On September 27th & 28th, world renowned taiko drummer Eitetsu Hayashi will perform at the National Theater of Japan.  A student of taiko music and traditions for over 35 years he has performed throughout Japan and the world, including North America, Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia and Latin America.  He has collaborated with Jazz, Rock and Classical musicians throughout his long and distinguished career which has included a 1984 performance at Carnegie Hall with the American Symphony Orchestra. The history of taiko drumming dates back centuries and it is said that the boundaries of a village were once set by how far the sound of a drum could carry.  The distinctive sound of the drums were used to intimidate the enemy and give courage to samurai in ancient times and were also used to provide the musical accompaniment to Noh and Kabuki dramas.  Eitetsu Hayashi has been instrumental in keeping this ancient art form alive and has brought it to 21st century audiences in new and exciting ways that will ensure its ongoing popularity.

“Any sound has an expression and a sense of color, and you can feel that color if you listen carefully,” says Hayashi in an interview with The Japan Times.   

“In a typical set, Hayashi stands with his legs apart, lowering his hip and bending backward, while striking the face of the taiko, which is covered with cowhide that has been cured and dried. His strength is transmitted to the drum through the sticks carved of hinoki (Japanese cypress). Carved out of a block of a keyaki (Zelkova) tree several hundred years old, Eitetsu’s taiko is larger than the others, measuring 120 cm in diameter.”

Whether or not you can hear the color in the sounds of taiko drumming, the performance is sure to be impressive.

Event Details:

Dates & Times:  September 27th & 28th at 2PM
Location:  National Theater of Japan, Large Theater
Tickets: Tickets (Y4,500 and Y3,500) can be purchased online, at the box office or by telephone.  Call 0570-07-9900 or 03-3230-3000 daily between 10AM and 5PM to reserve your seat by phone. (purchasing guide)
Access: A 5 minute walk from Hanzomon Station or a 10 minute walk from Nagatacho Station (National Theater of Japan Access Information)

Image Credit: Flickr, Taiko Drumming

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Established in 1951, as a way to preserve the traditions of old Edo while promoting their business to an evolving clientele that was moving away from the ‘old’ towards the ‘new’ after WWII, Toto Norenkai now has 53 members. From restaurants to kimono and fan makers, from traditional confectioners to to makers of fine Japanese Lacquer Ware, many great business are part of Toto Norenkai.

Nakasei Tempura Restaurant is a member, they have been making Edo-style tempura since 1870 featuring nothing but fish and shellfish caught in Tokyo Bay and deep-fried in aromatic sesame oil. (Near the Asakusa Station and marked by the green arrow on this map)

Kuroeya has been dealing in fine-quality lacquer ware since its founding in 1689. (B11 Exit from the Nihonbashi Station marked by the green arrow on this map)

Chikusen has been in business since 1842 and specializes in Edo Komon, a formal Kimono, and Yukata. (B3 Exit from the Nihonbashi Station marked by the green arrow on this map)

Miyamoto Unosuke has been manufacturing taiko drums since 1861 and has an interesting and interactive display in their Askakusa Museum (Near the Asakusa Station and marked by the green arrow on this map)

Take some time to visit some of the other businesses that are part of Toto Norenkai when you visit Tokyo and help support the preservation of the traditional arts and crafts that are unique to Japan.

Image Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler