Japan Australia Pages

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Wadaiko Japanese Drumming

Wadaiko (和太鼓) is a term used to describe a traditional style of Japanese drumming or drums. The name comes from the Japanese words “Wa” meaning Japanese and “Taiko” meaning drum. They are often played at Japanese festivals and events and require tremendous skill and endurance.

The sound of the drums is very dynamic and thunderous and can be felt deep down in your soul. The drummers traditionally wear a “happi” festival jacket when performing.

Performance at Olinda Hanami Day
Wadaiko Drum
Here is a video of a Wadaiko performance at the recent Olinda Hanami Day

12 comments:

  1. Wadaiko! You know I love wadaiko! :) It's so interesting to see performances in other countries. Were all the musicians Japanese? Did you also attack that big drum? ^^

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Rurousha, It is always great to see a Wadaiko performance. The group was mixed with some Japanese musicians along with some Aussie. The main performers were all Japanese :)

      John

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks Lina, Yeah, it is a must see Japanese tradition. Do you have anything like this in Malaysia?

      John

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    2. I have absolutely no idea. ;p

      Apart from inhaling Japanese food, we've never really bothered looking for Japanese culture in Malaysia. Never been to those bon-odori celebration either, despite it being quite popular here. ^^!

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    3. Thanks Lina, I'm always happy to see Japanese culture around the world and love all the Japanese festivals and cultural events we have here in Australia.

      John

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  3. That's good. My wife used to play a taiko in Kwagoe city.
    It's an interesting ryhtm.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Cocomino, Yes, I love the sound of these drums and it hits you deep down in the soul. I would love to be able to play them one of these days :)

      John

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  4. Yeah, those performances are great (*^^*)

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    1. Thanks Thomas, They are always amazing and love seeing them where ever in the world I am :)

      John

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  5. I love those drumming performances. Always makes you feel happy!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Lisa, They are great aren't they? I could watch them for hours as they are so mesmerizing :)

      John

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