IT was a night of drumbeats, music, and sounds. A night where spectators had to feel instead of just seeing, and connect through the beat and music sans words, transcending language barriers.
From the land of the rising sun, Yamato Drummers brought their taiko (Japanese drums) to the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School Gym in Davao City to perform for free as part of their Philippine Tour and in line with the 120th Anniversary of Japanese Migration in the Philippines.
Students, teachers, and other spectators screamed their lungs out when the lights were turned off and a single beat of the taiko surrounded the gymnasium.
Several acts were performed as Yamato Drummers introduced the different types of taiko drums — from the smallest to the biggest ones – with a comical skit that hooked the attention of the audience.
Yamato Drummers also engaged with the crowd interactively as everyone clapped to the beat in every performance of each act.
Yamato Drummers not only introduced the taiko but also other Japanese traditional instruments, like the shamisen – a three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument and bamboo flutes.
Despite the language barrier, Yamato Drummers gave short speeches to educate the audience about the different Japanese musical instruments and also to entertain the crowd.
After an hour and a half of entertainment, the Yamato Drummers received a standing ovation from the crowd as they successfully connected with the Filipino audience transcending language barriers through the beat of their drums.
By the way, since cameras and phones were banned to capture the Yamato Drummers’ performance, photos are provided by the Yamato Drummers. KSD