Sushi Deshi, 1 year in Japan

Taiko are Japanese drums, from different sizes and sounds. They were used before as means of communication, and military actions, and their use evolved more to an entertainment purpose. I`ve been introduced to Taiko by going with Takashima Sensei to a small performance in a Buddhist temple, along with the Abe Brothers, two Shamisen players, a 3-stringed Japanese guitar. Waow, I was moved and I wanted to really learn more about this Taiko. So fortunately enough, during my home stay program in Nerima, I met somebody who was practicing Taiko, Yoko! She and her mother took me to a Taiko concert, performed by the famous Taiko group Kodo. 

I found that really amazing, to see these people with such energy and focus. When you think about it, it`s just about banging on drums, but they turn it into a total different level. Must see.

So after that, Yoko invited me to one of her Taiko practice lesson. they were doing some kind of rehearsal for a wedding that they would play for, along with dancers, performing the typical Matsuri dance.

I could even try to put into practice my gifted sense of rythm, and had the opportunity to bang a bit. On the drums.

If you want to see more pictures of the dancers and players,