Ichitaro Wadaiko Concert

On June 28, a concert by wadaiko performer Mr. Ichitaro was held at the Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC). Mr. Ichitaro, who vigorously performs every year in different places around the world, energetically presented five songs which were responded by the audience with large rounds of applause, including “Tōi Taiko” (Sounds from afar), a composition by Mr. Ichitaro evoking the feeling of the arrival of dawn, “Dan” (Bullet), incorporating Edobayashi music as well as jazz and rock rhythms, and “Sakura” (Cherry Blossom), for which the artist used his own original percussion instrument. Between performances, Mr. Ichitaro explained about the types of wadaiko and bachi (drumsticks). During a Q&A session with the members of the audience, the artist also answered questions about his performance style and the collaboration with other instruments, which made the event a good opportunity to deepen one’s knowledge about wadaiko.