performers, including several high-school groups the Takatsuki professional team, other random groups, and a big group from Iwate, one of tsunami affected regions.

The concert went for way too long (nearly four hours!), but there were some incredible performances in there. If you've never seen taiko before, you need to completely let go of the western conception of a drum as an accompaniment. In Japan, the drums are the showcase item, frequently with 3-4 or more different sized drums being used, along with hand-symbols, gongs, and an accompanying flute or koto (Japanese harp). Also, presentation is very important. They don't just hit the drums, they hit them with flair. The younger groups, particularly a few of the high-school groups were incredibly energetic, leaping around the stage while keeping perfect time.

We were also treated to a number of traditional dances, including one that depicted (the rather long, but incredibly skillful) battle between a man and four serpents/dragons. Each of the serpents in the picture to the left has a person inside, directing the coiling and movement of the snake.

The main Takatsuki group comes to Toowoomba every few years, and they were probably the best group there
yesterday. I've seen them free in Queen's Park during International celebrations. Seriously, if you ever have the opportunity to watch taiko, please do. It is amazing to see, hear, and feel the beats coursing through your body.

Look at the muscles on this guy!
Drumming, especially on the big drums, is hard work.