Japanese drums electrify heart beats.

By Fahad Ameer & Usama Hanif

ISLAMABAD, NOVEMBER 3, 2010: The students of Japanese School enthralled the audience with ‘Wadaiko’ drumming and their folk dance performances at the National Art Gallery here on Wednesday.

The embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), and Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association organized a Japanese Folk Musical programme. The students of Japanese school gave performance of ‘Hanagasa & Kagura’ dance and ‘Wadaiko’ drums to portray the folk culture of their country.

About 20 school children between six to Fifteen years of age performed a lively set of traditional dances and a drum beat ensemble. They enthralled the audience with Wadaiko drumming and their folk dance performances with a bilingual recitation explaining about their Performances.

Wadaiko, ‘Wa’ meaning Japenese and ‘Taiko’ Meaning drum, is the Japanese name for both the act of drumming in a traditional Japanese style and the drums themselves. In modern Japan, wadaiko has become more of a performance art, which is mostly presented in festivals and concerts.The choreography of the breathtaking show was mastered with discipline and dedication by rookie performers.

The students of different schools of twin cities especially enjoyed the awesome performance. This musical performance provided an opportunity for the Pakistani people to learn more about the culture and traditions of Japan through their little Japanese friends.