Ten Years Later: return to Japan.
1 de January de 2025
It had been ten years since I last returned to Japan, the place where my journey as a taiko player began. While time has brought many changes, the essence of Japan remains unchanged: the sense of order, the harmony, and the quiet stillness that exists amidst the vibrant energy of daily life.
This trip was different, spontaneous and deeply personal. It coincided with days of rest and family celebrations, allowing me to explore and experience Japan in a new way. Along the way, I had the privilege of learning, reconnecting, and discovering new perspectives in my art.
A Lesson with Machiko Asano
Machiko Asano, whose mastery of the Odaiko has always inspired me, gave me the opportunity to learn her unique technique. Her approach to taiko emphasizes adapting your physicality to the drum, grounding yourself, and expanding your presence—not just in stature but in spirit. It was both a humbling and empowering experience.
A Lesson with Machiko Asano
Machiko Asano, whose mastery of the Odaiko has always inspired me, gave me the opportunity to learn her unique technique. Her approach to taiko emphasizes adapting your physicality to the drum, grounding yourself, and expanding your presence—not just in stature but in spirit. It was both a humbling and empowering experience.
Technique and Improvisation with Yamabe Taishi
Thanks to Yoshi Miyamoto, who is always facilitating meaningful connections, I had the honor of meeting Yamabe Taishi, a talented artist and soloist. Together, we explored technique and improvisation, and even incorporated flamenco rhythms—a shared artistic language that deepened our connection.
Thanks to Yoshi Miyamoto, who is always facilitating meaningful connections, I had the honor of meeting Yamabe Taishi, a talented artist and soloist. Together, we explored technique and improvisation, and even incorporated flamenco rhythms—a shared artistic language that deepened our connection.
Coffee and Conversations with Kengo
My friend Andrea, from the group Murasaki Taiko, introduced me to Kengo, a sensitive and refined artist. He welcomed us to his cozy coffee and sweets shop, where we shared an insightful conversation about his journey with Kodo and his approach to art. I look forward to the day when we can play and study together.
My friend Andrea, from the group Murasaki Taiko, introduced me to Kengo, a sensitive and refined artist. He welcomed us to his cozy coffee and sweets shop, where we shared an insightful conversation about his journey with Kodo and his approach to art. I look forward to the day when we can play and study together.
Inspiration in Nagoya
The journey continued to Nagoya with Andrea, where we visited our dear friend Yui Kamiya. She greeted us with a warm embrace and a memorable gift: the chance to watch part of the rehearsal for a new production by Shunichiro Kamiya, a former Kodo artist and the director of the group Matoi no Kai. The experience was truly inspiring and left us energized. We also participated in a Shime drumming workshop, which revealed incredible insights into technique and execution.
The journey continued to Nagoya with Andrea, where we visited our dear friend Yui Kamiya. She greeted us with a warm embrace and a memorable gift: the chance to watch part of the rehearsal for a new production by Shunichiro Kamiya, a former Kodo artist and the director of the group Matoi no Kai. The experience was truly inspiring and left us energized. We also participated in a Shime drumming workshop, which revealed incredible insights into technique and execution.
The Magical World of Kaoly Asano
Meeting Kaoly Asano and her group was like stepping into a completely different world. Her rhythm, her soul, and her approach to taiko are nothing short of magical. Alongside Kazumi and the rest of the group, we immersed ourselves in hours of rhythmic trance, leaving us recharged and filled with positivity.
Meeting Kaoly Asano and her group was like stepping into a completely different world. Her rhythm, her soul, and her approach to taiko are nothing short of magical. Alongside Kazumi and the rest of the group, we immersed ourselves in hours of rhythmic trance, leaving us recharged and filled with positivity.
An Unforgettable Experience with Shinkyo Daiko
To end the trip on a high note, my friend Ivan, the director of the documentary Taiko Film, connected me with Terada-san and his family. They welcomed me into their home and introduced me to Shinkyo Daiko, a taiko group composed of individuals with hearing impairments. I traveled to Gumma Prefecture, where we exchanged experiences and explored unique methods of teaching and learning in this community. It was an incredibly special encounter, and I hope we can collaborate in the future.
To end the trip on a high note, my friend Ivan, the director of the documentary Taiko Film, connected me with Terada-san and his family. They welcomed me into their home and introduced me to Shinkyo Daiko, a taiko group composed of individuals with hearing impairments. I traveled to Gumma Prefecture, where we exchanged experiences and explored unique methods of teaching and learning in this community. It was an incredibly special encounter, and I hope we can collaborate in the future.
Grateful and Recharged
This journey has been extraordinary, and I return home with a heart full of gratitude for all the people I met and the lessons I learned. I am confident our paths will cross again soon. Until then, take care of yourselves, and let’s stay connected.
Thank you all!
This journey has been extraordinary, and I return home with a heart full of gratitude for all the people I met and the lessons I learned. I am confident our paths will cross again soon. Until then, take care of yourselves, and let’s stay connected.
Thank you all!