OK, I realize this post won't have wide appeal but I had one of the most exhilarating nights I've had in a long time. Walking out of the auditorium I just wanted to go running and screaming - and beat on a drum! Actually, I guess I should back up and start from the beginning. But as we say in Texas, all I could afterwards was "Daaaayum!"
The free performance from the Fujisan Kaen Taiko Group was part of a series of weeks long events between North Texas and Japan. Not sure how much is open to the public like this was but you can bet I'll be sticking my nose in as much as possible. Here's a few blurbs from the official website:
The Japan-America Grassroots Summit is an annual gathering of Japanese and American citizens, held alternately in Japan and the United States. Each year an average of 200 people travel across the Pacific to take part. The Summit aims to strengthen the peaceful relationship between the two countries by fostering friendships at the grassroots level.
The 2012 Grassroots Summit will take place in North Texas, where we look forward to welcoming people of all ages from all parts of Japan. Opening in Fort Worth and closing in Dallas, the week-long Summit will span the scope of Texas's cowboy heritage and cultural achievements. Communities across North Texas will open their homes and hearts to Japanese visitors for a three-night local homestay program. We hope this grassroots exchange will enrich many lives and lead to lasting friendships between the people of Japan and North Texas.
The 22nd America-Japan Grassroots Summit is organized by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and the John Manjiro Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange in Japan and the U.S. It is presented in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston, host cities, and community organizations.
While I've seen many Taiko drum performances at the semi-annual festivals at the Fort Worth Japanese gardens those quite naturally weren't on the level of this show. Their dedication and precision were obvious throughout the performance. Plus, well, they are from the Japans! I was a happy boy! Below is the introduction and opening number.
What also made it special is their emphasis on using kids in their show. This gave a feeling that only children can bring, of joy and innocence and exuberance (though there definitely were some adult children in the group!). I don't know her name but the girl below was the star of the show to me. I wonder how many other people in the crowd were also asking themselves, "Who is she??" I was completely taken with her.
Check out some of her bad-ass, going-to-town work here:
Here's some background on the group from their flyer:
Founded in 1985 to create a new creative and traditional art form in our hometown, we are celebrating our 27th year. We currently have 30 active members. We mainly participate in local festivals and events. Upon our founding we were originally composed of adults, but in the last 10 years as admiration from kids and studies in music increased, approximately half of our members are now children, and we are moving to become a mainly child-centered group. In 27 years, we have performed overseas 5 times: Chamonix, France (1995, 2008), Colorado Springs (1998, 2005), and Lyon, France (1999). As much as possible we participate in grassroots international exchange by introducing Taiko as a traditional part of Japanese culture and by joining local homestays.
The crowd went wild over the show but where it really got special was in the auditorium lobby afterwards where they decided to perform their final number and also allow audience participation. Here the performers were allowed to relax and let their hair down and the sheer joy of performing shine through. It was a great bonding experience and one I'll never forget.
Just having fun now!
Never too young to start!
Soon, a whole lineup of Gaijin players!
Cross cultural bonding!Here's a short video from the lobby performance:
It was a wonderful, wonderful evening, one I'll long remember. I was very excited looking forward to getting this taste from the Japans and it did not let me down one bit. In fact, it only whet my appetite for more. Long live the Japans!
Click here to see the entire photo set.
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