Japanese drumming art comes to Vietnam.

Using various types of drums in a style reminiscent of a classical orchestra, the Osuwaidaiko Traditional Japanese Drum Troupe presented a unique performance at the Youth Theatre on the evening of August 22nd..

Established in 1951, Osuwaidaiko is a professional traditional Japanese drum ensemble considered one of the top three in Japan, with numerous performances and seminars worldwide. During their tour of Vietnam, the ensemble received great attention and affection from the audience in Hanoi. The performance on the evening of August 22nd at the Youth Theatre was packed, and after the show ended, the lobby was buzzing with young people taking photos, chatting, and asking for autographs – a rare sight at other art events.

With a stage design featuring various large and small drums and traditional performance costumes, the five artists created an authentic Japanese artistic atmosphere for the audience. Building upon ancient melodies, Osuwaidaiko adapted the arrangement and rhythms to accommodate the integration of the five different drums used by the troupe. Furthermore, the combination of eighteen percussion instruments transported the audience to a rural Japanese cultural setting. At times, the sounds of clappers and gongs, at other times flutes and wooden blocks, resonated like a true symphony orchestra.



With seven different performances, viewers witnessed traditional Japanese activities. These included the horseback archery festival in the "Mishaguji Yabusame Festival," a shrine ceremony based on an ancient comedy combined with a spectacular lion dance in "The Great God of the Heavenly Dragon's Song," and a rain-praying and victory-seeking ceremony from the Warring States period in "Suwa Thunderstorm"... Most performances featured powerful, stirring drum beats, physical displays, and changing stage settings, each receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. Even more uniquely, the artists went down to the audience seats to interact and invite them to join in the performance.

The grand finale of the performance was the masterpiece "Ashura," a groundbreaking work combining unique ancient instruments such as horse-headed two-stringed zithers and conch shell horns. Drawing inspiration from the story of a deity in Indian legend who protects Buddhism, the artists portrayed the god as bold, courageous, and resolute with powerful and exhilarating drum beats. This was the longest and most unique segment, leaving a strong impression on the audience as it concluded the performance.



Having been involved with the Osuwadaiko drum troupe for 25 years, artist Kasumi Oguchi said: “This is a unique art form founded and developed from drums in traditional Japanese festivals. From there, the artists compose suitable musical pieces to seamlessly combine five types of drums with percussion and other instruments. The distinctive feature of Osuwadaiko is the exclusive use of traditional Japanese instruments and the performance by only five artists with various roles. In addition to drumming, they are also capable of playing other instruments, performing lion dances, and engaging in physical performances with the audience.” After this performance, the troupe will perform for free for tourists at the opening ceremony of the Hoi An – Japan Festival 2012 from August 24 to 26 in the Hoi An tourist area.

According to (dantri)-TN